Needle nose is my go-to for knockouts. And if I have the room to maneuver, I grab lineman's instead, that way I already have the "hammer" in hand for setting the nut. Punch, grab, twist, go on with life. Exactly like he did with the channel locks. Except my needlenose and/or linemans fits it my tool pouch. Then again I mainly do residential. If I was using conduit connectors all day I'd be using channellocks too.
So as a fellow electrician I have to ask, the back story of you man, it's been bugging me since, well, the pipe bending video. I think it's cool that you have both under your belt, and you have my respect. I'm only at the start of my machining hobby, a couple of years anyway and building my basement shop. however I have learned a lot from you and keep up the good work.
I get asked that a lot, I hold 2 licence classes that pertain to my trade, but support my field work with a fab and machine shop, hope that helps clear it up a bit :)
You are misunderstanding which hole he is talking about and which hole Klein is referring to. The hole for the wire to pass through is just the back side of the locknut tool. The two smaller holes in the side are the ones that the screwdriver goes through to gain leverage.
Guaranteed that we did not last more than a couple weeks after you started using your impact on it. I was super surprised to see that it was not a ratcheting mechanism I really think Klein dropped the ball on this one.
Stan, the high def really looks great.. but is kind of a colossal PITA for those of us stuck in areas with limited band width... otherwise love the content, Thanks!
Click the little gear icon on the bottom right of the video player. Go to "Quality" and select the video quality that you can live with due to your slow internet. The lower the number the smaller the video download size. Of course the video won't look as good. 240p or 360p should work pretty good with really slow internet, just experiment. It sets the default quality for all TH-cam videos.
A couple of thoughts Stan, that you have probably already thought of. A 3/8 ratchet would also drive it without using the impact, but that would take much more time. Also, if you get 200+ glands out of it, $30 of cost against the labour should be insignificant, especially when you add in the potential(probable?) savings on rework if you have a loose gland. Great video. Greg
TS--I had thought of the 3/8 ratchet, too, which he could easily store in his toolbelt. Using the cordless impact might require him to carry it around, which would be heavy and bulky if you didn't need to. Incidentally, what does the term "gland" refer to? I couldn't puzzle it out from the context you used it in. Thanks.
This only is possible to work in new construction when wires are not coming through the pipe. I personally think it's a waste of money because since this will only work in new construction there's nothing wrong with a pair of Klein's and a flat head screwdriver. 👷♂️🛠
Ken Wolfe I was always taught the same. screw driver, and nines. I use the same tools to do the knockouts. keeps the tools in my hands. this is neat though. Klein has a lot of tools that are neat but not necessary. Thanks for the review!
Robert Gillespie I was looking to see if anyone thought the same thing before I made the comment. Smaller and ratchet style would have a home in my pouch.
The primary function of this tool is installing retrofit deep cut-in boxes where you can't get into the box to start the locknut, and a screwdriver + pliers would be awkward.. th-cam.com/video/PglNH584BBc/w-d-xo.html, For rough-in time installations, it's kind of pointless. It takes no more effort to put the nut on the connector than to put into a tool. Using a power tool to tighten connectors only is advantageous if preparing many of them at one time before mounting the boxes. Otherwise, it takes more energy to carry and use a power tool than a hand tool. For a single box being installed during rough-in, a simpler tool with a pair of sockets on a swivel handle ( like a Tiger wrench) would be better for holding the nut while using channel locks to tighten than using a screwdriver and a linemans plier as a hammer.. It could be less expensive, more rugged, and would work with connectors on the side or back of the box.
thats a cool tool if it works. I remember cutting the old bx cable with metal sheers and they came out with that rotary bx / mc cable cutter which saved a lot of time and made a nice cut. of course it wont long after I got mine that someone else liked it more than I did and they walked off with it or I walked off with out it. either way it was gone. good review up date us after a few hundred more boxes.
The tool is designed to allow the wire to pass through it, for cut in old work applications. There is a hole to pass through wire (from an NM or MC cable with conductors already attached) so therefore a ratchet would not allow wires to pass throug.
Gee, the end of my vicegrips ins't screwed up. The end of my electrician's pliers is. :-) I think I would have thought of using a 3/8s ratchet rather than an impact driver. Probably slower, but less likely (maybe) to trash the tool. What is really missing is a red push button on the end of the tool to lock the gearing. Push the button in and crank over the handle. Done.
Sorry but I bought a set of 3 (1/2" 3/4" 1") much simpler and far better locknut wrenches for $10 at home Depot and they work much better and are far easier to use. I've seen several different variations of lock nut tools come out over my 20 years in the field and nothing seems to catch on. They charge $50 for that silly Klein one.
I love tools as much as the next guy, but this seams a bit over complicated . . Theres a very cheap little wrench on the market that does the job just fine. Thats assuming a person isnt just gonna use the old tried n true method.
What about the knock outs on the back of the box, will it fit on to those? The other knock ours are easy enough. Nobody can answer this for me, and I'm not wasting 50$ if it doesn't do that.
Why did you out the screwdriver shaft in the hole on the handle in the box instead of the handle in your hand? That's where the benefits come. Not reaching inside the box.
One little addition would increase its usefulness (maybe!): A build in ratchet function! Use it with a screwdriver, a cordless drill or without anything.
Doesn't work well with the concave lock rings, slips often. Also, can't fit very much wire through the opening and didn't fit in my bags. Good idea, poorly executed. I'll stick with my channel locks or hammer and screw driver. I will say that with a remodel box that you don't good have access to and cant beat on with a hammer that this is a good option but other than that I couldn't find much of a reason to carry it around. Ended up trading it for a bender.
It is mainly intended for old work single gang cut ins with wire already in the connector. It is hard for some people to fit their hand inside, especially near the back of deeper boxes.
Gardener bender makes flat lasercut wrenches for 1/2, 3/4, and 1" locknut's. Hold them on the inside, and tighten the fitting from the outside with channel locks or pliers wrench as usual. They are much more toolbelt portable. They work great for removal in a tight spot as well.
So it has to save you about an hour of work to pay for itself and after that it's making money, right? I'd be more surprised if it doesn't last, but time will tell.
Hmm, makes the tool kit heavier at the end of the day. Okay I guess for "production" work at a bench, but moving from one place to another more weight. Knocking out slugs, why not use the screwdriver and the line man's pliers to knock out the knockout, then hit the lock nut with the same tools? Not an electrician, listen and learn. Dennis L.
Stan, here's a suggestion to try, if I can get the idea across without a picture - slip a screwdriver through the hole, and line up the screwdriver with the body of the tool. Wrap your hand around both at the same time. Now use it as a fixed wrench. holding the screwdriver and tool together effectively locks the drive. Typically once you spin the locknut down with a finger you only need half a turn or so to finish the job. It's a thought anyway... BTW thanks for the review, I didn't even know Klein made it!
I just use my knipex cobra pliers and it almost always bites when it doesn't like 10% i just grab my other knipex plier and hold the locknut. Another option is the 7" cobra actually fit pretty well inside j boxes and tighten very well the actual lock nut.
Klein and channellock better come up with something better than what ive seen because german tools have arrived and they're bringing innovation to hand tools.
Klein tools are pretty good quality, I would expect it to last. The impact drive seems to be the way to go. Those small 1/4 or 3/8 impact drivers don't produce a great deal of torque anyway.
Looks like were made that way but not advertised because of liability. It is interesting how tools can be used other than advertised. Good luck with it.
Thanks for sharing that impact gun bit to it. I bought he wrench a few months ago and I returned it, I hated it. But I would for sure buy it again and use it with an impact. Thanks again! 4 videos in, love the channel!
Can you not grip the knurl of the opposing end so it doesn't twist and then use the body like a wrench to twist the end on the nut? Seems that would give you plenty of gronk to seat the nut without having to resort to the extra tools.
Shadon HKW I saw a cutaway of this thing and it has spur gears and a drive shaft in it. I doubt those little teeth will like impact duty for long. Drill driver would probably be a lot better. Sounds like if they had added a ratcheting pawl mechanisim ala gear wrench they would have had a winner. I guess when it craps out you can put those ends on a double box gear wrench and have yourself a very handy tool. :-)
I actually have a pair of Klein lock nut pliers that look similar to needle nose pliers with bigger teeth to engage on lock nut. but they don't always work well unless your using the center knock out. they hit the side of the box when truning.
Those locknut pliers are one of kleins hidden gems that not everyone knows about. And unlike this gimmick crap they work with one hand& they Also fit in pouch as normal pliers, the pliers are also good for breaking out panel blanks, pipe reaming & also they grip pipe almost as good as a vise
they could have made it like harbor freights 180 degree swiveling head ratchet with 3/4'' on one end and 1/2'' on the other. anyway what ever and like you said Klein doesn't give it away.
Even if the impact eventually beats it to death, I'll bet it holds up well with a drill driver(non-impact) in low gear much better and would likely still be a great time saver.
Raise your hand or thumbs up if you have NEVER knocked out a 1900 Box KO with Channel Locks 🤚
👍
Needle nose is my go-to for knockouts. And if I have the room to maneuver, I grab lineman's instead, that way I already have the "hammer" in hand for setting the nut. Punch, grab, twist, go on with life. Exactly like he did with the channel locks. Except my needlenose and/or linemans fits it my tool pouch. Then again I mainly do residential. If I was using conduit connectors all day I'd be using channellocks too.
diagonal cutters is my go to.
Needle nose as well
Linemans all day
I use channel locks to pop knockouts because that will be on my belt for sure.
I think this would shine more for deep masonry or cut in boxes.
o yea. on a side note, if it said "snap-on" it would be $230.00
no joke.
I'd like one of those with a short 3/8 allen wrench for changing the vise jaws on milling vises.
So as a fellow electrician I have to ask, the back story of you man, it's been bugging me since, well, the pipe bending video.
I think it's cool that you have both under your belt, and you have my respect.
I'm only at the start of my machining hobby, a couple of years anyway and building my basement shop. however I have learned a lot from you and keep up the good work.
I get asked that a lot, I hold 2 licence classes that pertain to my trade, but support my field work with a fab and machine shop, hope that helps clear it up a bit :)
Shadon HKW it does very much. I think it's particularly valuable to be able to wear many hats in these days as tradesmen are becoming harder to find.
tek413 a
according to Klein's video - the hole is for passing wire through when installing an old work box with MC cable or romex. I like your idea better!
You are misunderstanding which hole he is talking about and which hole Klein is referring to. The hole for the wire to pass through is just the back side of the locknut tool. The two smaller holes in the side are the ones that the screwdriver goes through to gain leverage.
Guaranteed that we did not last more than a couple weeks after you started using your impact on it. I was super surprised to see that it was not a ratcheting mechanism I really think Klein dropped the ball on this one.
Stan, the high def really looks great.. but is kind of a colossal PITA for those of us stuck in areas with limited band width... otherwise love the content, Thanks!
Click the little gear icon on the bottom right of the video player.
Go to "Quality" and select the video quality that you can live with due to your slow internet. The lower the number the smaller the video download size. Of course the video won't look as good.
240p or 360p should work pretty good with really slow internet, just experiment.
It sets the default quality for all TH-cam videos.
A couple of thoughts Stan, that you have probably already thought of. A 3/8 ratchet would also drive it without using the impact, but that would take much more time. Also, if you get 200+ glands out of it, $30 of cost against the labour should be insignificant, especially when you add in the potential(probable?) savings on rework if you have a loose gland. Great video. Greg
Good points, you took the words right out of my mouth.
TS--I had thought of the 3/8 ratchet, too, which he could easily store in his toolbelt. Using the cordless impact might require him to carry it around, which would be heavy and bulky if you didn't need to. Incidentally, what does the term "gland" refer to? I couldn't puzzle it out from the context you used it in. Thanks.
@@stever5887 Gland is the type of connector he was installing into the knockout.
Nice tools but i prefer the oldschool pliers with flat screwdriver , thats what i have on my pocket and it's really fast.
Look's like on some fittings you could go through the fitting your putting in , on the opposite end ? Just a thought !!
Feel bad for the guy down the line that may have has to remove that super tight locknut!
what if u grab the bottom part with the channellocks grab it the use the wrench to tighten the lock nut
DOES IT WORK ON CONDUIT BUSHINGS?
This only is possible to work in new construction when wires are not coming through the pipe.
I personally think it's a waste of money because since this will only work in new construction there's nothing wrong with a pair of Klein's and a flat head screwdriver.
👷♂️🛠
A lot of tools that won't stand up to an impact do fine when you just use a regular cordless drill -
put a ratchet-lock on each end and use as a ratchet
I will stick with my linesman plyers and an old screwdriver. IBEW
Ha ha .. me too, but had to try it :)
where did you pick up that 1/4" hex to 3/8" square long driver?
I buy Apex tools from my local tool dealer "Tool Shack" really are the finest impact tools money can buy.
thanks...
wayto much work and time
Ave would have busted out the drill press and shown us the inside.
AvE makes his money breaking shit for our entertainment. Stan makes his by using the tools he buys doing real work.
Barry Gerbracht I like seeing the entrails.
Me too, but Stan still needs his tools for work :) Not sure how well anything AvE gets his hands on chooches after he's done...
The statement that you can't get in there "because rivets" made me howl with glee!
Actually, there is a part 2 where it gets dissected. If it can be built, I can unbuild it.
dam man mind reader we where doing a bunch of conduit today
I’d work for free if I was his apprentice!
this is why now we have microwaves with instructions not to dry the dog inside.
Nice idea badly Implemented.
40 years of using a screwdriver and a "hammer"......sigh.
Ken Wolfe , my dad thought me that trick over 50 years ago.
Ken Wolfe
I was always taught the same. screw driver, and nines. I use the same tools to do the knockouts. keeps the tools in my hands.
this is neat though. Klein has a lot of tools that are neat but not necessary.
Thanks for the review!
Pauline Weinberger I use my needle nose.
@@RaggedsEdge and I use my penis
@@3L5Ancho mines not long enough :( I just use my needle nose
I'm not going to give up the flat head and lineman's for that.
me either
Neatness is everything your locknuts probably look like shit after you guys are done with them
Why not just make a ratchet wrench for it?
Robert Gillespie I was looking to see if anyone thought the same thing before I made the comment. Smaller and ratchet style would have a home in my pouch.
True that
Particularly if you had a socket on a cordless ratchet.
One more heavy tool to throw in my pouch.... naaaaa
The primary function of this tool is installing retrofit deep cut-in boxes where you can't get into the box to start the locknut, and a screwdriver + pliers would be awkward.. th-cam.com/video/PglNH584BBc/w-d-xo.html,
For rough-in time installations, it's kind of pointless.
It takes no more effort to put the nut on the connector than to put into a tool. Using a power tool to tighten connectors only is advantageous if preparing many of them at one time before mounting the boxes. Otherwise, it takes more energy to carry and use a power tool than a hand tool.
For a single box being installed during rough-in, a simpler tool with a pair of sockets on a swivel handle ( like a Tiger wrench) would be better for holding the nut while using channel locks to tighten than using a screwdriver and a linemans plier as a hammer.. It could be less expensive, more rugged, and would work with connectors on the side or back of the box.
thats a cool tool if it works. I remember cutting the old bx cable with metal sheers and they came out with that rotary bx / mc cable cutter which saved a lot of time and made a nice cut. of course it wont long after I got mine that someone else liked it more than I did and they walked off with it or I walked off with out it. either way it was gone. good review up date us after a few hundred more boxes.
I think they would have been better off making sockets that you could attach to a ratchet
The tool is designed to allow the wire to pass through it, for cut in old work applications. There is a hole to pass through wire (from an NM or MC cable with conductors already attached) so therefore a ratchet would not allow wires to pass throug.
Gee, the end of my vicegrips ins't screwed up. The end of my electrician's pliers is. :-)
I think I would have thought of using a 3/8s ratchet rather than an impact driver. Probably slower, but less likely (maybe) to trash the tool. What is really missing is a red push button on the end of the tool to lock the gearing. Push the button in and crank over the handle. Done.
Sorry but I bought a set of 3 (1/2" 3/4" 1") much simpler and far better locknut wrenches for $10 at home Depot and they work much better and are far easier to use. I've seen several different variations of lock nut tools come out over my 20 years in the field and nothing seems to catch on. They charge $50 for that silly Klein one.
I love tools as much as the next guy, but this seams a bit over complicated . . Theres a very cheap little wrench on the market that does the job just fine. Thats assuming a person isnt just gonna use the old tried n true method.
What about the knock outs on the back of the box, will it fit on to those? The other knock ours are easy enough. Nobody can answer this for me, and I'm not wasting 50$ if it doesn't do that.
Why did you out the screwdriver shaft in the hole on the handle in the box instead of the handle in your hand? That's where the benefits come. Not reaching inside the box.
Channellock makes a set of pliers for lock nuts 😒 also nothing a flathead and striking tool can’t fix.
Think maybe it has one of those fiberglass cogged belts like automotive timing belts?
Stupid tool! can you use the tool to remove the lock after wires have been installed?
One little addition would increase its usefulness (maybe!):
A build in ratchet function!
Use it with a screwdriver, a cordless drill or without anything.
can you show your tool bag and what you Cary in it thank for all the videos
Doesn't work well with the concave lock rings, slips often. Also, can't fit very much wire through the opening and didn't fit in my bags. Good idea, poorly executed. I'll stick with my channel locks or hammer and screw driver. I will say that with a remodel box that you don't good have access to and cant beat on with a hammer that this is a good option but other than that I couldn't find much of a reason to carry it around. Ended up trading it for a bender.
It is mainly intended for old work single gang cut ins with wire already in the connector. It is hard for some people to fit their hand inside, especially near the back of deeper boxes.
That has to be the ugliest and useless tools Klein has ever made. A new low! 😅
They make a small wrench for locknuts so much easier way cheaper
I'm sticking too my lineman pliers and flat blade
Cool tool...when (if) breaks, use the socket piece with a fine tooth ratchet?
Rube Goldberg comes to mind.
can the 1/4 drive fit through the hole for the conduit?
I guess you could tighten in reverse to make that happen, didnt test :)
Might extend the useful life if the gearing dies, otherwise a neat tool.
Nice tool and a great review Stan! I hope it lives for another 200 boxes!
Such a waste of time and money
Gardener bender makes flat lasercut wrenches for 1/2, 3/4, and 1" locknut's. Hold them on the inside, and tighten the fitting from the outside with channel locks or pliers wrench as usual. They are much more toolbelt portable. They work great for removal in a tight spot as well.
So it has to save you about an hour of work to pay for itself and after that it's making money, right? I'd be more surprised if it doesn't last, but time will tell.
Hmm, makes the tool kit heavier at the end of the day. Okay I guess for "production" work at a bench, but moving from one place to another more weight.
Knocking out slugs, why not use the screwdriver and the line man's pliers to knock out the knockout, then hit the lock nut with the same tools?
Not an electrician, listen and learn.
Dennis L.
Stan, here's a suggestion to try, if I can get the idea across without a picture - slip a screwdriver through the hole, and line up the screwdriver with the body of the tool. Wrap your hand around both at the same time. Now use it as a fixed wrench. holding the screwdriver and tool together effectively locks the drive. Typically once you spin the locknut down with a finger you only need half a turn or so to finish the job. It's a thought anyway... BTW thanks for the review, I didn't even know Klein made it!
I just use my knipex cobra pliers and it almost always bites when it doesn't like 10% i just grab my other knipex plier and hold the locknut. Another option is the 7" cobra actually fit pretty well inside j boxes and tighten very well the actual lock nut.
yours is the only video I have seen of this tool, besides the one Klein made when they came out with it!
Klein and channellock better come up with something better than what ive seen because german tools have arrived and they're bringing innovation to hand tools.
Stan, how does it work on the flat part (4x4)
back of the box ? I see knock outs there also.
It doesn't work because of the shape of the tool. It would need longer sockets.
Thanks for sharing sir. Send it to AVE and let him pop those rivets and give it the full treatment! lol
Its getting a full dissection if (when) it blows up :)
Klein tools are pretty good quality, I would expect it to last. The impact drive seems to be the way to go. Those small 1/4 or 3/8 impact drivers don't produce a great deal of torque anyway.
Looks like were made that way but not advertised because of liability. It is interesting how tools can be used other than advertised. Good luck with it.
Seems like you just rescued that gimmicky tool. If it takes off , Klein owes you big time
Seems cumbersome. I just ground down a couple of sockets and they work well.
I was gonna buy it but am stay there old school flat screwdriver with plier thank
Thanks for sharing that impact gun bit to it. I bought he wrench a few months ago and I returned it, I hated it. But I would for sure buy it again and use it with an impact. Thanks again! 4 videos in, love the channel!
Can you not grip the knurl of the opposing end so it doesn't twist and then use the body like a wrench to twist the end on the nut? Seems that would give you plenty of gronk to seat the nut without having to resort to the extra tools.
1-1 ratio, just not enough grip to keep it from slipping in your hand.
Shadon HKW
I saw a cutaway of this thing and it has spur gears and a drive shaft in it. I doubt those little teeth will like impact duty for long. Drill driver would probably be a lot better. Sounds like if they had added a ratcheting pawl mechanisim ala gear wrench they would have had a winner. I guess when it craps out you can put those ends on a double box gear wrench and have yourself a very handy tool. :-)
it's nice for reaching into deep switch boxes that're too small for my meat hooks
That thing pays for itself in a short order, time is money.👍
Everything Klein is $30 or greater in price.
I like your videos makes me wish I was a electrician again!
I actually have a pair of Klein lock nut pliers that look similar to needle nose pliers with bigger teeth to engage on lock nut.
but they don't always work well unless your using the center knock out. they hit the side of the box when truning.
Those locknut pliers are one of kleins hidden gems that not everyone knows about. And unlike this gimmick crap they work with one hand& they
Also fit in pouch as normal pliers, the pliers are also good for breaking out panel blanks, pipe reaming & also they grip pipe almost as good as a vise
could you pass the 3/8" drive thru the fitting directly into the socket tightening...instead of using the remote end?
I guess you could tighten in reverse to make that happen, didnt test :)
Good job i like it m teacher thanks
Beats the old spanner type wrench
Stan tell us about the "00 racing" on the back of your job trailer
Off road race team, I used to run chase for them many years ago :)
Thats stupid!
interesting...
stan cool tool.
how about the back side of the box?
Backside is out of the question, not enough offset.
they could have made it like harbor freights 180 degree swiveling head ratchet with 3/4'' on one end and 1/2'' on the other. anyway what ever and like you said Klein doesn't give it away.
Not of the tools we saw on the video was used correctly.
Héctor Rangel hahahaha thats how a good mechanic works though lol
Even if the impact eventually beats it to death, I'll bet it holds up well with a drill driver(non-impact) in low gear much better and would likely still be a great time saver.