slip joint, needle nose and cutters like SO

[bmwpowere36m3]

Hi guys,

I've been exposed to SO tools my whole life, my father uses them for a living… but for me, I'm a home mechanic. Anyway, looking to replace some of my older craftsman pliers with something better.

Looking for:

7-8" slip-joint plier (like 47CP)
7-8" needle-nose (like 196BCP)
7-8" diagonal cutter (like 87CF)
4-5" tapered flush cutter

I listed some SO numbers, because those I've used on many of an occasion. I've read the "Talon Grip" pliers are really nice (47ACF & 96ACF) I know the box-joint pliers he's got can be had from Knipex cobras(really nice ones).

What's worth looking at: Knipex, CL, Klein?

 

[jeff.droogh]

Check out the knipex "cobra" pliers. The slip joint actually locks in place with a little button. Best slip joint pliers I've ever had

 

[Fedwrench]

Knipex are great but, I'm not sure if they're snap on great. Wiha may be another option, also consider NWS. However, none of the German brands make normal slip joint pliers common in the US. Whether Cobra or Alligator series, they are like tongue and groove or water pump pliers in that the jaws are 90 degrees or so to the handles.

Honestly, if you've been around snap on most of your life, I'd look on ebay for some. I love my Knipex and other German made pliers but, they're not going to pick a penny up by Abe's beard which is okay because, they do everything else just fine

 

[Adam.C]

The old Craftsman Industrial Pliers were pretty good. I "upgraded" from the black handle craftsman to Knipex based on glowing recommendations here. With a few exceptions, I didn't find the Knipex pliers lived up to their reputation. Snap On pliers are the best I've ever used hands down. My favorite are the older model 47ACP which look a bit like slip joint pliers but have longer thinner noses- so they are almost like beefy duckbills. Duckbill pliers are my other favorites and Snap On (61acp?) are far and away superior to Knipex' assembly pliers.

I don't love the new Talon grip 47CF. Yes they have bone crushing jaws. Yes they can turn metal into hamburger with their cross hatched jaws. I just find them too big and clumsy. The other talon grip pliers are fantastic tho.

If I were starting over I'd start with a big pair of Knipex cobra- 10" at least. That should be everybodies first set of pliers. Second would be Knipex Plier wrench. This is awesome for plumbing projects and any around the house sort of work. It really is the worlds best adjustable wrench.

Next in line would be the grab and twist pliers- Snap On 47ACP and 61ACP. Then get the needle nose talons and cutters. I think that would do just about everything I need.

Oh and I find the small 160mm Knipex electronics pliers handy as all get out.

 

[Fastbird]

Another vote for the Snap On stuff. I've used quite a few different brands and nothing really holds up when compared. If you can swing the $120ish for a set, do it,

On my LG G4

 

[Davefr]

Here's a marriage made in heaven:

SO Talon Grips (96CF, 196 NCF) - nothing better
Knipex Cobras (pick your size) - nothing better
Klein D228-7 Cutters - or Knipex, Channelock or SO

I'd also throw in this set of precision cutters:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/S510-S512-a...hash=item51de44b605:m:mw8dAAmVfoXwEsYQSGoGMdg

^^^I've bought from this guy and the cutters are like new and very inexpensive for premium US quality. I'm curious where he gets them??

P.S. I'd leave off the traditional slip joint pliers. I almost never use them.

 

[zkling]

Dave has spoken.

I'd throw in a pair of knipex mini bolt cutters and a pair of kiwi pliers. Then possibly swap the klein cutters with knipex, NWS or snap on.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Knipex are great but, I'm not sure if they're snap on great. Wiha may be another option, also consider NWS. However, none of the German brands make normal slip joint pliers common in the US. Whether Cobra or Alligator series, they are like tongue and groove or water pump pliers in that the jaws are 90 degrees or so to the handles.

Honestly, if you've been around snap on most of your life, I'd look on ebay for some. I love my Knipex and other German made pliers but, they're not going to pick a penny up by Abe's beard which is okay because, they do everything else just fine

I thought his WP/plumbers pliers were SO or BP, maybe in fact their Knipex [Cobras]... look identical.

Would like a set of "straight" slip-joint pliers... I guess that's more a US-thing.

Yeah, I've done the eBay searching... honestly for what guys are asking for used SO stuff and the time spent searching. I'd rather just buy new. I know SO tools, for the most part, are really good. But their price, sometimes doesn't justify their performance.

I've been very content with SK sockets, Wright wrenches, Bondhus bits, etc... hell even HF ratchet (dual-80 clone).

 

[Skin]

I have a bit of everything tool wise and generally try to not be biased or brand loyal. That said Snap-On 47CF is one of the best, if not the best, slip joint pliers on the market. Some of their needle nose are also extremely good and come in sizes or angles not easily found elsewhere. Knipex Cobras are excellent and worth buying as are their side cutters and mini bolt cutters.

Until I destroyed them I was also very pleased with my Craftsman Pro pliers which can now be found through SK (both made by Western Forge).

MAC has some interesting newer double jointed pliers in long needle nose and hose grip pliers that may be worth looking at. Imported but they don't usually market junk imports unless they're priced appropriately (looking at you 10pc plier set for $100). A good set of hose grip pliers are invaluable.

 

[unslow1]

Apparently I'm in the minority here. I have various pliers from Snapon, Husky, Mac, Irwin, Klein, Craftsman and several others. Still I prefer Channellock. I don't have Knipex.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

The old Craftsman Industrial Pliers were pretty good. I "upgraded" from the black handle craftsman to Knipex based on glowing recommendations here. With a few exceptions, I didn't find the Knipex pliers lived up to their reputation. Snap On pliers are the best I've ever used hands down. My favorite are the older model 47ACP which look a bit like slip joint pliers but have longer thinner noses- so they are almost like beefy duckbills. Duckbill pliers are my other favorites and Snap On (61acp?) are far and away superior to Knipex' assembly pliers.

I don't love the new Talon grip 47CF. Yes they have bone crushing jaws. Yes they can turn metal into hamburger with their cross hatched jaws. I just find them too big and clumsy. The other talon grip pliers are fantastic tho.

If I were starting over I'd start with a big pair of Knipex cobra- 10" at least. That should be everybodies first set of pliers. Second would be Knipex Plier wrench. This is awesome for plumbing projects and any around the house sort of work. It really is the worlds best adjustable wrench.

Next in line would be the grab and twist pliers- Snap On 47ACP and 61ACP. Then get the needle nose talons and cutters. I think that would do just about everything I need.

Oh and I find the small 160mm Knipex electronics pliers handy as all get out.

I don't know the nuances of SO tool linage (47CP>47ACP>47ACF?)... but the "old" 47CP "duckbill-esq" pliers I've used appear to be what they now sell as talon grip 47ACF

I agree, there are locations where a "right-angle" plier won't work and you want a straight one. That's why I'm asking

 

[Adam.C]

I don't know the nuances of SO tool linage (47CP>47ACP>47ACF?)... but the "old" 47CP "duckbill-esq" pliers I've used appear to be what they now sell as talon grip 47ACF

I agree, there are locations where a "right-angle" plier won't work and you want a straight one. That's why I'm asking

47cp and 47cf have similar shapes. 47acp are pointier.

I find the in-line grabbing and twisting pliers more helpful for automotive than what we used to call channel locks (arc joint, water pump pliers). Still, I wouldn't be without a set of Cobras or the plier wrench thing.

 

[winlinmac]

Are the NOS Klein Tools Pliers better than the current ones of Store shelves?

 

[B_Bimmer]

Have some knipex, tons of snap on, prefer channellock, specificly model 548 pliers. All their products seem so underpriced for what you get. Give them a chance, it's cheap and I doubt you'll be disappointed.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Here's a marriage made in heaven:

SO Talon Grips (96CF, 196 NCF) - nothing better
Knipex Cobras (pick your size) - nothing better
Klein D228-7 Cutters - or Knipex, Channelock or SO

I'd also throw in this set of precision cutters:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/S510-S512-a...hash=item51de44b605:m:mw8dAAmVfoXwEsYQSGoGMdg

^^^I've bought from this guy and the cutters are like new and very inexpensive for premium US quality. I'm curious where he gets them??

P.S. I'd leave off the traditional slip joint pliers. I almost never use them.

Ordered a set of those precision cutters, they got great reviews on his page. Their listed as "used", maybe that's why the price is low. Maybe factory seconds, refurbs, surplus, no longer good for industrial, ISO, MIL work maybe...

 

[bmxr4life87]

Snap on duck bill and long duck bill are a top choice. I have knipex alligator and channel lock brand adjustable pliars and dont feel at a disadvantage at all. I prefer my long handled knipex side cutters vs my snap on high leverage but thats just my opinion

 

[hautpot]

Knipex actually has traditional tongue and groove pliers like Snap-On and Channelock

 

[Ming-Tzu]

Here's a marriage made in heaven:

SO Talon Grips (96CF, 196 NCF) - nothing better
Knipex Cobras (pick your size) - nothing better
Klein D228-7 Cutters - or Knipex, Channelock or SO

I'd also throw in this set of precision cutters:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/S510-S512-a...hash=item51de44b605:m:mw8dAAmVfoXwEsYQSGoGMdg

^^^I've bought from this guy and the cutters are like new and very inexpensive for premium US quality. I'm curious where he gets them??

P.S. I'd leave off the traditional slip joint pliers. I almost never use them.

Looking to get everything you listed above.

However, for the SO needle nose pliers, the model number on their site has changed. It's 196ANCF vs. the 196NCF you listed. Same product?

Also, for the Knipex, looking like it'll be the 8701250

Too bad that Ebay seller doesn't have the S610 anymore. It would make the list complete! lol

Thanks for all the info!

 

[Jo Diesel]

Klein Tools for wire strippers and Channellocks for everything else

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I ended up finding a new Snap-On set (slip-joint, needle & diag cutters) on Buya and scored a great price... As far as duckbills, I got a set of Blackhawk/Proto off eBay with long-reach pliers.

For flush cutters, I got the ones listed above from the eBay seller... they appear brand-new, but are listed as used (maybe factory seconds or refurbs).

 

[RichWentFishing]

Mobile distributor supply still has a sale on knipex sets.

Slip joint - knipex Cobras
Needle nose - SO talon grip
Diagonal - Klein has narrower beak, knipex mini bolt cutters for cutting everything else
Tapered flush - toss up

Then get a 7" knipex plier wrench. It totally replaced my six inch crescent and parallel pliers in one tool.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk