Precision Pliers For Industrial Controls

[Phog Allen]

Good afternoon lads. I am compiling a small list of precision pliers and cutters and would like some feedback on which style of jaws and cutters would be a good compromise for my needs. First I should clarify "precision" as it applies to my work. It is primarily commercial and industrial electrical maintenance rather than true precision electronics work. Oh there are plenty of small wires and terminals to deal with for systems control and card access hardware for doors but no real SMD board work.

My inclination is to have three types of pliers and one or two cutters. The pliers would be what is generically referred to in the trades as "needle nose". That is not exactly a good description of the tips on precision pliers. I have seen similar styles described as chain, snipe, long nose etc. If you have ever seen Klein D314-8 pliers it would be a smaller version of that style. Definitely not needle pointed but not flat either. More like semi-pointed. Anyroad, a short and long version of that style would be good and maybe a bent nose version of one or the other to boot.

Cutters. I know it sounds a bit odd since I want the box jointed pliers but I would be fine with lap joints here. I do not need and in fact do not want flush cutters. Beveled is preferred for my needs. Oval or possibly tapered head? Absolutely no need for tip, oblique, or other semi-exotic styles.

Handles. I have fairly ham sized hands and the skinny little plastic grips that come standard on most brands are not sufficiently hand filling for me. I thought about HS handles from Lindstrom since they are large sized but a rep told me they are a bit sponge like and I fear they may not be sturdy enough for the work environment.

Brands and where to buy. I admit to lusting for the Scmitz brand. And they have a handle style that is more robust than the standard style but not the soft-ish oversized esd models. Is there any distribution in the States? CK Tools. I see themnat AllSpec but those skinny handles...I don't know. I think they are made by Schmitz. Tronex. I really like their reviews and the handles look great. I can live with separate brands between cutters and pliers but wouldn't mind keeping it all under one roof. I love Knipex but have seen spotty reviews of the jaw alignment on their electronics pliers. Sorry for the long post but I want to make a great choice. Thanks.

 

[Monte]

there is also NWS:

http://german-hand-tools.com/nws-wire-cutter3.html

http://german-hand-tools.com/nws-pliers3.html

 

[Phog Allen]

Thank you Monte. Some of your posts here about these pliers prompted my questions.

 

[Monte]

The GJ member "PrecisionTools" owns several different brands of precision pliers maybe he chimes in...

he also has a blog where he reviews different brands:

http://precisiontools.wordpress.com/

 

[shoturtle]

wiha has a nice set of esd precision pliers. Easy enough to find on amazon.

 

[PrecisionTools]

Thanks for the plug Monte.

Some how, I have no idea how it happened, but I have become the Australian distributor for Schmitz (until they find someone saner anyway...), so my views are probably biased.

Having said that, if your hands are large, then I think that the larger handles that Tronex offer would suit you. Their cutters are great, gripping pliers are average, and in your environment I would suggest good serrated edges are required.

Yes, CK are made by Schmitz. While I own, sell and recommend NWS's industrial range, I feel their electronic range has some way to go to match others in the market. They are an innovative company and I haven't tried any for a year or two so maybe I need to give them a go again. They tend to roll out ideas and updates quickly so they are one that should be watched. They are about a third of the price of the other good brands so they are defiantly good value. Their construction is excellent as well.

My next review in electronic pliers will be Lindstrom, so that will be interesting to see how they perform. But to date I have to lean towards Schmitz because they have a great range, are priced well and I have owned them in one form or other for my whole career. Others have had equally good runs with Tronex, Lindstrom and other brands so it really is a subjective field.

Any of the brands mentioned will give you good service but sometimes its the tiniest feature that makes a product a great one as opposed to a good one. Good luck with your quest!

 

[Monte]

Do you have a online store yet ?

 

[PrecisionTools]

Not yet...I plan to have a big year in 2013!

 

[Phog Allen]

Thank you Precision Tools. I have seen your blog. Very insightful. My first thoughts were to grab the Knipex electronics but in some reviews(maybe yours?) there were some issues with the jaw alignment on the pliers. I love Knipex and carry their 02-05-225 combination pliers daily. Build quality is great, the chrome plating is superb, and the cutters are unbelievable.

I may just go Tronex all the way but dang it I really like those box joint pliers! I really wish Schmitz would set up U.S. distribution. How about Wiha? I see them recommended quite a lot but do they make their own pliers or contract them out? I know they offer box joints but it looks like maybe only in the two component handled esd models.

On another note, how about storage? I likexthe idea of keeping them handy in a soft sided tool bag or case but it has been my experience that even the best bags are neither fish nor fowl when it comes to pocket size or placement. How about a roll of some sort?

 

[PrecisionTools]

I had no issues with the jaw alignment on my Knipex pliers. I did have an issue with the quality of the tool steel, but only on one of them. I have used the cutters allot since my review and they are holding up OK...I agree with you on their industrial range, they are hard to top. The alignment issues you read might be with their lap joint units that they make?

I don't know why someone like Ash (German Hand Tools) doesn't take up Schmitz in the States...I'm sure they would like representatives over there and they are good to deal with. The electronics market may not be as popular as your main-stream industrial stuff so it may not be worth his while.

I have not had the chance to try out Whia's stuff yet, my guess is they contract out their manufacturing of this line but don't know for sure.

As for storage, I'm not that finicky about field storage of mine. I have a CK tool bag for my style of work and I just place them in the webbing loops of the bag. Any pliers I have in excess live in my conventional tool draws in my cave.

 

[shoturtle]

The Wiha ESD and VDE are made in Wiha's Switzerland and German factories. The newer comfort grips pliers and basic line are made by wiha in Vietnam as they own the factory there.

The Wiha ESD precision pilers I use at work are made in Germany.

The products wiha sells in the US that are made by other companies are the sockets and wrenches, made by hayco in Germany.

 

[Phog Allen]

Thanks shoturtle. More nice information. I was just looking at the esd line at their website and they look to be very well made.

 

[shoturtle]

You can not go wrong with schmitz or wiha. Both are excellent

PS the wiha chrome finish on the esd and vde tools are excellent.

 

[Monte]

these pliers look like Schmitz ?

located in the USA:
http://www.ottofrei.com/Otto-Frei-5-1-2-Ergonomic-Mirror-Polished-Pliers/

 

[PrecisionTools]

Yes I'd say they are Schmitz

Good price... but they are jewellers tools - no serrated edges on the snipe nose, and not much selection.

 

[Monte]

here are some more precision pliers from Germany available in the US:
http://www.micro-tools.com/store/~/C-924/Small-Precision-Pliers.aspx

more mini pliers:
http://www.grobetusa.com/pliers_cutters/index.html




anybody already tried these ?

 

[Phog Allen]

Wow Monte. You are the man when it comes to digging out those links! Knipex is an easy choice here in the States. Distribution is great, prices are good, and of course there is nothing much to worry with on the quality end. I have not looked at their lap joint models and it may be that any brand of that style(name brands, mind) would suffice. I have to admit a certain snob appeal of well made box joint precision pliers. I may have to email Schmitz and inquire about U.S. availability. I think this is more me wanting than needing them. I won't use them daily but I want them to perform well on any day I use them.

 

[shoturtle]

Are those made by knipex. I seen similar wiha now esd ones that uses the lap joint vs box joint.

 

[Phog Allen]

shoturtle, I saw those over at Chad's. Interesting. I do not understand the pricing scheme here. The model Monte posted a photo of is 34 22 130 which is item #KN34 22 130 at Chad's. Price is $47.04. Yet the box joint, polished, dual component handle 35 62 145, which is item #KN35 62 145 at Chad's, is $46.35. Why would you EVER pay more for a lap joint pliers than a box joint? That is just odd. Maybe there is something about the lap joint model I am missing? Who knows. Here's the pertinent photos.

 

[Holt]

The lap joint version is esd safe

 

[Monte]

the lap joint model is made of ball bearing steel

 

[Phog Allen]

I do not think those are esd. I believe it is this model. And it is priced accordingly.

It must be the ball bearing steel. I am still dubious of the price difference but hey, I am certainly not well versed in precision pliers. I have to admit that line of pliers looks rather nice.

 

[Davefr]

I may just go Tronex all the way

Tronex are the best IMHO and I've used most of the others.

 

[Holt]

Color of the handle are the same. Sorry about that.

 

[ricleh]

Erem also makes some high quality precision pliers and cutters.

 

[PrecisionTools]

Here is a company that sells their own re-branded Tronex (Lazer Line) pliers at reasonable prices. Check out their cheaper pliers - box jointed made in Pakistan...wonder what they are like? Be interesting to take a look.

http://www.excelta.com

 

[ricleh]

I have some Excelta pliers, but they were made in Italy.
Very nice pliers. Comparable in quality to CK, Erem or Lindstrom.

 

[Phog Allen]

Thank you Precision Tools. I missed them at first but the Lazer line link is on their front page and not the product menu. Definitely look like Tronex to me. I wish they had the chain nose pliers in the line as well. I use the pliers more than anything and want a good pair. Thanks again.