What SIZE lineman pliers do you prefer?

[DeliveryGuy]

I bought the Channellock 369 XLT lineman pliers today. Now, I have really big hands. I can palm a basketball easily. The pliers I got were the 9.5" version, but there was a 10.5" version on the rack, too. The 9.5" ones feel quite large. I think the 10s would be way too big to be useful. I'm temped to take these back and get the 8.5s.

Every thread I found about lineman pliers, people debate the brand, but no one talks about liking the 8 or 9 or 10in versions over the other sizes.

Any thoughts?

 

[M6erfan]

Probably a personal preference thing, whatever fits your hand best...

I like 8"/9"

 

[Rrumbler]

This could be an argument like Snap-On vs. Matco, or Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge. In my experience, Channellock are as good as Klein in most cases. When bought my first Kleins back in 1959, it was as the suggestion of the guys I was going to work for, high voltage line constructors - "get yourself a pair of KLEIN 213-9NE", and such and such kind of hammer, and so on. My Lineman's belt always carried a set of Klein 213-9NE, but my tool box, and my ground belt had Channellock 9" or 9-1/2" high leverage pliers in it. In my box, now, I have several pairs of Kleins, and a few Channellocks of many different varieties, and I honestly can not tell much difference in any of them for their appropriate uses; The real thing is in the design and correct use of the tool.

Oh, by the way, I can't palm a basketball, but the 9" or 10" pliers fit my hands well - wear a XL glove size for a snug fit.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I think the 8 fits me best.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I usually grab the one that seems to best fit what I'm working with. Small wire, I'll grab a shorty

 

[Two Speed]

I have a 9" Xcellite set that is my favorite day job set. Full length cutters, good serrations on the jaws for grabbing thin material.

Next favorite is a 7" Cresent (1950-7). Similar to the Xcellite in jaw configuration, the handles are comfortable. I have had these since I was a kid, either got them from my uncle or grandfather, they are my goto set most of the time.

I've got a few more, including a cousin of yours, the 369CR (crimper), my only complaint with these is the jaw gap is too wide for most of my uses (pulling on sheet metal, no grip at all) bought these for the day job as well to have the convience of a crimper in it, but since they can't grip anything they stay at home. Compared to all my other linesmans (I have a few) the handle tops are mostly rounded and not as pleasant to bear down on. If they had the flat top handles like the 909 or older water pump pliers I think these would get used more often.

My Grandfathers favorite pair where a 70's era 8" Mastercraft (Canadian Tire). It was his goto, and it is also a reasonable comfortable design, I inherited those, don't use them near as much as my Grandfather did, I find the handles just a tad too far apart. But those things have cut through every imaginable kind of wire to be found on a farm and fence, probably been hammered on, hammered with, pried, poked, proded, pulled nails, cut nails, etc.

So, in short, its the comfort of the handle IN USE that is the deciding factor in what linesman you end up using, not the size.

Any thoughts?

Throw that packaging away already! Its a tool, not a trophy. =-)

Alex.

 

[KMdef9]

< raised on Klein's 9"


Anything bigger would be combersum IMO.

 

[DeliveryGuy]

Throw that packaging away already! Its a tool, not a trophy. =-)

I already have.

Worst case scenario, I'll keep these for home, as they were only $25 at Canadian Tire. I'd like to try Snap On lineman pliers, although I did all the new electrical in my house with the 47cf slip joints, and they seemed to work fine except they don't have much of a cutter.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have a 9" Klein and Channellock. I also have 8" Knipex. I prefer the 9" Klein.

 

[PelicanPines]

I go for the 9" most often but I have tiny 5"ers that I also like... the ones I have the most of is 7" and rarely touch them.

 

[kctyphoon]

9".. Knipex and NWS are among the best.. Channellocks will not hold up to hard metal despite the fact they are rated for them. Klein and Jonard are also very well made.

 

[supertooljunkie]

I used to use the 9" Kleins, but since purchasing a pair of 9" Knipex from Lowes on closeout, that's all I use now. I did purchase a pair of Whia 9" isnsulated from KC Tool. Haven't tried them yet.

At one time I had a pair of Craftsman Pro 9" madr by Western Forge. Those were a nice pair. Lent them to a new guy, who quit at lunch. Never came back.

 

[chrisnazzy]

So for the guys in the trade, do any of you use the Snap On Lineman Pliers. Over 10 years ago I worked for a Cable TV Company as an installer and one of the tools you were issued was a set of Klein "9's" as I remember them commonly referred to. At some point since then I had a chance to purchase a Snap On 59AHLP (which they don't make anymore). I use them from time to time but this thread got me wondering if any real lineman used them or had any experience with them.

 

[four.cycle]

Wilde G6360P.NP - 9" in length:



$14.95 incl. shipping:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilde-Tool-...053916?hash=item25bf1bb49c:g:vjIAAOSwhkRWgrMt

The rest of mine are all old Indestro - a bit shorter, but still working just fine.

They all work just fine for what they do.

 

[redwrench60]

Klein 2000 series "nines"

Never heard anyone ask to be handed a pair of "sevens" or "eights"

 

[kctyphoon]

So for the guys in the trade, do any of you use the Snap On Lineman Pliers. Over 10 years ago I worked for a Cable TV Company as an installer and one of the tools you were issued was a set of Klein "9's" as I remember them commonly referred to. At some point since then I had a chance to purchase a Snap On 59AHLP (which they don't make anymore). I use them from time to time but this thread got me wondering if any real lineman used them or had any experience with them.

I probably have most brands, but not the snap on.. I've found Knipex to be a great choice.

 

[Roobaix]

I have Knipex and Klein, they're all nines IIRC.

 

[rick carpenter]

I've got a pair of CL369s that I use for electric and other stuff, but not like or as much as a lineman uses linemans. I find them to be big (9.5") but they also serve as persuaders when needed, so size matters. I may get some of the small linemans, max 7.5". Two Speed seems to really like his 7" Crescents.

 

[ssdave]

Mine favorite pair are 9 or 9 1/2" blue handle kleins, suitable for hard wire. When I was working with an electrician a lot, he taught me that you wanted the big heavy Kleins to use as a hammer, as well as to cut and hold wire. I have several pair of shorter ones, they don't feel good to me. But, I have extremely big, wide hands.

 

[davethorik]

I have the Channellock 369 and I find them a tad large, also the handles flex a lot given their size. For lighter duty tasks they are fine but the cut edges do not hold up well.

I bought a pair of Klein 2000 series 8" Ironworkers pliers, and they are fantastic. They have the spring assist opening which i like. Smaller head size, think in between slip joints and traditional linesmans. Hold up very, very well. I am impressed by them.

The knipex seem nice, handled them at Menards.

 

[LXCam]

< raised on Klein's 9"


Anything bigger would be combersum IMO.

Me too and anything smaller feels like a kids toy.

 

[sberry]

Klein 9, I might agree about the Channelock cutters, not so good. I bought a smaller set and they were really womens pliers and I am too strong and ruind the jaws. C-lock with the little finger hook on the handles and I simply can cut harder than the tool can, just too small.

 

[DeliveryGuy]

I was using the 369 today. They feel quite nice. I'm glad I didn't get the 10.5in version. They're very sharp, but also brand new, so we'll see how they hold up. It's still hard to beat my Snap On 47cf for a general purpose plier though.

 

[kctyphoon]

I'll warn you the channellock steel is not all it's cracked up to be.. Don't push them too hard, esp with tough material. If u stay copper you'll be fine though..

 

[VDubJoe]

Retired lineman. Was raised on 9 inch Klein's.
All I ever used and still do. Used to keep them good and gritty when new to loosen them up.
Of course I did do some errant welding with a few.

Joe

 

[sberry]

I'll warn you the channellock steel is not all it's cracked up to be.. Don't push them too hard, esp with tough material. If u stay copper you'll be fine though..

Agree.

 

[speed bump]

I have blue Klein, Craftsman pro WF, and the Knipex. I don't really have a preference among them but the Knipex aren't as good for manipulating with just my just my fingers.

Personally I always buy the longest dykes and linesman pliers they sell.

 

[mickeyone]

Klein nine is industry standard,Have a dozen or so from 6 inch to nine,small ones are ok for fine benchwork ,but dont cut the larger wire,collection includes all brands Kraueter,Diamond,Utica,Channelock,Crescent,Pexto,and Knipex. love the Knipex line ,but when it comes to the 9 inch Linesman nothing beats the Kleins there cutters hold up to hard use.

 

[boomer12831]

I have used several brands for the last 37 years as a lineman, and I'll take a pair of Kleins (9's) any day.

 

[Reducto]

I really like my 9 1/2" Craftsman Pro Pliers. They are the first thing I grab out of the bag for anything plier related.

I got the pair of German Irwin pliers off of Cripe a few months back but haven't worked them into my bag yet. I think I paid $26 shipped for what are NWS Pliers with Irwin Branding.

On a side note Lowe's now has three different types of Irwin re-branded NWS Tools in local stores if anyone has any interest in that. They have a version of the Lineman's Pliers, Offset Combination Pliers and the high leverage side cutters.

 

[NKlamerus]

I really like my 9 1/2" Craftsman Pro Pliers. They are the first thing I grab out of the bag for anything plier related.

I got the pair of German Irwin pliers off of Cripe a few months back but haven't worked them into my bag yet. I think I paid $26 shipped for what are NWS Pliers with Irwin Branding.

On a side note Lowe's now has three different types of Irwin re-branded NWS Tools in local stores if anyone has any interest in that. They have a version of the Lineman's Pliers, Offset Combination Pliers and the high leverage side cutters.

Does anyone have product #s for the 3 tools listed?

 

[NKlamerus]

Here are all the Irwin re-branded NWS item numbers

6″ high leverage diagonal cutting pliers, 1902411

7″ Max Leverage diagonal cutting pliers with PowerSlot, 1902412

8″ Max Leverage diagonal cutting pliers with PowerSlot, 1902413

8″ high leverage lineman’s pliers, 1902414

9-1/2″ high leverage lineman’s pliers with fish tape puller, 1902415

9-1/2″ high leverage lineman’s pliers with fish tape puller and crimper, 1902416

6″ standard long nose pliers, 1902417

8″ standard long nose pliers, 1902418

8″ Ergomulti long nose pliers with wire Stripper and crimper, 1902419

6-3/4″ bent-nose pliers, 1902420

End-cutting pliers with PowerSlot, 1902421

You Sir, are a saint

Thank you

 

[TomB19]

I imagine if I were in the electrical trade, I might have a different opinion but... I haven't used my Kleins more than a couple of times since I picked up the Milwaukee lineman pliers. Holy ****, are these things awesome both as cutters and pliers. They are night and day nicer to use than the Kleins and cheap, too. I also like the Milwaukee strippers that double as needle nose that are good enough quality to be usable as pliers. In both cases, I reach for the Milwaukees over Klein equivalent.

I think the Klein S2000 side cuts will probably last longer than the Milwaukee side cuts (the ones with a proper mouth, not the ones that won't cut to the tip) but I like them both equally well in the year, or so, I've had the Milwaukees.

Seriously, try the Milwaukee lineman pliers. Try cutting or clamping something with both the Milwaukee and any other lineman plier. It's weird how good they are.

 

[davethorik]

I really like my 9 1/2" Craftsman Pro Pliers. They are the first thing I grab out of the bag for anything plier related.

I got the pair of German Irwin pliers off of Cripe a few months back but haven't worked them into my bag yet. I think I paid $26 shipped for what are NWS Pliers with Irwin Branding.

On a side note Lowe's now has three different types of Irwin re-branded NWS Tools in local stores if anyone has any interest in that. They have a version of the Lineman's Pliers, Offset Combination Pliers and the high leverage side cutters.

Not all Lowe's carry the same stock, the store closest to me only had the 8" Powerslot diagonals. Another store 20 min away has almost every IRWIN NWS rebrand there is.

 

[Thumper68]

Not going to read all the responses but I really like my 9.5" channel locks, but when I was working in the field they were rarely used as pliers. Back before we had screw in cable clips we had to install 100's of the nail in variety every day and they were perfect for gripping the head of the nail and pushing it into the wood, then the side made a perfect hammer for driving the nail home. No hammered fingers