The best pliers! Wiha vs Klein vs Knipex vs NWS
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- Опубликовано: 17 янв 2021
- Electricians pliers, diagonal cutters, lineman’s pliers, and needle nose, nws vs knipex vs Klein vs wiha
These pliers will be compared through out the video!

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Knipex linemans
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Knipex 10 inch diagonal cutters
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Wiha insulated pliers set
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Nws pliers set
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Lots of good info. This video just popped up, wasn't looking for it, but glad I watched it. I'm not an electrician, but love to do simple wiring projects around the house. Thanks, and stay safe
Thank you! Yes pliers are very essential. Glad to help!
Being a native german speaker I can positively answer you last question - your last / 4th version of pronouncing Knipex with the elongated i is the correct one :). Cheers.
Great video I like that you get to the point cover the things that need to be said and don't waste time with chit chat and the information you give is spot on
I’ve gone plier crazy lately. The other day i was adding an airline in our shop. The first piece of pipe that I threaded and was screwing into the manifold i decided to try out all of my plier brands. I got it tighter than i could with all tools using a pair of knipex cobras. I was just about to declare a champion when i noticed i had overlooked a pair. They were Klein plier wrench: slapped them babes on there and made an EASY 1/2 turn. “Hang on now” i said. I picked the cobras back up and tried with all my power to turn it about 5 times and each time they slipped. Put the kleins back on it and made another FULL TURN before it started to slip just a little and i decided the sob was plenty tight. That contradicts nearly everything ive seen on youtube.. confirms, for me, the old “don’t believe all you see on TV” saying
Great summary - already have some Knipex pliers and was looking for lineman pliers, will buy thsm
3 in 1 oil loosens up any pliers new or old . Also try the Klein tools 2000 series diagonal cutters or lineman you’ll see the difference in the cutting.
I’ve tried working in those NWS pliers and didn’t get anything. I also didn’t use them for that long either though but it’s nice that my Knipex pliers don’t take any break in period
@@americanelectrician “break in” period is arbitrary. Just oil them and put them in a vise and use recip saw to open and shut them 1000 times lol…
In my opinion each one has their own personal best I use. I use NWS needle nose for the grip. Knipex tounge and groove, dikes, and pliers wrench. Klein linesman. Only have wiha screwdrivers
Thx. Interesting. Watching from Ontario Canada
I'm impressed with your presentation, you are an honest no bullshit electrician and your opinion matters and I'm a new subscriber as a result, I'm a retired electrician
Thank you! I try to have a good product no matter what I am doing. Glad you liked it
@@americanelectrician Cheers from OZ down under
Knipex are bloody nice, especially with the comfort grip handles 🇦🇺
Dope vid man keep up the great work!
I would offer a guess that the chrome plating on your 10" NWS pliers has dulled the cutting edge vs your black oxide finish on 8" version and NWS didn't alter their dimensions for the plating on the fitment of the pivot in the handles making them stiff especially noticeable in the shorter handled versions. Your 8" version seemed to open and close well after break-in.
The red and yellow handels from wiha and knipex are 1000V Handels. I Love my Knipex 13 96 200, 86 03 250 and 8701. Wiha is good on screwdrivers
Yes they are also very comfortable. Good set of tools!
what is the part number for the knipex needle nose (chrome plate)?? I can only find polished version...Thx
This is a nice real world take. Well done and would reflect my thoughts as well. I haven’t used the NWS side of the house, but have the others. The Klein slim insulated line steps up in the handle department considerably over the heritage form and deserve a look (though they are pricier than any other others). Personally, Knipex pliers are hard to beat across the board. The strippers are about their only hole in the entire set of collections.
Thank you! I am really wanting to get my hands on a set of the Klein insulated pliers. Knipex actually just came out with a set of strippers! Check them out! www.kctoolco.com/knipex-13-72-8-forged-wire-strippers-8-multigrip?rfsn=5420034.0daa59b
Love knipex strippers myself, better than any pair I’ve ever used
I always use gun oil on my new pliers. I coat the joint with a puddle of oil and open and close then 300 times to break them in. NWS do come stiff but loosen up if broken in properly. Coating them with oil and rubbing it in to all exposed metal, gives you a great rust barrier. Be generous with application. Allow your pliers to sit for awhile looking wet. The oil needs time to soak in. You can always just wipe what you don’t want to work with.
Liquid wrench. Works better than wd40;
@@williamhaines7752 WD40 is a horrible idea on pliers unless your cleaning them. WD40 will remove the inner grease from manufacturing as it is more of a degreaser than a greaser.
@@paedahe4975
Thanks. For the heads up is liquid wrench okay is that more of solvent than a lubricant like wd40 . Can you give v a rating on spray can oils and I remember graphite was used is Yankee screw drivers
What about CRC.
CRC liquid wrench wd40 which is the best
@@williamhaines7752 Honestly, I’ve never used Liquid Wrench personally and don’t know anything about it.
@@williamhaines7752 I have an older Craftsman Yankee screwdriver/drill.
It does appear that graphite was used prior to me getting it. I need to look into Liquid Wrench.
Channellock and ideal are my favorites. Channellock is unmatched for cutting edge. Not sure why so many people sleep on them.
Channellock and ideal actually both came out with some strippers recently that I’ve been wanting to try!
Good review , awesome tools , it help me decide to try knipex ( after I lost my klein 😓) I suggest to try the new Milwaukee pliers, saludos!!!
Thank you! I want to try the new Milwaukee pliers. Glad I could help!
Pretty accurate review, especially regarding the NWS being meh. Channellocks are also very underrated IMO for electrical work. Still though, dipped handles are much better for me. It's much more difficult to "feel" the material with the overmoulded handles for me.
Thank you! I appreciate the feed back. I actually haven’t tried any of the channel lock pliers yet but I want to try their forged wire strippers. I was that way for a long time but I really enjoy the comfort grip style now
@@americanelectrician the CL cuts softer; more of a squishy feeling, easier on the hands. The lineman head is smaller so it's a bit easier to maneuver. They also have this diagonal cutter that has a longer curved jaw - terrible for cutting, exceptional for pulling staples. Yeah I saw those strippers too, haven't tried then yet. Too many tools XD.
For me klein plier is the best ive been using this klein 2 decades and this klein was been my fathers tool since 1980 and up to this day 2022 ive been using this i'm from the philippines!
That’s a long time!
@@americanelectricianyes still the lineman logo is still visible until now!
Sorry very long time reply yes the lineman logo is still there!❤for me this is my treasure tools! Thanks!
I bought the same wiha plier set and I love them but I just bought a set of knipex pliers and boy they cut great.. I switch back and forth between brands.. I like using Klein insulated and non insulated screwdrivers over everything else..
I’ve tried a lot of different pliers but Knipex give me the most consistent cuts! Wiha handles are super comfy. I need to try the insulated Klien set but the German screwdrivers fit so much better in my hand!
I have personally seen a pair of Knipex lineman's pliers that had so much lateral play that the blades did not line up and they could not cut wire. Also heard from another guy that he experienced the same with use. All comparisons of Knipex diagonal cutting pliers I have seen alongside Klein and Channellock has them in 3rd or tied for second. I will be picking up a few of their adjustable pliers, though. I think the issues you might be having with your NWS pliers could be caused by the chrome finish.
I’ve had a really good experience with all of my Knipex pliers. I also know several people who exclusively use them and have never heard anything like that. Not sure where you got them from but maybe that’s the issue. Yes the chrome finish is a possibility. Definitely takes away from the cutting
Thanks brother ever notice flex on the Knipex needle nose. I carry both but if I am wrenching on something or knocking out 1900s I prefer the Kleins. The Knipex for grabbing wire in tight spots but that’s about it.
I’ve noticed the same with NWS. The insulated variations suck!!! I’ve got the cable shears, the 45 bend needles nose and the spring loaded pistol grip pliers. I ordered those 3 online, not knowing there was a dealer close by. I liked those ok….the only reason I didn’t buy the better looking read and white no. Insulated one is because I thought the other ones where intreaded steel and would rust, but there’s treated with black oxide. I finally went into Lee valley tools and got a set of nws conras (waaay better than the knipex, they feel better in my hands, nws for these from now on) - the insulated versions aren’t locking and I got the high leverage cutters (non insulated) so happy with them. I’ll probably add straigh needle nose and another cobra to my set
I like Crescent tools specifically their 8" Pro Series Dual Material Diagonal Compound Action Cutting Pliers. the quality control isn't as good as it was on their older blue-handled version of the same. They also don't have the biggest opening.
Ck make good gear had a set of snips for a long while now and still going strong
I have heard about ck pliers. I am wanting to get a set in my hands soon!
I recently bought that same exact 8” pair of Klein cutters, so far they work pretty well. Though my 10” Channellock lineman’s cut way better, cuts through practically everything like butter with hardly any effort. The Klein cutters take a little more force, but that’s probably due to it’s shorter length.
Yes lineman’s in general cut better but yes that extra length really makes a huge difference!
Where’s the NWS pistol grip needle nose with wire striper? I just bought one and I know it’s gonna be awesome
Good review, same as i would
You earn one more Electrician subscription
Keep it up
Thank you!
If you compare the Klein & these other brands 5 or 10 years down the line, Klein has that harder tool steel and has a tendency to outlast / outperform these other pliers.
Klein's Cutting is as good as the Knipex, but they have the technology to dampen the feel of the cut as opposed to offloading the entire "Snap" to your wrist.
If you're doing work with these pliers all day, like electrical demo or pre-fab in the field you're going to really be feeling that "Snap" - it's going to give you early arthritis.
Klein has a better rivet than Knipex, once it's worn in or oiled it'll be looser than the Knipex pliers, and if you beat on them they'll be less likely to mess up. If they do, Lifetime warranty at homedepot.
Don't get me wrong, I like Knipex, I swapped from full Klein to Knipex when my friends tools got stolen. However, after 8 or 9 months with them, I just... Wanted my Klein stuff back.
I went back to Klein Linesmans (Journeyman Series), Needlenose with Strippers & Spring removed, Kept the extended handled diagonal cutters from Knipex, & their Gators.
You still feel the snap on the diagonal cutters, but I really like the high leverage design and the Klein J2000 version is way too beefy & Impractical for what I do.
The cutting surface on the knipex dykes has a great amount of wear, Idk if they're really going to last another year but when I do replace them, I'm likely to stay with them or try Channellock's high leverage version. (See Project Farms video for cutting performance.)
I feel like there is a first impression feel, and then a feel that you get after having a lot of experience on the tools.
Klein doesn't have any thing better than Kinpex.
Kinpex is Engineered and Made in Germany 🇩🇪
They know better in that field
Klein is tested by years i have klein plier and this tool is my father tool since 1980 and since then ive been using this up until now 2022 tested by time very strong great❤
@@Zombie_Longwingerthey really are the best 😹
For me, having used a selection of insulated pliers.
Longnose, Klein do it best imo, their 200mm hd long noses are built so strong, & their 175mm lighter duty ones are just perfect for panel work. Comparing them to 200mm knipex which are imo too big for light duty work, but not chunky enough for hd.
For linesman, my god I love my Fujiya 3000z-225s perfect size and weight for an electricians hammer, perfect design for pulling. I’ve used Knipex & Wihas & they just don’t come close imo.
Side cutters, again I love Fujiya, but it’s close, Knipex are solid too, as are Wiha.
Like your profishonal tool. 💐
Good stuff 👍
Thank you Alan!
Nice video. Good to know NWS pliers aren't top tools like other channels said
I have had some decent and some terrible. None even close to knipex though. Glad I could help!
@@americanelectrician The reality is that it's hard to have great craftsmanship when you have junk tools. You get what you pay for, as they say. In the case of electric tools, it is very true.
Muy buenas herramientas 👍
Mis herramientas favoritas!
honesty is good
It’s the best!
HEY.. Knipex IS sold IN THE store at Lowes. Last year I bought the so called water pump groove joint pliers, i.e. "channel locks" but soooo much better. The price was AS good or better than amazon. What Ive done, esp. last few years, I see a guy, usually a younger guy with a set of Fujiya or whomever and i ask about it, and either he offers, most of the time, hey try these out. THATs how I determine if somethings for me or not. I have what I have and there is almost no chance of me changing as Ive gone thru the ones I didnt like etc. I am willing to upgrade IF the reason is compelling.
Knipex just recently got in stores in my area, after this video was made. Also they don’t have the comfort grip handles only the dipped handles. Not 100% about prices I haven’t paid much attention to that yet. Yes I definitely can agree that’s a good way to do it! No need in wasting a good tool!
Knipex is sold in menards in my town
Nice collection dude
I appreciate it. You have quite the tool collection yourself!
😅👍👍
Nice content! Keep it up bro!
Thank you! I appreciate the support!
That's quite a collection, I use mostly NWS but they are over 10 years old now, so well worn in. I wonder if the difference in the cutting on the NWS is also to do with the type of edge. Are the non-VDE the hardened edge variety designed to cut steel as well as copper. The VDE cutters are usually softer and only designed for copper. May be you got some seconds, I have had that issue with Knipex pliers that are sold off cheap, but seem to be of a lower quality. I do have a few select Knipex and CK pliers and cutters as well. Have just brought my first pair of Klein combinations to have a play with to see what they are like.
I’m not sure if it’s the vde handle or the chrome plated feature. I’ve been wanting to do a video on that. The 10 inch diagonal cutters from nws were definitely a dud but I’m not so sure about the other set. Yes I don’t like to cut anything but copper with my diagonal cutters. For the harder stuff I used my mini bolt cutters or lineman’s
Dip those linemans in play sand and continue to work them . they will loosen. When the sand is all gone apply a little bit tool oil.
Thanks for the advice!
I feel a slight over bite when I cut with my knipex lineman pliers. Has anyone alse had that problem?
It definitely has a snap to it. Most of the German pliers do. I believe it’s to do with the way blades make contact with each other
Good video.
Thank you Samuel!
I’ve been an Aussie electrician for 50 years, I always considered 8” Crescents as the best.
Actually I still have my very first set of 6” Crescents to this day. I bought 6” ones as a mistake (I was an apprentice) , still work well though.
Crescent actually just came out with a new line of pliers to that looks pretty nice. They do make a good set of pliers!
@@americanelectrician I think at my age (63) I may have already bought my last set of pliers. I still have about 6 pairs left. Love the review although I have never heard of some of the brands.
I'm the same, cut our teeth on Crescent's and went to Knipex and absolutely love them, have 4 sets and the Crescents only get used when I need a second pair. Klein tools have never been big in Australia and personally I think they're rubbish, I picked up a pair of offset NWS pliers at Bunnings the other day at clearance sale and they are brilliant, but Knipex and WIHA are my weapons of choice now, great conversation starter
What? My co worker has a pair of crescents and if it’s laying next to my Klein’s you can bet he’s reaching for my fucking Klein’s! Little bastard
I wish to have like that Pliers,
Great pliers!
I don't really dig the German ones, they're blunt and inconsistent in build quality. Japanese Marvel pliers are the best I've used but I have some others made by Keiba coming in the mail that I'm looking forward to using.
The Klein handles have more of a curve to them, so they fit in my hand better. Compared to Knipex.
Wow what an awesome selection you have bro 🤤
Which needle nose is your favorite?
I've been looking at the Knipex, Nws & Wiha back and forth for weeks and I can't make up my mind since they're all pricey and all seem good when you just look at them.
Which is your favorite?
the only nws i like are they're fantastico diagonal cutters for everything else KNIPEX 1000%
I have used them and they are nice! I just don’t care to use them all the time with the jaw not opening too far. Knipex for me all the way!
Interesting I have Knipex, NWS and Klein and the two pliers that are always in my Blåkläders are my Felo (NWS rebrand) linesman pliers and VDE NWS Fantasticos.
If NWS is such low quality then...
Why does Felo use them for all their players needs?
Why does Klein use them for their water pump pliers?
and on and on???
Do you have the NWS E⚡️Detector that attaches to your pliers so that you’re never without a noncontact voltage tester or a flashlight and/or safety lanyard?
I wouldn’t say they don’t make quality pliers. The brands listed here are all top notch brands. I would however say that they have quality control issues meaning there are pliers that slip through with defects in them. In the handles or in the cutting edge. My 8 inch pair of diagonal cutters from NWS was great. Also NWS does a lot of re-branding. I am not sure why but they re-brand for almost everyone. Including Milwaukee overseas and Irwin here in America. Plus dozens of other companies in Europe. Knipex makes a great plier but you see no rebranding anywhere, so does this mean that they aren’t good because of it? Or does it mean that they’re not willing to put someone else’s name on it like NWS. I do have the E detector on my 8 inch pliers but I always keep a voltage detector with me at all times
@@americanelectrician what new market opportunity would rebranding bring Knipex, the number one selling pliers in the world?
I’m sorry you don’t understand crony capitalism, and how difficult it is to enter new markets.
Have you ever asked yourself why we as Americans can’t buy in a regular retail environment
Knipex #1 brand of pliers in the world?
Metabo #1 name of metal working powered hand tools in the world?
Mafell #1 name of wood working powered hand tools in the world?
So do you believe that the big box store weather it’s orange or blue sells you the best tools at the best prices OR do they sell you tools by the companies that stroke them largest checks for their consignment spaces and brand exclusivity?
@Mark Is this what you do when you want to have a discussion with someone is that you think you get to determine the scope of the conversation so that it fits your viewpoint and Strawman folks?
@Mark No, the opinion that you just expressed for me saying that my opinion is contradictory is that of the guy who runs this channel, that Knipex is so good that they don’t need to rebrand. My point is that it’s so difficult to get into markets that you already aren’t in that re-branding is the marketing technique that NWS has gone with, and it has them being sold at home improvement centers and tool trucks here in America when the only place that I know that is a brick and mortar store that is local to me to pick up a pair of Knipex pliers and they have an extraordinarily limited selection is at Rexel.
Knipex is beast
Knipex is definitely the way to go for me. Great quality tools!
O Klein é meu sonho de consumo pena que não posso compra-lo
I am VERY disappointed in the quality of all of the Klein pliers I have bought lately. My Klein combo strippers lasted me a month’s worth of A/V, alarm and networking use before the cutting edges became rounded; my flush cuts lasted the same amount of time before they couldn’t cut even a zip tie. There’s no comparison between the quality of Wiha or Knipex and Klein for me.
Knipex are the best!
@@htr5372 Yep
@@htr5372 Because it's called an opinion!
What the hell happened to channellock they better than any klien bs
Wera
👍
Thank you Diego!
I never used kniplex. But used with satisfaction Klein channel lock and the Doyle and quin from harbor freight . I encountered a similar quality. Control issue with the harbor freight Pittsburg line of dikes the 6 inch was better than the 8 inch dikes
Ideal which is obtained from electrical supply stores. Is also useable Stanley and craftsman. Was barely above harbour freight Doyle and quin which Doyle and quin will do but never be as top notch as Klein
Why buy cheap junk
@@RsFrag3d
In a pinch or back up ie Spare pair !! I. Have two klien dikes (one heavy duty) one channel lock back ups. One Doyle one. Quin Lineman's. One channel lock one klien and back ups one Doyle one Quin . Screw. Drivers are. Mostly Pittsburgh cheap but they will do. I have variety Of brands in my tool boxes!
@@htr5372 in a pinch means useable when you are short on cash not the best of course but.certainlly Adequate . I was going by personal experience which will of course differ from person to person ,not reputation but actual experience!!
Willing to give any away???
thanks for the info budy, but that is not available in Philippines im an electrician for 30 years but i never touch the sets of nws, can you be kind enough to send me those 2 side cutters, a long nose and pliers ? i will be the most happies electrician in the world. thanks.
I can’t do it. Maybe one day
@@americanelectrician ok i understand thanks again.
I can see you've never used those Knipex Kleins as a hammer
Klein electricians pliers I bought ,I don't rate, lubricated them, sat for hours opening and closing and they are far to stiff for daily use.
Not onlt that, the muoilding lines betwen the insulation cours are quite sharp and as they are not spring operated the sharp areas are quite agressive on the back of first two fingers when opening.....Knipex, no problems. Bahco, no problems. Nws ,No problems, CK, no problems, Wiha, no problems, Draper Expert, no problems..no more Klein for me I'm afraid
I totally agree with you there. They do loosen up but it takes forever and it’s painful to do. It shouldn’t take that long if at all. I’m not a huge nws fan but I’ve been wanting to try some CK pliers soon
@@americanelectrician Exactly...should be no need to waste time and skin.
Check out Knipex 5-1 installation pliers 5211F with the lock function to keep them closed in a pouch.
@@allanroyle7622 they are wonderful. I actually just got my pair of Knipex wire strippers with the strip and lock on it!
@@americanelectrician Perhaps using them as a hammer from time to time will loosen them up.
Klien or klein 😉
Good catch 😂 dyslexia will sneak up on ya
@@americanelectrician you're welcome
sir i need plier..can you give one i like your plier....its my address..phase 2 tampok,hagonoy,bulacan..philippines
Sky is the limit
Yessir! Thank you!
The klain tools have a set that is not really that expensive that is 1000v and believe me klein tools will outlast all the other tools for years to come, i still have some my friend have from 4 generations of electrician about a 100 years old and still work better than one other tools, and gess what lifetime warranty.
Missing old brands like Elora, Snap-on, Belcher, Gedore.
We don’t have any Elora or belcher tools. Snap on is good but they’re super over priced and not electrical tools. I have some Gedore tools and have nog been impressed
@@americanelectrician Was just getting some nostalgic feeling when i watched your vid :). The old gedore manufacturer was far better than nowadays. Great vid. Knipex user for life here btw.
Knipex. If your into serious tools that is.
Knipex all the way for me!
Klein all the way.
nws 200 mm is best ....
I wasn’t a huge fan but may have had a bad batch
Put WD4O and break them in, open and close one evening and your good :D thats what i do
👍👍🌹🌹
NWS tools are nowhere near the level Knipex and Wiha are on
The k is silent in the knipex
Ha! I said the same and lost that bet! See below:
ruclips.net/video/4OWs7a9jww8/видео.html
Nope, It's a German company, and it's Kuh-nipex, not silent
I thought the same thing for so long!
Go to the Knipex RUclips channel and listen to how they pronounce it.
@@toddwest6711 right on ! From one Tod to another. Spelled different pronounced the same. 😆
I wish to have like that Pliers,
Great pliers!