Pliers - Must Have Pliers & Brands?

[four.cycle]

Wilde

really nice stuff

 

[sparky 1971]

I'd try to get your hands on a set of Knipex 10" dykes before you decide on what ones you want. They cut wire like a hot knife through butter.

That's another tool I have, but don't think I've ever used. Those are on my service van, I have a pair of 10" Channellock dykes in my garage that haven't been used yet either. Impulse buy, had to have them and couldn't live another second without them. I'm sure there will come a day when I find them useful, but up to this point, there has never been a time when I thought "if I only had a longer pair of dykes".

 

[fordgasm]

Where did you get the pliers rack? Pretty cool

from Harbor Freight, like $8 or something.

 

[fordgasm]

I spy Speed Grips! How do you like them? I swear, I pick them up to hold them every time I'm in the store - but I'm still on the fence whether I should bring them home. Those grips just feel funny to me - I wish they were wide in the opposite plane.

Also, nice collection. We have a surprisingly-similar selection - though not always in the same brands. Where the heck did you find the bent-nose Channellocks?? I haven't seen those before and I NEED them.

Edited to add:

I started googling. Looks like there's an E388 and a 386. The only problem is, they're MORE expensive than the bent-nose options from NWS - at least from what I'm finding in Canada. I have a strong affinity for Channellock, but I don't think that makes sense. I generally think of NWS as a step-up even from Knipex. I might just grab a few new NWS pliers from Lee Valley...

i like them, they teeth are real aggressive so they grip nicely. Ya the handles aren’t my favorite, I would have just preferred Channellocks regular dipped handles to be honest. The pliers do have a very nice fit and finish though. I think I got those bent nose Channellocks off Amazon a few years ago.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

That's another tool I have, but don't think I've ever used. Those are on my service van, I have a pair of 10" Channellock dykes in my garage that haven't been used yet either. Impulse buy, had to have them and couldn't live another second without them. I'm sure there will come a day when I find them useful, but up to this point, there has never been a time when I thought "if I only had a longer pair of dykes".

In all the times I've used my 10" dykes I don't ever remembering thinking "I wish I had a shorter pair with less leverage".

 

[JradM]

In all the times I've used my 10" dykes I don't ever remembering thinking "I wish I had a shorter pair with less leverage".

And I don't understand either of you.

I don't want to be holding 10" dykes to cut 20 gauge wire in a vehicle. I also don't want to use some precision 6-inchers when I come across an errant staple or nail.

 

[sparky 1971]

I decided to do an experiment with all of the brands of dykes I have, except for the precision that aren't much good for anything. I used: (1) 7" Channellock, these came with a set of 420's a few years ago, I was getting the 420's, and I think I was able to get the combo pack for $2 more which made it a no brainer. I can't recall a time I used them, but undoubtedly have. (3) 8" Harbor Freight Doyle. I bought these around six months ago just to see how good they are. (4) 8" Channellock. These I bought probably 15 years ago. I was working in an attic and dropped my Klein dykes down a chase about 20 feet deep. I went to a hardware store a couple of blocks away and bought the Channies. I used them for a few days, bought a set of Kleins and I don't recall using the Channellocks since. (5) 8" Knipex. I bought these two or three years ago when I was due for a new set. I tried them for a week, couldn't get used to them so I bought another pair of Kleins and put the Knipex in the toolbox and haven't touched them since. (6) 8" Kleins. These I use every day, I've had them for about six months. (7) 10" Channellock. I bought these last summer during Epsteins Garage Journal Fourth of July blowout sale. They've been sitting in the tool box since. (8) 10" Knipex. I bought these the same day I bought the 8" Knipex. They've been sitting in the tool box of my service truck since. I don't think I've used them.

The test. First, was a simple cut some #12 stranded. They all did just fine and cut all the strands. Next was 12/2 romex. Once again, they all passed, but the 7" Channellock took a little more effort than I anticipated. Next was a 16d nail. They all did that, but once again, the 7" Channellock was lagging. Next was #6 solid copper. Same results with the smaller Channellocks bringing up the rear, all others were equal. Next was #4 copper THHN/THWN. Once again, the little Channellocks under performed, but cut it. The handles of the Harbor Freights felt like they were going to break and when they got through, rung my hand. This time the Kleins and 10" Knipex pulled ahead of the pack and I could really tell a difference. Next was small "airplane cable" that I use to hang high bay light fixtures. Both pair of Knipex and the Kleins cut it easily. The others left some strands uncut with the 8" Channellocks leaving the most. Last was the stud of a 1/4" pop rivet. The Kleins and the 10" Knipex were the only dykes that I could cut this with one handed I made two cuts with each pair just to make sure. I actually think that even though they are shorter, the Kleins were easier to cut it with. The others cut it with me using both hands except for the 7" Channellocks and the HF's. I didn't even try those. I wanted to try to cut some welding rod, but couldn't come up with any. I loaned my stick welder out and must have sent all the rods with it.

I don't normally use dykes to cut anything larger than 10/3 romex or #10 THHN. Larger than that, I use my Greenlee 727 cable cutters to both cut and strip from #8 up to 1/0. Although I have used dykes to chew through up to a #2 wire. I do use the dykes to cut nails and flex conduit all the time though,

I am most impressed with the Kleins. These weren't the oldest set in the test, but by far had seen the most use. The 10" Channellocks were the biggest disappointment. If I were to rank them in performance it would go #1 Klein, #2 10" Knipex, #3 8" Knipex, #4 10" Channellock, #5 8" Channellock, #6 Harbor Freight, #7 7" Channellock. #'s 6&7 could easily change places though.

 

[KnurledNut]

I decided to do an experiment with all of the brands of dykes I have, except for the precision that aren't much good for anything. I used: (1) 7" Channellock, these came with a set of 420's a few years ago, I was getting the 420's, and I think I was able to get the combo pack for $2 more which made it a no brainer. I can't recall a time I used them, but undoubtedly have. (3) 8" Harbor Freight Doyle. I bought these around six months ago just to see how good they are. (4) 8" Channellock. These I bought probably 15 years ago. I was working in an attic and dropped my Klein dykes down a chase about 20 feet deep. I went to a hardware store a couple of blocks away and bought the Channies. I used them for a few days, bought a set of Kleins and I don't recall using the Channellocks since. (5) 8" Knipex. I bought these two or three years ago when I was due for a new set. I tried them for a week, couldn't get used to them so I bought another pair of Kleins and put the Knipex in the toolbox and haven't touched them since. (6) 8" Kleins. These I use every day, I've had them for about six months. (7) 10" Channellock. I bought these last summer during Epsteins Garage Journal Fourth of July blowout sale. They've been sitting in the tool box since. (8) 10" Knipex. I bought these the same day I bought the 8" Knipex. They've been sitting in the tool box of my service truck since. I don't think I've used them.

The test. First, was a simple cut some #12 stranded. They all did just fine and cut all the strands. Next was 12/2 romex. Once again, they all passed, but the 7" Channellock took a little more effort than I anticipated. Next was a 16d nail. They all did that, but once again, the 7" Channellock was lagging. Next was #6 solid copper. Same results with the smaller Channellocks bringing up the rear, all others were equal. Next was #4 copper THHN/THWN. Once again, the little Channellocks under performed, but cut it. The handles of the Harbor Freights felt like they were going to break and when they got through, rung my hand. This time the Kleins and 10" Knipex pulled ahead of the pack and I could really tell a difference. Next was small "airplane cable" that I use to hang high bay light fixtures. Both pair of Knipex and the Kleins cut it easily. The others left some strands uncut with the 8" Channellocks leaving the most. Last was the stud of a 1/4" pop rivet. The Kleins and the 10" Knipex were the only dykes that I could cut this with one handed I made two cuts with each pair just to make sure. I actually think that even though they are shorter, the Kleins were easier to cut it with. The others cut it with me using both hands except for the 7" Channellocks and the HF's. I didn't even try those. I wanted to try to cut some welding rod, but couldn't come up with any. I loaned my stick welder out and must have sent all the rods with it.

I don't normally use dykes to cut anything larger than 10/3 romex or #10 THHN. Larger than that, I use my Greenlee 727 cable cutters to both cut and strip from #8 up to 1/0. Although I have used dykes to chew through up to a #2 wire. I do use the dykes to cut nails and flex conduit all the time though,

I am most impressed with the Kleins. These weren't the oldest set in the test, but by far had seen the most use. The 10" Channellocks were the biggest disappointment. If I were to rank them in performance it would go #1 Klein, #2 10" Knipex, #3 8" Knipex, #4 10" Channellock, #5 8" Channellock, #6 Harbor Freight, #7 7" Channellock. #'s 6&7 could easily change places though.

Lets be honest here...which pair makes a better hammer?


All kidding aside, Ive noticed well worn Klein diagonals tend to loosen up and get slack in the pivot (Snap-on is even worse I.M.E.) The Knipex forged axle design seems to keep the joint tighter with age and especially abuse.

 

[sparky 1971]

Lets be honest here...which pair makes a better hammer?


All kidding aside, Ive noticed well worn Klein diagonals tend to loosen up and get slack in the pivot (Snap-on is even worse I.M.E.) The Knipex forged axle design seems to keep the joint tighter with age and especially abuse.

I lose or blow up my dykes way before the joint gets that loose, Knipex would have the same fate. I've tried Knipex, and while they are extremely high quality and pretty much broken in right out the package, I just can't get past the shape of the handle or the rounder than most nose.

I can't say I recall ever using dykes as a hammer. The linesman pliers on the other hand, I beat to hell and back.

 

[Ton ton]

I lose or blow up my dykes way before the joint gets that loose, Knipex would have the same fate. I've tried Knipex, and while they are extremely high quality and pretty much broken in right out the package, I just can't get past the shape of the handle or the rounder than most nose.

I can't say I recall ever using dykes as a hammer. The linesman pliers on the other hand, I beat to hell and back.

Well said, sparky 1971. Always great to hear from tool users instead of tool polishers.

 

[dnschmidt]

Knipex and NWS. If you start at the top of the mountain you never need to climb it. However, if the truth be known, and money is a factor, the Harbor Freight Doyle pliers are an amazing value/$. Now I know the Harbor Freight haters will object to this but that's their problem. The Doyle pliers are very good for the money.

 

[Steve_P]

I decided to do an experiment with all of the brands of dykes I have, except for the precision that aren't much good for anything. I used: (1) 7" Channellock, these came with a set of 420's a few years ago, I was getting the 420's, and I think I was able to get the combo pack for $2 more which made it a no brainer. I can't recall a time I used them, but undoubtedly have. (3) 8" Harbor Freight Doyle. I bought these around six months ago just to see how good they are. (4) 8" Channellock. These I bought probably 15 years ago. I was working in an attic and dropped my Klein dykes down a chase about 20 feet deep. I went to a hardware store a couple of blocks away and bought the Channies. I used them for a few days, bought a set of Kleins and I don't recall using the Channellocks since. (5) 8" Knipex. I bought these two or three years ago when I was due for a new set. I tried them for a week, couldn't get used to them so I bought another pair of Kleins and put the Knipex in the toolbox and haven't touched them since. (6) 8" Kleins. These I use every day, I've had them for about six months. (7) 10" Channellock. I bought these last summer during Epsteins Garage Journal Fourth of July blowout sale. They've been sitting in the tool box since. (8) 10" Knipex. I bought these the same day I bought the 8" Knipex. They've been sitting in the tool box of my service truck since. I don't think I've used them.

The test. First, was a simple cut some #12 stranded. They all did just fine and cut all the strands. Next was 12/2 romex. Once again, they all passed, but the 7" Channellock took a little more effort than I anticipated. Next was a 16d nail. They all did that, but once again, the 7" Channellock was lagging. Next was #6 solid copper. Same results with the smaller Channellocks bringing up the rear, all others were equal. Next was #4 copper THHN/THWN. Once again, the little Channellocks under performed, but cut it. The handles of the Harbor Freights felt like they were going to break and when they got through, rung my hand. This time the Kleins and 10" Knipex pulled ahead of the pack and I could really tell a difference. Next was small "airplane cable" that I use to hang high bay light fixtures. Both pair of Knipex and the Kleins cut it easily. The others left some strands uncut with the 8" Channellocks leaving the most. Last was the stud of a 1/4" pop rivet. The Kleins and the 10" Knipex were the only dykes that I could cut this with one handed I made two cuts with each pair just to make sure. I actually think that even though they are shorter, the Kleins were easier to cut it with. The others cut it with me using both hands except for the 7" Channellocks and the HF's. I didn't even try those. I wanted to try to cut some welding rod, but couldn't come up with any. I loaned my stick welder out and must have sent all the rods with it.

I don't normally use dykes to cut anything larger than 10/3 romex or #10 THHN. Larger than that, I use my Greenlee 727 cable cutters to both cut and strip from #8 up to 1/0. Although I have used dykes to chew through up to a #2 wire. I do use the dykes to cut nails and flex conduit all the time though,

I am most impressed with the Kleins. These weren't the oldest set in the test, but by far had seen the most use. The 10" Channellocks were the biggest disappointment. If I were to rank them in performance it would go #1 Klein, #2 10" Knipex, #3 8" Knipex, #4 10" Channellock, #5 8" Channellock, #6 Harbor Freight, #7 7" Channellock. #'s 6&7 could easily change places though.

I don't have any Kleins, but Channelock "dykes" absolutely **** compared to NWS and Knipex. Once I discovered Knipex and NWS I gave my CL away and put the rest in vehicles. I have one pair that I use for pulling nails- that's all they're useful for. I have a few CLs that I like, the lineman and the crimper, but overall, they just don't compare to Knipex or NWS. Yes, CL is lower priced and not bad for the $, but if you can afford the $ for Knipex or NWS you won't be disappointed IMO.

 

[sparky 1971]

I don't have any Kleins, but Channelock "dykes" absolutely **** compared to NWS and Knipex. Once I discovered Knipex and NWS I gave my CL away and put the rest in vehicles. I have one pair that I use for pulling nails- that's all they're useful for. I have a few CLs that I like, the lineman and the crimper, but overall, they just don't compare to Knipex or NWS. Yes, CL is lower priced and not bad for the $, but if you can afford the $ for Knipex or NWS you won't be disappointed IMO.

I have no experience with NWS. Klein is better than Knipex in the **** department. My 8" well used Klein's outperformed the never used 10" Knipex. Klein also makes a giant set of dykes, I saw them at the supply house, but, since they had the comfort grip handles, I didn't lay hands on them.

 

[KnurledNut]

(5) 8" Knipex. I bought these two or three years ago when I was due for a new set. I tried them for a week, couldn't get used to them so I bought another pair of Kleins and put the Knipex in the toolbox and haven't touched them since.

Klein is better than Knipex in the **** department. My 8" well used Klein's outperformed the never used 10" Knipex.

"Better" seems more like personal preference based on ergonomics from a week of use.

But thats the great thing about opinions. We are all entitled to them. I'll agree to disagree.

 

[sparky 1971]

"Better" seems more like personal preference based on ergonomics from a week of use.

But thats the great thing about opinions. We are all entitled to them. I'll agree to disagree.

I tested the cutting ability side by side. They were equal up until I used them to cut a pop rivet stud and Klein was better. The performance wasn't based on ergonomics. The fact that I don't carry Knipex on the job is based on ergonomics. The only reason I stated that the 10" Knipex had never been used was to show that they had no wear on them vs the Kleins that have been used daily, Monday through Friday for a few months and have cut several things, a lot of which should have been cut with something else, like my Knipex 8" bolt cutters.

I understand that this is my opinion, but if you go read post #127, you will understand why I have the opinion I do. I also feel ergonomics comes in second to performance. I didn't, and won't say Knipex is junk because of the handles, I did state that I don't like them and couldn't get used to them.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I like the 4 pcs set from Snap on PL400B.