Klein has come out with new multi-functional all-purpose pliers (J206-8C) that combines features normally found separately in pliers and wire strippers.
The new all-purpose pliers features a long-nose gripping area, wire stripping holes, wire cutting anvils, screw shearing holes, and what looks like a small crimping area. It can cut, strip, and loop 8-16 AWG solid and 10-18 AWG stranded wires, and can shear-cut 6-32 and 8-32 screws.
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The pivot joint is hot-riveted, which should make operation smooth with no wobble, and spring-loaded cushion-gripped handles enhance the pliers’ ergonomics and convenience.
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The new J206-8C pliers are made in the USA and are priced at ~$38.
Klein designed the pliers in response to how multi-functional pliers and tools have become more popular with electricians. It’s meant to save electricians and other users time, money, and space in their tool belts.
The new pliers looks like a decent go-to tool, although I think a lot of potential users will be wishing the price tag was easier on their wallets.
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I can see this being very popular with electricians who want to carry fewer tools and a lighter tool belts for less fatigue while doing those all-day new construction wiring jobs. It could also be used for quick maintenance jobs without having to go back to the truck for the big tool belt or box.
I don’t see the price as a problem as long as the durability is there.
pandorafalters
Add a Scotchlok crimper (on the handle side of the rivet, perhaps) and these would be utterly perfect.
Michael Quinlan
I was thinking the same thing. My Harris needle nose pliers have Scotchlok crimper, and I have a separate tool for stripping and screw cutting. If this new Klein tool included the Scotchlok crimper and leaned a little more toward lighter gauge wires it would be a no-brainer for me, even at the listed price.
pandorafalters
Good point! I hadn’t noticed that the strippers were so large. For these sizes a barrel crimper would probably be a better choice. With a Scotchlok I’d like to see at least 18-24ga stranded, but I’m not sure I wouldn’t keep using my scissors for those.
Josh
They look pretty comparable to the Milwaukee 6-in-1 pliers.
Any real differences? I have the Milwaukee and really like the feel of them.
Pablo
I was gonna say the Knipex 13 01 260.
Stuart
I’ll let you know as soon as I can get my hands on a test sample.
I have a Milwaukee 6-in-1 around here somewhere, and purchased the Knipex 13 01 260 a few weeks ago.
These pliers are 8-3/8″ long, and so they are considerably larger than the Knipex ones. I would think the Klein and Milwaukee will be a fairer comparison.
Stan
These Klein J206-8C pliers are made in the United States of America and those Milwaukee pliers are made in China. So quote on quote, the real difference is that you would be supporting American manufacturing.
As for this J206-8C item itself, a friend of mine recently purchased these and for the work he does, these are used heavily. He let me use these and I was likewise impressed as well. He used to own a pair of Milwaukee pliers, but in his own words caused his hands to cramp up too often.
Klein makes some of the best pliers in the industry and truly are worth every dollar as well. Best of all, this is one all purpose tool that isn’t gimmicky or for once not imported either.
DanG
Those pliers look like a real nice set of pliers. I’m sure they are worth every penny you put into them. The name “Klein” has always been a top rated name in my book.
DanG
Hey guys, just wanted to pass the word along that I found a pair of the Klein J206- 8C pliers. KDTools has them for 37.99 with free shipping. http://www.ktool.net/servlet/the-62711/Klein-Tools-J206-dsh-8C-All-dsh-Purpose/Detail
fred
The Amazon offering is also via Ktool – but I guess they tack on an extra $4
Tyler
Doesn’t southwire have something similar to these?
Robert
This looks like Klein’s response to recent offerings from Milwaukee in particular. I have a pair of Klein’s 8″ Journeyman plilers that are nice, but are overpriced in my opinion.
I’ve said many times that Klein is riding the wave of an old reputation. In their earlier days, they were more about quality control. They were also the primary game in town for electricians. They became the paradigm company, because newcomers to the trade saw the seasoned guys using Klein. Their thinking was that if the seasoned guys use it, it must be the best stuff. Then their generation started using it and subsequent generations followed in like fashion. That’s how “paradigm companies” get started. That’s an excellent place to be. Once established it’s hard to break those norms, even when it’s obvious that something else is as good or better. People who are caught up in those paradigms often quite literally can’t see those things.
While there are certainly lower quality products out there, there are also much better. By todays standards, Klein is overpriced in my opinion. Sight unseen, I would pick up the Milwaukee before forking over the money for these.
Chris Fyfe
I want a pair , ditto the Knipex Installation pliers . I have a Milwaukee 6 in one and like it . I’ll try them all out , and see which work best for me .
I’m a loyal Klien user of 30 years standing , but I like trying new ideas . At this stage of my life ( age 63 ) , I want stuff that gives me the best bang , for least weight penalty .
I’m also planning to try some nsw stuff .
I think Klien better wake up and smell the coffee . I would have thought that a crimper of some sort , behind the rivet would be a cool idea .
Chris
Chris
Matt
I have a Milwaukee 6 in one and really like it. The only thing that frustrates me is the small plastic thumb lock. It can be a pain in the ass some times. I ordered a pair of the new (J206-8C) . I’m beginning to think my Milwaukee tool will be gathering dust or have a new home to some lucky person
matt
I agree with milwaukees lock had one pair wear out and it just always sprung open. Also the kliens look to have a full wrap on the handles where the milwaukees do not and leave the user more prone to accidental shock
Robert
Matt,
The Milwaukee handles don’t have the “stops” at the top of the rubber grips like the Klein. They do however extend further up the grip than the Klein. That’s just a minor point, but worth noting.
A more valid point is that regardless of the grips on the Klein or Milwaukee, stick it in a live circuit and I’ll guarantee you won’t care much about the added “stops” on the Klein grips.
Chris Fyfe
I bought a set of the Kliens , really like them , I’ve retired the Milwaukee 6 in 1’s , the latch bugged me one too many times . If they had gone springless/latchless , and given me a crimping die , I would have been much happier .
Right now , I carry them with a set of 200mm( 8″) dikes , and Kline linesman’s .
Chris
Joel
There is a version of these on Amazon that has both an un-sprung hinge, a crimping die just below the pivot pin and tells you how handsome you are while your using them. 2 of the 3 features listed are true….