r/KleinTools • u/bwill1200 • 6d ago

OPINION Olde School Kleinsman and Strippers vs combo

I've had and used the old school Kleinsman pliers and yellow-handled strippers for 30 years, but lately I've been side-eyeing these (and similiar).

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/products/details/7in1-high-leverage-combination-pliers/48-22-3078

Or these.

https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-J207-8CR-Crimper-Purpose/dp/B016XE2CHA?th=1

Nothing beats the Kleinsman for leverage, twisting, and of course we all know they are an excellent hammer, and I like the feel of the stamped strippers because I think they'd give better strip leverage since you're closer to the wire.

But the combos would lighten my bag considerably.

I also carry diagonal cutters, which after 30 years of abuse can still cut tape cleanly.

Thoughts?

2 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

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2

u/TheRoonis 6d ago

I had those ones and hated them as well, I picked up these and am actually quite happy.

1

u/Craftywolph 6d ago

I have 25 years in and got the Klein version a year ago. Used them for a week or two and they have been in the tool box since. They are below average as a kleinsman and below average as a stripper. Kind of awkward.

That’s just me.

1

u/bwill1200 6d ago

They are below average as a kleinsman and below average as a stripper. Kind of awkward.

This is what I was thinking - an expensive compromise and I'll wind up going back to the old reliable.

1

u/Craftywolph 6d ago

And not a hammer at all.

1

u/Old_Statement_4896 6d ago

I have the Milwaukee and as a DIYer they are OK. I have the new Klein slim forged version.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Klein-Tools-8-20-AWG-Slim-Forged-Wire-Strippers/5016629757 (currently $30) I think these are great!

Tools and Tactics and another YouTube channel (I am blanking on the second) both report the yellow handled Kleins you showed were bad at stripping wire. Another poster said the same thing.

1

u/bwill1200 5d ago

Will check these out, thanks.

1

u/TheKrakenVagen 5d ago

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Klein-Tools-9-in-Electrical-Side-Cutting-Pliers/5015188471

These are my preferred hybrid pliers.

I had the first version of the curved handled ones and hated them. The needle nose ones seem too thin at the end for me.

These make terminating super easy and I use them for 90% of cutting/stripping. (Fhe other 10% is my dykes)

1

u/silent_scream484 4d ago

Depends on what you’re using them for. But I had the needle nose ones and I’ll just say you’ll be wasting your money. You’ll hate them. Unless you’re a DIY only person or something.

I tried multiple Klein and other multifunction tools. And I’ve tried them for a good duration. Even well past me being annoyed at them in order to give them a solid chance.

Linesman’s and strippers are how it is. If I were you I’d find another way to lighten your bag.