Channellock, Klein or Knipex?
- Thread starter chili_pepper
- Start date
I buy whatever is on sale.
So I've got all three of them
So I've got all three of them
Knipex all the way. I have smashed my fingers between the channel locks so many times. The knipex handles don’t come together all the way and smash your fingers.
Even though the knipex handles are thinner and lighter I’ve never broken them cranking down hard.
Even though the knipex handles are thinner and lighter I’ve never broken them cranking down hard.
I like Knipex , but have used Channys for decades , not really an issue on pinching if your thinking at all . Kleins only mean the best linesman sidecutter pliers to me . Let us know what you get .
Agree. I have them all. All decent quality and all have their place. I have a couple of Klein tools (9" Lineman pliers and 8" diagonal cutters) that are over 40 years old and I have used and occasionally abused them consistently since they were new. I'm still happy with them and use them regularly. And they still make the same ones today.
For channel locks I have 3 Milwaukees, no complaints.
I really like the few Klein tools/pliers I have. I also just recently picked up a knipex snap ring plier and the quality feels great.
I really like the few Klein tools/pliers I have. I also just recently picked up a knipex snap ring plier and the quality feels great.
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
Knipex Cobras are really nice. I have their small 5 inch (I think) that I carry in my pocket at work. I have a 7-1/4 inch at home. Someday I’ll get one of their larger ones. I also have a couple larger Channellocks that I have no issues with. The Cobras are a step above though.
I've got series of four blue handled adjustables I've had for decades as well as a pair of end cutters and angled side cutters. All are still functional, though both cutters have nicked/chipped cutting edges at this point.
I've got one pair of Knipex ear clamp pliers and, while specialty, they worked like a charm (and I was glad I went for the dual jaw version as well).
Even when I worked in the body shop business, I never had a decent pair of combo pliers or a good variety set of needle nose. Somehow I've managed to get by with very few less-than-quality tools in this area, and I decided while reorganizing the tool chest tonight it was about time I rectified this situation. I've also been getting by with what amounts to a half-assed solution to any snap rings or circlips I might encounter. Given I'd like to refresh all of Tessie's u-joints in the near future, thinking I might want to address this as well.
I could have compared brands all night but decided to go all in on some Knipex gear. Starting out with an assortment of four 8" needle nose and a combo, all seemed to have really high reviews (and free returns, should I have issues), we shall see. If those work I've got a TwinGrip on the list and I might consider replacing the aforementioned damaged (but serviceable) Channellock cutters. Also, they've got a rather nice set of extended nose hog ring pliers, if I end up doing my seat back foam, I just might be having them.
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Sounds very reasonable , post photos when you get them .
TNHEADDUCK
TJ Enthusiast
I like the Knipex side cutters/diagonals and the bolt cutters, its hard to beat Snap-On for all of my other pliers needs. It was a plus having them come to me before I retired.
Mine are mostly inherited from my late father, back in the days when Channel Lok was a brand name, Klein meant lineman's pliers with side cutter (he called that type "Kleins" all his life, regardless of brand). I'm not at all familiar with Knipex - looking at them online, they look nice!
"Vice-Grips" - I prefer "Lever-Wrench", a brand no longer made, although its my understanding that "someone else" took over the design. They're less fiddly than the regular style locking pliers. You still have to fiddle with the tension a bit, but not as much as the size adjustment on the usual type. "Stop Screwing Around" was Lever-Wrench's sales gimmick back in the day.
"Vice-Grips" - I prefer "Lever-Wrench", a brand no longer made, although its my understanding that "someone else" took over the design. They're less fiddly than the regular style locking pliers. You still have to fiddle with the tension a bit, but not as much as the size adjustment on the usual type. "Stop Screwing Around" was Lever-Wrench's sales gimmick back in the day.
Pleased with the quality on initial inspection, time will tell on durability. The feeling in the hand was enough to commit to purchasing a few more items, due in tomorrow.
The lineman side cutter pliers don't look as good as Kleins . everything else looks good .
Enjoy the new tools !
That may well be, though they're combo pliers so a slightly different style jaw. Given the incredibly shit pair I've currently got (marked Stanley), these should serve well.
Currently milling over snap/retaining ring pliers options...
What tool?
9/10 of my electrical tools are Klein because they are the best and made in the USA.
Most of my pump pliers are Channellock but for a few random Klein, knipex and craftsman (from my previous life), but my go to’s at work are Channellock 420’s. Fit in the hand perfectly and are well worn in.
Power tools? Milwaukee
9/10 of my electrical tools are Klein because they are the best and made in the USA.
Most of my pump pliers are Channellock but for a few random Klein, knipex and craftsman (from my previous life), but my go to’s at work are Channellock 420’s. Fit in the hand perfectly and are well worn in.
Power tools? Milwaukee
What tool?
9/10 of my electrical tools are Klein because they are the best and made in the USA.
Most of my pump pliers are Channellock but for a few random Klein, knipex and craftsman (from my previous life), but my go to’s at work are Channellock 420’s. Fit in the hand perfectly and are well worn in.
Power tools? Milwaukee
The Knipex lineman's is a much nicer pliers than Klein.
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