Removing barcode on Knipex pliers

[shamrock12]

I recently received my warrantied Knipex pliers in the mail. As expected, I see a barcode printed on the handle so my thought was no problem, I'll just rub it off with gasoline and rag. After trying a few times, it barely removed the ink at all I was surprised as I have done this method on all of my Knipex pliers in the past with great success. Guess Knipex must've changed their printing method.

Anyone run into this same "problem"? Is there a non-destructive method of removing the ink without harming the plastic coated handle?

 

[Chuck122]

and why do you need/want to remove the bar code?

 

[cheechi]

I use this mix to remove labels in my shop, it's equal parts blood, sweat, and tears. IF it rubs off at all it will be through use.

 

[woody 73]

Funny and strange that you should mention about removing all the printing, because I have the wera,knipex and whia tools (not a lot mind you) but enough that whenever I use brake fluid, gas, oil ,or any shop chemicals all the lettering comes off.

Don't ever get me started about laser printing...

 

[shamrock12]

and why do you need/want to remove the bar code?

To me, a premium pliers like Knipex with a barcode on it would be the equivalent of a Cadillac with a barcode printed on the body. Sure, it is meant to be used, and I intend to do so. I wouldn't give a damn if it was on a HF tool but a Knipex ... really?

All I am asking is if there is a way to remove it as I wish to. Yeah, the barcodes are annoying to me which is why I want to remove them and then be happy.

 

[woody 73]

Shamrock12 use some of the following chemical and see if that works for you:

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetone

 

[jjjrmx5]

If it's a label, it's easy to take off.

If imprinted on the grip, then just leave it.

It's a good f&*^&*g tool.
Use it and be done.

And BTW, you did not specify std red grip or bi-color comfort grip.

Either way, it's whining.
Or at least to me.

 

[shamrock12]

And BTW, you did not specify std red grip or bi-color comfort grip.

Better get your glasses checked:

Is there a non-destructive method of removing the ink without harming the plastic coated handle?

Knipex "plastic coated" handles are the standard style red grip

 

[91bronc300]

Here's my solution. 100% foolproof.

 

[Harrison2]

could always just pull all the coating off and wrap them in electrical tape. would look **** but hey there would be no barcode...

 

[scaron]

^^ well i suppose you could strip off the coating completely and then plasti-dip it to get a clean fresh grip, but i doubt it will turn out as nice as the factory plastic...

using acetone as a solvent may dissolve the plastic that coats the handles (warning!)

maybe like a buffing compound or something?

 

[Justanoldguy]

Angle grinder.

 

[neophyte]

Try using denatured alcohol. Alcohol is the proper solvent for some inks, and it's far less likely to quickly melt handles than acetone is.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I recently received my warrantied Knipex pliers in the mail. As expected, I see a barcode printed on the handle so my thought was no problem, I'll just rub it off with gasoline and rag. After trying a few times, it barely removed the ink at all I was surprised as I have done this method on all of my Knipex pliers in the past with great success. Guess Knipex must've changed their printing method.

Anyone run into this same "problem"? Is there a non-destructive method of removing the ink without harming the plastic coated handle?

I don't see you mention "standard handles" in there. They are ALL plastic coated. And no part #.

Anywhere.

Sorry to try and help.

My bad.
How rude of me.

 

[ZRX61]

Lacquer thinner takes it off.

 

[yogitech]

Have you tried "using" them....?

 

[zkling]

I usually use 90% rubbing alcohol to clean soft grips. A few wipes and a little scrubbing will make the grips like new. I've cleaned some nasty looking grips this way and it doesn't seem to effect the rubber. Primarily on used channellock pliers. Other than that, there is always the cutting torch.

 

[CWP1616L]

I'll agree the bar code makes them look cheesy. I'd expect something like that on the fake Craftsman branded Cobras.

 

[GTO]

Have you tried "using" them....?

 

[Sloasszx3]

Brake parts cleaner and wipe right off.

 

[TreePointer]

Ronsonol or Zippo ligter fluid (naphtha) might be an option.

 

[shamrock12]

For those who say that I should be able to wear it off by just using the pliers, you are wrong. I don't know what method Knipex is currently using to print on their tools but it's definitely not the same stuff as in the past. It would have taken FOREVER to wear it off.

I've tried several things to remove the barcode ... starting with gasoline, rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover and brake cleaner but none of them worked. So I finally moved to acetone as the last resort. I really did not want to use acetone because of the plastic handle but didn't have paint thinner around and figured I would have to try it anyway. So I rubbed on a small area with a shop towel and it started to turn red so I knew it was "eating" up the plastic but not in a destructive manner. The handle became a bit soft and the barcode ink eventually get wiped off ... not 100% but pretty darn close. I would have to know where to look for it. After it dried up, I actually could not feel the difference between the area where I applied acetone and the undistributed area next to it. When holding the pliers up in the light, I could see a very slight difference as the undistributed area is a bit "shiny" as it is still new. Once again, I would have to know where to look for it. I expect that to wear off over the time as I use it.

In end, it turned out better than I had expected, but I am not sure I would use acetone again. It would really depend on the plastic compound of the handle to withstand a rather powerful chemical. I'll have to try the paint/lacquer thinner the next time.

Thanks to all that shared some realistic solutions.

 

[Justanoldguy]

I though we bought tools to use them.
Not to sit around looking pretty.
Only on GJ aye.

 

[shamrock12]

I though we bought tools to use them.
Not to sit around looking pretty.
Only on GJ aye.

Did I say anywhere that I plan to keep the tool sitting around looking pretty?

Just because something is meant to be used doesn't mean you should not have to care about its appearance. It's a shame some of you don't care as much as I do.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I'm with you Shamrock. I hate labels and whatnot on ANYTHING. First thing I do is carefully peel or clean that **** off. To me that's like getting a brand new Remington 700 with a Beautiful walnut stock and a damn barcode painted on it...damn right I would not just "use it" till it wore off.

I like my tools, toys, and all personal belongings looking sharp.

And I buy up all the aforementioned chemicals at yard sales for pennies on the dollar. Like you, I start out with mild and work my way up. Cheers.

 

[dadsEH]

This thread is soooo........

 

[koditten]

Anyone have a pic of said bar code? I could care less, but am a bit curious. Mine have no BC.

 

[Justanoldguy]

Did I say anywhere that I plan to keep the tool sitting around looking pretty?

Just because something is meant to be used doesn't mean you should not have to care about its appearance. It's a shame some of you don't care as much as I do.

Well you did say "I wouldn't give a damn if it was on a HF tool but a Knipex ... really? "
So using a tool with the barcode on is not worrying you.
So it is ALL about it looking pretty, right.
I wonder if you would indeed use it.

 

[Justanoldguy]

It's a shame some of you don't care as much as I do.

Unless it's a HF tool .. right?

 

[shamrock12]

Anyone have a pic of said bar code? I could care less, but am a bit curious. Mine have no BC.

Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of mine before I removed it. I know Knipex has been doing this for awhile but I was always able to remove their barcodes until now. Something must have changed in their printing process.

Did your pliers came as packaged (like on a cardboard display) or "loose" (bulk)? All of mine came "loose" with a little plastic bag covering the pliers head. Perhaps this could be the difference here?

 

[shamrock12]

Unless it's a HF tool .. right?

Yeah, I'd think there is a difference between a $5 HF pliers and a $50 Knipex pliers.

 

[kunkernator]

I was going to suggest using some very fine grit sand paper, but it looks like you got it off. I agree, the barcode does make them look a bit cheesy, and understand how it may annoy some people.
I could care less, mostly because I am a lazy *******, but props to you for "customizing" your tools.... Wish I had the patience to do these things. Post some pics, I am curious how it turned out.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

Fire?

 

[shamrock12]

Found an exact copy of the pliers while I was at a store (with barcode printed deep into the plastic handle):