which lineman pliers to get?
- Thread starter benny27
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sparky 1971
Well-known member
Klein 2000 series (royal blue handles) are pretty much the industry standard. I use those when I'm doing residential work, but for service and commercial work I used Knipex. The Kleins are a little thicker and heavier thus making for a better hammer.
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rancherbill
Well-known member
Klein vs Chinese pliers (Milwaukee) dressing up as American Pliers.
I don't understand your dilemma.
I don't understand your dilemma.
redwrench60
Well-known member
Klein J2000-9NE Journeyman series if you like extra thick comfort handles or D2000-9NE for dipped handles. Both rated for cutting hardened wire and putting up with a little more abuse. Other Linemans just don’t feel right.
71firebird400
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Marvel MVA-200
+1 for 95% of the applications. And the grips would be very comfortable. If you need to do occasional electrical work, a crimper feature would be handy:
redwrench60
Well-known member
If you want the ultimate in Klein Lineman features then look at J2000-9NECRTP. They have the Journeyman comfort handles, 2000 series for cutting hardened wire, have a crimper and a steel fish tape puller. But they are Klein’s most expensive lineman plier hovering near $60.
welder4956
Well-known member
Listen to the boss.
aggiegrads
Well-known member
The Kleins do make a good hammer when you need to drive a staple or two and don’t want to go back to the truck, but make sure that you always use the “open” side without the rivet. It only takes a small peen to jam the rivet and the opening/closing will never be as smooth.
If the "boss" isn't paying for them, the OP should consider what he can afford. I have a bunch of lineman pliers cuz I'm old and collect stuff over the years and would say there are many excellent non-Klein pliers. I like my vintage Kraeter (bought new around 1965) but grab my Crescent compound pliers alot lately---lots of leverage and the handles are good.
Crescent 9 in. Linesman Pivot Pro Pliers CCA20509 - The Home Depot
The pliers in the PivotPro line from Crescent have a unique pivot action design that requires 40% less force to cut. Unlike standard pliers that pivot on the center-bolt only, additional leverage can be applied, providing more leverage and force to the cutting edge. They have a forged steel body...
www.homedepot.com
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I've heard that, but in 28 years in the trade I've probably been through 15 pairs linemans. I've never had that happen.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
What is the intended use?
General facility maintenance?
Any of the basic Klein 2000 series would be good.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/high-leverage-side-cutting-pliers/linemans-pliers-9-inch
Strictly electrical?
Any of the 9" high leverage 213 or 2000 series Klein will suffice if mainly cutting copper. But the fish tape puller would be good to have. The journeyman grips will give a little more fatigue cushion and extra insulation against accidental shock.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/...-pliers/side-cutting-pliers-fish-tape-pulling
Busting rebar ties, scraping/hammering dried concrete, abusive tasks?
Go with the 2000 series Klein iron worker pliers. They have bigger aggressive teeth that hold up better to rough tasks. They are also spring loaded. And the crook end handle can be helpful for pulling.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/...ironworkers-pliers-heavy-duty-cutting-9-inch#
If you work at night or in low light settings much, the glow in the dark handles may be handy.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/...-visibility-side-cutting-pliers-high-leverage
Lots of good options and hard to go wrong with any of the Kleins!
And if you just want to school your boss on pliers?
Show up with Knipex.
going to be for electrical workAnd if you just want to school your boss on pliers?
Show up with Knipex.
Placed an order for the D2000-9NE. Also picked up the 11 in 1 and 6 in 1 stubby. I figure that should satisfy with kleins. Ony tools I did not already have.
The rest of my tool kit is all Knipex. cobra, plier wrench, side cutters, needle nose.
I wonder how he will like my PB swiss or vesel ball grips ratchet screwdrivers.
The Vessel are awesome when you have wrist issues (at least the non ratcheting ball grip screwdrivers). You can use them as a pseudo T-handle, so no wrist bending.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
The NWS ship done sailed. That venture ended quite some time ago. Unfortunately.Irwin!
... but not just any of them. These ones specifically:
speed bump
Well-known member
Upopular opinion: we literally will buy our guys any tool they want (sometimes not even within reason) and all of the knipex tools just sit unless they are the last ones in the drawer. Not entirely sure why but no one seems to like them (and Klein linesman's are superior anyway).And if you just want to school your boss on pliers?
Show up with Knipex.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
My comment (“to school”) was referring to the number of people who have never heard of Knipex, but are aware of Klein. It was said with a hint of humor.
Honestly, when it comes to linemans, I have and like both.
But Knipex have become my go-to.
rooster59
Well-known member
Boss says Klein, get Klein. If you need others Tsunoda is mi Japan, high quality, not expensive. Find on Amazon.
True, but I've scored a couple pairs since. They're out there. Wouldn't be so sad if NWS just made the 10" version themselves, but seems like they only did it for Irwin.
Amazon still has the German Irwin’s. Good price, but seems to be increasing every week. Fewer sellers too. Clock is running.
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Lineman's Pliers with Fish Tape Puller , 9.5", (1902415) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3VSSAM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Lineman's Pliers with Fish Tape Puller , 9.5", (1902415) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3VSSAM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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gahrajmahal
Well-known member
Oh great! Now I need to get new linesman pliers
in Titanium!
MAD
Well-known member
I was told "don't knock the lineman off the pole" and you will always be on the safe to hammer side.
Tennessee Cattleman
Well-known member
Plus 1 on the Klein 2000 series.
Chumly
Well-known member
Klein If it has a spring, rip it out. I heard "concrete" more than electrical work.
TalonFE
Well-known member
Another vote for Klein J2000-9NECRTP. Accept no substitutes.
Jmellc
Well-known member
Kleins are great but ever more expensive. I bought Chanellock most recently and have been happy with them. Plus, less breakin time. New Kleins often take a while.
If you must have Klein, I like the standard 213 best, with red handles you install by heating first in hot water.
I have been in the trade for 28 years as well and I was always told “not to knock the little man off the pole”.
I have had a pair where the joint peined tight, but some oil out of the threader and opening and closing them a bunch of times fixed it.
I like the D-2000’s, but I put on the Tenite grips.
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redwrench60
Well-known member
Yup. I agree. I also like the red Tenite too.
Ton ton
Well-known member
My vote as well.