Klein Tools has come out with a new “Hybrid” pliers with crimper, which they describe as an all-in-one solution for wiring professionals.
The new Klein pliers, model J215-8CR, can be used to strip, cut, twist, shear, and crimp.
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- High-leverage design
- can strip 10-14 AWG solid and 12-16 AWG stranded wire
- Knurled jaws for gripping and twisting wires
- Shears 6-32 and 8-32 machine screws
- Crimps non-insulated connectors, terminals, and lugs
- Dual-mode Journeyman handles
Price: $40+
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Buy Now(via Amazon)
They’re made in the USA.
First Thoughts
Personally, I prefer having several tools vs. one do-it-all kind of tool, but that’s because my needs tend to vary from construction pros, and because I don’t often have to lug my choice of tools around a job. I also like the freedom of being able to choose different brands or styles of individual tools, depending on my needs and preferences.
Still, the new Klein Hybrid pliers looks like it could do a reasonably good job taking the place of several tools, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Many-in-one tools like this often have some shortcomings. With this tool, perhaps it’s the pliers’ size? Or maybe not. They measure 8″ overall, which isn’t any longer than typical lineman’s pliers.
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Here’s a better product photo of the pliers. No, that first photo wasn’t black and white – the handles are those actual colors.
Here’s a quick promo video that shows off what it can do:
Steven
Very cool, im a personal fan of kleins heavy duty wire strippers(range 18-12g i think). Kind of wish they just standardized both to include the crimper instead of just one.
If you have never used “all in ones” doing 110v 14g wiring where your doing as much twisting as stripping, these styles are very hard to beat and work great for the price.
Steven
Wait, just noticed they replaced the spring mech for the crimper…..that may be a crutch as I love not having to reset manually.
Nathan L
FIrst thought that comes to mind is “Klein must have liked the Milwaukee multitool”. I imagine these are better in some ways than the Milwaukee tool that inspired them, and they are made in the USA, but they cost several times more too.
That said, i really do like the Milwaukee tool and it’s the reason i bought that over any Klein options when i was buying my tools for wiring work.
Jared
I like tools that combine the function of several tools without being gimmicky junk. This looks to fit the bill. For that reason alone, I might have to check these out.
On the other hand… When I’m doing electrical work around my farm, I usually grab my small electrical tool bag. It’s not very big and still easily holds a pair of linesman pliers, needle-nose pliers, crimping pliers, cable cutters and wire strippers- along with a bunch of electrical supplies (e.g. a variety of connectors, tape, heat-shrink, fuses, cable ties…). So, much like Stuart mentioned, when I have a bunch of specific tools on hand, I’m not sure what void this “multi-tool” will fill.
I might feel differently if I were trying to carry tools in a tool-belt.
Hang Fire
I just came here to say, NEVER cut multiple wires from a harness or assembly like that picture. Even if you’re “sure” they’re not live. 🙂
IJK
Yeah….did that once. Have a nice, built in wire stripper in the middle of my cutters now…
Charles
Unless, of course, the other end isn’t physically connected to anything 🙂
JMG
For me, all in one tools have never lived up to their hype. This is one of those tools that I would have to see in operation first hand, before I might consider purchasing.
Like Hang Fire said above…
Cutting into a single live wire can be bad enough if you accidentally ground out in the process. Multiple wires is asking for Murphy to kick you.
TonyT
I would totally pass…why wouldn’t you want to use a ratcheting crimper?
OK, I’m an automation guy, not a home builder, so maybe I’m missing something, but I have ratcheting crimpers even for the rare occasions when I want to crimp something uninsulated.
Corey
“Plimpers.” There, I said it lol
Raoul
This tool interests me and I would definitely try it just for being a heavy duty wire stripper. Replacing that, side cutters, and pliers is a major plus. Now I am not electchicken but I have done a decent amount of residential electrical work.
satch
Count me…out. I am biased but as an electrician these past twenty years I have refined and sorted out what I like in pliers.
Most of the multis are too long in the nose and jaws. I particulalry do not care for the Knipex ‘installation pliers’. The handle spacing is much too narrow. And those looooong jaws feel unwieldy. Just a personal fit sort of thing. There are just as many guys who love them. And I am about as big a Knipex fanboy as you can find.
The Klein multipurpose pliers are built on the same pliers pattern as their 8 inch heavy duty needlenose models so it is not as nose heavy as the Knipex. I still don’t like them too much. This new pair looks to be fairly well balanced for its type. The nose is not ridiculously long. I suspect there is some demand for this or Klein wouldn’t be rolling out a fairly top end priced tool like this.
Michael
I much prefer the Milwaukee. Just wish they were made in the US.
Pete
I have the milwaukee linesman pliers that have the crimpers in the same location at these kliens. And i got to say… i dont like using them as crimpers. The linesman pliers work great but to use the crimpers as your dedicated crimpers i would hate. In concept yes it seems good but in reality dedicated crimpers work better. Because you always have the set the connector in the pliers before you insert the wire. Then you have to remove the pliers by pushing them all the ways forward.
But as backup crimpers they work great. Or if your working on a ladder for a “unknown” repair and want to bring some “multitools” to the top of the ladder so you have the ability to fix more problems without having to chase tools and going up and down a ladder multiple times than its decent at that.
Matt
Hrm, those look better than their first attempt. Looks like an actual linesman head. Probably work well for the US but here, in the frozen north, there’s too much poo for things to get hung up on in the boxes. All Canadian boxes have ground screws and tabs and things get hung up. Linesmen are often too burley to get into the box and get them unhooked. The Milwaukee Gen 2 needle nose/stripper is great for that, but not great at twisting the Conductors together. My Irwin NWS get that job. Love those.
Sburton224
Looks interesting but why in the world would Klein make these 8″ rather than 9 1/2″ like full size lineman pliers. As a commercial electrcian I want heavy full size linemans. These definately would not take there place.
Tony
Awesome! This really is a decent tool that you can get used to quickly. I’m very satisfied.
The one big flaw for me because of the profile and lightness (which your not really supposed to do anyway) is they are not great for hammering! I.e. Fastening boxes or staples in tight spaces.
Ryan
I would have to say these pliers are Klein’s best pair yet! I used to have a similar tool made by Commercial Electric, that I purchased at Home Depot. The Klein hybrid pliers have replaced them. Best of all they are made in the United States!
Thomas Bradshaw
These are an awesome tool for residential or commercial work or for just around the house. Hoping to see an insulated version
Dan
I recently got this new Hybrid to test out. After a month of industrial uses, I must say I love it. I tend to just carry this and my multi screwdriver to most calls now. I have my other tools on the cart just in case, but often times this 5 in 1 is the perfect tool. With a screw cutter for 6-32 and 8-32 it has helped on a few quick box installs. The crimper at the bottom of the tool has helped out nicely when crimping a few lugs this week. I have loved the linesman/strippers/side cutters combo the most though. Having those 3 tools combined together in a hybrid without it being overly heavy or bulky is a thing of beauty. This tool is just the right weight and size for me to carry everywhere I go. Thanks Klein for coming out with this great design. I couldn’t be happier to have this in my carry. The strippers and cutters are sharp and cut clean. The gnarled linesman ends make twisting up wires a breeze. I haven’t had to twist more than 3-4 at a time yet and nothing more than 10AWG but I am sure it could handle more. Do not hesitate to add this to your bag. You will not regret it. I know I don’t.
Dan
I recently got this new Hybrid to test out. After a month of industrial uses, I must say I love it. I tend to just carry this and my multi screwdriver to most calls now. I have my other tools on the cart just in case, but often times this 5 in 1 is the perfect tool. With a screw cutter for 6-32 and 8-32 it has helped on a few quick box installs. The crimper at the bottom of the tool has helped out nicely when crimping a few lugs this week. I have loved the linesman/strippers/side cutters combo the most though. Having those 3 tools combined together in a hybrid without it being overly heavy or bulky is a thing of beauty. This tool is just the right weight and size for me to carry everywhere I go. Thanks Klein for coming out with this great design. I couldn’t be happier to have this in my carry. The strippers and cutters are sharp and cut clean. The gnarled linesman ends make twisting up wires a breeze. I haven’t had to twist more than 3-4 at a time yet and nothing more than 10AWG but I am sure it could handle more. Do not hesitate to add this to your bag. You will not regret it. I know I don’t. #kleintools #kleincrusaders
Johhny
Screwcutter and crimper look attractive, but the classic model — D213-9NE-CR is still more popular judging by the reviews on the same Amazon.