Craftsman’s new 2-in-1 lineman’s pliers and wire stripper (model 26001) is exactly what it sounds like – a multi-functional combination tool. It features two different pliers heads – one with jaws and wire cutter, and the other with wire stripping holes. Users change between the two pliers heads by flipping the handles around 180°
The product page says a locking mechanism allows for one handed switch from diagonal to long nose pliers, which suggests a second 2-in-1 version will also soon be released.
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The wire stripper can cut and strip wires 10-21 AWG (0.8 – 2.6 mm) in size. Overall length is 7-inches.
Buy Now(via Sears)
Price: $25
Update: Although not identical, there are similar designs already on the market, such as the Allied StripGrip and SwitchGrip pliers.
First Thoughts
7″ for lineman’s pliers? That’s not going to give you a lot of leverage. Channellock’s compact 8″ lineman’s pliers are a full 1-3/8″ longer, and full-size pliers are 2-1/2″ longer.
As with the recently-discussed Craftsman Mach ratchet, this is one of those tools that sounds great at first, but then loses appeal as the idea sinks in a little more.
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The short overall length, plus the added bulk and weight at the front of the tool, might make this less practical than two separate tools.
It’s still worth checking out if you like the idea of a 2-in-1 tool, but you might want to handle and examine it in-store instead of purchasing it sight-unseen online.
Dennis
It took me a little concentration to see in my minds eye how they do it. They probalby would move a lot more units if their website had a little video or animation. I don’t think I would use this as my primary tool. But I have a spare roll of electrical tools I keep in the truck in case I need to do something in that realm, and this would cut down the bulk and weight by one tool.
Dave Wittmann
I am going to to go check these out. Although, with the customer service I have received at Sears lately, I hesitate to buy anything there.
Dave
NCD
It is my honest opinion that NO self-respecting electrician would be caught with this product in their hands. For the same money you can often buy 9″ high leverage
linesman’s. They might make a good paper weight…….. maybe.
Brian
according to the sears site as of now 4/8/14@11:49pm the product is no longer available.
Craftsman IN Wire Stripper and Linesman Plier
While the product you were looking for is no longer available, take a look at these related items.
Toolfreak
I’m going to guess these are Made in China like their gimmicky “LED” pliers.
These tools are really a joke, and the people responsible for having them designed and sold under the Craftsman brand name should be fired.
All they need to do is put thicker, more comfortable grip handles on the existing Craftsman pliers, give them a new part number, and charge an extra buck or two, and you’d have something more people would buy.
Caleb
That would seem handy to have in an emergency bag in the car to take up less space, but not at that price. And it is not available anymore anyway.
Yadda
There is also an old multitool version of this called the Flipgrip. This type of tool is not new. There have been similar flip pliers of this type manufactured since around the turn of the prior century.
Buggy
Piece of Shit.
Stan
I completely agree with you. Poorly made in China as well I am sure and I doubt any real electrician would use these.
What a shame this is the type of type of demographic Sears caters to these days and even more of a embarrassment seeing what Sears has become over the last several years.