Klein recently came out with a new 160th anniversary edition side-cutting pliers, model J2000-9NECLX.
They’re a little more expensive than J2000-series Journeyman side cutting pliers (~$47 via Amazon), and also more expensive even than the simpler D2000-series pliers (~$35).
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The new “limited edition” anniversary model is engraved with the American flag across its jaws, and features unique red, white, and blue Journeyman handles.
The 2000-series cutter blades can handle heavier duty materials, such as ACSR, screws, nails, and most kinds of hardened wire. Its high leverage design is said to provide 46% greater cutting and gripping power compared to other pliers designs.
Klein says that the handle can absorb the “snap” when cutting wire, and that the pivot is hot-riveted for smooth action and no wobble.
There’s a “USA Made” graphic on the opposite side of the jaws.
Price: $57
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Although they should perform as well as Klein’s less adorned ordinary-looking side cutting pliers, these limited edition pliers are likely better suited as collectible pieces. Or use them as you would any other pliers, and enjoy the good-looking design until they get dirty or worn beyond recognition.
Nathan
It’s a shame they didn’t decide to make all the J2000 pliers this year have those markings on them and the multi-color handles. Or maybe not the handles but at least the etching
No special edition just all the ones made for their anniversary year. bam – unique, special, but still as functional. without the price hike.
Nate818
Got em!
Mr. Gerbik
Its a shame that they cost $60 for a pair of linesman pliers. To this day I still don’t see how Klein tools warrant the price tag that they ask. Especially for hand tools. I’ve owned several brands of electrical hand tools and there is absolutely no difference between a pair of $50+ Kleins and a $20 pair of Stanley or kobalt or crescent pair of pliers. I own several pair. Some of their tools are worth the money. Not their pliers. Its good that they’ve been around for that long & even better that they didn’t sell out for foreign production like all of the other traitors did for the sake of a buck. Which is why I don’t mind paying for Klein meters, testers,fishing stuff, etc. Just not their hand tools.
LOGAN DAVIS JOLLY
I see where your coming from but I disagree. I think their pliers are possibly their best tools. I’m a commercial electrician of 5.5 years and have had the same journeyman pair of linemans at my hip the whole time. I have replaced my screwdrivers, strippers, dikes, and just about every other daily tool a several times over the years but my lineman’s are my oldest electrical tool. They still have sharp and unbroken (luckily un-blown up) jaws, they’re very loose and the grips are still in good condition, however much uglier then a new pair. Combine that with the fact that i’m used their size and feel but I haven’t used any other pliers that have the same quality feel.
Electricguy
I agree with the Gerbik. I’ve never found an excuse to spend so much money on lineman’s other than preference, they’re overrated. Channellock lineman are a much better value for a US made tool. Walmart’s website has the 9.5” listed at $13. I’d buy 5 pair of those before I picked up a pair of “kleins”.
Dennis Tatro
I strongly disagree. Klein is much more tool then the brands you had listed. If you’ve been in the Electrical trade and use these tools daily. As for Channel lock I will not buy another pair of there pliers. I have not for years. As for using channel locks AKA water pump pliers the way to go is Knipex. Knipex are much stronger comfortable grip and do not slip.
Brian
I’ve never really understood celebrating your company’s anniversary by releasing a higher-priced special edition of your normal product. That company is around because of their customers, they should celebrate by offering a special edition at the regular price or cheaper to thank the customers for their support. That’s the way to build a loyal customer base. What they’re doing now is hanging a picture of themselves in their office, patting themselves on their back.
fred
Maybe its a marketing test. Many in the US moan about the loss of manufacturing jobs – but run to Harbor Freight or Wal-Mart to shop for low priced merchandise made in China. Some of us are apparently unwilling or unable to pay for what USA-made goods cost. Maybe Klein wants to see whether sticking a flag on it, adding some red, white and blue handles and a star that says USA-Made will increase some folks willingness to pay even more.
For me, If I were looking for a collector’s item tool, it would be a vintage hand plane or a modern hand-made one from an artisan maker. But collectors do seem to amass all sorts of things – so maybe a Klein 160th anniversary pliers will have some appeal.
Brian
That’s an interesting theory, though I think most people that would buy at this price point would know or at least look at COO…but then again, normally a marketing department has never been in the trades so they often hit the wrong mark.
I agree with you about a collector tool. Nepros is really the only modern tool (excluding limited production, smithy type of tool) I’d collect…though some of those screwdriver colors at Snap On are hard to resist. It does seem these Kleins have some appeal to trade guys, at least on Instagram posts…not going to judge or try to sway them.
BikerDad
“I agree with you about a collector tool. Nepros is really the only modern tool (excluding limited production, smithy type of tool) I’d collect”
You’ve never encountered Bridge City Tools, eh?
BikerDad
eh, never mind, you did qualify with “limited production”, and BCT does fall into that category. Not via a “only 500 made” model, but they don’t inventory all their tools, or even most.
John
I’ll probably come off sounding jaded myself but I have to kinda laugh when companies try to make a “collector’s edition” or “limited edition” line and market it as having increased value (even in the future). Seldom if ever do they have an increased return in value in the collectible market. Its like an instant kill branding to call it “collectible”, It just means others are holding on to it too. You can’t just “make” a collectible. Just cause its rare or limited doesn’t mean it’s valuable even in some unspecified time in the future.
Brian
You’re right, rarely anything made as a collectible will ever be worth money. Especially something mass produced. I think Snap On is the only tool that can go up in value being marked as a collectible and sometimes that isn’t true…like the Dale Earnhardt screwdriver set missed the mark. While the clear ratcheting screwdriver hit the mark.
Though, none of that matters to the company selling them. They aren’t going to make money if it’s worth more on the second hand market, which is why they normally over-produce them to sell more and flood the market.
Bruce
I’m going to tell you why I like Klien tools. They work, they stand behind their product, and they fit my hand and tool bag better than just about anything else.
I recently broke the jaws on my Klien sidecutters. I was cutting steel wire with them instead of copper. I took them back to my wholesaler, he sent them to Klien and now I have a new pair.
I’ve broken the bits out on my 11 in 1 and had them replace those as well. Now this is a wear item and usually I’ve got the screwdriver completely trashed before I manage to break a tip. They replaced it free of charge.
I’m not a huge buy USA guy, but I will say that the Klien tools are some of the best out there for guys that work with wire.
Bob
I agree, that it would have been a great gesture to reduce the price of a special commerative issue pliers
It also would be nice, if the entire line had the special stamping. These, I consider, are collectable, and they will be added to the tool crypt.
As far as warranty, I consider hand tools consumables, and toss broken tools.
MikeUSA
IMHO, Klein ownership has a bit to do with pride, patriotism, and professionalism – the best using the best.
I wouldn’t use ‘comparable’, cheaper tools. Sounds elitist? You bet – and my clients pay top dollar for it.
Todd Whitmyer
Why is your website advertise $57 for 160 anniversary Kleins but when it goings to amazon it $199. That is false advertising……..
Stuart
The price was accurate as of the time of this posting. It’s a moot point, because Amazon (and all the other sellers I checked) no longer carry the product at all.
If you’re seeing a $199 price, that’s a 3rd party seller likely looking to score a profit from collectors.
According to Klein, the tool is no longer in production, and so it will be hard to find it at the regular retail price anymore.
Prichman
Check the clearance section of kleinconnection.com. I just picked one up for $41.
Jayne A Jones
The price on the anniversary edition linemen pliers says $57 and when I try to check out it says $209? I want to get these for my son for Christmas but just can’t afford them at that price. How much are they?
Stuart
Sorry, this was a limited edition from two years ago. 3rd party sellers inflated the price after official dealer inventories sold out.
James Garrett
I have a pair of 100th anniversary pliers a friend gave me. They are silver and have a blue felt bag with Klien & Son on it. While I’m not intrested in selling them I am curious to know if anyone knows thier value? Any Information would b appreciated.
Thanks, Jim
Matt
I dunno, but the 150 year edition in my bosses office is worth five thousand dollars now. Seems like you might have a treasure on your hands.