Pliers Reviews

Klein has long been the standard in the electrician's tool industry. These are pretty darn good pliers.

HOWEVER, personally, I've switched to Bahco pliers. Unfortunately (or not, depending on how you feel about them), Bahco has been bought out by Snap-On. Still, they have retained their unique designs. Bahco's handles are MUCH more comfortable, and the tool just stays in your hand better. Everybody is making the high-leverage joint now, that's standard. But Bahco's teeth are cut better, the hardening is better, and the handle is so many miles ahead of the Kleins it's not really even a comparison.

Still, the Kleins are easy to find, and can be had relatively cheaply. For the money, they're pretty darn good, but for the best, I'd get a set of Bahcos. They may not be on your company's approved list, and that's about the only downsided to them. Klein is approved by everyone, and used by very large companies, like Qwest.

I seriously would be embaressed to be caught doing electrical work with any other dikes (lineman's, your choice). It's not so much about caring what other people think, but these are absolutely the best pair of dikes you can buy. I've even had tile guys and masons look at them and tell me that Klein makes the best pair. Buy these pliers if you don't own already own a pair and plan on ever coming close to a piece of electron carrying media.

Klein linemans are the best, and most everybody I know in construction uses Kleins. Klein actually makes 2 flavors, one style is the standard cutters and the other has the ASCR cutters, which are much harder and don't dull out as quickly. If you want more comfort I'd get the plastic handles, though. They are much better than the vinyl ones, and offer a bit more protection than the vinyl. The handles come in 9" and 7".

I have resisted getting a multitool for a long time, but finally got this one. It looks to be a very high quality tool, and the best thing about it is that it has USA stamped on it.

I just receieved this for Christmas after I requested it on my wish list. I like it better than my former Leatherman Pulse(which came up missing)because the Gerber needle-nose pliers are much more comfortable to use. It's hard to explain, but Gerber has you squeeze the solid side while Leatherman has you squeeze the "open channel" side which pinches your skin unnecessarily. Other than that, Leatherman and Gerber models seem to be close to the same in functionality and features.

My only major complaint is that I failed to notice this set doesn't come with scissors, which can sometimes come in handy, although it's not a deal-breaker. I give it 5 stars because it's my fault I didn't notice the lack of scissors. Otherwise I would have asked for a different model. I now prefer Gerber over Leatherman now that I've owned both.

This was the first item I ever bought from Amazon and it's one of the few items I still have in my posession 7 years later so I figured it passed the test for a glowing review since I've put it through the paces and then some. This thing is amazing and besides for the few cosmetic blemishes I have caused it is still in perfect condition. First off the snap open pliers and easy access blades gives it the one up on the Leatherman multi-tools which tend to have a very tight feel when trying to pry them out of the plier handle, not to mention it takes two hands to access any of the tools. So I use my MP600 when fishing or doing work around the house so I like the ability to unsheath and snap out the plier head at anytime with one hand because when I need them the most I am always holding onto something else already. One of my favorite features are the substantial nubs and dents they put on all the tools of the MP600 to allow them to be removed easily. I'm sure I'm like most men who keep my nails cut low and those little slits on most multi-tools make it a flat out pain to get at exactly what you need. I also like the locking mechanism for the tools that keep them open until you pull back the safety latch. It adds a step when closing up the tool but not having to worry about a blade closing on your hand is a huge plus.

Here are some of the things I use this for:
Removing Fish Hooks
Driving Screws
Breaking down Cardboard Boxes
Cutting Plastics
Punching holes through Synthetics
Opening Beers

I do all of those things with no sign of rust, no need to oil any blades, no corrosion and very little dulling of the blades and thats over a seven year time frame. I use the tool at least 4-5 times a week at home and work and it is certianly indespensible. If I ever lose this thing (because it appears to last forever, so I won't need to replace it because it falls apart) I will replace it the same day.

I was an Aerovac Medic for the US Air Force. I carried my Gerber with me as basic equipment. You don't have to peal open this tool, like a Leatherman. All you have to do is place it between your thumb and fore finger, flick your wrist, the pliars thrust out, and lock into place. It's great for one handed use. I used it many emergency situations. Great for cutting parachute cord, fixing medical equipment, cutting bandages, and eating MRE's. Fantastic Multi-use tool.

The quality and design oriented toward the purpose of use during fishing is impeccable. Other Multi-tools may be good but this couldn't be any better. I fish all the time and this tool will be going with me. I have no aspect of this tool that I am not in approval of and I particularly like that the carbide/cobalt cutters can be replaced.

For fisherman, this is a great multi-tool that does almost everything you need except tie on your tackle. The best feature is the ability to open the pliers with one hand. That comes in very handy when you have a rod or a fish in the other hand. The wire cutters went through fireline very well, and the scissors handle every other type of line. The file and knife blade came out easily and locked into place so you don't have the issue of it folding back on it's self. Not to mention it's a very sharp blade! The only down side was using the split ring spreader was a little awkward it's pretty far back on the tool. One piece of advice, USE THE LANYARD. My first one of these is at the bottom of a lake.

I was in the market for a multi-tool for quite sometime. I considered several different models but many seemed like overkill. I mean how many attachments did I really need? I certainly wasn't looking to clean out any cow hooves or saw through a leg bone with it after a successful hunt. It has the right number of tools and features for a regular guy. I use it at work and at home all the time. The add-on tool set and carrying case are a nice bonuses. Great value for [the money].

I had written a review about the Leatherman Sideclip, calling it the best daily carry multi-tool I had found. This was until I got a Gerber Sport.

My "heavy-use" multi-tool is a Gerber, and I would often carry onto a jobsite if I knew I was going to be using such a tool. The "auto-pliers" and locking tools make it a fine choice.

The Scout retains these qualities, slims down the size and weight, and adds a very heavy duty set of scissors that I have personally used to shear thru thick leather hides. Cuts seatbelts like a charm as well.

The selection of tools isn't comprimised on this smaller model either. A good selection of ground screwdriver blades and a solid combo-edge knife are the standouts.

I have owned many a Leatherman, and I have twisted and tweaked the screwdriver blades on every one of them. I have *never* had this happen with a Gerber.

Those of us that have had to apply a good amount of force to a multi-tool plier have known what the hollows of a Leatherman feel like. Hard to apply pressure for any length of time as it "bites" into your hand. The Gerber's handle is rounded and quite comfortable for such activity.

One last note: As silly as it sounds, taking out your Leatherman in the middle of a task can often be clumsy as you butterfly it out to get at the pliers. With the Gerber, you flick your wrist and you're ready to go.

I first used this type of gerber onboard a ship, and its great! has practically everthing you need with an added tool set sor you can fit more screws. Its much easier to have this sitting on your belt loop ready to use then to have to fish around in a tool bag or box for the tool you need.

Klein hand tools are by far the best there is for wiring. I have wired several houses with these hand tools and have been nothing but impressed. Klein's wire strippers are great for stripping wire and for cutting here and there, but if you doing repeated cutting of Romex or any other wire 10 gauge to 24 guage this is the tool you need. It will easily and comfortably cut through Romex with one move. An absolute must for my wiring tool box.

Any electrician can tell you that Klein makes some of the best tools in the industry. So when my company decided to do all of our own wiring (data and telephony) I grabbed my kit of Klein screwdrivers, side cutters and pliers and went to work. After installing over 3 miles of cat5 (multiple runs to 12 offices and a medium sized data center for which we custom made all of our cables) I expected to have to get my pair of D248-8 pliers sharpened. That was over a year and a half ago.

Durability aside, these pliers are so comfortable to work with and so ergonomic that I rarely ever use wire strippers. This pair of Klein cutters allows me to cut, strip, and bend the wire all without picking up another tool, and without nicking or marring the wire. Besides my Leatherman, this is the only other tool I call essential.

Other pluses: + 8 inch length is extra convenient for measuring the distance of wire protruding out of a wall box (necessary for NEC), + red handles indicate use with softer wire whereas Klein also make a set of blue handled cutters for lower gauge wiring and bolts (D2000-48), + angled head really does keep you from whacking you hands, and allows for greater mobility in tight spaces, + plastic handles are soft and comfortable yet I haven't had a tear or a hole in any of my Klein plier handles, + how Klein made a tool that is so ergonomic, yet feels the same for both right and left hands is beyond me.

Like many folks I've owned a number of pairs of "channel lock" type pliers, from Craftsman to many no-name brands. I ordered these because the price was very good, I believe $12.99 at the time. I've used them a few times now and they are easily superior to the other brands I have. The joints never slip, the teeth are very tough, and the design is great, allowing you to grip a hex-nut in the center portion of the plier. I'll probaly give away some of my other sets and just keep these. Highly recommended for the price.

These pliers are very useful to have around the house and for working on your car too! Channel Lock is a good quality brand so that's a plus. For eleven dollars for two, that's a bargain.

If you want made in the USA quality, this set has it.... heavy, beautiful design and construction. A fantasic buy for the price. Highly recommended.

End cuting pliers are one of the most useful tools on the planet. Someone needs to give them a better name, something a little sexier. I use mine mostly for pulling nails - they're the only way to go.

This is an excellent tool.

I have two sizes, but use the 8" most often. It works well to pull nails, cut wires, nibble metal, and bend, break, cut, or remove all manner of materials.

The nipper gets into tight spots to pull nails when a hammer or pry bar won't fit.

I used this tool last night. I was removing an old fireplace for a basement remodelling project. I used it to pull nails from the wooden framing. Then I cut the thick wire in the reinforced fabric ducting connected to the blower assemblies. I used it to cut the 12 gauge Romex to the blower (diag cutters or lineman's pliers may be the purist' choice-but I had this tool in hand...)Finally, I used it to bend sharp, nasty sheet metal edges into less dangerous shapes/positions when I was ready to carry the firebox outside.

I have also used it in the past to grab rounded screw heads and extract them.

Dependable tool. Frequently and successfully used. Highly recommended.

I am very pleased with the quality and craftsmanship or Channellock tools. I use several of your tools.
The delivery was very precise and just as stated for the delivery. Good Job.

Billy

These are the best cutters for cutting copper and tin coated copper cable with out flatening out the wire. I cut cable up to .5" with these and I have to braze or micro weld them together and most cutters flaten out the wire making it very diffecult to get a good weld. These cutters have a special curved cutting edge and they cut from all sides. If you work in a wire mill and run the big cable; than these are the cutters for you!

I got this because I got a good deal on it. And while I will say that it doesn't seem as refined(chunky) as a leatherman in some ways I think it is every bit as useful and durable. i love the one hand operation to get to the pliers. Awesome product! Very very happy with it.

I bought this knife knowing that it would'nt even come close to being as good as my leatherman. The first time I used it, I was amazed. I use it every day now.

Nice to use,easy on the hands, and more leverage because of the soft handle. Everbody knows VICE-GRIP brand is the best, and a very good price.

This set includes 8 soft grip pliers model numbers: 10R, 10WR, 9LN, 7LW, 7R, 7WR, 6LN, and 5WR. It also includes 2 locking clamps: 11R and 6R. They don't come with the soft grips. I'm guessing they're counting the plastic tray as the 11th peice of the set. In the printed catalog, this set is listed as an 8 peice set with two bonus locking clamps. Either way, it's the same 10 peice set with a plastic tray to put in the drawer of your tool box. By the way, the tray is about 17" x 26" x 1 1/2".

All of the pliers are solidly built and the soft grips make them feel nicer than the bare metal ones. They also provide a better grip. If you really want to, you can take the grips off by sliding them off. You can't go wrong with a good set of genuine Vise-Grips like this one.