Klein Tools launched a new Pliers Wrench, model D53010SEN, and for the time being at least it’s only available at Home Depot.
It features a high leverage design, similar to the Knipex Pliers Wrench and others, but with a twist – the Klein Tools Pliers Wrench features a reversible jaw!
Shown above, the Pliers Wrench is grabbing onto a conduit or pipe fitting with its toothed V-jaw.
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Flip the jaw around, you have smooth parallel jaws similar to other tools on the market, for gripping across hex flats.
Klein went with a lever-type adjustment mechanism, rather than a pushbutton.
Home Depot has a video on their website showing how easy it is to flip the jaw around to switch between parallel and V-groove sides.
Neat.
Price: $49.97
This seems like it could be useful. The reversible jaw is interesting, but the long lever button-style adjustment mechanism doesn’t seem very intuitive.
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Thank you to everyone who wrote in about this over the past few weeks!
Mason M
I bought one of these the second I spotted it. I have a couple of additional points to offer:
– This pliers wrench is made in USA with global components. To my knowledge, it’s the only tool of this sort that can claim so.
– The lever adjustment is actually much nicer than the usual style with the button on the pivot. It’s still a push button, but the actual button being closer to the handle means it’s pretty easy to make one-handed adjustments. My Knipex PW has been moved to my backup bag in favor of this guy now.
Wayne R.
I was thinking that button made more sense than the usual, thanks for the confirmation. Putting it on my list.
Mason M
Also, one thing I forgot to mention is that the bottom of the handles sit close together on this PW than the ones on the Knipex and its clones do. This means that you can apply a LOT more pressure to the fastener with the handles closer together. I really like that.
Yadda
Sounds like a high pinch factor.
Leroy Kraus
With the Knipex pliers wrench applied in the correct direction, you don’t need to squeeze the handles. The harder you pull, the harder they grip. I’d expect these to work similarly.
Tim D.
Mason, thanks for the insight. How long does it take to flip the jaws around? Features like this seem gimmicky to me. I feel like 99% of the time I’d already have two pairs of pliers to get the job done if needed. Is this something so easy to flip around that you’ only take one pair with you?
MM
It looks to me like it takes just a couple seconds to flip. Hopefully Mason can confirm, but it doesnt’ look like ti’s some complicated gimmick. Slide it off, flip it over. It looks like it would be very fast.
But I don’t see how anyone is getting away with just one pair of pliers: you’re nearly always going to need two tools, one to backup the stationary part of the joint and the other to loosen or tighten the other. Maybe in some situations where you’re running threaded pipe you may be able to rely on the already-installed section to back itself up and then you’re just installing new parts with one tool…but in that situation I don’t think I’d be willing to settle for this. Mason already told us that with the toothed jaw in use this tool doesn’t grip as well as channellocks, and I don’t know about you but I don’t think that’s a very high bar for running pipe. I’m going to grab something that grips better than channellocks and doesn’t require me to squeeze the handles to ensure grip either. That kind of job calls for Cobras, or better yet a good ‘ol Ridgid pipe wrench.
Mason M
In my tool bag I carry 10” cobras and this pliers wrench. I no longer carry an adjustable wrench because the pliers wrenches are just so damn good. With those two tools I can turn any fastener or coupling under 2”.
Mason M
As with other pliers-wrenches, I would only use this to replace an adjustable wrench. I don’t consider it a replacement for channellocks/cobras, it’s just got a little extra bite on it in case you need it. It’s not gonna replace your cobras. It’s just “pliers-wrench with a little extra feature”.
As far as flipping the jaw around, it’s speedy once you get the hang of it. You slide the jaws all the way open and open the handles all the way. The jaw just slides right off. Flip it around and do it all in reverse. The only thing finnicky about it is that it slides on and off at an angle so you do have to sorta “rock-n-lock” to get it back on. This is intentional: It means that the jaw doesn’t just slide off when you move the jaws to full open. Once you get that figured out though, reversing the jaw is an operation that only takes a couple seconds. Put a simpler way: I have very little patience for finnicky tools and after a day of flipping the jaw around I have no issue with it.
Jared
That’s a pretty cool party trick! Could make it handy for round objects too. Nice to see some innovation on the design.
Stacey Jones
Looks like the pipe side is only touching at one point. Nearly useless. Pass.
AlexK
Good catch. I missed that.
MM
Yeah, it looks like that particular diameter fitting in the pic is just a hair beyond the tool’s capacity. If the diameter were slightly smaller then you’d have three points of contact: two in the serrated lower jaw, and then one in the smooth top jaw. I wonder if they quote what is the largest size pipe this tool can grip as intended in the V-jaw?
Mason M
You can see a gap between the lower jaw and the bottom handle. I think they just didn’t open the tool far enough and did that thing where a bunch of people that don’t know how a tool works took a picture trying to show how the tool works. Another couple of clicks and it would fit just fine. That’s human error, not a problem with the tool.
MM
Opening the jaws wider wouldn’t help. Notice that the pipe is making contact with the tool at three places: the top jaw, the tip of the bottom jaw, and the inside portion of the mouth of the tool. If you opened the jaws wider it wouldn’t help because the pipe would still hit at the “mouth” (for lack of a better word). The problem is geometry: the diameter of that fitting is too large for this tool. That’s not a criticism of the tool per se, just a poor choice of the marking image. Now matter how big the capacity of a tool is there will always be some fitting just a little too big.
Mason M
Yeah, I think I misjudged the actual problem with the picture but we are in agreement that the problem is “bad marketing picture” and not “bad tool”.
fred
This is the sort of tool that we’d buy as a test sample for our plumbing business. We’s pass it around and see what they guys thought. Then, we might decide to buy more right away, or phase a few into the tool mix, or chalk it up as not-for-us.
MM
Interesting idea. This is one of those where I’d really have to use it to figure out if it’s worthwhile or not.
I have always considered tools like the pliers wrench, which have parallel smooth jaws, fundamentally different from most water pump pliers or “channellocks”, which have curved or angled serrated jaws. The former are non-marring but require flats, the latter grip round objects with their teeth. In “pliers wrench” mode these seem like any other pliers wrench. When you flip the jaw around you get a strange hybrid with one flat jaw and one serrated jaw. I’m curious how well that would work exactly. It would obviously be much better than the normal smooth jaws for holding round parts….but how would it compare to channellocks, cobras, etc? My guess is that it would be roughly half as effective as a similar tool with both jaws serrated since that top flat jaw won’t bite into the part the way the serrated lower one will but that’s just speculation.
There is one disadvantage: the double-sided movable jaw is bulkier than the standard jaw. When you’re in pliers wrench configuration that extra bit of metal sticking off the jaw could limit your access in tight spots.
Mason M
Having actually used this tool and loving it I have to address some of your points:
– The bite jaws work well, but can’t beat true channellocks. It’s more of a supplementary tool. Like “we can do it, why not?”. It hasn’t slipped the couple of times I’ve used it like this.
– Klein has another similar reversible-jaw wrench in the style of a traditional adjustable. The problem I have with it is that with the way the worm gear wobbles it can’t ever seem to get a good bite. This tool addresses that with the compound lever action inherent to the pliers wrench.
– In practice, I haven’t experienced any issue with the little extra space the bite jaw takes up, but if it becomes a problem to the point that you’d rather not have it you could always grind it off ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
John
I’d like a version without the round pipe aspect. The button looks interesting though.
Ball_bearing
That’s really interesting. I hope Home Depot brings them to the local stores. They don’t ship here for some reason.
Mason M
I got mine from a local store. You might check back in a few days if you’ve been recently.
Chris S
That first picture literally only has one tooth in contact with the cast iron fitting…
It looks like $50 for a 10″ pliers wrench with a “Christmas gift for dad multi tool (that’s nearly useless) that your kids buy and you keep in a drawer” flip-able jaw.
I’m all for innovation on already cool products, but this looks like a gimmick in purest form.
This also defeats the purpose of the pliers wrench. Using the smooth jaw on a marred, chunky surface will mess up the “smooth” jaw portion for future work that is required to remain in good shape. Once you scratch the surface of the smooth jaw, it can’t be used for putting chrome, brass, or any other soft metal fittings on jobs that require clean finish work.
Mason M
You can see a gap between the lower jaw and the bottom handle. I think they just didn’t open the tool far enough and did that thing where a bunch of people that don’t know how a tool works took a picture trying to show how the tool works. Another couple of clicks and it would fit just fine. That’s human error, not a problem with the tool.
The jaw is reversible. You’d use the parallel jaws on something with flats and the teeth on something without. It’s a supplementary “because we can” feature. It’s not meant to replace your channellocks. If you don’t want to use that portion then don’t. It still functions great as a pliers wrench alone and it’s a hair cheaper than the Knipex equivalent. It’s not a gimmick; it’s a straight upgrade.
XRH07
it’s pretty evident from that picture that opening it wider isn’t going to solve the issue though. Look again.
Jack
Agree – bad picture: The fitting is too large for the PW V-jaw and should have been a hex shaped item (hex bolt head/nut), not a curved surface.
Seems the V-jaw was designed primarily for flat/120-degree (hex) angled surfaces and secondarily for round surfaces since the angle of the “V” on the V-jaw appears to match that of a hex head bolt/nut. If round surfaces were a primary application, the V-jaw should have been slightly curved w/o the 4-tooth 120-degree “V” angle and, ideally, make the top jaw a reversible V-tooth jaw, also.
Wayne R.
Maybe they’ll make available a second jaw with a geometry to fit a larger diameter. Looks like the top/flat jaw could suit a larger diameter and the limitation is on the lower jaw.
But then, maybe you’d just use another tool.
MM
That would certainly be going “full circle”.
These are a derivative of the Knipex Pliers Wrench, which itself was inspired by the old Eifel “Pliewrench”. And those–the Eifel Pliewrenches–did come with replaceable jaws in different shapes.
Chris S
You’re wrong about the couple of clicks. This tool operates with parallel jaws and that means the lower jaw can’t change its angle of approach to the piece.
The lower jaw is a gimmick. This tool only has one useful function and will not outperform the knipex in any way.
You can’t even use the lower “wrench” jaw and the upper “flat” jaw on modern hex based surfaces without one or the other jaw not being in full contact. We don’t commonly use 5 sided nuts and bolts (the only time this tool would shine) and that means it’s probably destined for slip city.
fred
Your correct that this might have some potential for “penta” nuts/bolts. But most of the ones that I know about (like on meter boxes or valve access plates) seem to be set into a recess – requiring a 5-point socket. Perhaps there are some others in use on electrical equipment that Klein has in mind ??
Pastor Dan
It’s fifty bucks. I’m gonna wait a bit.
Frank D
If you can’t make multi-point contact with something that is into the ~ 3/4 inch range = fail. It loos intrigeuing but no way I’m spending $50 to learn another lesson like with the various Kobalt Christmas specials / stocking stuffers that over promise and under deliver.
Mason M
This is a 10” tool and those jaws open to accommodate a 2” hex fastener. Considering how open the jaws are in that picture, the coupling that they put in there and failed to make a good marketing image from would have to be at LEAST 1-1/2”, maybe larger.
Jerry
Does ToolGuyd get anything if I purchase by clicking the link? This is something ill likely purchase only after seeing it in person but would have no problem ordering through the link if it helps you be able to keep updating the site.
On a side note, I think you may have just cost me another $50, lol
Stuart
Yes, but please don’t make decisions based on that!
Mason M
You’re a good dude Dr. Stu.
JoeM
Okay, I’ll give… That may not be something I need, or want, in my own toolbox, but it is absolutely a brilliant way to double (Or is it exponential?) the number of uses for this singular wrench. One reversable part, and the entire wrench changes purpose, and lets you solve issues “Just in Case” on the fly. Does the jaw need to have both modes? I’m going to say no, pliers wrenches have existed in singular mode for… What is it? over a century or two?
This is one of those little gems of the tool industry that makes me happy, no matter what mood I’m in. One Teeny-Tiny change… A reversible lower jaw… That jaw is basically a Janus-Style adjustment. Two opposing uses, back to back. One part. Flip it, it’s a different wrench. The closest I’ve seen (to my limited recollection, would love to hear what others have seen.) to this kind of adjustment, are trigger bar clamps. I have DeWALT ones, I hear the Irwin and Bessey versions are absolutely legendary. In my dreams, perhaps I get to upgrade, because one can never have enough clamps, or ways to clamp.
But, having found Sin and Cos, I’m back from my tangent… What makes the DeWALT clamps I have like this wrench, is the end jaw. On the really big ones, you can push a button, and it pops off, you can reverse it and put it on the other side of the bar, turning it from clamp, to spreader. Just as a note, the smaller ones just require you unscrew a screw and they work the same as the button-release. Clamp becomes Spreader. And this wrench is probably the only time I’ve seen this functionality to expand the capability of a tool, rather than simply reverse its operation.
Nice find, Stuart! You’re on fire this week!
fred
I’ve seen some reversible jaw wrenches – one comment talked about one from Klein – but here’s one on Amazon – looks like some unheard-of brand from China:
https://www.amazon.com/EGSTAOR-Multifunction-Bathroom-Adjustable-Washbasin/dp/B08LZFT72N
MM
There are quite a few adjustable wrenches where you can remove the sliding jaw and flip it over. I’ve seen them from Klein, Matco, Bahco, Irega, etc.
For example: https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/SAJPW4IR/4-piece-adjustable-reversible-wrench-set/
I’ve never tried these so I can’t comment on how well they work.
Nathan
WOW nice. I don’t need one but I know they would see a bunch if they made another model where it’s smooth metal on one side and then flip to a cushioned round on the other.
so it’s adjustable wrench one way – cannon plug the other. would be nice on the aviation side of life or maybe even plumbing for those high chrome finish items.
Eitherway glad to see something like that out there.
fred
Knipex and others make several different pliers for use with cannon plugs etc.
https://www.amazon.com/81-01-250-Siphon-Connector/dp/B00V3B3NIG
Kris
As someone with plenty of Knipex Cobras and plier wrenches (Knipex, Gedore, NWS, Wiha) I won’t buy this for myself. If I was an electrician running conduit most of the day I would probably get one to carry in my pocket.
blocky
Can we talk about the goatee? In a lot of spaces, I’d have to watch out for that protrusion – It’s not chamfered, is probably well-hardened and looks like it could easily knock into or scrape surfaces — probably not the tool for finish work.
As others have observed, since I already have a 10″ cobra and pliers wrench, I’m not sure this replaces either and just becomes a third in the heavy bag.
If this came in 6 or 7″, it would be a candidate for my laptop bag, which I carry to work on non-install days. I usually have 5″ cobra or 7″ pliers wrench just in case, but not both.
MM
I mentioned this concern earlier too. I think that extra feature on the moveable jaw would get in the way of some jobs. For example, I often use my Knipex pliers wrenches for working with hydraulic fittings, brake lines, or diesel fuel injector lines. Often times these are going into a solenoid, valve, or pump assembly where there are multiple fittings located very close by. Having that “goatee” on the moveable jaw would limit how the tool could be used in those situations because it can’t slip between adjacent fittings the way the normal pliers wrench jaw can.
Scott
Pretty neat little tool but I always have my tool chest right by me when I’m working. So if it’s a hex fitting I just grab the right wrench or the right socket and finish it that way.
Somebody put them out and they copied them it’s going to be one of those deals where everybody