plier handles

[brantjs]

I'm looking to upgrade some of my crappy no-name pliers for some knipex. I haven't been able to put my hands on them locally and was looking online. I've seen aktoolsonline.com recommended, and you can find some of them on amazon or other retailers if you look. My question is this: what handles to get? They seem to offer pretty much all of their styles with both the traditional rubber coated handles, as well as the comfort handles. In most cases it's like $1 difference between the same thing with different handles...I just don't know which ones to get. I'd think the traditional ones hold up maybe a little better (or at least easier to clean), but I'm looking for some thoughts from those of you who have used both. I'm looking to replace my whole lineup, but I'll be starting with needlenose, linesmans, and dikes if the type of plier vs type of handle makes a difference.

 

[ImportTuner]

All my Knipex pliers have the red handles; they seem to work alright. Comfortable, easy to clean ...

 

[Moose-LandTran]

from all the ones i've used, they're either smooth vinyl-dipped or textured vinyl-dipped handles, or softer comfort grip handles. all are very good, and all clean up easy with some WD-40 and a shop rag. For me, i prefer to dipped handles over the comfort ones. i haven't found them any more comfortable, and i prefer them with less bulk for tight spots.

 

[Merkava_4]

If I was buying Knipex, I sure as hell wouldn't buy those bulky comfort grips.

I feel the same way about bulky plier grips as nissan_crawler feels about SK deep sockets.

 

[Joe B.]

I have the Diagonal Cutters with the comfort grip and I like them better than the standard. The grip is textured so it is a little easier to hold on to and it is nice to have a wider gripping surface when using diagonal cutters on things thinker than the cutters were made for. I also have a set of Klein Diagonal Cutters with the traditional grip and I always grab the Kinpex cutters first. In addition, Compared to the Channellock Code Blue pillars I like the Kinpex comfort handles better. The Code Blue pliers feel too rubbery.

However, I don't know if I would bother with the comfort grip for the Alligator/Cobra pliers. Those tools have enough leverage that the comfort grip seems unnecessary.

If I were trying to make this decision, I would buy one of each of two similar items you plant to buy. Try the two out for a while and then buy the rest of your tools in your preferred handle.

 

[justinmc]

My vote is the for the standard vinyl type handles.. comfort grip might look kinda cool but I still prefer the old standard stuff. I will say put a set of high leverage combination (standard) pliers on your list. I have a set and find them ultra helpful for those leverage situations where you think, "dang I need two hands or dang I should got those comfort grips". haha. really its a must own set of pliers in my book.

 

[nissan_crawler]

If I was buying Knipex, I sure as hell wouldn't buy those bulky comfort grips.

I feel the same way about bulky plier grips as nissan_crawler feels about SK deep sockets.

Actually, I feel the same about the comfort grips, I like the old style dipped grips better.

 

[eschoendorff]

I have a shitload of pliers... Knipex in there too. I like both styles of handles, standard and ergo. My all time favorite are pre-Stanley FACOm pliers. Those have the best handles ever.

Here is a shot of FACOm and Knipex ergo handles... both are good. It's just personal preference. I am also happy with the standards blue Channellock handles as well. Try out a few and see what you like best...

 

[paramudduck]

SK makes deep sockets? When did his happen? All I've ever seen were stretched out Shallows.