Linesman pliers or all purpose?

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I've found that replacing ALL the outlets in a house i'm working on has been juggling a small flathead, medium flathead, #2 phillips, needle nose, side cutters and wire strippers. I've found that needlenose don't do well gripping multiple wires and slip joint pliers don't do well pinching or looping wire, lol. The screwdrivers i've got solved. But what do you guys recommend i get (not an electrician so i'm not looking to spend a ton, but don't want to regret a purchase in the middle of working). I see klein sells all purpose pliers which have strippers, crimpers, screw cutters, needlenose as well as flats to twist wires. I have used and like their linesman pliers but don't own a pair. What would you suggest? Getting a multi plier or individual pliers for the job? The ones i'm using now were at the home and aren't anything to brag about so it does make the job more of a pain.

 

[Wirepuller]

Kleins are outdated. 9" Knipex combination pliers, don't get the linesmen. Combination are Lighter sharper and smaller


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[rwilner]

All pros I know use their linesman pliers for just about everything, including stripping solid core wires. A good set of linesman pliers will outlive you.

My solution to looping wire is to elimimate it - get outlets that can be back wired. They are a few more bucks but worth it for the ease of installation IMO.

 

[DirtyJersey]

Hard to beat klein linesman!
Use the strippers to cut/loop the wire.
Use linesman to grab/twist wires and cut/shorten bolts.
Screwdrivers, you said you got!
Toss the needle nose. Lol


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[kd3pc]

lineman's plier is the best for all around electrical work.

 

[matt_i]

Step 1. Acquire Channellock catalog
Step 2. Order every pliers in it

Also I like to use the Klein curved pliers for wire-stripping.

Seriously though I have extensively used every pliers from Channellock that I ever acquired, with the exception of the stupid large groove-joint pliers.

 

[four.cycle]

Pretty good bang for the buck:

Wilde Witco 7-1/4" linemans pliers
new
$12.99 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/QTY-1-WILDE...027433?hash=item1a26cb9b29:g:jtMAAOSwHQ9WVOz0

Not on a par level with the Klein, but about 1/3 the price.

(Wilde also made a model G6360P.NP 9-inch set of linemans pliers but I am not finding any listed anywhere - they are some serious pliers.)

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

The only 2 tools you need for the majority of electrical repairs,don't over think things.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I forgot i had these.... https://www.milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/pliers/48-22-3069

What do you all think? Still pairup a linesman with those?

 

[openwheelracing88]

Klein Linesman plier with FP (for cutting, twisting, pushing and fish tape pulling)
Milwaukee ECX #1 insulated (for the obvious)
Klein 605 driver (for the little painted screws and other)
Klein wire stripper (with the yellow rubber grip)

This comes from a die hard Knipex and Wiha user. I find Klein Tools to be precisely "perfection" for home electrical work. I delegate Knipex and Wiha for other type of work. Milwaukee has some surprisingly good hand tools (look for Taiwan made). I have that ECX 11 in 1 which is a step below the Kleins, Wiha and Knipex I own. I steer away from DeWalt hand tools at the moment. Yes, I just recently replaced all outlet/switches in my house. I learned the hard way.

just my 0.02

 

[Brian_WK]

Wire stripper with the stripper on the non gripping end that bypass to strip and loop. Like These Not suggesting that exact brand just that style.
Linesman pliers to twist and to trim the twists. Like These I recommend these alot.
You have the screw drivers so your done.

Brian

 

[Fish_Stick]

The only 2 tools you need for the majority of electrical repairs,don't over think things.

Haven't used the driver but doing a lot of home electrical work and those pliers are great. I really only need those and occasionally the linesman for large bundles that need a little extra help. Plus they cut newer nm-b cable perfectly (the white or yellow). Older stuff is too risky since it had thicker insulation and you're highly likely to cut into the insulation on the actual conductor. They have the 14 and 12 ga stripper, a looper, the nm-b stripper, bolt cutter, and small "pliers" at the front. Very handy.

 

[grantw]

The only 2 tools you need for the majority of electrical repairs,don't over think things.

I forgot i had these.... https://www.milwaukeetool.com/hand-tools/pliers/48-22-3069

What do you all think? Still pairup a linesman with those?

+1 on having both


I have both pliers, The NM stripper tool will be a little more difficult to work with over the Milwaukee for general purpose stripping / looping. The NM tool is GREAT if you are stripping NM and then stripping each leg. Depends on the job.

If you're loping off old outlets and making new loops, I'd use the milwaukee all day long over the nm tool

 

[Wirepuller]

I typically don't care what the guys use to get the job done. Everyone has their own preference. I will say 100% without exception The Klein NM strippers cost me thousands in losses of time and I cringe when I see them. I used a few temp electricians to rough on a decent sized job. Upon finish we found many many boxes where at least one of the conductors was cut off almost flush with the jacket of wire and it was difficult to tell until it was time to instal a device. It was an absolute nightmare to correct. One of my apprentices admitted to having some issues using them before. I was able to track which units had the problems and it was mostly the same 2 guys who roughed them. Just throwing it out there as an FYI. I tested the tools myself to see how bad it was and if your not careful and bite too hard it definitely can come back to haunt you.


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[maintguy]

All pros I know use their linesman pliers for just about everything, including stripping solid core wires. A good set of linesman pliers will outlive you.

My solution to looping wire is to elimimate it - get outlets that can be back wired. They are a few more bucks but worth it for the ease of installation IMO.

I don't suggest these. Seen way too many problems with these. Google them and see the horror stories

 

[Fish_Stick]

I don't suggest these. Seen way too many problems with these. Google them and see the horror stories

Are you talking about back stabbed or back wired? 2 totally different creatures.

 

[openwheelracing88]

Back wire is ideal in my opinion. I prefer this over the loop under screw.

Back "stab" is contractor grade, low cost, do it fast solution. As the owner of your house, don't ever use this type.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Kleins are outdated. 9" Knipex combination pliers, don't get the linesmen. Combination are Lighter sharper and smaller

Ahhahahahahahah



Thx for the laugh!!

I don't suggest these. Seen way too many problems with these. Google them and see the horror stories

As said above youre micing up outletsz

"back-stabbed" aka push wire= bad
Back-wired= good. Has pressure plate that holds the wire.

 

[shawhite]

Kleins are outdated. 9" Knipex combination pliers, don't get the linesmen. Combination are Lighter sharper and smaller

Kleins are outdated. cant agree with this statement. All the lineman on my crew and every lineman I know still swear by kleins.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Klein tools all the way!!

 

[Wirepuller]

Haha. You guys are old school. Knipex all the things!


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[wyliesdiesels]

The majority of my hand tools are klein.

I buy klein because they last.

If theres ever an issue, i can return or exchange them at ANY klein dealer which Ive done a few times.

I have every NM-b stripper klein made(most discontinued now) as well as linemans needlenose, crimpers stranded wire strippers drivers etc etc etc

I rely on them daily for my livelihood.

I dont buy cheap tools cause i cant afford to be dealing with downtime.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Haha. You guys are old school. Knipex all the things!


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Last time i checked Knipex doesnt make NM strippers in all gauges...

 

[shawhite]

I have yet to see any knipex true lineman pliers. As a lineman we call these lineman pliers https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/...-holding/9-cutting-pliers-bolt-thread-holding

We call these side cutters. http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=...sMobile=&parentID=1357&groupID=1362&artID=806

 

[wyliesdiesels]

An example of what Im talking about!

 

[pstnbly]

My Klein linesmans pliers have a crimper for Buchannans behind the jaws. I wouldn't be without them.

 

[Fixed]

I've never seen those before. Watched a video on YouTube of them in action... That looks so much better than doing it with a utility knife. So I ordered a pair, lol.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Still tough to decide. I don't work with conduit so i don't need to ream or clean threads. I do find a use for the screw cutter as well as a wire cutter and stripper. I wish a plier had all of that as well as the wide jaw for twisting wires but also had something to loop the wire nicely!

 

[Crazyjake8493]

The only 2 tools you need for the majority of electrical repairs,don't over think things.

I have to agree with this, at least for homeowner's. I use my Klein NM strippers, an Ideal 11in1 Twist-A-Nut screwdriver, and often my pair of NWS ergonomic needlenose.

https://i1.wp.com/cdn.makezine.com/uploads/2012/01/nws-ergo-grip-long-nose-pliers-hand-angle.jpg?resize=614%2C420


I have two pairs of linesman pliers, Klein and Knipex, but for work at home or friends' houses, they hardly ever get used.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

I typically don't care what the guys use to get the job done. Everyone has their own preference. I will say 100% without exception The Klein NM strippers cost me thousands in losses of time and I cringe when I see them. I used a few temp electricians to rough on a decent sized job. Upon finish we found many many boxes where at least one of the conductors was cut off almost flush with the jacket of wire and it was difficult to tell until it was time to instal a device. It was an absolute nightmare to correct. One of my apprentices admitted to having some issues using them before. I was able to track which units had the problems and it was mostly the same 2 guys who roughed them. Just throwing it out there as an FYI. I tested the tools myself to see how bad it was and if your not careful and bite too hard it definitely can come back to haunt you.


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If there was a problem it should of been caught when they were making up joints in the boxes during rough in.
If a guy doesn't know what he's doing it doesn't matter what tools,he's working with.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

I have yet to see any knipex true lineman pliers. As a lineman we call these lineman pliers https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/...-holding/9-cutting-pliers-bolt-thread-holding

We call these side cutters. http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=...sMobile=&parentID=1357&groupID=1362&artID=806

 

[Want2race]

Hope depot had a pair that was a typical stripper crimper but with a wider lineman style tip.

I've been meaning to try them but honestly nothing can beat a lineman for twisting wires!

 

[jeffmoss26]

Pretty good bang for the buck:

Wilde Witco 7-1/4" linemans pliers
new
$12.99 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/QTY-1-WILDE...027433?hash=item1a26cb9b29:g:jtMAAOSwHQ9WVOz0

Not on a par level with the Klein, but about 1/3 the price.

(Wilde also made a model G6360P.NP 9-inch set of linemans pliers but I am not finding any listed anywhere - they are some serious pliers.)

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Wilde-Tool-8-in-Lineman-Pliers-G6360P/205680542

Look very similar to Klein.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I've never seen those before. Watched a video on YouTube of them in action... That looks so much better than doing it with a utility knife. So I ordered a pair, lol.

Those are for 10/2 NM-b.

Klein MADE 6 different models of NM-b strippers. I have all 6

I only listed 2 as an example.

Heres all 6: (notice the color coding on the handles)

14/2 -12/2 stripper (K1412)

14/3-12/3 stripper (K1412-3)

14/2 90* stripper (K90-14/2)

12/2 90* stripper (K90-12/2)

10/2-12/2 stripper (K1210)

10/2 90* stripper (K90-10/2)

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I typically don't care what the guys use to get the job done. Everyone has their own preference. I will say 100% without exception The Klein NM strippers cost me thousands in losses of time and I cringe when I see them. I used a few temp electricians to rough on a decent sized job. Upon finish we found many many boxes where at least one of the conductors was cut off almost flush with the jacket of wire and it was difficult to tell until it was time to instal a device. It was an absolute nightmare to correct. One of my apprentices admitted to having some issues using them before. I was able to track which units had the problems and it was mostly the same 2 guys who roughed them. Just throwing it out there as an FYI. I tested the tools myself to see how bad it was and if your not careful and bite too hard it definitely can come back to haunt you.


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Umm thats physically impossible to do with the Klein NM strippers since the jacket cutters closed position is larger than the gauge of wire. I have personally tested this. In fact i just used the k90-12/2 tool 2 nights ago and there was no nicks in the wire insulation.

U take a piece of NM-b with the jacket removed off the last 1" of cable and the correct size stripper, and close it over the wire. Notice there is a small gap between the cutter blades and the conductor insulation?

Sounds like your workers were using either the wrong gauge strippers (#14 stripper with #10 wire) or were using some other tool.

Its just not physically possible to cut the conductors off with the jacket cutter portion of the tool.

So u pegged the BS meter...

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Kleins are outdated. 9" Knipex combination pliers, don't get the linesmen. Combination are Lighter sharper and smaller


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He said he didn't want to spend a lot of money. No way to do that with Knipex. Besides, everybody knows Knipex pliers are German and therefore, metric. You can't use them on American 60 hz electrical systems.


Tommy

 

[Wirepuller]

Klein is the standard. I used them for years until I saw the light. I'll take knipex over Klein any time. A pair of kleins are 40$? Knipex are better built for 25% less!


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[rick carpenter]

These are some of my electrical tools with the exception of the CL linesmans for general/dicking around work. I've not put much mileage on these yet as they're replacements or upgrades, but their days are coming!

Suzuki - I looked at the Knipex combos and installation pliers, and I think I like Klein linesmans better. I also have the newer Milwaukee 48-22-3079 version, not sure what improvement over your model.

Wylie - where did you find the Klein K1210's, they're out of production according to Klein. I have the K1412's.

Jeff - the Wilde's don't look to have the 'wire grabber' section parallel, any issues with that?

 

[NewShockerGuy]

This is off topic but not really only because it was mentioned above via the back stab wires.

Why do they do it if EVERYONE says not to use it? Mind you all the outlets I've installed and switches I always use the screw terminal and it's definitely a pain because I never get the "bend/hook" 100% right the first time so when attempting to put it in or around the screw it never fits the first time until I have to straighten the wire and re-bend... butif the back stab wire method is such a bad thing why isn't it eliminated? If the wires are prone to coming loose out of the back it just seems silly to me that one would use it. However, simply pushing a wire in and being done with it I can see would save a great amount of time if you are doing a ton of them.

-Nigel

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Wylie - where did you find the Klein K1210's, they're out of production according to Klein. I have the K1412's.

I got them from a distributor who had a hard time finding them.

They sell on amazon and ebay from time to time.