The Klein Tool addiction thread! :)

[decableguy2000]

Picked this up on clearance at Lowe’s yesterday. Also got a Klein hat from the PRO rewards giveaway they were doing.

Picked one a week or 2 ago with the handle. Has been quite useful for me and replaced a couple nut drivers and impact drivers in my tool bag.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

Dumb question perhaps, but does anyone know if Klein is still manufacturing any hand tools at the IL facility or has TX taken all hand tool manufacturing? Just curious.

 

[AJHD]

Hopefully Lowes will carry Klein's new metric tool sets/sockets. I've been seeing them on YouTube lately.

 

[Meursault74]

Being a master electrician I bought a pair in the Black Friday sale primarily for the screw cutter , I think they are a nice tool on the workbench, the Klein journeyman and INS range is quality and worthy of owning ( to perform electrical work in my country you have to be a licensed electrician, the only thing you are legally allowed to do is change a fuse or replace a bulb, I find it interesting that you dont need a license to work on your own place. Who inspects and certifies the work carried out ? 4 year apprenticeship and 3 years at college minimum to get a license , our system is based on the Old British city & guilds ) Be safe remember one flash and your ash !

You don't need a license to work on your own things. You need a license to work on "other people's " things.

Do you have to go to a barber, or can you cut your own hair and shave yourself. . If you get a minor cut, do you put a band-aid on it or go to the doctor? Both of those occupations require years of training to get a license.

I'll change any of my electrical bits or plumbing on my house I feel I can. No way I'd do it for someone else. Inspections here are mostly a money grab and a way to increase our taxes. No one is going to have an inspection to see how a receptacle has been replaced or a light changed out.

Where are you located? Do they have hardware stores that sell electrical receptacles and lights to the general public?

 

[oldpliers1]

You don't need a license to work on your own things. You need a license to work on "other people's " things.

Do you have to go to a barber, or can you cut your own hair and shave yourself. . If you get a minor cut, do you put a band-aid on it or go to the doctor? Both of those occupations require years of training to get a license.

I'll change any of my electrical bits or plumbing on my house I feel I can. No way I'd do it for someone else. Inspections here are mostly a money grab and a way to increase our taxes. No one is going to have an inspection to see how a receptacle has been replaced or a light changed out.

Where are you located? Do they have hardware stores that sell electrical receptacles and lights to the general public?

You don't need a license to work on your own things. You need a license to work on "other people's " things.

Do you have to go to a barber, or can you cut your own hair and shave yourself. . If you get a minor cut, do you put a band-aid on it or go to the doctor? Both of those occupations require years of training to get a license.

I'll change any of my electrical bits or plumbing on my house I feel I can. No way I'd do it for someone else. Inspections here are mostly a money grab and a way to increase our taxes. No one is going to have an inspection to see how a receptacle has been replaced or a light changed out.

Where are you located? Do they have hardware stores that sell electrical receptacles and lights to the general public?

Firstly 12000miles away from California, I don’t make the laws that govern the country I live in but abide by them . I have worked on homes and investigated fatalities for the coroners court of do it yourself electrical work , my previous comment was about how other countries operate.
which asks the question when a non electrician works on his home who certifies it ? Who carries out the bonding tests and inspections? Who checks for transposed wiring on the neutral and active on the light fittings or the neutral ground faults ? Does Home owners insurance cover the non electrician occupant carrying out wiring work ?
who do they point the finger at if the house burns down caused by a electrical fault and not to code workmanship? And when you sell your house who carries the liability for non professional electrical work?
cuts heal , hair grows , but wiring stays as left. And when you have your friend killed by the work of a non electrician it leaves you with respect , that a small mistake can have consequence. Many countries give home owners unlimited rights to do whatever , I don’t agree or disagree but see it from the outside and from a professional perspective.

 

[Meursault74]

Firstly 12000miles away from California, I don’t make the laws that govern the country I live in but abide by them . I have worked on homes and investigated fatalities for the coroners court of do it yourself electrical work , my previous comment was about how other countries operate.
which asks the question when a non electrician works on his home who certifies it ? Who carries out the bonding tests and inspections? Who checks for transposed wiring on the neutral and active on the light fittings or the neutral ground faults ? Does Home owners insurance cover the non electrician occupant carrying out wiring work ?
who do they point the finger at if the house burns down caused by a electrical fault and not to code workmanship? And when you sell your house who carries the liability for non professional electrical work?
cuts heal , hair grows , but wiring stays as left. And when you have your friend killed by the work of a non electrician it leaves you with respect , that a small mistake can have consequence. Many countries give home owners unlimited rights to do whatever , I don’t agree or disagree but see it from the outside and from a professional perspective.

Likely no one.

I replaced a few receptacles last year. I know they were connected by a "pro" about 40-50 years ago. The neutral and hot were reversed on one of the polarized plug. I think the only thing plugged in there was a lamp over the years. Just because someone is a pro doesn't mean they do a good job. Just because it's supposed to be inspected doesn't mean it's right. If I'm doing it for myself, for my home. I'll pay more attention to my task as it's mine.

I'm not talking about bringing in the wire down from the electrical pole and starting from scratch. Replacing receptacles, breakers, switches, lights. Simple tasks, that if by law were required to be done by a licensed electrician and with their service charges, would result in uproar and civil unrest over here.

Cuts can get infected if you're not careful. If someone is careful with anything they do, then matters should be ok, pro or not.

 

[oldpliers1]

Likely no one.

I replaced a few receptacles last year. I know they were connected by a "pro" about 40-50 years ago. The neutral and hot were reversed on one of the polarized plug. I think the only thing plugged in there was a lamp over the years. Just because someone is a pro doesn't mean they do a good job. Just because it's supposed to be inspected doesn't mean it's right. If I'm doing it for myself, for my home. I'll pay more attention to my task as it's mine.

I'm not talking about bringing in the wire down from the electrical pole and starting from scratch. Replacing receptacles, breakers, switches, lights. Simple tasks, that if by law were required to be done by a licensed electrician and with their service charges, would result in uproar and civil unrest over here.

Cuts can get infected if you're not careful. If someone is careful with anything they do, then matters should be ok, pro or not.

I respect your views and I’m glad you found that fault , and I know their are some lic electrical contractors that do Garbage work , and Im realistic you don’t need to be genius to replace a outlet . With our system we put in test notices and have mandatory testing, but it’s flawed as some guys don’t put in the notices . The system has always been tight due to post WW2 European migrants that loved bypassing the meters and doing whatever. Our system covers the liability issues and it gives a person to hold accountable. Their are things I like about your systems the Amount of EMT used and the availability of metal clad outlets , where we were predominantly USA Westinghouse and Square D influence , we now are European dominated in product and it’s nowhere near as safe. Thanks for the chat Regards .

 

[Ton ton]

I have found some of the locally owned hardware stores have dropped the Klein brand linesman pliers. But I can still get South wire brand linesman pliers which are USA made. I try to avoid Lowe's as much as possible. Yes, I have seen how hard Lowe's is pushing the Klein brand but I can't stomach buying something from Lowe's.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I have found some of the locally owned hardware stores have dropped the Klein brand linesman pliers. But I can still get South wire brand linesman pliers which are USA made. I try to avoid Lowe's as much as possible. Yes, I have seen how hard Lowe's is pushing the Klein brand but I can't stomach buying something from Lowe's.

Lowe's customer service:

 

[darkzero]

Had no idea this thread existed, then again no surprise here on GJ.

I don't have very many Klein tools..... just got this yesterday for work.


I have these in my hand carry tool box dedicated for electrical (automotive).


Filled in the bare backside with white paint.



And did the same today to my new GITD strippers.


Bought one of these receptacle testers one day at HD on a whim.


Then not long after I bought one of these breaker tracer things cause I sorta needed it. Then I happened to find this 3rd party case that conveniently fits them all.


Multi screwdriver that I use around the house. Replaced the torx with "ecx" bits.


At the bottom right are philips & flat stubbies that I really liked for some reason & had to have em. The big one is a flat head that I found in the middle of the street. When I saw it I made u-turn to go get it. Only tool I have ever found on the road worth stopping for.

 

[genog]

There was a bunch of Klein stuff available this weekend at various sales
More than I usually see
Electricians retiring maybe?

I have enough screw drivers, nut drivers, linesman pliers, etc so I left them all for the next guy

But....for some reason I bought two 10-in-1's
I don't know why.....I have 6 already

 

[oldpliers1]

I have found some of the locally owned hardware stores have dropped the Klein brand linesman pliers. But I can still get South wire brand linesman pliers which are USA made. I try to avoid Lowe's as much as possible. Yes, I have seen how hard Lowe's is pushing the Klein brand but I can't stomach buying something from Lowe's.

Pardon my ignorance tonton is Lowes like home depot a major chain store that’s staffed by people who don’t know the product? and always overpriced.

 

[AJHD]

Pardon my ignorance tonton is Lowes like home depot a major chain store that’s staffed by people who don’t know the product? and always overpriced.

Yes, it's another home improvement store. People need to understand these stores don't hire subject matter experts or hire based on experience, they hire warm bodies to work a retail job. Think of them like a Wal-Mart that sells home improvement supplies.

The people with actual knowledge of and experience in these trades are not working minimum wage retail jobs and they're not asking for help while shopping in the store, they are too busy working in their respective trade and buying what they need to do a job.

That said, Klein gives me a reason to go to Lowes. I'm happy to see Klein finally putting out some metric tools.

 

[Bubba Fett]

My Lowe's has a couple of people who are very knowledgeable about things. But most of them know more about stocking shelves, running the forklift, etc. Nothing wrong with that, but they don't have much knowledge about the products they sell. I shop there out of convenience. And they have a very large selection of Klein tools. Some of the new items, like adjustable wrenches, have been unimpressive, but I do like all the new screwdriver options. They have dived headfirst into that area.

If I want better customer service, I'll go to a local hardware store. They tend to be more knowledgeable and very willing to help, but their tool selections can be limited. If they have Klein at all, it's usually just wire strippers, flush cutters, and maybe side cutting pliers or one or two screwdrivers.

There's also electrical supply stores, but their prices are usually higher, and if you are a DIYer, they tend to act like you are unworthy of being in their presence. (hopefully, your results may vary)

 

[Ton ton]

Pardon my ignorance tonton is Lowes like home depot a major chain store that’s staffed by people who don’t know the product? and always overpriced.

Not always overpriced. But Lowe's checks the other boxes.

 

[oldpliers1]

Yes, it's another home improvement store. People need to understand these stores don't hire subject matter experts or hire based on experience, they hire warm bodies to work a retail job. Think of them like a Wal-Mart that sells home improvement supplies.

The people with actual knowledge of and experience in these trades are not working minimum wage retail jobs and they're not asking for help while shopping in the store, they are too busy working in their respective trade and buying what they need to do a job.

That said, Klein gives me a reason to go to Lowes. I'm happy to see Klein finally putting out some metric tools.

Klein has never been cheap especially outside of the USA , And we get mostly INS tools and journeyman series we even get some Klein stuff made for outside USA from Japan. The tools are Mainly through electrical supply stores. The two main Hardware chains do not sell them . So Amazon is my main supplier. We have been metric now for 50 years so Starrett and Crescent got onboard real early and supplied their tape measures and hole saws in metric. Klein were probably happy and financially limited so they stayed mainly in the North American market.I think long term they made a wise decision and grew at their pace not some greedy stock holders calling the shots.Any quality American tool maker who has survived the Globalisation and the corporate takeovers and stayed onshore putting money and taxes and employment into their home communities are definitely worth supporting even if they cost more than the imports . So when I buy a Klein or Channellock tool here in Australia I’m happy that my money gets back to our friends in USA, It also means I am buying a long term tool that is fit for purpose. I wish you all well regards

 

[four.cycle]

Believe it or not, these were marketed as "Klein", although they bear no maker's name and no part numbers.


Klein 8 piece 3/8" drive SAE Socket Set w/steel tray

3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, and 3/4

NOS

 

[AJHD]

Unfortunately Lowes doesn't stock them yet, but I was able to pick up the metric flip sockets on Amazon to supplement my portable kit.

Hopefully Klein will release more metric stuff soon. I've seen a few videos on YouTube.

 

[LXCam]

Unfortunately Lowes doesn't stock them yet, but I was able to pick up the metric flip sockets on Amazon to supplement my portable kit.

Hopefully Klein will release more metric stuff soon. I've seen a few videos on YouTube.

I’m doing a little Eaton 15kva ups system right now and even the hold down bolts on the pallet are all metric. Instead of the typical 1/4” drive heads on all the covers they’re 7mm.



It just ain’t merican I tells ya

 

[LXCam]

And did you guys know ya can’t drop these from 25ft in the air..




A half dozen times annd expect it to live.

They just don’t make’m like they used too

 

[jeffmoss26]

From the restore. Had to clean them a bit to see the markings

 

[redwrench60]

From the restore. Had to clean them a bit to see the markings

Wooo..that one’s got the redneck wire stripper hole!

 

[oldpliers1]

From the restore. Had to clean them a bit to see the markings

I am after a pair of 6 inch Klein lineman’s pliers do you have pair in your collection? the pair shown are they 8 inch ? Cheers

 

[jeffmoss26]

Will have to measure. Don’t think I have any 6” Kleins

 

[KnurledNut]

I am after a pair of 6 inch Klein lineman’s pliers do you have pair in your collection? the pair shown are they 8 inch ? Cheers

D201-6NE. Discontinued for some time now. Not quite rare, but getting harder to find.
(Shown with the less-known HD2000-9NE. Heavy-duty extra-thick dipped grip.)

 

[jeffmoss26]

The HD pliers are a personal favorite!

 

[KnurledNut]

The HD pliers are a personal favorite!

Have you noticed the older versions had better thicker grips? Like double dipped or something. Im not sure when they changed them, but the current production are not as beefy.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Have you noticed the older versions had better thicker grips? Like double dipped or something. Im not sure when they changed them, but the current production are not as beefy.

Dunno, I only have the one pair

 

[oldpliers1]

Dunno, I only have the one pair

Obviously designed for HD professional use , it looks a lot more HD than the current offering , that why I like the Journeyman series and the after market Klein 60/70/89 grips .

 

[oldpliers1]

D201-6NE. Discontinued for some time now. Not quite rare, but getting harder to find.
(Shown with the less-known HD2000-9NE. Heavy-duty extra-thick dipped grip.)

Very nice

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Love that you used lacquer pens to fill in markings. Looks beautiful! But... you filled in the eye protection warning? I'm sensitive to warnings on everything, reminds me of the decline of society. Speaking of which, I probably should flag this comment with a trigger warning for people who are sensitive to people who are sensitive about excess warnings.

 

[darkzero]

Love that you used lacquer pens to fill in markings. Looks beautiful! But... you filled in the eye protection warning? I'm sensitive to warnings on everything, reminds me of the decline of society. Speaking of which, I probably should flag this comment with a trigger warning for people who are sensitive to people who are sensitive about excess warnings.

Lol, I didn't even realize/notice that warning was there and I use these every single day at work & much of the day. And with the way I hold them that side is what I always see. If someone using wire strippers like these gets the stripped wire jacket flung into their eye more times than just a freak odd occurrence, they should not be using them in the first place!

But really, I guess I just filled in eveything without paying attention (easier too) & to match the other/front side? I'm assuming the other side says it too. The front side is laser etched.

I'm certainly not a saftey nazi. Defeat/remove machine safety guards & switches, yeah I'm guilty of that on my own stuff. I do use the guard on my angle grinder though. Not that I'm proud or anything like that but I still tend not to wear safety glasses unless I really know I should. Just 2 days ago I was reminded at work to put on my saftey squints when I was drilling A-pillars.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I'm certainly not a saftey nazi. Defeat/remove machine safety guards & switches, yeah I'm guilty of that on my own stuff. I do use the guard on my angle grinder though. Not that I'm proud or anything like that but I still tend not to wear safety glasses unless I really know I should. Just 2 days ago I was reminded at work to put on my saftey squints when I was drilling A-pillars.

I wear safety glasses when I do almost anything that might get into my eyes. Just tonight, I used my dental irrigation water pik to clean out some polishing compound from a pliers joint that I was using to loosen up and break them in. And I put on clear safety glasses because I dont like when the water splashes back into my eyes. Less of a safety thing and more of an annoyance.

I used to never use eye pro during anything, and then something clicked about 5 years ago when I realized how easy it is to permanently damage your vision. I bought multiple sets of clear eye pro and put them everywhere in my home and in every tool kit and in my car. I won't drill into wood without eye pro. Of all of my external organs, my eyes are my second most precious!

I also started wearing shooting ear pro while using a shop vac, carpet cleaner, and most power tool work. If it's even slightly uncomfortable to your hearing, then it's causing hearing damage, that's permanent and cumulative. If doing those things is not slightly uncomfortable, then you already have hearing damage which means you have a greater need to protect what's left of your hearing.

I use Noisefighters brand gel ear cups on the ear pro and they are super comfortable. So funny enough, even though I don't like to see warnings etched into my tools, I certainly am safer than most. I just dont like to be annoyed about it by some lawyers working for a billion dollar company.

 

[KnurledNut]

Obviously designed for HD professional use , it looks a lot more HD than the current offering , that why I like the Journeyman series and the after market Klein 60/70/89 grips .

My HD’s are slightly thicker than the Journeyman. I dont think the newer ones are though.
The material also has a really grippy grainy texture, unlike the smooth glossy standard dip.

 

[oldpliers1]

My HD’s are slightly thicker than the Journeyman. I dont think the newer ones are though.
The material also has a really grippy grainy texture, unlike the smooth glossy standard dip.
L-R: Journeyman, HD, Standard Klein (navy)
View attachment 2106241
View attachment 2106242

The old HD grip was thicker ! Than the journeyman , looking at your photo it shows it , I have never seen the HD grip in person . Klein have introduced another style of grip that’s halfway between INS and journeyman and is voltage rated designed for the offshore market . That was a great post you put up. Regards

 

[oldpliers1]

Just on your thought train knurled Nut an old pair of INS in their packet and a pair of the in between grips released in 2021 in the pacific , they are basically journeyman with stops and not as bulky as the INS ( I personally like the INS I don’t have any issue with the size it’s all subjective to personal preference) cheers

 

[Adrien]

A little departure from what I typically see in this thread. Just picked up these Bluetooth Earmuffs from Klein. I was poking around doing some "research" on different brands and these checked a lot of boxes. Haven't had a chance to use them yet, but I plan on using them on the tractor and when mowing.



Adrien

 

[CoogarXR]

Picked up this mini precision all-in-one driver while waiting at the electrical supply house. Never seen a mini like this (although I don't follow klein too terribly closely, maybe they are common, lol)

 

[oldschoolcraft]

But....for some reason I bought two 10-in-1's
I don't know why.....I have 6 already

You have 80 in 8 now!

 

[oldschoolcraft]

View attachment 2106241

Which Linesman is your favorite of the Linesmen?