Battle of the Lineman’s pliers! Knipex vs Klein! USA vs Germany! Who wins?

These are the two best lineman pliers you can buy. Which ones are better?

[sbra]

The flex in the handles is on purpose. They temper the handles to reduce shock when cutting hard or large stuff.

[msclecarcrzy]

I'm a 30+ year hvac service tech and I have always used klein linesmans. The only time I had to replace them is when I cut into a hot wire! I also use them as a hammer! Just turn them over to the flat side and hammer away. Great pliers

[ErickChinoC]

i still use my klein lineman that i biught 24 years ago! still sharp, still strong! love klein lineman!

[jackof]

Technically Germany wins at both…Klein was a German immigrant 😂

[fvahamonde]

Klein 2000s are undefeated. The orange double dipped handle have always been my favorite. Best in hand.

[BigBear--]

Just FYI, the Klein you have there have a New England style head, that's why they're a little thicker with those bulging rounded sections. Those are part number HD2000-9NE. You need to understand their part coding system for it to make sense. Basically the letters before the numbers mean the type of handle finish, you have D - Dipped, HD - Double Dipped, J - Journeyman, and a few others (electrically insulated, and high visibility glow in the dark). The numbers immediately after designate the series and/or steel type, in this case its the 2000 series, their heavy duty hardened head and extra hardened knives. The last number is the length of tool, in this case 9 inches. Finally the letters after the last number designate any special features or variants (in this case NE for New England style head).

New England style heads are made so that they're able to ream conduit piping. Klein offers pliers with regular, non-New England, straighter style heads as well as some other styles. Not all styles are available in every series type, handle type, or feature type.

[ianstools]

Awesome video! Really enjoyed this one.

[caffeinatedinsanity]

I don't own any of these two pliers, but I have a Channelock one. I hear they're also well appreciated along the Kleins and Knipex.

[jwdory]

I have a set of Kleins in my rough in bag and a set of Knipex in my finish bag. Both are great.

[jackhammer]

The HD in the product name for the Kleins stands for heavy dip. I used to think it was heavy duty

[qzetu]

This is probably the third comparison video I have watched on these two pliers. Klein is apparently the favorite, and I have to agree. I like refined tools but being an American, I just prefer the rugged tough look and feel a bit more. Plus, these Klein lineman's don't have as much vibration when cutting.

[frankcolletti]

How would you compare the Kleins to Snap On Linesman pliers

[JuanNOnly]

Should have twisted wire and made joints, take out some knockouts and try turning some bolts heads, THEN judge them. I think judging the pliers based off of purely their cutting power isn’t fair to either one.

[JohnLennon-ygut]

Klein has been in DEKLEIN as of late. I’ve been slowly transferring all my old beat up Kleins to knipex.

[deedeeramone]

I have both, I agree the Klein feels more “rugged” and heavier. However, the Knipex feels better in my hands, which aren’t incredibly large.

[charlesross]

USA all the way bud...but have to say, if u dont go wit Klein than knipex is the way to go...i recently got the Milwaukee linesmens and im actually pretty impressed...they are all good is wat im saying i guess...great vid bud 👍👍

[TrueNature-xw]

These pliers are good. Their pliers are sharp. I am an Indian and here the pliers of Tata and Taparia company are considered good. Actually their cutters are sharp and strong. I wanted to buy pliers of a German company but their price is very high compared to Indian pliers. It is madness to buy expensive pliers when Indian pliers are of good quality.

[AToolWithTools]

Only company I've seen do some real aggressive laser etching is Wilde. However they don't make their own linesman pliers so it's a gamble on if those would feature it. But their angle nose pliers it is deep and sharp and very well done.

On the Knipex it does indeed appear forged in.

[eriklarsson]

Excellent tool review, appreciate you sharing.

PS


Colonial Germans/Klein (family owned) VS Fatherland Germans/Knipex (family owned)

I'm torn. I think that Knipex would be more comfortable for your wrist using it all day long, but the Klein has a bit more weight too it, which would make it more comfortable cutting with all day long, Klein less easy on your wrist but easier for your fingers and vice versa for the Knipex. Hope this made sense I'm not a native English speaker.

All the best.

[mauriciocampuzano]

So i own both and they’re both best of the best, knipex are sharp and lightweight, kleins are sharp a bit more heavy but they absorb pressure when cutting, Both these rust pretty bad but in my opinion i feel like the metal material in my Kleins will outlast my Knipex.