I have these pliers in the comfort grip and dipped handles but mine aren’t spring loaded with the lock. I didn’t realize they had these with that feature. These are my “go to” pliers for electric work. My favorite from Knipex so far. Thanks for all your content, I really enjoy it.
@@chrisfyfe9212 I’ve actually been looking at the insulated of these to put in my TP4B instead of the comfort grip of these plus the insulated needle nose. I think I might get this metric version for the spring action to try.
@@MORGANSMaintenance I also want the latching, Metric, VDE / chrome version ! I’ve seen them on “ Chad’s Tool Box” in the States , distecall whether KCTool has them . Otherwise you might end up having to buy them out of Europe .
I have a pair of 13 81 8 the dipped grips without a lock. I love them. I could see why your insulated version would have the auto lock feature, you don't want to have them potentially spring back open if you just cut a live conductor. With that being said, if I were to use them, that feature would drive me nuts.
Follow-up: These have become my favorite auxiliary tool for DC wiring. The needle nose are grippy and precise. The cutters will cut larger battery cable, I've had luck up to 2awg. I accompany these with a pair of automatic Knipex strippers so I only use these as strippers on problem wires that need a little extra insulation cutting. They grab bolts in a pinch and overall are just super handy.
Excellent as always doc. I have the 13 88 8 sometimes shown as 13 88 8 (US) which are VDE, not chrome, no lock and I will explain about the 8 below. I also have the same set in dipped (not near them to check the number). I was kind of miffed because I love chrome pliers (in spite of them not being quite as sharp) and I like spring loaded pliers, but the ones you have (13 96 200) are not for AWG (American Wire Gauge - I know you know what AWG means doc but others read comments) but rather metric wire (and are labeled as such with metric I think they say 2mm and 1.2-1.5mm). I did not get the ones you have for that reason (I may now if they strip 12 and 14). For the AWG tools (like the forged wire strippers), Knipex labels them with 8 as the last number (rather than 200 which is for 200mm). So my 13 88 8 says 12 and 14 for the stripper holes and they fit those sizes perfectly (which us 99% of residential 120v wire in the US). I think the lock snapping back to lock is a feature. The reason being is that way you don’t have to touch the lock if it may be live, but I don’t know. One feature you did not mention on them is that the very tip of the pliers is smooth, not cross hatch, so you can use that for looping wires without damaging the wire. This has never been an issue for me using long nose pliers, but you know, German made so I am trying to think like a German.
For anyone else, as of April 2023, the only spring-loaded and locking electrical pliers you can get for AWG (NA) sizes, is the version with many wire sizes (the forged set). You can't get the 2-size wire gauge spring loaded with AWG sizes in any format of handle. The metric ones shown here are 1.5 and 2.4mm2 which will work with 16 and 14AWG. 16 is useless for 120v and you won''t be able to strip 12AWG. Such a shame. I have the comfort grip version for 12/14AWG but really miss the spring. When working with 120 it's a real plus not having more than 2 sizes.
I have the black oxide vde ones and they are on my side daily. Mine don’t have that locking feature but you forgot 2 of their best functions, with enough practice they can strip everything from 18-4gauge wire and the built in ferrule crimper is great for control work
I own both , both are great ! The super strippers , have basically superseded my Lineman pliers . If I’m using Wago Levernuts , I schlep the pliers for Electrical installation ( either comfort grip , or VDE , depending on the job .
The VDE pair you have are more popular in Europe where twisting wires is unnecessary because wagos are the norm. The 13 72 8 are better for eletricians in the US. I've been using them for about two years and love them. The fact that they don't open all the way is one of the main reasons I love them. They open just enough for twisting a bunch of #10 wires together. Meaning I don't have to put my pinky under the handles to open them after every twist giving me more control and allowing me to twist faster.
Hi Doc, Great Review! About the opening when these VDE pliers are Locked it's a feature from knipex, they work partially with some functions of grip and strip. But the "Auto lock" that you said seems a production problem to me, this does not happen here with me. Knipex did a small update on these pliers changing the lock button, what I understand is that this button is a little bit loose and closes automatically. In the old version the lock button is very stiff and does not close automatically. Cheers
I have a pair of Klein Romex strippers that lock like that. I actually called them to complain about it. I find it very annoying that it locks up after every use. I have since bought the Southwire Boxjaw for Romex. I realize this wasn't about Romex only but that lock thingie reminded me why I hate those Kleins.
Two interesting pliers for sure. Considering folks who work in the trade, regardless of the type, want to minimize the number of tools they carry without sacrificing functionality, I would think the forged wire stripper would be the one to get vs the electrical installation pliers. It would appear the forged wire stripper can do everything the installation pliers can do but the installation pliers can't do everything the forged wire stripper can!!
classic example of - more features does not equal "more better". I have both of them in my tool bag, both are well made, but I find myself grabbing the electrical installation pliers probably the second most often after screwdrivers. the reason is - while the do less than wire-strippers - they do it better! the design of the need nose, allows me to get in to small spaces, grab the specific wire I need between plethora of wires, rim plastic boxes, loop a wire more easily and with tighter radius and last and not least - in some far in between cases I need to do something on a live wires or near live wires - these are no brainier. yes it true there is a trend to minimize the amount of tools you carry - and if I really needed the extra features of wire strippers give and could not take anymore tools, yeah I would take them. but for most jobs electrical installation pliers, are just the better tool.
Also have the european version and the safety lock works similar - when i hold them vertically and close them fast enough they stay in closed position. It happens 3 out of 5 times, so can't say if it was planned. Anyway, knipex doesn't state it as an 'official' feature
No, no crimpers on either. Europe does not use crimp on terminals like we do. They tend to use either use pin style or ferrules. Knipex has many crimpers for the latter. Knipex does have the standard style stripper/crimper, but it’s one of three Knipex tools I don’t like (along with the raptors and locking pliers) and probably the one one I would not recommend. They are an Italian made rebrand I think. They work, but not made like Knipex quality. For crimping terminals, you can get the lineman with the crimper and fish tape puller. I tend to use the klein (just got the ones doc had in the background of this video) or channellock (had for quite a while) dedicated crimping pliers with the little snips at the end.
Hey Doc, going back a couple videos, you had the SuperNips with the Cutting Blades not Lining up Perfectly Flush with each other. I just got mine (140s) a few days ago, and these ones are the Exact same way! Disappointing, because they are so Expensive. The $10 Klein's and even the $3 ToolShop Brand cut more Flush. They still cut fine, they just leave the smallest little nub. Just wanted to let you know. 🔨👍😁👍🔧
Fantastic pliers these are. Have these for some years now and absolutely love them.
Hok
Lk
Hole sàw
Hey Knipex! You need to sponsor this this channel. I've bought several of your tools due to his reviews. Well done and informative.
Those knipex pliers are a joy to use. I've been wiring up my new shop and done myself holding those, an M12 impact and a knife for 90% of the install.
I know content will probably slow but your video's are part of my morning routine. I appreciate the content.
FYI, they also have a crimping feature. Thanks for sharing
Beat me to it
I have these pliers in the comfort grip and dipped handles but mine aren’t spring loaded with the lock. I didn’t realize they had these with that feature.
These are my “go to” pliers for electric work. My favorite from Knipex so far.
Thanks for all your content, I really enjoy it.
The lock is really handy , you can pull fish tapes , etc without disengaging the lock , ditto metal bending etc . Comes in very handy !
@@chrisfyfe9212 I’ve actually been looking at the insulated of these to put in my TP4B instead of the comfort grip of these plus the insulated needle nose. I think I might get this metric version for the spring action to try.
@@MORGANSMaintenance I also want the latching, Metric, VDE / chrome version ! I’ve seen them on “ Chad’s Tool Box” in the States , distecall whether KCTool has them . Otherwise you might end up having to buy them out of Europe .
With that Knipex pliers and a screw driver you can handle 90% + of electrical installation tasks.
I have a pair of 13 81 8 the dipped grips without a lock. I love them.
I could see why your insulated version would have the auto lock feature, you don't want to have them potentially spring back open if you just cut a live conductor.
With that being said, if I were to use them, that feature would drive me nuts.
Follow-up: These have become my favorite auxiliary tool for DC wiring. The needle nose are grippy and precise. The cutters will cut larger battery cable, I've had luck up to 2awg. I accompany these with a pair of automatic Knipex strippers so I only use these as strippers on problem wires that need a little extra insulation cutting. They grab bolts in a pinch and overall are just super handy.
Excellent as always doc. I have the 13 88 8 sometimes shown as 13 88 8 (US) which are VDE, not chrome, no lock and I will explain about the 8 below. I also have the same set in dipped (not near them to check the number). I was kind of miffed because I love chrome pliers (in spite of them not being quite as sharp) and I like spring loaded pliers, but the ones you have (13 96 200) are not for AWG (American Wire Gauge - I know you know what AWG means doc but others read comments) but rather metric wire (and are labeled as such with metric I think they say 2mm and 1.2-1.5mm). I did not get the ones you have for that reason (I may now if they strip 12 and 14). For the AWG tools (like the forged wire strippers), Knipex labels them with 8 as the last number (rather than 200 which is for 200mm). So my 13 88 8 says 12 and 14 for the stripper holes and they fit those sizes perfectly (which us 99% of residential 120v wire in the US).
I think the lock snapping back to lock is a feature. The reason being is that way you don’t have to touch the lock if it may be live, but I don’t know.
One feature you did not mention on them is that the very tip of the pliers is smooth, not cross hatch, so you can use that for looping wires without damaging the wire. This has never been an issue for me using long nose pliers, but you know, German made so I am trying to think like a German.
For anyone else, as of April 2023, the only spring-loaded and locking electrical pliers you can get for AWG (NA) sizes, is the version with many wire sizes (the forged set). You can't get the 2-size wire gauge spring loaded with AWG sizes in any format of handle. The metric ones shown here are 1.5 and 2.4mm2 which will work with 16 and 14AWG. 16 is useless for 120v and you won''t be able to strip 12AWG. Such a shame. I have the comfort grip version for 12/14AWG but really miss the spring. When working with 120 it's a real plus not having more than 2 sizes.
I have the non insulated version and I love them so much!
I have the same model but without the opening spring and locking mechanism. They are great pliers for electrical work.
I have the black oxide vde ones and they are on my side daily. Mine don’t have that locking feature but you forgot 2 of their best functions, with enough practice they can strip everything from 18-4gauge wire and the built in ferrule crimper is great for control work
I own both , both are great ! The super strippers , have basically superseded my Lineman pliers . If I’m using Wago Levernuts , I schlep the pliers for Electrical installation ( either comfort grip , or VDE , depending on the job .
I did the same thing now that I mainly use wagos. Just let me work a bit faster and lighter than wire nuts and a linesman’s pliers
@@EngineersPerspective701 Good Call !
The VDE pair you have are more popular in Europe where twisting wires is unnecessary because wagos are the norm. The 13 72 8 are better for eletricians in the US. I've been using them for about two years and love them. The fact that they don't open all the way is one of the main reasons I love them. They open just enough for twisting a bunch of #10 wires together. Meaning I don't have to put my pinky under the handles to open them after every twist giving me more control and allowing me to twist faster.
Hi Doc, Great Review! About the opening when these VDE pliers are Locked it's a feature from knipex, they work partially with some functions of grip and strip. But the "Auto lock" that you said seems a production problem to me, this does not happen here with me. Knipex did a small update on these pliers changing the lock button, what I understand is that this button is a little bit loose and closes automatically. In the old version the lock button is very stiff and does not close automatically. Cheers
Thanks! Been waiting for this review!
I have a pair of Klein Romex strippers that lock like that. I actually called them to complain about it. I find it very annoying that it locks up after every use. I have since bought the Southwire Boxjaw for Romex. I realize this wasn't about Romex only but that lock thingie reminded me why I hate those Kleins.
They do them in the black finish, 13 92 200 but that is the red and blue handle.
What’s more comfortable? The comfort grip or insulated?
Thanks
Two interesting pliers for sure. Considering folks who work in the trade, regardless of the type, want to minimize the number of tools they carry without sacrificing functionality, I would think the forged wire stripper would be the one to get vs the electrical installation pliers. It would appear the forged wire stripper can do everything the installation pliers can do but the installation pliers can't do everything the forged wire stripper can!!
classic example of - more features does not equal "more better". I have both of them in my tool bag, both are well made, but I find myself grabbing the electrical installation pliers probably the second most often after screwdrivers. the reason is - while the do less than wire-strippers - they do it better! the design of the need nose, allows me to get in to small spaces, grab the specific wire I need between plethora of wires, rim plastic boxes, loop a wire more easily and with tighter radius and last and not least - in some far in between cases I need to do something on a live wires or near live wires - these are no brainier. yes it true there is a trend to minimize the amount of tools you carry - and if I really needed the extra features of wire strippers give and could not take anymore tools, yeah I would take them. but for most jobs electrical installation pliers, are just the better tool.
The best pliers for me are Knipex,C.K,NWS.
Is that chrome one sharp you say?
My one is dull. It does cut very well but wont score sheathing which is a real shame. Can your one score sheathing?
Also have the european version and the safety lock works similar - when i hold them vertically and close them fast enough they stay in closed position. It happens 3 out of 5 times, so can't say if it was planned. Anyway, knipex doesn't state it as an 'official' feature
Hey doc thanks for sharing,your going to have to get another toolbox for all these tools you keep accumulating!😃you have to be running out of room
FWIW, I greatly prefer Knipex 13-01-614 electrical pliers. Smaller, more nimble, easier to handle. At least for the stuff I do.
Are either one of those good for cramping 12-volt Automotive terminals?
No, no crimpers on either. Europe does not use crimp on terminals like we do. They tend to use either use pin style or ferrules. Knipex has many crimpers for the latter. Knipex does have the standard style stripper/crimper, but it’s one of three Knipex tools I don’t like (along with the raptors and locking pliers) and probably the one one I would not recommend. They are an Italian made rebrand I think. They work, but not made like Knipex quality. For crimping terminals, you can get the lineman with the crimper and fish tape puller. I tend to use the klein (just got the ones doc had in the background of this video) or channellock (had for quite a while) dedicated crimping pliers with the little snips at the end.
Hey Doc, going back a couple videos, you had the SuperNips with the Cutting Blades not Lining up Perfectly Flush with each other. I just got mine (140s) a few days ago, and these ones are the Exact same way! Disappointing, because they are so Expensive. The $10 Klein's and even the $3 ToolShop Brand cut more Flush. They still cut fine, they just leave the smallest little nub. Just wanted to let you know. 🔨👍😁👍🔧
It's on purpose
Maganda yan magkano po yan
Aku mengiingin kan benda tersebut ❤
👍
That locking "feature" will be great if you only need to cut 1 wire. Definitely not for a working electrician.
I want to get these just for the sweet chrome plating haha, im not an electrician im a machinist
No testing of the wire stripping ?