German Tools Review: Knipex, Wiha, Wera, WGB, (Proxxon)

Review of tools by Knipex, Wiha, Wera, WGB and Proxxon
My Patreon: www.patreon.co...
Paypal Donation Link: goo.gl/wq74oG
My Video: "Power Tool Repair Marathon":
• Power Tool Repair Mara...
Earlier Review of the Proxxon Tools:
• TPAI Lab Report # 003:...
Websites/Channel of the companies mentioned in the video:
Knipex
www.knipex.com/
Wiha
www.wiha.com/en/
Wera
www.wera-tools....
WGB
www.wgb-werkzeu...
Proxxon:
www.proxxon.com...
Proxxon-Sets to be seen in the video:
NO 23 080
NO 23 110

[@paulsmyers203]

I am an American who works internationally. My employer provided me with a tiny set of Wiha tools and they're honestly some of my favorite tools I've ever used. I've worked with guys from all over Europe and often see Wiha and Wera tools being used. They're far better than most of the junk sold at Home Depot and Lowe's here in the States.

[@g.d.2069]

Really appreciate how you review tools you have actually used in REAL LIFE, not just talk about how "great" every single tool is. Awesome video

[@harveysmith100]

Firstly, your English is very good, I am English so I can comment. I love the German attitude towards buying local tools instead of Chinese tools. I love German tools, most of my tools are German. I prefer Wiha over Wera but there is really not much difference. Be careful cleaning their handles or getting any form of thinners near them, it will degrade them. Proxxon make a great range of small power tools, their version of the Dremel tool is far superior. Knipex are just the best you can buy. Thanks for the video

[@DaroriDerEinzige]

It's most often also simple the most reasonable priced stuff. Although Proxxon and also for an example KS Tools either let parts or whole sets produce in China to be able to offer your certain prices. The quality Management yet is still accordingly to the "DIN" (German Industry Norms) standards which means they have to keep certain tolerances and hold up to certain forces. Which makes them completly fine to use them in your hobby Garage / Workshop.

[@hacksmith]

I used to have some Knipex bolt cutters back in the day when I did chain mail! They were great. Had to order them specially I think.

[@ThePostApocalypticInventor]

+the Hacksmith Hey cool to see you here. As I said: I'd be glad to make a shutout for your channel. I gave you my mail-address so that we would have a way of communicating. I get so many comments and messages, that I often don't even see that someone wanted to tell me something important. To be honest I have started to ignore most of the comments, ever since they became so numerous. So if you want, just send me an mail to [e-mail], so that I have some address by which I can contact you. For example about when the video with the shoutout will go online.

[@kannonshane8748]

i know I am kind of off topic but do anyone know of a good website to stream new series online ?

[@dustindario4569]

@Kannon Shane I use FlixZone. Just search on google for it :)

[@braylennasir62]

@Kannon Shane try FlixZone. Just google for it :)

[@bobfromsea]

Super vids & content

[@ianelley]

Been using the Knipex side cutters since the early eighties fantastic tools, I'm an electrician and they have never let me down yet.

[@TomvdHeuvel]

I have the knipex cobra's for a couple of years now and i really love them. The teeth are extremely wel hardend, they do not show any wear or tear after years of (ab)use

[@girliedog]

Lots of love on that table. One of my favorite expereinces when visiting Germany was to visit the hardware & hobby stores. I can only imagine the beauty & quaility of the professional grade of German hand tools. Great video PAI !!! I've been using German hand tools for my glass work for decades, they are cherished in my studio.

[@birdshotbrad]

The Knipex Cobra 10" I use every day and they are the best brand of pliers I've ever used. I'm an industrial mechanic in America.

[@user-tw9io9nz2m]

In my dad's shop (I'm a student and still live at home) in Belgium we have primarily German tools and our experience with them is excellent. We never had knipex handles come loose but then again, we use automatic strippers (two-stage pliers). Recently my dad has had a habit of picking up cheap tools and it has really proven to be a hit or miss. Some break on the first try and others are surprisingly good. But the only way to know you have something good for sure is to go with a brand with reputation. I find this to be especially true for power tools, the cheaper ones either are weak or tear themselves apart under use. But the 20-30 year old German power tools get the job done properly every single time.

[@ronaldziehlke9720]

I bought a set of masonry bits at the Quelle in Erlangen about thirty years ago when I was in the U.S. Army and used the heck out of them over the years and they still work as good as the day I bought them.

[@rob3125]

My personal favourite German brand tools are: 1. Gossen Metrawatt multimeters 2. Weidmüller Stripax wire stripers and electrical crimping tools 3. Klauke electrical crimping tools 3. Knipex pliers and wrenches 4. Wera and Wiha screwdrivers 5. Gedore and Hazet spanners ratchet and sockets 6. Metabo power tools 7. Stabila level and tape measures 8. Martor cutter and knifes

[@elioselectric468]

I worked with Klein screwdrivers for years as a master electrician. I remember the first time I saw my first 7 piece Wiha set, at first I wasn't convinced. Now I know better...

[@panchnl]

I got some old tools from my grandpa when I was younger. I noticed how one of the cutting pliers actually looked a lot better than the rest of them. I wasn't familiar with tools back then, but it was a Knipex. Still use it today and it says made in W. Germany, so it's at least 26 years old. I own a lot of Beta (Italy), rest is a mix of generic brands and Knipex, Bahco (Sweden), Proxxon, Gedore and Stanley (US). Working on getting a Knipex variant for all my pliers. I just buy them one at a time when I need one and then toss the generic one. Collecting tools is lots of fun. There's just something great about owning well-crafted products that can last a lifetime, plus good tools can make your life heck of a lot easier.

[@whatfreedom7]

Witte screwdrivers and other drivers are great. Their sold under the Matco name but can be purchased much cheaper online without the Matco name on them. 15 years of use and I've only replaced one of the #2 for a worn tip at the 13 year mark All others are still original.

[@stonent]

I had a Wiha with changeable bits I purchased in 1998 that was really good, unfortunately I misplaced many of the bits and now it has some bits that are cheap ones from other screwdrivers. At the time I was working doing computer repairs at a store and several coworkers had purchased Wiha screwdrivers because they were the ones that could get out screws that were stripped because the fit was so good and the tips didn't wear down. I will say Wiha is probably my favorite brand of professional screwdriver.

[@sonofedmund5004]

I love German hand tools. I have bought a lot at flea markets and despite being old and well used they are still great. I have a Belzer brand Phillips screwdriver which despite being really old the tip is damn near perfect!

[@metoo5037]

US made Craftsman, Klein, and ChannelLock have all been good to me so far. I have some of these tools that are close to 20 years old and still work great.

[@Barnekkid]

Excellent video, I'm glad I came across it. I have a set of Wiha torx bits, and I'm very happy with the quality of the tools. I have looked at German tools as an alternative to the chinese junk that is being mass marketed in this country. I refuse to buy that stuff and I can say German tools are of superior quality.

[@Spyke383]

I just recently bought my first pair of Kinpex Cobra pliers and am verry happy with them, much nicer than my Snap-on pair

[@Zorndar83]

One of my favorite tools is the Knipex cable cutter for larger gauge wire, goes through 16sqmm like butter. Rated for up to 70sqmm and different to wire cutters they leave a nice straight cut.

[@ChoppingtonOtter]

I have to say that I regard German made tools and equipment as amongst the very best.

[@Error-hv4on]

You only have to look at the quality of cars they produce,can't get much higher quality car than a German one

[@danwheeler136]

I love my knipex tools. Use them everyday in my trade as an electrician, in Canada. I prefer German made tools.

[@nt4hx]

Love Knippex and Wera.. own and use them for my work in Aviation

[@soowoo642]

I've been working in industrial maintenance in the US for quite a few years now and i can say ive never had another brand of pliers that could hold a candle to Knipex. As far as sockets and ratchets go i have a soft spot for Proto/Blackhawk, they generally have a coarse swing to them but i find that preferable for industrial use where tight spaces arent the norm.

[@funkyironman69]

I started using Knipex after seeing them in your videos (Henchmen tools stocks them in Australia if anyone is looking for them). The Wiha blade system is nice too, we use them at work.

[@jonathonmccunnm5415]

Knipex for sure makes the best side cutters bar none. I live in the states and worked in auto electric rebuilding starters and alternators and electric motors. And I bought a pair of side cutters and what sold me at first was the fact the you could cut through a quarter with them and after 10 years of very hard use you could still cut through a quarter with them .

[@Rod_Knee]

Most of my hand tools are Stahlwille, while most of my power tools are Metabo. The are consistently excellent. I have used them all regularly and sometimes in extreme environments. The only worry I have is the risk of them going missing!

[@rier90]

I love Wiha for screwdrivers, most comfortable grip i have used so far. I bought their Slim Fit electrical screwdrivers for home use and a few sets of their PicoFinish Tools for my model cars. For Pliers i use a wild mix of brands at work, but Knipex Pliers with the big grips are my favourite so far. I can only agree with your thoughts on the cobra, at work i have a 180mm version in my pocket at all times, its my most used tool.

[@Darcy4451]

Great tools. I worked for a company here in Ireland who were exclusive distributors in the country for Wiha Knipex and Wera. Without a doubt the best tools I dealt with were Wiha, even though they're Plier business is relatively new compared to Knipex they beat them by a long shot in quality in my opinion. And they're screwdrivers are second to none. Great German company to deal with over the years.

[@w0mblemania]

This was very interesting. I love hearing guys talking about tools they like, don't like.

[@LUVCHUNK]

i use knipex and c&k tools mostly my ratchet set and spanners are beta had it for about 11 years still like new

[@meyawabdulaziz3863]

i buy german brands because they are made in Germany i wont buy them if their made in china.. do you hear us knippex ? and wera ?

[@favioescalon528]

Wera makes a lot in the czech republic for some reason

[@qanononabong8491]

They're or they are

[@KB-mo3sx]

@@favioescalon528 No mater where you manufacture the important part is quality control. Even things made in china can have superior quality.

[@bent540]

@@KB-mo3sx superior to what?

[@MrDannyCZ]

​@@favioescalon528 because the Czechs have golden hands

[@jamesgarrison7397]

Hello, I am from the US and have always used Klein Tools screwdrivers for my electrical work. I really enjoyed your review, especially the review of the Wera insulated screwdrivers. I have heard very good things about Wera in the States and I think after watching your review of them I will purchase a set and try them out first hand. Thank you very much and best wishes to you.

[@Daniells1982]

James Garrison I'm from England and have been watching a few American shows of guys doing electrical work and of guys doing tool reviews and I've noticed that Klein screwdrivers seem to be brand everyone chooses. Here in the UK most of the guys that work in the electrical industry use insulated drivers. Wera are really reasonably priced here and are great drivers. I also have a wiha torque driver which comes with insulated blades and that's also nice to use. How come insulated drivers aren't common place in the US?

[@jamesgarrison7397]

That is a good question, Klein does make insulated screwdrivers'. However, they are not common place and kind of hard to find. I guess that's my father always told me that there are only good electricians, cause all the bad ones are dead.

[@kemalnottaturk2500]

I have Klein insulated drivers purchased at Sears and Roebuck. (Made by Pratt & Reed) The rest I have are Wiha.

[@tanveerkhan9221]

@@Daniells1982 hi buddy try and find insulated screwdrivers which where made in West Germany i have a few from carboots and tool auctions they are probably well used but they will never slip or fail while in use west german tools will last forever

[@dmwtech4495]

All my Knipex pliers I have bought here in the USA, have been a bit pricey, but they are top notch tools. as a professional automotive technician for 3 decades, they have held up extremely well. thought I would share that with you.

[@Llamarama100]

Main things I look for are old style handles (hard plastic or traditional PVC) mainly because in my experience, a lot of the rubberised handles go sticky after a decade or so, and quality boxes for sets of tools like screwdriver bits and socket sets. I'd much rather have a metal box with an insert than a blow moulded case where the hinge or clip inevitably snaps off.

[@DanielMcGregor]

Another line of tools Proxxon make is miniature Power Tools, such as Drills for small scale projects like circuit boards and model making. I own a Micromot 40 that I also use for drilling and cutting in hard to reach spaces. And it is a tool that lasts. My dad bought it in the nineties gave it to me when it was catching dust and I have been using it ever since. Another cool thing is that Proxxon haven't radically changed their design in all this time. Any of their 12 volt devices is compatible with older inverters like the one for my dads drill. So when you want expand and replace stuff, you can use it with what you already have.

[@Tomyp89]

Proxxon wrenches/spanners are good. I've had to loosen a 14mm nut by using the open end of a "ring-maul"combi wrench and a 50cm pipe extension. No damage on the tool and te nut came loose. Great bang for buck ratio

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

the Snap On truck that visits the airport stocks Knipex, and some of the others were asking me why I bought a pair of their side cutters over a pair of Snap on brand, so I picked up an aileron control cable that had been incorrectly swaged and was junk, and they cut it like butter, with no damage to the jaws. Snap On man sold 10 pairs of Knipex on his next visit. And he pronounces it correctly, which I like.

[@Dreaded88]

+Jacksonkellyfreak Have you ever compared them to Felco's for similar Cable-Cutting?

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

Dreaded88 Oh God no. I don't use them to cut control cables. I was just making a point. Aircraft control cables are super hard to cut. Very stiff and thick. I usually use either mini bolt cutters or a dedicated cable cutter, but it's dull as dick and I have to put my entire 185 pound body weight on it.

[@Dreaded88]

Jacksonkellyfreak Only 185? I got that beat! Wow... I'm gonna' do amazing at yer' job! :D

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

Dreaded88 sorry, I meant 195. typo. Let me give you some advice: Never volunteer information to the FAA, and buy the best tools you can afford. Harbor freight is fine for some things, especially starting out, but buy good tools. I definitely recommend buying and staying with a HF toolbox though because your box will get beat to shit. It happens. It'll get chemicals on it, possibly get the paint burned by a torch, dented, I've heard of prop strikes but never seen them, you get the point. You want it to happen to a 12-13,000 dollar box or a 4-600 dollar box that's identical to the SO/Mac/Matco?

[@Dreaded88]

Jacksonkellyfreak Oh, you don't have to tell me this twice! FAA's Motto: "...We ain't happy until we make YOU Unhappy!..."

[@derinderruheliegt]

One thing I noticed about Proxxon, specifically in socket sets, is they sometimes will skip a size or two. Not necessarily a deal-breaker, plus you can usually buy the skipped size as an individual socket. But then you have a free-floating socket in your set-- perhaps a reasonable compromise at this price point.

[@heribertosanchez6505]

More and more I’m getting very interested in the quality of these German made tools that I plan on purchasing. Thanks for the great review!

[@user-yb2tp4qf1r]

That's video is very old, but a year ago I bought Proxxon set and I came to say i am very happy with it, great value for the money.

[@mackenziepeek9317]

I do commercial industrial electric in the US and I started with what basically every single one of start with and that was the American Klein set. They have been great tools for 6 years but the American tools are heavy and bulky. A journeyman let me use his wear screwdriver and showed me the world of German tools and now I'm trying to decide what brand to invest in. Unlike the American brands where there is really 2 brands if you want the best there are a bunch of really good German brands. I'm leaning toward the wiha. They have the xxl3 out just need to see what the availability of them are but that might be my first buy

[@batbawls]

I have to say that this is one of the best channels I've stumbled across in ages.

[@TheAtherion]

Bought a set of Wiha insulated slim screwdrivers and they re amazing ! ^^ Half a year passed and already got one stolen ... : ( Nice review sir : )

[@HepauDK]

I can confirm that Wera is excelent quality. I bought a set of Wera Hex Plus alen keys (950 PKL/9 SM) about 25 years ago, and none of the keys has any significant wear, other than the plating being a bit worn off. I also bought a bit set (Bit-Check Torsion) about 14 years ago for use around the house. The PZ2 is showing its age, but it has held up really well. When I apprenticed as a fitter back in the mid-90's, we had Wera screwdrivers in the shop, wich encouriched me to buy an assorted set a couple of years ago. Bacho screwdrivers (wich I had been using until then) are really good as well, but in my opinion, Wera is just that little bit better, and has a better grip.

[@janwillemvansusante888]

Nice review, better than watching tv! :) relaxing after a tiring work week! Good tool choice. I too have the Proxxon socket wrenches, various sizes, the 1/4" set for 18 years and it is still mostly ok, only damaged some bits (not sockets) from rough use. Excellent value for money. Knipex is great too, some advice, buy the chrome plated ones, the normal ones tend to rust easily (not worse than other brands). They have some very cool combi wrenches for elektro work, very worth it. For screwdrivers, i like the pb swiss tools too. Their flathead screwdrivers have a very good parallel profile that doesn't slip easily. Great quality too, i used them at work and even after 3 years very abusive use still in excellent shape, except for the smallest size that didn't survive the full on Neanderthal use as a chisel.. The Torx set looks quite similar to a Wisent brand set I bought at Bauhaus long time ago, except it has 3/8" drive. Very good quality too! A must have for fixing newer car!

[@overdriven77]

Viewer from Bosnia here. Just want to mention a funny thing...."Gedore" here is a synonym for every socket wrench, just like "aspirin" is a synonym for every pill.

[@KTFG]

I own most of the brands here and have been very pleased with them. What are your thoughts on Weidmuller? I have never seen them in person but I am interested in the automatic wire strippers and ratchet crimper for comparison on a series I am doing on wire stripping and crimping on my website and youtube channel.

[@matyasnagy8293]

Weidmuller is amazing. I have seen it used by electronics technicians. They are probably the best that you can get for electrical jobs.

[@KTFG]

@@matyasnagy8293 Thanks for the info. I may have to just open the wallet and go ahead and get the automatic wire strippers.

[@ROAlexa1981]

Tray cleaning tool handles with break cleaner, it will get like new ! Best regards !

[@cortana2007]

I have a set of WGB socket wrenches for over a year and use them 2-3 hours a day and they are doing fine.

[@paulhicks9399]

I've used Knipex cutters for years and they still work great.

[@puddinggamez8599]

Yeah Knipex is good i also recommend Stahlwille

[@jasonbabila6006]

I have Knipex, Wera, Wiha and Würth tools, all are awesome tools indeed I'm slowly replacing most of my tools with German tools.

[@MamadAbedi]

Thanks for your great video! A friend of mine recommended Knipex for a tiny snap ring plier I needed. but sadly you can't find Knipex store here in US and we have to buy them only online which I don't like.

[@paulbrimble8204]

The Knipex mini side-cutters are great for cutting toe nails. Just some stuff that happens when you get old! Peace.

[@borisvd]

I think the insulated screwdrivers are made under the name of "Format". They are indeed identical to the wera drivers. Exept for the handel shape. So i think they are of the same quality.

[@rocketsensor]

Ahhh I been staying “stall-Willy” all this time and with an Aussie accent too. 30 years ago I was given a stahlwille spanner set and a screwdriver set. They’re still going strong and sometimes even get assistance from a hammer. Occasionally when I use my stahlwille tools I think of the girl that bought them for me all those years ago and smile.

[@Der-Elektriker]

Sehr schöne Werkzeug-Vorstellung. Die Knipex-Zangen sind sehr gut. Besonders wenn man täglich mit ihnen arbeitet, sollte man zu einem Qualitäts-Produkt greifen. Auch die Wera-Schraubendreher sind sehr zu empfehlen.

[@captainmidnite93]

Let me tell ya'll, out in the Gulf of Mexico, for the last 10 years, Knipex pushbutton cobra pliers rule! Narrower than Channel-lock, they get into all the expensive fitting turn points. Got 2, one I have abused for 15 years the other was given to me after the mechanic who dropped it across the solenoid terminals on a 1000 hp motor, igniting hydrogen cooking off the battery bank , caused an explosion that was comical in the end,no injuries just 3 of us instantly wearing 'black-face' . Enjoy your stuff, thanx.

[@MultiArrie]

Gedore, Dowidat, Rhasol, Format and Calorus is from one and the same company. Diffrent names diffrent finishing levels. Currently they are withdrowing also the Calorus brand and selling it now as Gedore red. The current stock of Calorus is now reduced in price.

[@NobbyBinks]

What a coincidence. Was in a big box store here in Aus today (Bunnings) and saw both Wera & Wiha. never heard of them & thought they must be average if sold in Bunnings. Lo & behold see a TPAI report the same day on both. I think the universe is telling me I should buy them :)

[@kraut-performance]

Ich habe die alten Wera Schraubenzieher auch gehabt. Das war nicht vor dem scheußlichen neuen Griff, sondern die parallele Billiglinie für Baumärkte. Nachdem es diese nicht mehr gab, habe ich mich geärgert, nicht zwanzig Sets gekauft zu haben. Mittlerweile habe ich herausgefunden, dass es diese noch gibt und sie garnicht von Wera hergestellt wurden, sondern nur in Lizenz vertrieben wurden. Die Frau von einem Freund arbeitet bei Wera im Büro. 😉 Auf jeden Fall kann man diese noch neu von Format kaufen. Und das ist wirklich der beste Griff, den ein Schraubenzieher haben kann. 😊

[@kraut-performance]

www.google.com/search?q=format+schraubendreher&oq=format+schr&aqs=chrome.1.0i512l3j69i57j0i512l11.3373j0j1&client=ms-android-sonymobile-rev1&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

[@MrOpenGL]

Had a very good experience with USAG and FACOM tools, not sure if you can find them in Germany. Wiha are expensive (I paid 7.50€ for a small PH#00 screwdriver) but certainly very high quality and that particular screwdriver has been excessively abused, even by unscrewing screws that it is not meant to, and it still holds up.

[@MrOpenGL]

dispatcher7007 I have used FACOM for a short time only (4 months) so I think only time will tell...

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Knipex Cobra pliers cheap? Pigs arse, I paid $80 AUD for my 300mm pair with the thick red and blue handles but they do the job so much better than the old slip type pliers you showed. I ordered them direct from Germany. Buy quality, buy once. I bought a set of electrical screw drivers similar to your red and yellow set from ALDI several years ago and they have been brilliant, so good in fact that they have them on sale again next week for about $8 AUD and I am going to buy a second set. Over the years I have found ALDI hand tools to be of a very good quality at a very reasonable price. Love your channel. Cheers Stuart 🇦🇺

[@micbanand]

Great tools love wera!!!!! others top of my list Bahco and Tecos great tools I can recommend

[@HepauDK]

Same here. Bacho is really good quality. I had a small mishab with my old side cutter about half a year ago (mistakenly cut a live 230V wire wich melted the edge). I considered a Knipex, but descided to buy a bacho 140mm (21HDG-140). Despite it's small size, it will cut 2.25mm piano wire. With that capability, it will certainly be enough for everything I will be throwing at it. :)

[@wither8]

My dad tells stories about how during the cold war, American jeans in Russia were the "thing". I'll tell my son about how German tooling was "the thing" (Japanese machinery in a close second). edit: Stahlwille, Hazet, Gedore and Stahlwille were a few of the traditional German tools he mentioned, for those who were curious like me. Never heard any of them over the pond but I'm sure they're as durable as a 1950s set of Craftsman sockets or a 19th century Stanley #4 hand plane. In the US, everyone knows Knipex and Wiha everyone knows (the same way they know Ingersoll Rand, Festool, Metabo, HILTI, etc) and it's known for the quality. I guess the vendors mark it up since if you want quality, you'll pay whatever. Wera looks like a good brand that is under-exposed here so the pricing isn't too bad, but gosh Wiha must be triple what it costs in Germany.

[@MadMetalShop]

Hazet is a fairly common brand I see here in the states. Knipex also.

[@capitanBeto58]

Greetings, I am Roberto from Argentina, you did not mention a very well-known German brand FELO, very well-known here in fact I have several, they are very good and several are more than 30 years old. I really like your channel, and I follow it a lot. I can send you a lot of photos since I am a tool collector, at your disposal Roberto

[@gamerdude0]

I've had good experience with Facom, the insulated screwdrivers are quality and the hex key sets also good.

[@stefantrethan]

+gamerdude0 I like the 5.5mm combination wrench 39.5,5H. For some inexplicable reason it is difficult to get a 5.5mm wrench (fits M3 nuts) that isn't strangely out of proportion.

[@charlieoakes6469]

ill second that! Facom tools (not just the screwdrivers and hex keys) are amazing especially there ratcheting open ended spanners

[@DlaMajsterkowicza]

Truth but Facom is from France

[@tanveerkhan9221]

Facom power Allen keys are so good

[@dozerjohn]

I am a total Knipex fanboy, even though this brand is mighty expensive for my eastern european income - it is worth every cent. I even EDC the smallest cobra pliers. I also have a set of the same Wiha screwdrivers, what an awesome quality, a christmas gift from my woman. I dream about those Wera precision screwdrivers too, funny how we have exactly the same preferences in tools haha

[@andycapo9you]

I have the cobra plyers and they're amazing. It can manage a hell of abuse. I got it in 3 sizes: really small, up to 1" opening. Medium-large, up to 2 1/2" and the monster up to 5" opening. All 3 work waaay beyond its original purpose. I have added a tong steel tube (about a 1.5 mt) to the medium one to be able to remove a rusted pipe from a pump and it resisted it without a single bit

[@andycapo9you]

And the press adjustment is really perfect! Never again slip like the old shit

[@McErer]

*dreht sich in seinem Bastelzimmer um* *wera schraubendreher und knipex zangen an der wand* *proxxon in der schublade* *fühlt sich bestätigt* ;) Gute Videos!

[@AquariUPS]

Hi there ! You could repair the shaft isolation by overlaying some red thermoconstrained pipe after sanding a bit and glueing (CA gel will make it rigid without excessive thickness and some constrainers come with an internal adhesive layer) the part left solid from the old insulation...

[@kentvandervelden]

Interesting comment about the Wiha pliers. I checked my Wiha Proturn flush cut pliers, and the handles also slide off them.

[@ccmogs9539]

+Kent A. Vander Velden - Newer WIHA pliers are made in Vietnam (older type - Switzerland) i only use their drivers , pliers i stick with Knipex..............:]

[@kentvandervelden]

Great to know, thanks!

[@samcoote9653]

I have Wera screwdrivers now that theyre sold in stores here in Australia. Theyre brilliant screwdrivers. I have the impact handle yellow and black ones and recently got the kraftform insert screwdrover that is also really good. Saving up for some of their joker wrenches

[@bohelsted7093]

Hi PAI, sadly i don't think WGB makes all their tools in Germany. There has been a discussion on this topic on the garagejournal forum. The general idea is that the socket sets are made in Taiwan, like the Proxxon tools. Don't get me wrong, i own a Proxxon "all rubber" ratchet my self, and it has taken a lot of beating over some 20 years. Great tool. And still my go to-ratchet in cold weather (no heating in my garage). But the only socket sets måde in Germany are (ref. to garagejournal and other toolsites) Gedore, Stahlwille, Hazet and Matador (ratchet only, most Matador sockets are now Taiwan or India). I could be wrong, but i cant find any "made in Germany" marks on WGB packaging or on their website. And since this would be both a quality sign and a sales argument, why leave it out?

[@bohelsted7093]

In fact, i could just have looked closer on their web. Read the "in the press" section, an article from a business magazine, "in 2002 production in Germany was reduced" - honest but sad.

[@EuGenX55]

Endlich mal ein KZbin Video von einem Deutschen mit excelentem Englisch ohne peinlichen Akzent ^^

[@Kosekans]

Der Akzent ist wohl kaum überhörbar. :-D

[@maxschmidt1787]

Er klingt wie ein ehemaliger GER-US Austauschschüler, ... er war definitiv längere Zeit in den USA. ;-)

[@Error-hv4on]

Great video,I use wera screwdrivers (I'm a maintenance electrician based in the UK) & wera Impact bits & Ive never been let down by them,Absolute quality.The local electrical wholesalers,big national company,have just started to stock the Knippex range of cutters/pliers & I'm going to buy a couple of pieces after seeing your review.My wife can't understand why I love tools so much even though I've explained that it makes my job soooo much easier if you have the right tool,Are German women the same?

[@GCK50]

KZbin suggested it to me, too. It's a nice video. I actually have a couple pairs of Knipex pliers, and I'm very satisfied with their quality. They are, however, quite expensive.

[@fussydk]

As an electrician from Denmark i use a lot of the tools you showed, but here in Denmark Wera and Knipex has a huge competitor in Bacho... which is also my favorite ;)

[@ZerokillerOppel1]

Bahco is also sold a lot here in Holland. Next to Knipex 'Einsame Spitze!'!! In fact...in Holland an adjustable wrench is called 'a Bahco' and literally everyone knows what is meant by that!😉

[@zubiac]

Gedore offers a similar mechanism for their pliers (as the cobra patent expired) now. i tested them and they feel even more sturdy. highly recommended

[@TheBrightPixel]

I have a pair of Knipex sidecutters which I use every single day, that are 8 years old. They are still sharp. Also recommend.

[@awudubannaf8608]

Wowww...... Am having the appetite to learn Deutsch Nice video

[@supatim1]

I do agree Knipex is good quality, I also use Bahco (a Swedish manufacturer) and find their side cutters have lasted better to general abuse and over 20 odd years of panel wiring.

[@Grimmjar]

Wera over Wiha any time! After years of heavy duty use still not a single bend tip.

[@edvin884]

I have a bigger Proxxon set combined od 1/2" and a 1/4" set. I use it for everything, and I use it and abuse it daily. And I recomend it. It did cost a 100€ for the set, but I had no problem with it. Even the box is still ok.

[@zoidberg444]

Knipex are good pliers. My dad who was a professional has ones which still say made in West Germany they are so old. I have a bunch as well. Wera are my choice for screwdrivers, I also have some cheap ones that I abuse and some 30 year old Stanley ones that are nice. I have a lot of Bahco tools, they used to be Swedish and now they make stuff all over Europe. I also have a lot of Facom tools. My spanners and some of my sockets are Facom. I also have some Chinese stuff with various names on it. Clarke, Sealey, Bergen and Am-tec. I think some of it is imported into the UK and then packaged by companies based here for sale and warranty. Some of it I buy because I either know I will break it or I don't want it stolen at work.

[@funkyironman69]

+zoidberg444 Yeah, it's a shame that Stanley has gone downhill in recent years... Good brand name trashed for cheap consumer goods :/

[@zoidberg444]

funkyironman69 Stanley used to be professional grade in my opinion. Hell, quite a bit of the old stuff I have says made in England.

[@funkyironman69]

zoidberg444 Yeah it definitely used to be, but it is now owned by a multinational and the quality is poor now.

[@zoidberg444]

funkyironman69 Apparently Stanley is owned by the same company who make Facom tools. They are definitely a premium brand. I have some of their spanners and sockets. Definitely equal to snap-on in terms of quality.

[@funkyironman69]

Yeah but their Stanley line is very much a cheap consumer grade now, at least in Australia anyway.

[@Ricopolico]

In my experience, German some tools might look skimpy, but they get the job done! The metal and fit are the best, even the tools which come with a automobile or a machine tool. Two thumbs up. i buy Proto tools because that is what I came to know in heavy industrial work.

[@Kroeber38]

In my opinion, Knipex pliers are by far the best pliers in the market!

[@deadaccount6135]

At a guess judging by the timing of the clicks on the 1/2 inch wgb ratchet, it probably has a ' coarser ' gear, i.e. bigger & wider teeth, for increased durability under the loads a 1/2 inch would be expected to handle. And as for the Wera and Wiha small screwdrivers, also the tiny cutter pliers, those are generally referred to as ' hobby level ' and used mostly for fine electronics work, and rc car/hobbies work. I worked for Hobbytown USA company for a while and we sold many Wiha tools.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I have to admit that I just do not get unboxing videos, what is the point of them and who in their right mind watches them! Knipex have a very good reputation over here in the U.K as do Wera and Wiha, I once had some Wiha diamond impregnated screwdriver bits and they were awesome! I have to admit that my favourite brand of screwdrivers is C.K. tools as they are superb quality, especially the knock through ones! I'm in Cologne next month for the eisenwarenmesse, hopefully some of these manufacturers will be at the show! Thanks for the video ;-)

[@ThePostApocalypticInventor]

+Ultimate Handyman Do you often come to Germany, or is the Eisenwarenmesse the exception? BTW: Congrats for 50.000.000. Views! An incredible number!

[@ultimatehandyman]

+The Post Apocalyptic Inventor I'm only going this year for the Eisenwarenmesse as I have wanted to go for the last few years but have never found the time. I'm really looking forwards to it to be honest, I'm not a big drinker but I love German beer (as long as it's not too strong). Are you going to the Eisenwarenmesse? Thanks for the congratulations ;-)

[@ultimatehandyman]

+The Post Apocalyptic Inventor I forgot to tell you that whilst I was at the eisenwarenmesse, I stopped at the Proxxon stand. Their tools looked very good and I was very surprised to see that they make a lot of small electrical machines such as small lathes etc. I spoke to an American guy that could understand me and explained to him that I had seen Proxxon tools on your channel ;-)

[@ThePostApocalypticInventor]

+Ultimate Handyman Nice! Yes they make lathes, drillpresses, machining tools, "dremel" - like handtools and so on. Alot of that stuff is quiet popular here with people who are into model trains and cars and that kind of thing. I wouldn't mind to own some of those tools myself...

[@ultimatehandyman]

+The Post Apocalyptic Inventor Originally I was trying to explain about your channel to a German guy and he could not understand me at all, so he then took me to his American colleague and I explained to him. Hopefully they will check out your channel and if you are lucky they might send you some things to review!

[@StealthElectronVIP]

I always visit hardware stores in Germany to buy tools when I am visiting. Although you can buy high quality tools online in the UK, it's very difficult to find them in retail stores. Mostly just cheap shit at local retail stores. I have a set of Wera LaserTip screw drivers for 10 years, they are my favourite.

[@tommyhanlon8012]

nice to see quality German tools still being made in Germany. i am surprised you don't have any '' C.K. '' tools '' ... Carl Kammerling'' i think, ... i have a few CK tools & i have found them a great quality, well designed, long serving tool. Perhaps they are not considered good in Germany? i have a wire strippers i have abused for over 20 years & it still hasn't failed me. good brand i think.

[@handyhippie6548]

i use knipex brand piano wire cutters in my work building animal cages. they are the best tool for the job, but are also double the price of any comparable tool. they last longer, but eventually the cutting edge breaks during use. 6-8 months of use, for $45 usd. vs. 3-4 months for $20 usd. technically, the cheaper ones last longer for the money, but ease of use makes up for the difference. it wouldn't be so bad if i didn't have to supply my own tools. even still, i love my knipex cutters, and woe be unto those who take them.

[@RocketAppliance1]

We use handtools from Würth at work, and they hold up really well.

[@stefantrethan]

+Stokeypower Würth just trades tools with their branding on it, but mostly decent stuff. Some of the pliers are Knipex.

[@tehOGRE]

I have tools from Snap-On, Hazet, Gedore & Stahlwille. honestly they are equally as good... Thing about professional tools is that you really have to know what they are made for, the same size wrench can be made for a different kind of screw/bolt hardness.

[@KB-mo3sx]

I tend to abuse my tools (if work needs to get done I'm willing to do it at the cost of destroying a tool since it usually cost less than spending additional hour working around it) and from the moment I started buying Knipex and Wera tools hardly anything needs replacing - for example when I used Knipex electrician pliers to cut feeler gauge of up to 1mm (about 20 of those) they just needed a couple of minutes on sharpening stone to bring back to life and they work as new. Knipex also has some great automatic wire strippers and crimping tools which easily helps me cut down the time of wire stripping at least by half and it's a lot since I'm stripping hundreds of small (mainly 0,25mm2, but sometimes both larger and even smaller) wires when I'm on the job (automation and robots commissioning). Wera has the best hex keys I have ever used and pretty decent ratchets (especially the small ones for hard to reach places).

[@IisJeremy]

I think a lot of the wera and wiha tools are engineered and designed in germany, but manufactured in Czech Republic, who also make good stuff, they make the CZ 75 which is great. Maybe in the future you could try out Wera Joker Wrenches?

[@igipop1981]

Nice video! I came here looking for confirmation (or discouragment) on buying Proxxon tools. I'm a DIY guy, car, small tractor and machinery, from your words i guess it will do very good for me! thanks man, keep it up! :)

[@smb9114]

I am a tool freak too. I have many, many high quality professional tools made in the US by Klein, Ideal, Greenlee, and many others made all over the world. Electric tools from Milwaukee, Porter Cable, Makita, Dewalt, Hitachi and German brands like Bosch, Metabo and AEG. I'm not kidding, I own hundreds of tools. Of course, I also own Knipex and Wiha tools too. I recently purchased a small bolt cutter from Knipex and it was definitely not cheap, but vastly superior to the crappy Chinese one that it replaced. It is better constructed and the metalurgy is superior too. The steel does not deform when cutting relatively soft steel bolts. It's worth the extra money. I don't think you can buy any Knipex tools in the US for as little as 20 bucks though. German manufacturing is usually top notch but quite pricey. If you want to talk about expensive German made tools: I'd love to someday own a bunch of Festool electric tools. They don't compete on cost - only on quality and everything they make is about the best that money can buy. I have a wishlist, but I don't know if I'll ever be able to afford them...

[@ThePostApocalypticInventor]

My Paypal donation links in the video descriptions somehow don't work anymore. I think it's YT's fault. I guess they must have "improved" something in the video descriptions that messes with all kinds of links lately. But if you want to make a donation, you can simply use my business-email-address to find me on Paypal: [e-mail]

[@robh1908]

Would be nice if you also could add a btc donation as well.