Battle of diagonal cutters: Knipex vs. Klein vs. Channellock. German vs. American tools review.

[@markmoreno7295]

I could be wrong, but if a pair of cutters are hardened, then you do not want the sharpened edges to come in contact. As a blacksmith the same is true of my guillotine tool. A tiny gap is preferable. This means 3 things, 1) the edges last longer, 2) rope cannot be cut all the way through due to the small size of fibers, 3) fine wire cannot be cut if smaller in gauge than the gap. An alternative is to have the edges just barely meet. Difficult and hard to maintain quality control. In any case over time a gap appears as the edges wear.

[@L5man]

Thanks. Was going to get the Milwaukee. Just ordered the Channellock. Good work on the testing. Convinced me. Subscribed. You can be the next Project Farm.

[@russiansparky4194]

Thanks! I love the Project Farm - those reviews are awesome.

[@GunGuy258]

Channellock is the best. Their Linemns Pliers are amazing. Cut buttery smooth and have good weight to them for hammering too.

[@tywild9328]

Just picked up a pair of channel lock cutters after losing my kliens on a job site. Very pleased with how well they cut. Not sure why I slept on channel lock so long but I am glad I made this purchase. (I bought of pair of those Milwaukee cutters a while back and I quickly regretted it, I work with coax cable and they had a hard time with the steel messenger for aerial lines.

[@ObiwanNekody]

Channellock pliers are still made in the same town in Pennsylvania they were founded in even. They have a very large sign stating that they plan to stay there also. (Note that they do import many of their not pliers tools tho.)

[@ashercohen5034]

Bought the same Knipex two years ago, used occasionally and now have a gap, unusable anymore. Ended up with Klien D2000-7CST and D248-9ST.

[@russiansparky4194]

I'll tell you, Klein has never let me down.

[@malcomlee7290]

“In real life we drive nails with these” I know your really in the trades! I have the Milwaukee’s, and the 8” soft Klein’s. I liked my Milwaukee until I got my Klein’s and saw the difference! Good video straight to the point testing, Real life abuse. Keep it up. I am a tin banger but I’m a “tool nerd” so I always talk tools with the Sparkys!

[@russiansparky4194]

Thanks bud! Glad you liked the vid

[@ObiwanNekody]

Milwaukee isn't only made in China, but the brand is owned by a Chinese company and has been for a while.

[@linkstale]

im over here thinking knipex is untouchable but now its like channel locks might be my go to

[@GunGuy258]

They make the best Linemans Pliers too. My favorite, go to. Project Farm tested and scored right on top.

[@xiantor]

nice review men, I was thinking about buying the knipex but now I'm leaning toward the Klein

[@Drewby98]

I have used many pairs of diagonal cutters and have not found a pair that cuts better than those channellocks. They are a cheaper metal and wear out faster than most but even when the edges become dull/dented they still cut very easy, just not as clean. Klein and knipex will probably last longer but when it comes to a pair of diagonal cutters, channellocks are my favorite, especially being much less expensive than the competition.

[@muddyriverdogz]

The Klein heavy duty are better.

[@mandapalque]

I really appreciate the information showed in this video.

[@grahamhere3790]

Great comparison man. I have a pair of those Channellock side cutters and two pairs of their needle nose pliers. Go Channellock!

[@harveysmith100]

Send those Knipex back to Knipex, they like to look at any product that has failed. They normally send you a replacement.

[@russiansparky4194]

I emailed Knipex USA and they gave me nothing but hassle - they told me to work with the seller. Way to stand by your product, guys... I realize that they have a guest field disadvantage in the US, but that's a reason to try harder, IMO.

[@franciscoluna9596]

@@russiansparky4194 How in the world a company with that reputation and quality standards let a flawed tool like that leave their factory?????wow!

[@andrewsalazar98]

I bought my first Knipex tool a few months back and they came out of the box just like in this video

[@ЭлектроСафоново]

А я слышу-голос знакомый. Заур,с Наступающим 2023 !!

[@russiansparky4194]

)) Спасибо, взаимно!

[@uncledoug9999]

Are you able to add snap-on to your comparisons? American made, very expensive, but any good? Also, I would like to know how hard are the new pliers arevto open and close. I bought a bunch of snap on pliers and returned them because they don't open and close easy. They said they need to be stiff in order to last a longtime, but i want them to operate without having to break them in. Am I asking too much? Thank you for the great videos!

[@MrRubenrivera9649]

Hey compadre I have the Kleins and Milwaukees. The Milwaukee comes close to the Kleins and work good for what they are. I have channellocks and are the same as the Kleins. (To me). I can't afford the knipex but I tried a friend's knipex and they are good for what they are and kinda pricey. Good video gracias bro

[@DanteDiamonte]

Thanks for actually testing the tools

[@kpehgejlb4674]

Hi. How have toy been doing during this time? Thanks for the video! Kinda surprised by the german tool. I thought it would be better quality.

[@Gruntled2001]

Василий, happy to see you, my friend! Вот тебе, как одному из самых старых моих подписчиков: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWKbia1paph9fNE

[@edgarbrambila1563]

Excelente video sin duda cada pinza ofrece pro y contras

[@russiansparky4194]

Thank you!!

[@starobinful]

What about japanese brands ? Fujiya for example ? Thanks

[@russiansparky4194]

If they make 9.5" (240mm) pliers, sure. I didn't think any Japanese manufacturer made those. This comparison has to be apples-to-apples.

[@starobinful]

Do you know any good japaneese brands ? I have got olden model Of Channellock pliers that are not made anymore. I think they are old school can put any pliers aside. Also I know there are some England made pliers that are also excellent. I even used to have one from Russia ( USSR quality made pliers :)) ) They were cool with wire cutting or nail cutting hole on top of sides I am sure u know them too ;)

[@starobinful]

I am looking for this model and can not find anywhere www.galco.com/buy/Ideal-Industries/30-425

[@russiansparky4194]

@@starobinful Apparently, Ideal discontinued it, and everybody's mad about it

[@starobinful]

Oh so you know them ? Did you use those ideal ? I have got an old model and like it .

[@floridafyme]

For what they cost, Knipex should be perfect.

[@KenFung]

Because his "rope cut test" is not a engineering standard for manufacturing side cutters. Read Knipex FAQ you will see all kinds of mythbrusted.

[@LawAbidingCitizen117]

@@KenFung But, the edges on the Knipex did wear out more than the Klein as shown in the video.

[@anthonymarino4260]

just bought 2 channels locks. bought some china ones sent those back great review

[@aYouTubeUsername69]

Great video man. My Knipex have a harder time cutting mc cable than the Kleins and I didn't know why bc I thought surely the Knipex were superior quality. Whats your take on Knipex vs Channellock pliers?

[@russiansparky4194]

Thanks man. I made a separate video on lineman's pliers - check it out on my channel. All in all, Channellocks cut easier and smoother at first, but over time the cutting surfaces suffer a bit more than Kleins when cutting harder metal.

[@aYouTubeUsername69]

@@russiansparky4194 sorry I should've been more specific, I meant tongue and groove pliers. A lot of people seem to like the Knipex Cobras but I wasn't sure if they were really any better than the channellocks.

[@russiansparky4194]

​@@aKZbinUsername69 Aaaa, got you... Funny you should say. Just like when people call lineman's pliers generically "Kleins", as in "pass me your Kleins", around my neck of the woods they call those wrenches (BTW, they patented that design first) "channellocks". Reason why other companies can make tong and groove pliers now, just like why other companies can imitate Knipex cobra's jaws and button-actuated moving joint, is that the patent on both designs ran out, which means it's a free game now. Here's my take on it: Cobra's strong point is its death grip, although the teeth wear out and the grip is not as strong after some time of intensive use. Now, a company such as Channellock or Klein would replace such a tool under warranty, no questions asked, at least in the US. Knipex are 'ninnies" about their warranty. They don't cover "natural wear and tear", yet they charge more. I'd say this: 99 out of 100 times, Channellocks will do the job as well as Knipex. That 1 time Cobra might have a slight edge of a stronger grip, but the price differential is not worth it to me. The compromise, I suppose, would be to use Channellocks most of the time and warranty them as they wear out, and to keep Cobras for those rare occasions when you need the extra grip. By the way, Channellock started making the cobra jaw design pliers, too, but I still like the classic ones.

[@aYouTubeUsername69]

@@russiansparky4194 thanks for the reply man, looking forward to the next video!

[@jeangadoury932]

I have to reply to this. I keep buying Knipex diagonal cutters and I am not sure they are actually worth the price considering the force required to cut larger cable assemblies, but I like the 10" model, the finish is incredible, the cuts are really tidy, and I actually have never been so far as to damage the blades via cutting, so I keep buying them every time I blow them up. That being said, I think my next pair will be just the good ol' Klein's in the largest form factor I can find (9"?) The reason I had to reply, of course, is to say that Knipex Cobras, bar none, are exceptional tools that vastly beat out the competition. It's their flagship, and despite all of the imitators, no one has manufactured anything of like quality or function for that matter. I have yet to see a replica that curves the grooves for better fit. And Knipex makes all kinds of variations of these pliers for specific purpose, from Alligators to Raptors. I use them every single day. Grip is incredible, adjustments are precise and a one-hand operation, the tool is light, and those jaws NEVER dull, but beware that they can really chew up things if they aren't adjusted well. They really, really grip. Same three pairs for 5 years, and they grip just as hard as the day I bought them. I've owned Irwin's in the same style, all manner of traditional tongue and grooves, Klein's cobra style pump pliers, NWS, Crescent, Channellocks, Milwaukee. Forget them all, I've trashed all but the Irwin's and I use those as a long handle to wrap rope around for long wire pulls. I cannot recommend the Cobras enough. They are worth every cent. If you're looking for diagonal pliers, you may want to look elsewhere if you're not looking for something long to fit your large hands. I'd bring up leverage but I am sure you can get easier cuts off an 8" Klein than 10" Knipex.

[@m-rezaabazar-ghafari8757]

Thank you for your wonderful review. Love your pure American accent, remind me about George W. bush, my dream English accent. How ever your Knipe= little cutter (Knipex, 😉) is a defective one, robots use to sharpen them after induction hardening and they must have been out of calibration regardless what every one tells, I have a tool collection of almost all of most known manufactures and my knipex collection (two at least of every model cutters has zero defection like yours have got, not to mention the hardening seems to be one south side with it???? you really should send it to knipex factory in Germany and ask them to reconsider it. How ever every each of them as you know already, has been designed for different hardened material to be cut, yours indicate piano wire 2.5 mm something to keep in mind. lovely review thanks.

[@jordanadams5902]

what a weird way to test these tools by not doing a single test of what they're designed to do

[@Gruntled2001]

Yeah, I hear you. This is specifically to test the metal strength. Ergonomics would be another good test, but that's subjective. If you have suggestions for how to specifically make these tests better let me know. I am no Project Farm, but I try.

[@Ibonic]

If you're using my Knipex cutters to cut rope and you don't have a knife on you, don't come back to my job site. Right tool for the right job.

[@ibrazeau3044]

I used to use channellocks and they dulled out over time. Just wear and tear. I now have the 10" knipex, I bat them as much as the channellocks, they are good. Prefer the knipex because of the longer handle length. Time will tell but to date I am not disappointed.

[@muddyriverdogz]

The Klein heavy duty are the best in my opinion.

[@patrickhdsn]

Just picked up the same pair of knipex and I have the same issue. Gap between cutting surfaces, they're dull, and there's even chipping in places...wtf

[@ayrplanes]

Right to the main issues. Nice review! In my experience klein has better steel. Channelock has the best feel but softer steel. Knipex and Milwaukee are good if you only do soft metals. The blue Kleins are my favorite - do anything!

[@Ibonic]

I've used my Knipex to cut farmers wire, 16ga galvanized steel nails, mild steel, and medium hardness steel. Never had a problem out of them. Broke my Klein's while cutting the same types of materials. I understand that every tool has it's purpose, but I was in a pinch and needed to clip a 16ga nail and it broke the jaw off the Klein's. I do, however, realize that every tool can have a defective unit... maybe I just got a bad one.

[@pablopopovich1762]

Good video! I haven’t had good luck with klein but channellock never disappoints.

[@leekazuya1305]

greetings from Canada, I would say Channelocks cuts small fibers the best, so I use them for smaller gauge cables with strings in them (FA stuff or networking stuff), however, if I am doing distribution, house wiring, or any 14 gauge and up, I have a pair old kleins I bought from Facebook, pretty sure the guy bought it during the 80s and took good care of it lol, it's perfect for 14 AWG up to even 6 awg sometimes, anything after I use cable shear, although, I really don't know why, even my friends brand new top of the line J-man 2000 series induction harden side cutter (lol the marketing name on these tools are ridiculous) just does not cut fiber the way the dam Channellock do? Does anyone know why?

[@russiansparky4194]

I will tell you what is different about Channellocks: They are sharpened anvil-style, where one jaw is sharp ("hammer"), and the other one is the "anvil" - it's dull, and it is used by the "hammer" jaw to cut the material against. I am not a materials scientist, so I can't tell you why that works better for fiber, but that is definitely what is different about those pliers.

[@Orionpax1218]

i haven't tried knipex,channelock and milwaukee because of it highprice in my country,but crescent lineman's plier 8" is good for me,been using it since 2016

[@milwaukee_69]

I have the Klein, milwaukee, channellocks but not the knipex (to expensive) gracias my friend good video.

[@moses84hickory]

You supposed to use the correct tool for the job at hand. Side cutters are not for cutting bolts or screws. They have small bolt cutters for bolts. I have pretty much have all knipex, kliens, gedore and wera. Considering tools can be a significant investment you should not use the wrong tool for the task. I would never use diags to cut bolts not even in a pinch. I would have the correct tool at hand on the job.

[@msclecarcrzy]

Hard to beat Klein hand tools! They aren't cheap but of good quality. I did buy a pair of Klein pump pliers and they say made in Germany. Great pliers so far...

[@andrewsalazar98]

I believe their pump pliers are made by NWS

[@andrewsalazar98]

Please review Tekton lineman’s pliers. They’re incredible for the price plus their warranty is amazing.

[@Ibonic]

I broke mine, they don't seem to be as tough as my Knipex, but that being said... their return policy is the BEST I've ever experienced.

[@KunalVaidya]

Thanks for the video and step-by-step comparison. Knipex results seemed really weird to me as I have watched many videos on knipex as I was trying to explore buying them and they have been performing great in many videos. but as you said, ideally even one bad piece shouldn't escape into customers hands if each is individually tested.

[@KunalVaidya]

Knipex is supposed to be easy no questions asked lifetime warrantee so you could get a replacement

[@russiansparky4194]

@@KunalVaidya They were really difficult about warranty. Maybe because I was contacting the office in the US, not the "mother ship" in Germany, but they gave me all sorts of runaround, such as asking me to work with the vendor where I bought the tool. On those grounds alone, another -10 points to Knipex...

[@KunalVaidya]

@@russiansparky4194 Sorry to hear this experience. Thanks for sharing. Ease and friendliness is extra important when we have trouble with their products. everyone can be nice while trying to sell but only the vendors who help in difficult situation are trustworthy for future.

[@Ibonic]

Any brand can have some defective units. If every company had a "no errors" policy, every company would fail. There are some unseen errors as well that you can't necessarily see unless you USE the tool, or torture test the tools; such errors are internal cracks within the forged material. This being said, it's expected on any tool, yes... even premium tools aren't perfect... Shocker...

[@dusanmilojevic3017]

Never have such problems with my Knipex pliers and here (Europe) we use pliers with two component handles.Comon length of cutting pliers are 160mm-180mm,combination pliers 180mm-200mm.

[@barnaclebill1615]

Nice comparison, thanks

[@PiKei-s8z]

Thank you very much, it was very interesting to watch, and tools were properly tested.

[@josephlinares96]

Did you send back the knipex ?

[@Gruntled2001]

This is what pissed me off about Knipex: I was trying to follow the process and contacted Knipex USA for a warranty replacement. They told me to just return it to the seller, thus making seller pay the return costs, etc. I realize that there may be an agreement, etc., but for Klein and Channellock it would have been simple: Walk into a store that sells them and ask for a replacement.

[@P_steez]

Your voice and mannerisms reminds me of Dr. King Schultz, incredible analysis!

[@russiansparky4194]

Thank you!

[@P_steez]

@@russiansparky4194 I hope you start to make and upload videos again soon!

[@chrisampere]

Thanks man. I am a fan.

[@java2894]

Whats the size of the channelock 7,or8”?

[@Gruntled2001]

They are all 8" in this test, to make it fair across the board.

[@mskulls83]

i bought Knipex lineman's, the cutters in this vid and long nose. My side cutter spits hairs, the lineman's deformed after the first use.. i think its a quality control thing...

[@ivlexx]

Thanks

[@justinkase1360]

Great video and straight to the point. I'm buying dykes right now, thanks!

[@russiansparky4194]

Thanks bud - Happy New Year!

[@robertrada6040]

A tool polisher, myself, I decided to collect all of my linesman's and do ye ol' light test. 3 Kleins, 1 Knipex, 1 Ideal/Western Forge, 1 Channellock and 2 Snap-Ons. In my case, Knipex was the only one that didn't pass light. One of the Kleins I just received brand new and it had chips in it. The other two were more typical where they made a v shape (meeting at the pivot point but not on the far end). Channellock was a mess and the Snap-Ons were all over the place (which pretty much also describes the QC out of their factory).

[@smartcookie3500]

Thank you for an honest review. So many others are biased for the German tools. I use American brands but have been researching the German tools, I do use Wiha screwdrivers though, they are good.

[@smartcookie3500]

Also the channellock have the rivet closer to the jaws so they use less force for cutting.

[@Gruntled2001]

Yes! Wiha screwdrivers are good. Haven't tried their pliers.

[@couldntthinkofagoodnamesoi8357]

Wera screwdrivers are also very good. I like the Wiha's precision drivers.

[@MarzNet256]

Truly excellent analysis. Subscribed.

[@russiansparky4194]

Thanks!

[@junfengjiang1849]

74 01 200 is more like a "wire cutter" instead of a "bolt cutter". The high hardness(64 HRC) combined with sharp edge is not designed for cutting these stuff. Try 71 01 200, it's the proper "bolt cutter" from knipex, it might blow you mind. In my stereotype, US made are "tough", Germanay made are "precise", Japan made are "sharp". I'm almost sure no japanese diagnal cutter can survive your test but they do feel sharp.

[@crypto118]

Go Channellock!

[@midas3345]

“You know what, in real life, we drive nails with these”

[@AlexanderMason1]

The Milwaukee’s are not a “high leverage design like the other tools. That explains why they don’t cut as easily.

[@milwaukee_69]

The new milwaukee pliers are made in the United States of America 🇺🇸 and are awesome.

[@mikenormandy9250]

And I would DEF send those Knipex's back to where they came from...It is def a defect, as those blades should NOT have ANY gap between them! Bet you they will send you a FREE pair!

[@russiansparky4194]

Knipex USA gave me nothing but hassle and runaround - they told me to work with the seller. They refused to deal with me directly.

[@michaelmathers6739]

Great job you are real world like joe blow using tools in the field

[@AlexanderMason1]

My Knipex cutters have no gap. My Klein’s do. Interesting. I guess it has to do with qc.

[@Jaredcouture12676]

I bet all of them suck after cutting a hot wire 🤣 Never fails. Every time I buy a set. Couple weeks later I have a hole. Then never again till I buy a new pair. Might just start filing down all the old ones and using them to strip and cut. 🤷🏻‍♂️ It’s a perfect 10,12 or 14 gauge hole most of the time.

[@bradunderhill157]

Loved the video I subscribed because you saved me time hahaha 🤣 thanks man!

[@russiansparky4194]

Welcome! :)

[@victorgonzalez-tr4su]

well done , thank u.

[@noahmckay4910]

The Milwaukee and knipex have different blades than the kleins!! they meet edge to edge rather than overlapping like the Klein’s do

[@noahmckay4910]

That’s why there is a gap until you squeeze the handles

[@noahmckay4910]

And also why they suck

[@abinam2255]

WOW - so scientific! Every squeeze is different and subjective, that's why in testing laboratories there are machines to do the pressing/squeezing to avoid subjectivity. A complee waste of time!

[@joseepifaniogomes1843]

Meu sonho de consumo pena que não posso comprar.

[@LynnJynh9315]

My experience as well. Knipex's the best channellock pliers, but Klein's the best dikes.

[@roncooke2188]

Good video I found knipex a load of crap the handle sleeves come loose and forever pushing back, the guy who supplied them no help

[@Elektromontazh_Smolensk]

Заурчик день добрый. Это бомба.

[@ajvanz5286]

9.5inch channellocks change lives. the rest on market dont even compare

It’s like comparing American cars to European cars ,rich Americans drive European cars rich Europeans don’t drive American cars The decision has been made for you

[@russiansparky4194]

Forgive me, but I don't follow. The analogy breaks at the fact that the Americans do NOT use Knipex electrician pliers or sidecutters any more than the Europeans use American hand tools. Either region's hand tools have very little share on the other region/country (if we are talking USA vs Germany) market.

[@jasonwheeler1818]

Klein all the way

[@MrBrabus79]

Приветствую вас!!! Спасибо вам большое за вашу работу.

[@charliefabian7345]

Channelocks only last a month after that they are junk

[@chriswebb3018]

I bought the milfucky cutters just to try and found there only good for copper, anything else there junk

[@ramonalvarado7712]

That’s what they are made for......

[@xXxDEMANJENIYAxXx]

Fake knipex that is lol

[@tampamax7633]

How can you tell

[@russiansparky4194]

Naw - bought it from an official Knipex dealer here in the US

[@nickshowsstuff435]

In the US we say “nipex” when you’re pronounce it with that K it just sounds stupid. Yeah might be the proper way but sounds stupid. Merica🇺🇸

[@Gruntled2001]

Knipex video marketing materials made for the US market say it like that, with the "K". Either way, no winning here. On my Russian channel I started out pronouncing it "nipex", the way you are suggesting, but I got eaten alive by all the Knipex fans. Thanks for watching!

[@wernerlampe8089]

@ Nick: sorry, but that's bullshit! ... It's a german brand and you have to say Knipex with the "K". In german words allways: "what you see is what you get". Trust me, I'm a german. 😏

[@nickshowsstuff435]

Werner Lampe you can call it whatever you want in Germany but here in the winners country we get a choice to call it whatever in the freedom loving hell I want! Don’t take that too seriously😂

[@russiansparky4194]

​@@nickshowsstuff435 In Soviet Russia, the brand names YOU... Trust me, I would know 😏 Thanks for watching, guys.

Do you pronounce it nife or knife

[@MegaFrank1960]

Zzzzzzzzzzzz...........

[@JamesBond-uj8mz]

Nope. not KA-NEE-PIX - its KA-NI-PIX

[@alexshe9552]

Of course knipex. USA made is not good enough hahaha