Mini/Precision pliers set

[m6z]

I've got a set of these and they're absolute ****. I'd also like a pair of smooth jaw duckbill or needle nose pliers. About the only good pliers I've got are NWS and some old Craftsman Pro.

Any recommendations? CCO: USA, Germany, Japan

A storage case would be a plus, since they don't really fit in pliers racks that well. Storage case recommendations would be welcome as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0190TK7GI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[neophyte]

For precision pliers.
Lindstrom, used to be Swedish, not sure about COO now,
Swanstrom, made in the USA
Erem, used to be Swiss made, may still be but I’m not sure.
Facom makes some precision pliers,
Knipex and Gedore both make or at least sell precision pliers.
https://www.kctoolco.com/precision-...MIycHm0pag7AIVVcDICh2YNwnWEAAYASAAEgJn6PD_BwE
All the above are fairly pricey.
You might want to check Rio Grande.
They’re a jewelers supply company with an extensive selection of jewelers tools, including pliers, including some of the above, plus “no-name” Germn made pliers, as well as Pakistani made stainless pliers.( most Pakistani made tools are stainless, because they’re made by the same people who make the less expensive surgical tools)
https://www.riogrande.com/searchres...sort=relevancy&layout=card&numberOfResults=12

 

[noid]

I've been nothing but impressed with Merry pliers (COO Japan).

https://www.muromoto.co.jp/english/pdf/catalog2018.pdf

 

[m6z]

Channellock, SK, Proto and Mac all seem to offer the same or very similar pliers. Does anyone know who the OEM is?

 

[measuredtwice]

What is your budget?

Channellock is not the same as the others.

SK was sister companies with Western Forge, which closed, under the Ideal umbrella. I think SK picked up some of the manufacturing that had previously occurred at WF. I'm not sure about Mac/Proto. I suspect they might get them from Ideal. I know for sure that Proto previously sourced some stuff from Western Forge (like the adjustable wrenches, for example).

 

[m6z]

Always looking for the "best value", but willing to pay whatever is necessary for quality.

$20-40 a pair seems reasonable.

The Klein stuff looks similar to the good pair of electronics cutters & pliers I had/have. These are the type of things that people tend to borrow and not put them back where they found them, so they may be gone for good.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

I've had good luck with some Xuron units which are pretty affordable. Also check out Tronex. Expensive but usually pretty darn good.

 

[Monte]

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/6E89C890-9B99-4B71-95A3-A1D770235D07?tag=toolguyd-20

 

[measuredtwice]

I got these carbide tipped flush cutters for $19 shipped a couple years ago. They are normally around $200. Mine looked new but they were sold as used. I previously posted the deal here and a lot of people bought them. Prices have crept up as he got flooded with buyers.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/202976287914

A lot of precision pliers companies have a range of products at different price points so make sure that you know what you are buying.

Swanstrom also has different grades at different price points. I have the high end ($$$$$) USA made flush cutters linked above and I also have some middle end ($$) USA made precision pliers from them. I've also seen their name on some cheap imports ($).

Tronex USA made pliers are very similar to Swanstrom... not sure if there's a relation.

Channellock USA is pretty good value.

I think Proto has changed recently and I haven't handled the new stuff. It's probably a good value.

Erem is all over the map --literally... USA, Swiss, Italy, Pakistan, etc.

Knipex makes good stuff.

Xuron USA pliers are manufactured differently (stamped). Although they look cheap, don't confused them with the cheapos they resemble. They are actually very precisely made. I like mine. They are good for very delicate work.

Hakko CHP Italy is a step down from Xuron. Most other stamped pliers are a large step down.

 

[cheechi]

While they were around, I bought several Armstrong ESD safe with very comfortable foam cushion handles. The business ends are very nice also. COO USA

Most of my pliers precision are Xcelite back when they were USA made, with hardish rubber handles. Also very nice on the business end.

I have had in the past a set of Kobalt, would have probably been 2nd gen USA (After Williams). acceptable handles, not really great on the business end. They do go for very cheap sometimes on ebay and they may be worth the money to you, they were not absolute trash and it's always nice to have something for situations that are 'rough' but still need small tools to do them.

NWS' handles are great for full size pliers and not bad although a bit fat for precision pliers. The business end is excellent. Knipex are basically the same for their comfort handles, the standard handles are preferable if it's really small work. COO Germany

I have had some Craftsman USA ones that were complete trash all around. Can't say for sure but likely same OEM as the Kobalt above.

If you have a Hobby Lobby nearby, there are 3 Xuron USA made ones that are worth having, especially at 40% off, in the jewelry section.
link linkiirc they are long and short nose and a cutter but I could find only 2 of them on the website.

Engineer make very good pliers, though I do not love their handles they are hardly bad handles. At very least you want a Neji-saurus. COO Japan or (Thailand or Indonesia I forget)

Anything new I need, I'd be looking at NWS/Felo/Knipex first

 

[Outwest]

I believe Proto is Pro America.

 

[Davefr]

Get Tronex or Swanstrom if you want top shelf. You won't go wrong with Klein but they might not be as "mini" as you want.

 

[Steve_P]

I mostly have the "classic" NWS miniatures. They are really nice and have a large selection. Swanstrom might make them? I have one King TTC which is also nice. And some smaller Knipex, 125 -140 mm

 

[m6z]

Here's the one remaining "good" one I had. I can't make out the brand though.

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[measuredtwice]

Here's the one remaining "good" one I had. I can't make out the brand though.

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Klein Tools. Good stuff.

 

[spyerx]

Kinda depends on the use case. I have
Xcelite
Knipex
Klein

That i mostly use for electronics stuff.

For general car automotive work i picked up a set (don’t shoot me) a set of Doyle precision pliers from harbor freight and they are surprisingly good. And i don’t mind hacking on them a bit i find them as good in the hand as my better stuff.

 

[m6z]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to buy the following.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003RWS9G0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...se-pliers-esd-safe-usa?variant=17324447301690

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...al-pliers-esd-safe-usa?variant=17317314494522

On second thought, I might just order this. That way I can stash it where the wife won't find it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EXNU2I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[measuredtwice]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to buy the following.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003RWS9G0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...se-pliers-esd-safe-usa?variant=17324447301690

https://cripedistributing.com/produ...al-pliers-esd-safe-usa?variant=17317314494522

On second thought, I might just order this. That way I can stash it where the wife won't find it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EXNU2I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you like that case, you can get something similar from Flambeau (Made in USA) for around $7. It's sold with flat foam that you cut out or convoluted foam that just sandwiches everything together. Many different sizes and styles --I just randomly linked this one.

https://www.flambeaucases.com/tradesman-10-1/2-quot-26-67-cm-black-with-convoluted-foam.aspx

 

[pizza]

Get Tronex or Swanstrom if you want top shelf. You won't go wrong with Klein but they might not be as "mini" as you want.

+1
swanstrom or tronex

 

[LigouriRd]

Here's the one remaining "good" one I had. I can't make out the brand though.

Not sure if that is a 321 4½ or a 322 4½. Regardless both are still available.

 

[Citation]

For my precision work I've got a few different types of Xcelite pliers. I'm not sure they are "the best" but for the reasonable price I've been very happy.

 

[jeffmoss26]

NOS Channellock Little Champ pliers, or their newer E series

 

[JBH]

If you want a set - as in precision pliers in a nice case. Knipex’s is hard to beat. The pliers are excellent and the case is as nice as I’ve seen.


View media item 104942

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Definitely stay away from Kobalt or Husky sets they bend a lot their other tools are excellent but they really failed on the pliers part I bent every pair of them I had.


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[NoahG]

I really like Xuron. They're stamped but they do a proper heat treat. Ive been using a pair of their Maxishear cutters for years. Really a great value, plus they make some niche products, like pliers to open split rings for keys, a godsend when my wife was working at a leasing office.

 

[Spacey_G]

I have a set of Keiba pliers that are nicely made.

 

[m6z]

Man, you guys are great. I wasn't aware there were so many different brands and options.

I thought I had some Sunex blow molded cases I could repurpose to a little electronics kit, but they're smaller than I remembered. So, thanks for the storage case link too.

Still deciding on the size of the kit I'm going to put together.

Leaning towards this screwdriver set as well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E8HM3JW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[measuredtwice]

I saw Amazon has 1 left of these Pro America pliers for $7.05 shipped. Made in the USA. 4.5 inches. I haven't used Pro America pliers so I don't know if they are good. I Googled the model number and another store had the same pliers for $27.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MGEVBT2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Paul_The_Builder]

I'm a huge Knipex fanboy, but their precision pliers are like $40/each, which is a bit steep for me.

I have 3 or 4 Wiha precision pliers that I buy up on eBay when they show up at a good price, and I really like them, and they're a little bit cheaper than Knipex.

 

[cheechi]

Leaning towards this screwdriver set as well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E8HM3JW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

while that is a nice set, this is more set for less money and also ESD safe. It is less portable (but still acceptable if you put it in the pocket of a bag). It does not include pentalobular bits in case you need those.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000WTBO4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you need pentalobular bits, may want to consider this instead (or also)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JQ753W8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The first set sits on my workbench, the second is one of the portable kits i carry with my portable PC bag.

Also, you can find this cutter branded as Hakko & CHP both. It has definitely proven to be more valuable than its price tag.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V274SV4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[m6z]

I saw Amazon has 1 left of these Pro America pliers for $7.05 shipped. Made in the USA. 4.5 inches. I haven't used Pro America pliers so I don't know if they are good. I Googled the model number and another store had the same pliers for $27.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MGEVBT2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I grabbed those.

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[Bacon!]

Here's the one remaining "good" one I had. I can't make out the brand though.

That picture suggests that you need stainless steel pliers, or better cleaning and storage habits.

The hinges on miniature pliers can't tolerate much rust before they get sloppy, though box joint type take a lot longer.

 

[m6z]

Here's what I ended up buying, spent right around $40.

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[metaldad]

you wont find a set, but you can build one off ebay. diamond tool made a wide array of pliers in every style and size.
like: https://www.ebay.com/itm/DIAMOND-TO...638777&hash=item5d7cfe6c49:g:yt4AAOSwZ65a4zpA
same with utica tool. https://www.ebay.com/itm/You-Select...244477?hash=item2f428179bd:g:e8gAAOSwhkNequpG

 

[928'er]

The little Klein flush cutters (D2755) that I received are absolute ****. Jaws are ground to different lengths and cutting edges only make actual contact for about 60% of their length. Don't know how they made it past QC.

Replaced them with Italian made Hakko CHP-170 - far superior to the Klein cutters.

As for Japanese pliers, I highly recommend Tsunoda. I've got the KBN-150 cable tie cutters, MNK-125 flush cutters, and DBP-200 duckbill pliers. All are excellent quality and very reasonably priced.

Also got a pair of Swanstrom M430C carbide edged flush cutters, but that's a whole different ballgame...