Orbis/Knipex

[LOW1]

I was looking at some Orbis angled needlenose pliers in Menards' electrical department today. Seemed like a nice product. On the label it says that Orbis is a division of Knipex. Any theories on why it's a separate division? Is Orbis a step down in quality? Is it geared to a different market? I'm just curious as to what you all may think

 

[Professional Tool User]

Orbis Will was previously a separate company before they were bought out by Knipex.

 

[Monte]

Knipex is the premium brand, Orbis/Will one step below.

 

[measuredtwice]

I bought a 3-piece set of Orbis pliers recently. Couldn't resist at less than $7 per pliers --> https://camelcamelcamel.com/76-3100-2022-Pliers-Basic-3Piece/product/B0778PGFYY

A couple things that I noticed right away is that the handles are almost square instead of rounded and the bare metal surfaces are coated with varnish instead of oiled. The varnish could be stripped but I don't mind the lesser appearance--it's not a fashion show, it helps keep the rust at bay, and it will wear away with use any way. I haven't had them for long but I think I got a great deal.

 

[neophyte]

Orbis also uses different designs from Knipex for some of the fancier designs like Wire and Cable Cutters.
Knipex and Orbis for instance both make fancy lever action Wire and Cable Cutters, but the Orbis designs are completely different from the Knipex CoBolt or Twinforce designs, and Orbis has the “Ergonomic” angled design pliers, which aren’t or at least weren’t sold under the Knipex brand name.
There’s also a behind the scenes video from Orbis that makes them look a bit older fashion in manufacturing than Knipex, like maybe Knipex purchased them, but let the managment and workers keep doing their thing.

 

[mrspeed]

Knipex has built a brand on top tier pliers, especially their Cobra and Pliers Wrench, while Orbis seems to focus a lot on manufacturing for other brands in addition to their own with their private label program. They are definitely a step down from Knipex for the most part, except for their ergonomic EvoLine pliers which are absolutely top notch and seem out of place within the rest of the Orbis pliers lineup. They're not just the regular Orbis pliers with bent handles. They're entirely different pliers.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Alxhastngs]

I bought a 3-piece set of Orbis pliers recently. Couldn't resist at less than $7 per pliers --> https://camelcamelcamel.com/76-3100-2022-Pliers-Basic-3Piece/product/B0778PGFYY

A couple things that I noticed right away is that the handles are almost square instead of rounded and the bare metal surfaces are coated with varnish instead of oiled. The varnish could be stripped but I don't mind the lesser appearance--it's not a fashion show, it helps keep the rust at bay, and it will wear away with use any way. I haven't had them for long but I think I got a great deal.

I have a very similar set and paid about the same for them, I am pretty happy with them. There is some cost cutting compared to the Knipex equivalents but they seem excellent for most purposes. Very much an 80% of Knipex for 50% (or less) of the price sort of situation.

 

[AA/FC]

I was at a local brick and mortar industrial tool distributor several years ago picking up some tools that I ordered when I overheard one of the salesman ask the owner what Orbis is..... The owner's answer to the salesman was.... and I quote.... "Orbis is German for Knipex" What?!?!?! It took every bit of self restraint to NOT yell out "NO, Knipex is German for Knipex". LOLOL

This tool distributor has been in business for many decades.... I couldn't believe the owner was telling his salesman this line of BS. And you know damn well that salesman repeats that line of garbage to his customers whenever the "Orbis" topic/question comes up.

.

 

[Hytekrednek]

I have and love the orbis angled needle nose pliers. Got orbis cable shears too, very nice. Most of the rest I have is knipex