Shame on Klein, Snap On, Knipex, Milwaukee. Let's Start a Movement: NOT ANOTHER STICKY PLIERS! NASP!

[@tonytooltime5373]

I want a N.A.S.P. T-shirt! I'm going to gather all my Pliers right this second to do the Socket Test! I'm going to be out in the Garage all Night. #N.A.S.P.

[@tonytooltime5373]

NASP like NASA and a Red Plier instead of the NASA red V Swoop! That would take the Sticky Plier Awareness out of this World! Good Work, Doc! 🔨👍😁👍🔧

[@lastbesttool]

@@tonytooltime5373 That is Brilliant!

[@Hatim.13]

As an Electrician, this is exactly the reason I only use Knipex for my Lineman's pliers, silky smooth out of the box, still smooth after 2 years of everyday use!

[@Hatim.13]

Checking in, still as sharp and smooth as day 1 after 3 years of daily use in the field as a commercial/industrial Electrician (heavy duty use)...

[@Ali_Haji_SouthAfrica]

Let's not be overly OCD 🤨 I enjoy breaking in my pliers. It shouldn't be IMPOSSIBLE or DEFECTIVE. But after a few minutes of WD40 and opening and closing , you should be good to go. It's Engineering we should NOT be expecting Magic.

[@slayerment]

"Hey doc, what tools do you recommend?" "YES"

[@pewpop9311]

I prefer them as stiff as I can reasonably open. Especially for bucket or pole work. Knipex are great for around the house stuff, indoor residential, but heavy use in the field and they get floppy loose and eventually don't cut well. Klein's are my best hammer and the blades stay lined up and good! Hammer a while with a "smooth plier" and it's blades are junk and floppy.

[@manciniak]

I agree. Especially for the premium brands. $50-$100 pliers should come buttery af. Also, something that irks me with top tier pliers is when they are ground incongruently. Like when you look straight on at the tip and they are ground oblong. This is why I love tool trucks. I’ll pay more for the ability to handle multiple pairs before purchase and trade out if dissatisfied.

[@SuperFly1414]

I am so glad you made this video. I got myself a pair, and I did not know if it was normal or not with how rough it was. I literally had to use to hands and force open my cutters. I notified SnapOn, and that I have been working on them for over a month, and soaking it wd40, and black metal shards are always coming out of the joints, but I am not making much head way. They said they are mailing me a new pair right away. So I am glad I am not losing my mind.

[@danstoolroom7700]

Is anyone else starting to get distracted from the video and just thi king how many pliers does this dude have

[@SquirrelsForAll]

I've always found that by field use, tools loosens up nicely and resistance isn't really an issue, at least on my Klein, Knipex, Channel and Milwaukee products. But I use my tools a great deal and perhaps I'm just used to keeping a finger on the inside of a tool to lightly push when needed. Guess I've grown used to breaking in tools, much like a pair of Nick's Boots or duck cloth jacket.

[@righand]

Dude you are so right. I’ve been pissed off my whole life about this and didn’t even realize it until now.

[@capecodder6207]

The best part about buying a new pair of pliers is using them so often that they work in!

[@sokantnevesti603]

Who would want to use stiff pliers? In last 10 days I spent more than 6 hours spraying wd40 and slapping pairs of pliers like a moron to loosen them...

[@pgood7266]

@@sokantnevesti603 if your Klein pliers are broken in in a day then you don’t use them enough

[@Ali_Haji_SouthAfrica]

​@@pgood7266😂😂😂😂 all these DIY guys wana say something 😜 (Joking)

[@TylerSnyder305]

I am okay with breaking in a pair of pliers because I feel they'll be less wobbly down the road. I understand wanting a smoother more free operation out of the package though. I would just spend the time with the compound in the joint then flush 'em out, they'll be nice and free and won't be gritty.

[@1mom69]

If you work in new construction pliers are easily broken in. Easily broken in after a few hours of use…. Tools are meant to be used. I don’t understand these channels that don’t really use tools & somehow know the whole rundown on the tool itself. This is a non-issue really. I’ve had some amazing pliers that were stiff outta the box. Knipex is always smooth outta the box but this really isn’t that big of a deal after some real world usage.

[@1mom69]

@@lastbesttool Knipex has an instant out the box frustration free rivet design because you are paying the premium for it. Same with the rest of the premium pliers. I’ve dumped sand & oil into the rivets in pliers & given a few good openings & closings which have freed them up no problem. It’s worked with all my Klein, Channellock & Snap-On pliers. It sucks but truly, truly; not an issue in my view. Repetitive strain injury is definitely a thing, but that’s why I got 14 inch bolt cutters, high leverage pliers, cordless cutting tools & specialty tools to make it easier on the body. Nobody will bat an eye when I cut BX with a bandsaw because I’m not gonna strain my hands on something when I don’t need to really.

[@lastbesttool]

@@1mom69 Every one of the tool companies can produce a good enough plier action. But their tolerance for opening resistance is way too large. And why should I be the one to make their product better, especially with premium brands. Like my little Knipex, when working with small electronics, the added resistance can be injurious to circuits and connectors since it deviates from the actual force applied, and makes placement more difficult. Like driving fast with low tire pressure, everything you fee at the wheel is forced through the filter of mushy tires.

[@Freakingstang]

Let’s start a movement..we’ll call it Harry homeowner actually uses his tools You don’t need valve grinding compound. A couple drops of good oil on the rivet and a swift smack or two on each side of the rivet will loosen up the mill scale from the hot rivet process.

[@amnelruin4837]

Alright. So I'm a commercial electrician. I have alot of pliers. Maybe more than doc does. And I don't use the same pair everyday. I have a pair for dirt work, a pair for panels, a pair for trim, a pair for carrying in my pocket and so on, so i think im qualified to explain the issue here and I think I can honestly say I know why doc is having this problem. You baby your tools far far far to much. The reason why those old snap ones, that lived outside work the best is because they've gotten the right amount of abuse. When you buy new boots they're stiff, uncomfortable and not pleasurable to wear. Same goes with pliers. All of my pliers have worked with me through monsoons and light showers and even the occasional bottle of water bursting open I my tool pouch. The rust is good for them just like the sweat from your feet helps break in boots. Soak all your pliers and then let them rust up a big and then hit them with a small amount of wd-40. They'll soon all be the best pliers you've ever had. And no they should not come from the factory like this because then they'd be leaving large tolerances in places they shouldn't have large tolerances and you'd get wobble in the heads. Your qualm is entirely unjustifiable and only because, although you have many pliers, you take much to much care of them for them to work properly. They're tools, not fine machinery. They are designed to still do there job after years and years of abuse and frankly mine do that and as they age they work better. Whatever compound was recommended to you is definitely only hurting your pliers. Allow some rust to build and then wash it away with wd and you'll notice a world of difference. I have this same talk with all my apprentices when they notice how all my tools behave much better then there new or close to newly purchased hand tools. Maybe once a year I hit my pliers with wd after the rainy season and only because I like to watch the rust pour out of the seams like blood after I've beaten my pliers like they were a hammer for the last several months. Remember everything is a hammer. The tools are designed that way. Quality control is doing there job, the engineers who designed them are doing there jobs( I surprise even myself in saying that am engineer did there job) and the manufacturers are doing there jobs. Atleast most of the time. Sometimes we get duds. But with good name brands like knipex, klien, snap on, or ideal, that's pretty rare.

[@rog1342]

good answer

[@rogervip888]

I really like your comments.

[@amnelruin4837]

@@rogervip888 lol thanks man. I try to not be so negative all the time but this kind of content really irks me. But it's good to know someone appreciates the explanations I put out.

[@em0_tion]

I get your frustration. Silicone/PTFE/Ballistol spray works for me. Every tool I buy gets the better-ification process before usage and I'm always happy. Just like sharpening my own chisels and knives - better than factory. No manufacturer can replace our own wits and high standards, so I don't even expect or trust them to. It's not even a habit at this point, it's muscle memory! 😀

[@mikenormandy9250]

Another reason Knipex is just THE BEST, EVERY PAIR OF PLIERS I have from them are BUTTERY smooth flying open and shut, super broke in out of the package! - Klein, NOT SO MUCH for me LOL

[@HarryPoggers44]

I just inherited a ton of fantastic electricians pliers and hand tools and I’ve got to say…the amount of time I’ve spent over the last 3 weeks “tuning up” these very expensive pliers so they don’t stick…it’s maddening. Like you said, they all make very nice hand tools, so why then are some so far gone and others smooth as silk? They were well kept too, the individual that owned them before me was a life long electrician by trade and everything was is awesome condition. Some just act like they’ve got gravel for pivot lubrication.

[@esl4058]

Most frustrating thing ever is not being able to test them at the store. It’s a complete roll of the dice if you’re getting a lemon or your new favorite pliers.

[@thehogface8381]

And you’ll buy the same pliers sku# and all and they still are a roll of the dice

[@keithklickstein7102]

I had some issues with my Wihas as well. Some are silky smooth, others I have to drink a few beers and open and close them while putting camelia oil into the joint. Usually takes about 30 minutes to get them to move well. I usually see a bit of rust color coming out, so I think they freeze up in storage.

[@reidevans8220]

I feel like it’s more important that good set of pliers should line up and stay lined up when you’re squeezing them they just need to be broken in, that’s kinda like returning your cleats after wearing them once because they gave you blisters. I also find with side cutters once they free up the cutting edges don’t align and they don’t cut stranded wire as well. Then I’ll return them.

[@KLOutdoor]

I’m glad all of my knipex aren’t stiff at all

[@nunyabidness2143]

Man, compared to how things were 15-20 years ago, everything is fine. I've had lineman pliers that took longer to break in than work boots, lol

[@_P0tat07_]

It’s kinda hard to judge this in my opinion. It really depends on the situation you’re in. Sometimes you want something a bit loose, such as manipulating small parts, other times you might want something a little more stiff maybe if you’re trying to grip something in an awkward position. I’ve definitely run into situations where stiffness wasn’t ideal. And I don’t really mind a reasonable amount of stiffness in my pliers, so long as I don’t “need a car Jack to open them” 🤣 I think in most l circumstances, the user should be able to get the feel for how to adjust their grip on the pliers to counteract how tight they are.

[@PhillipRhodes]

I was thinking the same thing. Sometimes I want the "flop open on its own" pliers, but other times I want it to take some effort. It really does depend on the situation. But there *is* a limit to how much force it should take to open a pair under any circumstances, I think.

[@righand]

I understand your point but most of the time you don’t want a pliers you have to manipulate to open.

[@PhillipRhodes]

Wow, and I thought I had too many pliers. Now I realize that this is OK. Thanks for enabling my addiction... :p

[@R2_D3]

A great part of your ''problem'' is personal preference... I don't like really loose pliers, except for the water pump pliers and the side/front cutters ;) And most pliers loosen up after a couple of times in use... (I haven't had one single (of the 25+ ) Knipex pliers that was sticky, they all were just perfect, straight out of the box) In a few hours, the Knipex Twin-Grip, 82-01-200, will land in my mailbox!! I have the feeling that it will become one of my favorite pliers!

[@littlejackalo5326]

That's a completely different type of plier. Twin grip pliers have a different method holding the pivot together.

[@cwell2112]

Imagine how expensive the pliers would be if they had to scrap or rework all the ones that came out on the stiffer side. I think they do their best to control the process, and perhaps lean on the side of a little stiff because the joint will wear in with use. I do agree that stiff pliers are frustrating to use and if I have a pair that I otherwise really like, it's worth putting some work into the joint.

[@CPthetooladdict]

Definitely agree I use lapping compound on them briefly to loosen them up its been annoying for years and I 100% agree great video!! Crazy how all those kliens fail like that. You have a plier problem like I do lol

[@lastbesttool]

I assume you mean my plier problem is that some of them of sticky. As one addict to another, I sure hope you don't think I have too many pliers. That is impossible as far as I can tell but I plan to keep on experimenting with how many pliers one can own.

[@CPthetooladdict]

@@lastbesttool lol see what you mean I certainly don't mean it as a problem but in a positive way!! Lol Always a pleasure!!

[@lastbesttool]

Once I redistribute my pliers across my toolboxes, tool kits, vehicles, properties, and EDC kits, the number of pliers seems healthy. It's only when I reel them all in and pile them up that it seems excessive to the unenlightened. I could do the same with hammers, shovels, and coffee mugs. Heck, even if I got a bigger table for video work, the plier pile wouldn't be so high. But where's the fun in that? Take care!

[@CPthetooladdict]

@@lastbesttool exactly I do agree completely!! Lol

[@jimshort9266]

Last Best Tool has more Klein Hybrid pliers alone than I have reading glasses and I have put that sh!t everywhere.

[@garykolbo7228]

I have a total of 27 different electrician pliers, 8 out of the 27 were way to stiff for my liking. I tried oil on the rivet and worked the pliers 100 plus times, they loosened some but still not to my liking, I come across someone else channel and mentioned using valve grinding compound. I garbed my small painters brush, my grinding compound and worked the compound into the pliers crevasses and started working the pliers, After just a continues working the pliers I really started to notice a big difference. I than used WD40 to clean off the compound and let me tell you, the pliers worked like silk.8 pliers took me 30 minutes to complete, We all know how some Klein pliers are stiff and the almost miserable Ideal pliers (by far the worse stiffness of all pliers). After me working in the valve grinding compound and rinsing off with WD40, All my pliers are smooth and operate perfect, even the Ideal pliers. Try it yourself, you won't be disappointed.

[@lastbesttool]

I have done exactly the same thing. In fact I over did it on a pair of pliers and now they are so loose and wobbly I could warranty them. So my lesson was use the compound till the feel is close, the hose them off several times with WD40. Then a touch more elbow grease and they should be good to go.

[@rdmanone]

I don't mind a break in period for things. I don't complain when I get a new pair of leather work boots and they are very stiff. I guess I could start going to the thrift shop for my boots that have been worn for a couple hundred miles.

[@cargar62]

Nothing smoother than tools with some field use on them. Little bit of lube doesnt hurt either but mostly USE. The use of lube on any mechanism that calls for it doesn’t necessarily put them in the “junk” category. I have a couple of pairs of EREM swiss made pliers and i remember clearly a short break in period on those. Press fit joints also tend to have a bit of a break in period longer than the screw together types. Hope that helps.

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Wow, that's a lot of pliers 😄 But for doing this demonstration, having this number of samples is a good thing. I dislike Snap-on pliers in general because of their overly stiff joints. I've had very good experience with Japanese pliers and the few German pliers that I've had when it comes to smoothness. I can't gauge the durability right out of the box, but the smoothness of the opening/closing can be felt right away. So, for me, that's been one of the quick indicators of a well manufactured pair of pliers.

[@amigator7789]

This is exact reason why I choose my pliers by hand at hardware store from more pieces. Last time I was there for sidecutters, spent almost 30 minutes choosing from exactly same pieces of Wiha. Some was more sticky, some was not, some was well balanced in between. Found one piece which was perfect in every aspect. They are so good machined and fit together, that you can actually clip paper with them like with scissors. No kidding - standard sheet of thin 80g A4 office paper, and when you clip it with those sidecutting Wihas, it will make loud "clack!" sound every time. Super satisfying :)) Cutting wires is a breeze also.

[@TheBootyWrangler]

My harbor freight Quinn’s do that When it comes to these kinds of pliers you’re really paying for a higher quality metal alloy more than anything else. That’s why high end pliers take so much longer to degrade whilst the harbor freight pliers rust after spending the night outdoors

[@cwell2112]

I like this idea, but worry that I wouldn't want to use the tool because it would be difficult to replace.

[@ayrplanes]

The old timers would laugh you out of the room. Use them and they will break in just like stiff boots do. If you dont use them enough to break them in then it is just a theoretical problem.

[@rickt151]

I'm feeling sorry for the oldtimers, they've never had a pair of Knipex in their hands, poor guys. A good pair of pliers will open well one time a year or 60 times an hour, and if not: do what he suggested and send it back! The time of dealing with aggravating tools was for the oldtimers, not for us

[@littlejackalo5326]

@Rick Tijssen nah, they all do the same thing. Any pair of pets that have riveted pins will vary in stiffness. Doesn't matter the brand.

[@dpm9a189]

@@rickt151 knipex was founded in 1882, old timers definitely had knipex

[@johnny0454]

They don't always loosen up, I have a pair of the Craftsman professional needle nose and I have been purposefully working them to loosen em up for years, they're still too stiff. He's right, for the money they're charging, they should be good to go right out of the box. Paying a premium for a top of the line tool, you should get a top of the line tool. Great video, I'm on board.

[@Henry_Swanson]

When full open is past what you can hold in one hand, bump in the middle is handy sometimes.

[@rayl6599]

Completely agree with the sentiment, however, I haven't had a new pair so sticky that it cannot be fixed in under 2 minutes with cutting fluid and manual exercise -- well, except maybe for the last 10% to fully open. That last bit seems more stubborn. An electrician mentioned cutting fluid to me. Before, I would try WD-40, penetrating oil, PFTE dry lube spray -- they all required significantly more effort. But cutting fluid (I use Tap Magic as that's what I have around for metal working) and 1 to 2 minutes of manual exercise goes quite far. Give it a try! Best part is -- it is less messy than the other solutions I've tried. Just wipe down any crud at the end.

[@everydaylanre]

Sending back my needle nose Kliens after seeing this!

[@jris]

Klein are some of the worst offenders.

[@jerrybobteasdale]

Usually, old sticky pliers are loosened with rust remover, then a good rinse with penetrating oil, and blasts of compressed air. New, sticky pliers can often be loosened with careful tapping a few hammer hits with the tool braced on an appropriately-sized bushing. It's a subtle adjustment. And peening the joint of a loose pliers will usually tighten the action.

[@ferrumignis]

Very easy to go too far when peening the pivot of a loose set of pliers...at least that's what I've been told, obviously never done it myself. Ahem.

[@n8sfolly]

Ha! I was thinking about this recently as I tried to work in a pair of very stiff and crunchy klein journyman side cutters. Journeyman Linesman's I bought at the same time are buttery. After working the side cutters extensively the first half is buttery and the second half is terrible, I doubt they will ever be easy to use.

[@ptstouring49]

The odds of anyone seeing this comment are zero, but six drops of ballistol (one on each of the four sides while open, one on the front face on the rivet, one on the back face - not sure both are necessary) and work them a few times, set them out for a night with the side that the mark shows on the rivet, then work again the next day (working pliers is my fidget) and I have never had a problem. The ballistol prevents corrosion and as it is thicker than say WD40 acts like engine oil on a bearing and they work super smooth. I do this with every set of pliers I have and only a few have required real work (anything chrome, Klein needle nose and Wiha lineman being the biggest offenders)

[@FixitFred]

Maybe I am the opposite but I like a stiffer plier. When its too loose it closes with me wanting too. I have sent back for warranty a few leathermans once they become too easy to open.

[@PIANOPICTURES]

My preference is that I neither like a loose pliers nor sticky ones, I prefer exactly the middle spot.

[@Grabarz23]

I never seen Knipex being stiff or sticky. I somehow solved problem of stickiness by putting pliers into some container that handles are sticking upwards and then i fill the container with WD-40 or other rather washy, watery oil, let them set for 24-72h and then just wipe them in paper. If they loose ok i keep them if not - i turn them back

[@Hazan1fan]

I bought a pair of snap on flush cutters (because of your channel) and they were so stiff that I needed TWO hands to open/close. I called snap on and they second me a second pair. Same thing!!

[@lastbesttool]

Keep switching them with Snap On. I've dealt with SO customer service about stiff pliers, both truck guy and online. They just kept sending me/ordering me pliers presumably because it was cheaper than having a SO employee actually try out the pliers and fine a smooth one. The reason I am so active about this is I was originally content to deal with stiff pliers until I cut my finger badly when fighting with a pair of needle nose with cutters in a tight space. I had to over power the stiffness in an awkward position causing the pliers to snap shut on my finger. Never again! If the company cannot produce smooth pliers, the failure is on them.

[@danielhady3021]

Any pair of Kleins that I've had that were a bit stiff. Were able to be broken loose with a bit of crc336 and working the handles for a few seconds.

[@MrRubenrivera9649]

I oil mine and work them in PB blaster/ wd-40, 3-in-1 oil helps for me. I thought as you but you oil them and work them in and they work (we at least for me). Everyone has their own opinion. I own a pair of Greenlee cable cutters and they started to sieze on me and put 3-in-1 oil and they opened up just instantly.

[@electriciantv5174]

You know I’ve bought many duplicate tools and most worked good out of the box and some didn’t. It’s silly to expect everything be perfect all the time. It’s just not possible

[@ciprian1919]

My Klein Hybrid was opening hard when I got it ( you can't check it in the store because of the plastic box ) but it loosen up after a bit of use. Now it can be open one-handed with no effort at all.

[@gtxguy]

I just got 3 Snap on side cutters replaced, all three are Very stiff,bloody crap

[@knipsi22]

Bro I'm pretty sure it's just dry joint grease. They have been in store for a while before you bought them. Put Ballistol or something similiar in there to wash the old grease out. Open and close them until they don't stick anymore and then reapply a thicker oil like engine oil.

[@robbabcock_]

We need to collectively hold manufacturers to a higher standard! I agree that it's maddening to deal with this.

[@ronfox5519]

Most any lubricating oil is a better lubricant than any penetrating oil. A little bit of synthetic motor oil will work as well as and probably last longer than anything else.

[@trevorespinoza9500]

I absolutely love those hybrid pliers by Klein. Mostly good for residential stuff, and I often pick them over my regular Kleins.

[@Trolldaddy5]

I think theres a fine line between too stiff and too loose. I dont want them to just freely flop open. I want to just barely have to put pressure on it, very minimal pressure. Bc if im grabbing something with one hand and i want to ungrip, rotate or move, and regrip, i dont want it to flop all the way open where now i cant reach one handle with my fingers and have to use two hands to regrip whatever im grabbing. I think it comes down to personal preference. Some people may like them loose, some tight, some in between. It also would depend on the pliers and what their for. Certain pliers you may want tight and certain others loose. Idk.

[@CorvetteTrev]

I love it! I hear you. 🎉💯 20 year Sikorsky Engineer

[@rui1863]

Just work it for 10 minutes and add kroil to the join. It clean out any grit from the joint and makes them silky smooth.

[@kylehazachode]

I've had insanely good luck with using an ultrasonic cleaner and a long soak in naphtha. Kroil silicone penetrating oil and Dupont Release-It ceramic penetrating oil are my go-to tool oils.

[@mauriciocampuzano6828]

TOTALLY AGREED,its honestly bs that tradesmen have to maintenance tools out of the box we’d like them easy to use out of the box these big companies claim quality control but have yet to make them smooth and at optimum level for all consumers.

[@whoasked8640]

You should try the Keiba high grade pliars ;)

[@wingsdesire1]

I’ve just used WD-40 to unstick 3 of my brand spanking new pliers. 100% agree with you

[@lastbesttool]

If wd40 works, then great. But that's probably more of a cleaning issue than a manufacturing issue that stays with the pliers for years.

[@adawolf9483]

You got your point within 4 minutes, I skipped the rest.

[@johnbronson8928]

You poor thing. If it took you more than reading the title to get the point, (assuming you can read)may i suggest you try something not so sophisticated. This channel is maybe too advanced for you. It's for tool enthusiasts. Maybe you could find something on PBS kids that more your speed. Hang in there!

[@jameshorspool5054]

I always work my pilers arms in and out fully quite a few times then they loosen up

[@TheBumpothegreat]

Sockets do not have a standard for weight in relation to socket size, so depending on the brand of socket used the results will vary wildly. In order for your universal plier friction test you would need to choose a ballast system with universal specifications. Excellent idea though. We should have standards.

[@rowanzettel6253]

He said 5 ounces

[@markbost9874]

The next time someone complains that I have too many pliers, I am showing them this video. By the way, it might be interesting to find out if any manufacturer even does such a test as you demonstrate here. When you return, perhaps you could ask if (or how) they test, so that you may let the rest of us know. Nice video by the way.

[@LilasTools]

I’m gonna do a video doing the socket test on my Pliers soon!

[@lastbesttool]

Share it when up!

[@LilasTools]

@@lastbesttool Hey I just made my video! :) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4PddnqvibmLb7s

[@lastbesttool]

@@LilasTools Well done! Everyone, check out the video and subscribe to his channel!

[@martinmather2495]

I would be interested to see if the old school trick of lobbing them as hard as you can against concrete ‘once’ will cause them to loosen , I’ve done it once or twice on new pairs of line mans but I wouldn’t want to do it with needle noses of side cutters.

[@hwh6237]

I’ve had real good luck with channellock brand linesman and other non groove joint models from them. I’ve had very many fall open after taking them out of the blister pack.

[@nerfkilo]

I have those same klein small yellow needle nose, i swear sometimes i have to use 2 hands to open it

[@vtec923]

Not that I disagree with the rant, my question is why so many of the same.

[@abc-pn6yi]

I spray my pliers down with WD40 and rub sand in the joints and work the sand in with the WD40 and after 20 minutes of that I clean the pliers real good and they work great.. I worked with an old electrician that would say, find a mud puddle and rub your pliers in the mud and work them back and forth until they losen up, then clean them with WD40 and brake cleaner..

[@thekanthalkid4273]

Almost all my Knipex and Wiha pliers are loose and smooth, I've not had this issue very often.

[@andystoolbox]

I always felt they set the rivet tight and I have the job of breaking them in. Guess I am just used to the abuse. Most of my Snappy pliers are stiff compared to my knipex/Nws. I really do not care because to first time I abuse them they loosen up.

[@KamalasVACANTwomb]

I’m the opposite. I want them nice and stiff. If the handle opens I want to be the one opening them. When I get a pair and the handles just drop like that I instantly have a feeling like they’re cheap. Nsfp no sloppy floppy pliers

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

I have found if I soak the joints in Fluid Film, the pliers almost open themselves .

[@kuangsheng3891]

I rescued an abandoned pair of channellock side cutters that someone had left in a void for a couple of years all gummed up and smeared with paint. I cleaned them up and lubed them, absent mindedly opening and closing them for a while watching youtube. Now they just fall open. Even your 'standards' are going to get loose if you use them. Most pliers are a machine pressed rivet, essentially a friction fit. They'll all get loose eventually. I figure makers have decided to save a few bucks by not getting Jimbo to wiggle em open and close a hundred times before they throw em into a packet.

[@adjutant]

I've never had a sticky knipex, I would definitely send it back if I found a sticky knipex, that's a defect!

[@poonbandit9924]

Just give them a shot of penetrating oil and use them accidentally drop them in oil a few times, use them on a transmission/engine build, they break in beautifully and the tolerances are very tight. I know exactly what you’re saying, but these are sold to be used all the time for years and years, so the tolerance is made to be worn through. I only have knipex, snap on, mac and Klein pliers mine all work perfect but started life sticky

[@johncorder2912]

When you buy tools to use them rather than buying them to own them they loosen up as a natural course of being used. Let’s be honest your not a professional concrete-carpenter-mason-electrician-millwright-plumber-mechanic, but you own all the tools. Most of these are designed for professionals not prosumer-tool collectors. The level of precision you want is absolutely achievable but the prices will be higher, can’t get more for nothing. If your willing to spend a few minutes on The clock loosening up a snug pair of pliers you will carry and use for thousands of hours a year then you can save a few bucks. I’ve had a tube of valve grind compound in my tool box for years and every time I’ve needed it it’s there and I end up with an outstanding tool once I’m done. It’s really not that hard.

[@audioexperience]

this is so true - you should not have to modify or do anything to the pliers out of the box in order to get them to function properly, but the annoying thing is for those of us that don't buy 7 or so of each to test them you'd never know if that model would even be capable of passing the test - this is why QC at the company level needs to be improved #NASP

[@fvahamonde]

This is the most necessary tool video. Should throw some Leatherman tools in there too. Their black oxide tools are so stiff

[@avernvrey7422]

I want sticky pliers. They don't drop the workpiece. You can grab multiple things going back and forth (sure, locking pliers would be ideal, but a pair of sticky pliers get it done too).

[@AlexAAAAAAA7]

Most of them are sticky not because of manufacturing but in storage conditions including warehouse, retail stores, shops and garages. Metal gets rusty slowly inside of the connection ring and just needs to be oiled and cleaned so that rust comes out with oil as much as possible.

[@lslslslslslslsl1]

I actually like a little bit of stick in my pliers, a little bit. I like when they don't fly open but yet again don't want them to be too stiff.

[@pgood7266]

Us guys that actually use our tools aren’t bothered by this because they break In quickly

[@Ali_Haji_SouthAfrica]

Exactly 🤝

[@DownHillgamer]

I thought i wanted my snap ons to be butter off the truck but the few that are have a little wobble and slop straight away. Nothing extreme that effects the tips of the needle nose, but still.

[@jeangadoury932]

You toss some 3 in 1 oil on the pivot, open and close like 10x and they're good to go.

[@charless8641]

I use Kano kroil it works great but it does need to be worked in, I agree that when you spend a good amount of money on a quality tool it should work good out of the box. Great video, thanks for sharing.😃

[@mrconch7238]

Pliers loosen up when used. Not sure what the issue is

[@brodyleduc2383]

I'm an electrician in the coal mines, my tools are constantly being destroyed by the elements, I've found really good success with a 50/50 mixture of alcohol and rapid tap lol I also use a maintenance spray by wurth... when I worked in the plant, I would constantly have my tool bag filled with magnetite, coal,grease, (and God knows what else) by the pesky operators hosing down the floors above me. It's a constant battle to maintain my tools. If I bought stiff pliers from klein,knipex,or snap on, I would immediately send them back.

[@brodyleduc2383]

Of coarse after buying a set I always exercise them and run some maintenance spray through em, gotta give them a chance to break in. Also don't use any lube, I find that lube will actually attract debri.

[@farmerdave7965]

I own several different brands of lineman pliers including Klein. Oddly enough, my favorite is my Craftsman Professional, which is no longer sold.

[@strawberry_cowsyt7860]

I have the craftsman professional as well damn good lineman pliers. I use them over my Kleins as well

[@hhattingh]

This very issue grinds my gears to no end. Could not agree more

[@lastbesttool]

I nipped a good chunk of skin off my finger once fighting with a stick plier with a cutter on it. I was so mad at the pliers.

[@SriramKarra]

Totally love the passion here and 100% behind the "movement". When you say "Send em back", what exactly do you do? 😀

[@jris]

Warranty them

[@SriramKarra]

I thought I saw a response from Doc about Snap On or something. Anyway, I'd love to know if you hear back from Knipex. Some manufacturers seem to make it explicit that some breaking in. For e.g. see here for Vampliers setting expectations: www.vampiretools.com/looking-after-your-pliers-the-importance-of-oiling-them/ I'd love to know what Knipex's official position is (could not find it by Googling for it)

[@jris]

I feel like I was the one to comment haha. My pliers drawer is about the same as your table. The 20-30 knipex I have maybe 1 needle nose were stiff enough to need a small break in. Of the 20 or so snap-on I think 2 were good to go when purchased. I returned a pair of snap-on flush cuts due to this, ofcourse the pair I got now were able to break in but the tips slightly chipped on purchase. It’s super frustrating I know. It shouldn’t take an hours time to use a plier comfortable. All the Japanese pliers I have are flawless out of the box and never get “too loose” after extended use. You’re spot on and I will be more likely to send them back.

[@lastbesttool]

You probably were. I couldn't find the particular comment. I think I got it twice about getting valve grinding compound from NAPA.

[@jris]

@@lastbesttool yep that and using a brass hammer to massage the middle hinge. Snap-on grips are amazing so I’ve been putting up with the break in work. You made well articulated points on your “is snap-on worth it video”, one being the quality improvements that are assumed with higher costs don’t always equate. Pliers tend to be worth the added costs but added work required does make you feel a bit cheated.

[@austinhall7514]

Idk what it is about the klien journeyman line but everyone i have ever bought is so stiff you need to pull it apart with 2 trucks

[@lastbesttool]

There are some perfect Journeyman lineman, cutters, and needle noses. One of my favorites was recently featured in a Knipex cutter video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnLWZJiFd5yjmZI

[@jacobrael9872]

I got some little klein needle nose pliers and holy shit they barely open and close and have black grit all over the joint, I spent an hour cleaning them and opening closing them and they didn't get any better, kinda don't like klein anymore as this is the 4th time I've gotten a pair of there tools that have defects out of the box, been buying knipex now and everything comes perfect

[@lastbesttool]

Sorry about your bad plier experience. I just don't what makes it so hard for a great company like Klein to test plier opening smoothness before they leave the factory.

[@nicknauj124]

Have you ever heard of a secret cordless drill chuck trick, ratchet down and click back? 😅

[@adrianhillary7300]

Just wondering after a year how you got on with returning them?

[@TechMay]

I have a couple really sticky pairs. Especially when they’re new !

[@egbluesuede1220]

Have you tried something other than WD40? That really isn't a good lubricant. Not disagreeing with the gripe against manufacturing, but maybe a drop of 3 in 1 or something like that would make a difference. Been loving your channel and always appreciate your tips.

[@zjenji]

I was skeptical at the beginning of the video, but I completely agree now. I’ve had good luck with Knipex, Merry, and Klein, but not always! Why do I tolerate bad pliers?!

[@wesleythompson451]

Fujiya is pretty awesome, too.

[@Flockingtheherd]

Check out keiba pliers. Their high end line are awesome pliers.

[@ryanlavallee6342]

My channelock brand pliers in every type including the lineman xlt all are butter and everything was bought individually not in a set and they open better then my Klein and knipex pliers I have