No love for Klein?

[Wizzard]

I like their wire strippers, but better options are available for the other things in my opinion. German made Knipex beats out Klein when it comes to pliers.

 

[dutchgray]

I wish I could get one of those Klein oval tool bags here in the UK (well I could import one but it would be astronomically expensive) we don't have anything like it available here.
I do have a couple Klein tools, some nutdrivers to fill in some gaps I had, two of their mini canvas buckets I use for carrying fixings, parts, general stuff and some of their zip up bags for fein blades, jigsaw blades, general stuff I want to keep with power tools. Its all good stuff but very expensive once over here so I only buy it when its a unique product or I just want it.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

I especially like their cell phone holders. Built rugged and the belt clip is designed to where it would take an act of God to slip off. Their electrical specialty tools are second to none. However, their general purpose tools, although good quality are overpriced, IMHO.

 

[zer0cell]

I think Klein is great overall. I have other brands too though

 

[7echo]

Klein's are in all the supply houses in the area. Electricians use mostly Klein stuff, but usually Channel Lock channel lock style pliers(if that makes sense).

When someone says 'Can I borrow your Kleins.' or sends the helper to 'Go get my Kleins' they are talking about lineman's pliers.

 

[Petey156]

Yeah the lineman pliers are top notch, I cut 1/4 all thread with mine , No problems

 

[loudog212]

I wish I could get one of those Klein oval tool bags here in the UK (well I could import one but it would be astronomically expensive) we don't have anything like it available here.
I do have a couple Klein tools, some nutdrivers to fill in some gaps I had, two of their mini canvas buckets I use for carrying fixings, parts, general stuff and some of their zip up bags for fein blades, jigsaw blades, general stuff I want to keep with power tools. Its all good stuff but very expensive once over here so I only buy it when its a unique product or I just want it.

The previous bucket i used was just like the one pictured but made by Klein. The current one is Buckingham. Each one is the same and even here its expensive in my opinion. about $100-$120USD

 

[Brownsfan]

One other thing Klein does well is needle nose pliers. They grip VERY well. Amost as good as my Snap On talon grip needle nose. They are very well made. Way better than the Knipex set and Channellock needle nose that I have.

 

[SantaAna12]

One other thing Klein does well is needle nose pliers. They grip VERY well. Amost as good as my Snap On talon grip needle nose. They are very well made. Way better than the Knipex set and Channellock needle nose that I have.

I was just sitting here thinking the same Brownsfan.

The 5" Klein yellow handled needlenose are outstanding.

 

[Davefr]

I was just sitting here thinking the same Brownsfan.

The 5" Klein yellow handled needlenose are outstanding.

^Absolutely!!!!

 

[ChevyEFI]

I don't see much love for Klein tools.

What slip-joint pliers are on the left? They look a good bit like my Facoms I like, but that's not it.


I like the comfort grip on some Craftsman screwdrivers I bought a long time ago. It leads me to strongly consider the Klein c.g. drivers in the future.

 

[decableguy2000]

Your bag looks weird all new. Most folks on here don't use their tools in the places or weather we do. The only Klein tools I don't love are a pair of 18" bolt cutters and some slip joint pliers. I have broke Klien tools but have been abused. I have done the dittty bag on the side od the bucket before, but I would of advised you of cutting you bag it will start a a tear.

Jeremy

 

[TOOLFREEQ]

KLEIN is not used much by mechanics. I have a nice Klein pliers set from my electrician days, IMO some of the best dykes out there. Their journeyman line is TOP notch!! I like their magnetic tape measures,and their manual wire strippers are second to none.

 

[bagged89s10]

I have many Klein tools for my electrical tools. Their wire strippers are awesome!

 

[bpjr]

My 20 yr old 3/8" drive Klein metric sockets are my first grab but I have others. They are slightly thinner (I think for electrical panel work) than my SKs and fit in tigher places. That has only happened a couple times but it made me appreciate why buying different brands can be a good thing. Otherwise, my Klein wire strippers, cutters, dykes and pliers have been aok for my use. Their screwdrivers have not lived up to the other tools though. I'm a DIY home hack but do major motor work...cars, boats, motorcycles, etc.

 

[defektes]

What slip-joint pliers are on the left? They look a good bit like my Facoms I like, but that's not it.


I like the comfort grip on some Craftsman screwdrivers I bought a long time ago. It leads me to strongly consider the Klein c.g. drivers in the future.

The new Klein cushion grips have a different grip than what I think your thinking of. The new ones **** big time, I found that my older ones have a more solid, comfortable feel to them, similar to the cmans you owned. The new ones have pronounced writing and sharper edges on it that makes using them very uncomfortable to me. I wish they would bring the old grips back, I stopped buying their drivers in part due to that and the crappy Phillips tips they have now. Pratt Read makes a set of drivers with the old style cushion grip, that is what I am thinking of getting for my next set. In face I think I read here that Pratt Read used to manufacture the grips for them, so since Ideal owns PR now, Klein did a smart move by not purchasing from a competing electrical supplier (Ideal.)

 

[zer0cell]

The packaging on the new Klein Phillips #2 drivers at home depot states that the new tips (released sometime in 2014 I believe) are their "strongest" yet. I ended up buying a #2 Phillips with the 7" shank and so far no complaints. Also, their Combination tip set being sold at Home Depot for $20 is also great. So far I have been very happy with it and use it in place of a Phillips driver every opportunity that I get.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-7-in-Phillips-Screwdriver-603-7/100352094

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-4-in-102-mm-Combo-Tip-Driver-Set-1-and-2-32378/205503851


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[AE2]

I like my Kleins, I buy most of mine second hand, yard sales and auctions. I haven't noticed the soft tipped drivers. I will buy all the used klein second hand stuff I find even if it's fourths or fifths. I will not buy used strippers because they are usually junk and have been abused. The pawn shop sells all their screwdrivers 3 for $1 no matter the brand so buy everyone I find.

 

[ChevyEFI]

The new Klein cushion grips have a different grip than what I think your thinking of. The new ones **** big time, I found that my older ones have a more solid, comfortable feel to them, similar to the cmans you owned. The new ones have pronounced writing and sharper edges on it that makes using them very uncomfortable to me. I wish they would bring the old grips back, I stopped buying their drivers in part due to that and the crappy Phillips tips they have now. Pratt Read makes a set of drivers with the old style cushion grip, that is what I am thinking of getting for my next set. In face I think I read here that Pratt Read used to manufacture the grips for them, so since Ideal owns PR now, Klein did a smart move by not purchasing from a competing electrical supplier (Ideal.)

Your is waiting for you in the E Valley.

 

[loudog212]

Your bag looks weird all new. Most folks on here don't use their tools in the places or weather we do. The only Klein tools I don't love are a pair of 18" bolt cutters and some slip joint pliers. I have broke Klien tools but have been abused. I have done the dittty bag on the side od the bucket before, but I would of advised you of cutting you bag it will start a a tear.

Jeremy

I had the Klein bucket prior to this one and after 5 years it was starting to fall apart. I bugged the boss for a few months and they finally got me that Buckingham. Its only about 2 months old.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have a set of Klein screwdrivers that have been in use daily (6-7days a week) it was the 7pc set HD sells. Plus a couple singles such as a #3 Phillips and the long #2. NO ISSUES! I think some people who say the tips are soft have only just heard that they are. Not actually seen it first hand. I have had these screwdrivers for about 2.5 years. I love all my Klein stuff. Multimeter and clamp meter included. Excellent value for the money.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I don't think even I've ever said anything bad about klein and I knock brands all the time. If there is one knock it's price and the fact that they haven't changed anything in 30 or so years (to my eyes). It is what it is there are a **** ton of good screwdrivers, different strokes for different folks.

 

[wvrailroader]

KLEIN is not used much by mechanics. I have a nice Klein pliers set from my electrician days, IMO some of the best dykes out there. Their journeyman line is TOP notch!! I like their magnetic tape measures,and their manual wire strippers are second to none.

FWIW those magnetic tape measures are made for Klein by Komelon and can be bought cheaper by getting the Komelon version.

 

[BigNuge]

Love Klein, have used their stuff hard for 20 years. I am not sure where all this "soft tip" screwdriver **** is coming from. Well, likely coming from poor screwdriver operators.....lol

 

[HairMetal]

I wish I could get one of those Klein oval tool bags here in the UK (well I could import one but it would be astronomically expensive) we don't have anything like it available here.
I do have a couple Klein tools, some nutdrivers to fill in some gaps I had, two of their mini canvas buckets I use for carrying fixings, parts, general stuff and some of their zip up bags for fein blades, jigsaw blades, general stuff I want to keep with power tools. Its all good stuff but very expensive once over here so I only buy it when its a unique product or I just want it.

You should be able to get those fairly easy, Klein Tools UK sent me some stickers and they seem to have nice customer service.

 

[HairMetal]

Like what? No seriously, I'd like to see what german tool equivalents are priced similarly to kleins.

I love the german branded tools, but they are generally VERY expensive. And anything significantly cheaper than klein is garbage. To me kleins seem to be pretty cheap for being very good quality with a real lifetime warranty that can actually be easily exercised at local stores without receipts.

I've seen some good deals on Knipex in the ''show off your new tools'' thread, also some good prices on Japanese Engineer brand pliers on ebay.No experience in warranty on those though.

 

[Dust Devil]

You can buy Wiha screwdrivers for the same price as Klein all day long on the web.

Wiha screwdrivers are in a whole different world of quality.

Klein makes good stuff, but they do not make the best.

 

[sam.coll]

Cant beat the 9" high leverage linesman pliers from Klein for durability real value for money I have a few pair and they have been thrashed, I work as an electric lineman. Also a big fan of there angled diagonal cutters.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GirchyGirchy]

I have several of their vinyl gripped adjustable wrenches. They're comfortable and work very, very well.

 

[shampoop]

I've seen some good deals on Knipex in the ''show off your new tools'' thread, also some good prices on Japanese Engineer brand pliers on ebay.No experience in warranty on those though.

I've just never seen the german equivalents sold for a similar price to kleins.

You can buy Wiha screwdrivers for the same price as Klein all day long on the web.

Wiha screwdrivers are in a whole different world of quality.

Klein makes good stuff, but they do not make the best.

I guess i didn't mention I wasn't really thinking about screwdrivers. Screwdrivers are so cheap that I don't even consider the price differences between brands. I was more thinking about tools like pliers and such. A whole set of nice screwdrivers costs about the same as one top tier plier.

I've used wihas and they are very nice, I've noticed they are very well priced too. But do they sell any models that show the screwdriver type on the bottom of the handle so you can see what it is in your toolbag?

 

[Brownsfan]

The only time I was able to buy Knipex at similar to Klein pricing was when Lowes discontinued them. I own some Knipex stuff and the only one I bought not on closeout was the mini bolt cutters. There is just no equivalent that I can find. I picked up a needle nose set for really cheap from Lowes. Almost too cheap to pass up. I wish I had passed on them. They flat out ****. My Klein needle nose blow them away. Everything else I have from Knipex is top notch stuff

 

[zcbauer89]

I have always liked Klein products. I actually prefer their needle nose and other pliers over Channellock, and I like their nut drivers as well. Almost every electrician I know has Klein in their bag.

 

[deafcon]

I love Klein pliers. I use their needle nose and diagonal cutters all day every day. I wish they would bring out a set of crimpers only for insulated connectors, or with the insulated section in front of the non-insulated tooth. I'd much prefer to use my Klein crimpers instead of my channellocks, but getting connectors past that non-insulated tooth can be a pain.

 

[MaineGuide]

I have a Klein 4-in-1 (5-in-1?) that I don't think I could live without. One will always have a place in my portable box.

 

[Ilikeike]

I have a 5 gal tool bucket full of klien tools at home,and one at work for electrical jobs.
I even have my old leather klien tool bags hanging in the garden shed with 25+yr old worn out tools just for fixing back yard lighting and misc. back yard jobs. I don't know why I keep so many old worn out strippers.

I'm seeing more small electrical hand tools from greenlee now than I use too. I wonder they're as good.