The Klein Tool addiction thread! :)

[AngryBeaver]

Maybe try buying the Klein Tools from an electrical supply house. Maybe Klein sells their rejects to Home Depot.

I don't have any issues when I buy Klein Tools from the supply house.

Billy T.
[email protected]

I've tried that with the cable cutters, I thought maybe the same thing. I'm franky sick of throwing money away at this point. I have a **** ton of money invested in these tools that just don't hold up and last like they used to. These are just the pliers between my service truck and tool bag, and two pairs of dykes from my house tool box. I have a complete set of kleins at my work in my shop box... My long handled cable shears are at least 15 years old and still work like new, but they also have a way to tighten up the pivot. I think I've adjusted the once in that time frame... they are only used on SO or welding type cable, as that is all I deal with. when I do a large temporary Gen installation, these get used anywhere from 200-400 cuts a day depending on the scope of the install. I don't deal with romex or ACSR wires. and before someone says use a pair of dykes or linesman's on #2 SO cable or 2/0 SO, I'll ask them to make a video of them doing the same, because short of a pair of 18" long handles are using a hammer, you are not cutting #2awg with a pair of dykes and have a clean usable cut for a terminal strip or suitable for a crimp. the best handheld cable shears I've found are the cheap Japanese made Greenlees. they have cut 4/0 SO in a pinch and still work fine. Kleins don't even cut 2/0 SO without stomping on them (as they are rated for 2/0 SO or 4/0 aluminum.

 

[DSLTRK]

I've tried that with the cable cutters, I thought maybe the same thing. I'm franky sick of throwing money away at this point. I have a **** ton of money invested in these tools that just don't hold up and last like they used to. These are just the pliers between my service truck and tool bag, and two pairs of dykes from my house tool box. I have a complete set of kleins at my work in my shop box... My long handled cable shears are at least 15 years old and still work like new, but they also have a way to tighten up the pivot. I think I've adjusted the once in that time frame... they are only used on SO or welding type cable, as that is all I deal with. when I do a large temporary Gen installation, these get used anywhere from 200-400 cuts a day depending on the scope of the install. I don't deal with romex or ACSR wires. and before someone says use a pair of dykes or linesman's on #2 SO cable or 2/0 SO, I'll ask them to make a video of them doing the same, because short of a pair of 18" long handles are using a hammer, you are not cutting #2awg with a pair of dykes and have a clean usable cut for a terminal strip or suitable for a crimp. the best handheld cable shears I've found are the cheap Japanese made Greenlees. they have cut 4/0 SO in a pinch and still work fine. Kleins don't even cut 2/0 SO without stomping on them (as they are rated for 2/0 SO or 4/0 aluminum.

Liked all the pics except the Ram trucks. But that's another story.

I found that if you keep oil on the pivot and use Noalox on the cutting edges, the hand cutters last much longer.

Most brands use soft pins for the rivets, and I believe T & B is the only one to harden the entire tool after it is assembled.

The pro to having the safter rivet is you can indeed 'retighten' them if need be. All you need is a vise, a 32oz ball pein, and 5/16" pin punch, give it a few wacks and it will make them operate as new. I have newer Klein cable shears, and they work just fine. I also bought them from HD.

It sounds like you cut large fine stranded conductors often.
Why in the hell doesn't the company have a nice pair of cordless cutters? I'd have one of them on every service truck.

The batteries nowadays last all day.

 

[AngryBeaver]

Liked all the pics except the Ram trucks. But that's another story.

I found that if you keep oil on the pivot and use Noalox on the cutting edges, the hand cutters last much longer.

Most brands use soft pins for the rivets, and I believe T & B is the only one to harden the entire tool after it is assembled.

The pro to having the safter rivet is you can indeed 'retighten' them if need be. All you need is a vise, a 32oz ball pein, and 5/16" pin punch, give it a few wacks and it will make them operate as new. I have newer Klein cable shears, and they work just fine. I also bought them from HD.

It sounds like you cut large fine stranded conductors often.
Why in the hell doesn't the company have a nice pair of cordless cutters? I'd have one of them on every service truck.

The batteries nowadays last all day.

Because we are non union and we supply all our own tools. Ive tried the ratchet cutters from klein and greenlee and for the money they cost, they don't last and in 10 cuts your forearm is cramped from cutting 4/0. so much easier to get the long guys out and make quick work of the cables to be landed.

I actually found on fine stand wires, if you lube them up, it makes them worse. seem weird and backwards conventional... It doesn't look like it, but I keep all the pivots lubed up because the condensation on the service trucks makes everything rust in no time. Ive never had success trying to tighten them up with a hammer and a punch.

I absolutely despise Ram trucks...

 

[jeffmoss26]

Wow, that is a lot of cam loks!

 

[DSLTRK]

Three classics.
1906, 1913 and 1926 from top to bottom.

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[AngryBeaver]

Three classics.
1906, 1913 and 1926 from top to bottom.

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Sharp!

How do you date them? I think I bought my Linesmans in 2003 when I started but would like to check. Searching the internet has been less than stellar with dating results. nothing on kleins sight either

 

[DSLTRK]

Sharp!

How do you date them? I think I bought my Linesmans in 2003 when I started but would like to check. Searching the internet has been less than stellar with dating results. nothing on kleins sight either

The early pliers (till the 30s) are easy to date, they simply have the quarter, then the two digit year. Example: 3-14 would be the 3rd quarter of 1914. Typically, this is stamped on the inside of the handle.

Alloy Artifacts has a good article on this:

"According to this document, there were actually two date code systems in use over the period from the early 1900s to 1972. The earlier system was a simple "MM-YY" code giving the month and year of production. An example of this early date code system can be seen on our Klein 201 Lineman's Pliers dated to April of 1926.

The later system is more complicated and begins by mapping the 10 characters in "MKLEINCORP" to digits, with M=1, K=2, L=3, E=4, I=5, N=6, C=7, O=8, R=9, and P=0. The production date is then indicated by three letters, with the first one giving the calendar quarter and the next two providing the year after 1900. An example of this second date code system can be seen on our Klein [303] Needlenose Pliers, with an "LEM" code dating the pliers to the third quarter of 1941.

The Klein documents don't explain what system was used after 1972, although one example here suggests that a modified code was still in use. But it's good to know that there is a date code system covering much of the earlier production, and we'll need to go back and check the tools again for possible code markings."

So your 2003 pliers, I have no idea what Klein uses to date them.

There are letters, dots and dashes they use on the modern ones, but I have yet to see a correlation.

 

[engineer2]

Anybody know what it's like to work at Klein tools? they are local and looking for people. The only thing I know is it's family-run and they make many of the business decisions.

 

[MoonRise]

Broken Klein hollow shaft 5/16 nut driver. That's for a #4 screw/nut, so not some big fastener.

Used maybe two times. Then the shaft just shattered.

Went to Home Depot (I bought the set there), per the directions from the Klein website (Lifetime warranty, bring to store you bought them from), was polite and they swapped me one that wasn't broken.

 

[mc4life27]

Anybody know what it's like to work at Klein tools? they are local and looking for people. The only thing I know is it's family-run and they make many of the business decisions.

No clue from first hand knowledge but from the word on the block is that's it's a great company to work for. I have always wanted to apply there but I live to far away.


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[mikebaker1129]

They have a factory in Mansfield,TX.

 

[MoonRise]

Being hollow shaft, it doesn't surprise me that it broke. It's obviously going to be weaker a solid shaft model, but what does surprise me is that it broke in 2 spots. Did HD employee ask for receipt or give any grief?

No real grief. So a on that.

That's a 5/16" nut driver and fits on a #4 screw/nut, so not really a lot of torque. And no cheater bar or 'torque assist' device was used.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Maybe try buying the Klein Tools from an electrical supply house. Maybe Klein sells their rejects to Home Depot.

I don't have any issues when I buy Klein Tools from the supply house.

I try not buying any tools from the box stores unless I'm in a bind or need to "modify" a tool as I believe the manufacturers that sell to the big box stores are extorted by them and make cheaper tools.

Billy T.
[email protected]

I have heard from multiple tool manufacturers that is exactly what happened to Sears Craftsman...

 

[AngryJoe]

Maybe try buying the Klein Tools from an electrical supply house. Maybe Klein sells their rejects to Home Depot.

I don't have any issues when I buy Klein Tools from the supply house.

I try not buying any tools from the box stores unless I'm in a bind or need to "modify" a tool as I believe the manufacturers that sell to the big box stores are extorted by them and make cheaper tools.

I have to call ******** on that. Until I see proof or an official statement from Klein or Home Depot, it's just your opinion.

Klein has been making tools since 1857 and since most (not all) Klein tools carry a "no questions asked" lifetime warranty, I see no reason Klein would still be in business or profit if they sell "rejects", damaged tools, tools that don't pass quality control or other sub-par tools to anyone, let alone Home Depot.

Yes, stores like Home Depot negotiate deals with vendors, suppliers and manufactures for exclusivity rights and better pricing just like every other retailer. But Home Depot is a $90+ billion dollar business, is one of the top 5 retailers in the United States, has over 2,200 stores, reaches every sector of the population and has been an exclusive retailer for Klein since 2009. I can't imagine any company like Klein being "extorted" or "strong armed" into making a financially poor decision by selling their product at Home Depot and continuing to do so for 10+ years.

Buy your tools where you want to, buy whatever tools make you happy, and spend your money however you wish, but opinions are not facts.

I have heard from multiple tool manufacturers that is exactly what happened to Sears Craftsman...

According to who? What manufactures? What tools? When? Where? Do you have any proof or just hearsay?

 

[measuredtwice]

Fleetfarm is giving a $10 gift card when you buy $50 of Klein tools.
https://www.fleetfarm.com/promotion/p5601491/_/N-3338629931

They also have a 10% off $49 coupon but it can't be combined with the gift card offer.
https://www.fleetfarm.com/p/web/offer-terms/goodnews10promo

Edit: Actually, I just tried combining the 2 coupons and it seems to work

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Cold water bump.....

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

View media item 97886
Picked up at an estate auction for nearly nothing.

 

[Monte]

 

[jeffmoss26]

that is a very useful Klein item ^^
got an unexpected gift from a friend today - swapped my voice and data tools out of a canvas riggers bag into this Klein bag.

 

[redwrench60]

That’s a super nice bag Jeff ^^

I scored a 16” Klein spud from the pawn shop junk bin last Friday. I love a quality forged spud. Part adjustable, part lineup tool, part prybar, part hammer, part........

 

[DSLTRK]

That’s a super nice bag Jeff ^^

I scored a 16” Klein spud from the pawn shop junk bin last Friday. I love a quality forged spud. Part adjustable, part lineup tool, part prybar, part hammer, part........

Must have tool for every millwright and still made in USA to boot! I used those spuds on many a lattice wind turbine tower.

 

[DSLTRK]

that is a very useful Klein item ^^
got an unexpected gift from a friend today - swapped my voice and data tools out of a canvas riggers bag into this Klein bag.

Those are very nice totes for the cost, and I like how easy it is to grab and identify your tools.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Those are very nice totes for the cost, and I like how easy it is to grab and identify your tools.

Ditto, I’ve got one set up as my electrician’s kit for when my brothers and sisters have projects...


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[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Picked up at an estate sale, nos....

View media item 98523

 

[jeffmoss26]

picked up this hex key set a few weeks ago

 

[damon18]

I know Klein for pliers and electrical tools but spotted these wrenches for sale. Anyone know anything about them? Rebranded? Worth $65 ?

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[48548]

I know Klein for pliers and electrical tools but spotted these wrenches for sale. Anyone know anything about them? Rebranded? Worth $65 ?

Sent from my SM-G973U using The Garage Journal mobile app

I thought sk.... but could be wrong... I have a few they work fine.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[DSLTRK]

I know Klein for pliers and electrical tools but spotted these wrenches for sale. Anyone know anything about them? Rebranded? Worth $65 ?

Sent from my SM-G973U using The Garage Journal mobile app

Those are SK sourced 100%. Don't even need to see the entire wrench.

I'd say $65 is a good buy. The wrench roll is nice.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Jeff.. love that bag, have one just like it. Its my go to electricity bag.

Redwrench, I love it when that happens.. doesn't look too beat up especially the jaws of the adjustable.

Went to my favorite hardware store in Bloomington, IN on New Year's Eve, and picked up this nice handy punch from Klein.. Relatively inexpensive, looked like it had been on the hook for quite some time with plenty of shop dust. I know I'll use the heck out of this vs using a Stanley … for heavy duty awl work of course....

View media item 99933

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Deleted

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Wasn't Kleindorfer's was it?[/QUOTE]

Junkdrawer, Indeed.... how do you know about them??

View media item 99935

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Deleted

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Junkdrawer, Indeed.... how do you know about them??

View media item 99935

I grew up in Bloomington. Kleindorfer's is an institution there. They were the go to store for all our family's hardware needs. Just goes to show there is still a place in the world for a traditional hardware store. Probably why I prefer to shop my local ACE hardware out here as opposed to big blue or big orange.[/QUOTE]

Cool and totally agree. Helpful folks. Stocked to the gills, neat and regular stuff. Didnt bother me as I strolled around looking and shopping, but there when I had questions, needed help, etc. Definition of a destination brick and mortar...

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Deleted

 

[jeffmoss26]

I would love to see that store!

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

I would love to see that store!

Hi Jeff.. Its very nondescript.. but once inside the door its a bit of a time machine to a good old fashioned hardware store...from that characteristic smell to mix of old and new fixtures. They were giving out calendars for the new year when I was there and almost always send customers away with their "goods" in a box... to cut down on their trash I'm sure. They do have those good old fashioned "paper bags" too.. I go there specifically for the Made in USA chore gloves they stock (brand name escapes me right at this moment). They wear like iron and are very comfortable fit / finish wise. So that's usually my reason to go there... other than to just shop....

 

[AE2]

We need a list of all these cool places so when someone is traveling they can check the list for places near their route and destination.

 

[isuhunter]

I picked up the Klein Heavy Duty Diagonal Cutters not realizing how massive these things are. Way over kill for my 12 ga and 14 ga wiring around the house.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Hi Jeff.. Its very nondescript.. but once inside the door its a bit of a time machine to a good old fashioned hardware store...from that characteristic smell to mix of old and new fixtures. They were giving out calendars for the new year when I was there and almost always send customers away with their "goods" in a box... to cut down on their trash I'm sure. They do have those good old fashioned "paper bags" too.. I go there specifically for the Made in USA chore gloves they stock (brand name escapes me right at this moment). They wear like iron and are very comfortable fit / finish wise. So that's usually my reason to go there... other than to just shop....

Glove brand is Burly Bear....from Brookville Glove... https://www.brookvilleglove.com/index.php

 

[jeffmoss26]

#newkleins