NWS is the latest toolmaker to offer a Pliers Wrench tool, following in the footsteps of Knipex’s iconic innovation.
The NWS Pliers Wrench will be launch in one size – 10″ (250 mm), and in four handle style and finish options.
As with the Knipex Pliers Wrench, the NWS Pliers Wrench Gripper features smooth parallel jaws, a force-multiplying mechanism for high clamping force, sliding lower jaw, and push-button adjustment lock.
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NWS that their pliers are made of special tool steel, forged, oil-hardened.
NWS Pliers Wrench Gripper Models
- 10″ matte chrome finish, basic handle grips (1664-42-250)
- 10″ matte chrome finish, soft grip handle (1664-49-250)
- 10″ Atramentized, basic handle grips (1664-12-250)
- 10″ Titan finish, soft grip handles (1664-69-250)
(Titan Finish is a black PTFE coating.)
I have had great experiences with NWS pliers, and tend to prefer the Titan Finish with comfort/soft grip handles. Matte chrome doesn’t reflect as much as polished chrome, and to the best of my understanding, an atramentized finish is a black phosphate-like surface treatment.
The tools are all listed as being made in Germany.
Price: ~$60-71
ETA: April 2022
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Matt
For no other reason besides curiosity I picked up the new Facom pliers wrench recently from Primetools (pretty much what the Craftsman V-Series model is I would guess) and it’s different enough from the Knipex that I don’t regret it. I still prefer the Knipex but the Facom jaws open a little wider and it has more heft. Despite basically being the same tool, I find myself reaching for both of them depending on what needs doing.
I’m interested in these NWS ones – I’m curious if anyone has used them and found them different enough from Knipex to warrant their existence. If NWS made these in sizes smaller than 250mm I would be more likely to pick them up but how many 10” pliers wrenches can I really justify at over $50 each?
I really wish it was easier to try the Orbis ones…both the pliers wrenches and the “speedy” water pump pliers.
Stuart
These are brand new and are just now coming out, and so you’re unlikely to find anyone who has tried these before.
ca
NWS makes the most comfortable grips, in my opinion. Whether or not that warrants the existence of these I don’t know. Despite having three different sizes of Knipex pliers wrenches, I’ll definitely be getting a pair of these NWS pliers because I can’t help myself.
Al
The Facom look like traditional pliers grip shape, where they bow outward. Knipex designs curve the outer handle inwards to increase clearance. I have a Knipex Cobra, a couple of Wilde pipe wrench pliers, and the ubiquitous Channellock tonge-and-groove pliers. For one-handed grip on long 10+inch pliers, the handles need to bend toward each other, not away. YMMV.
Mike
Safe to say the patent ran out for Knipex with all of these new pliers wrenches coming out in the last couple months.
Jared
Does the “K2” signify anything?
Those are certainly good looking. NWS pliers are fantastic, so I wouldn’t mind trying a pair. Are “basic” handles dipped?
The measurement on the jaw is an interesting idea. I suppose it does about the same thing as putting it on the adjustment rail – just hold it up to a bolt.
I’d like a pair of these in a different size though. Everyone is doing 10” at the moment.
Adam
Grab them while you can. Menards has some old stock of Irwin branded NWS Lineman for $19.99 minus rebate.
https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/pliers-plier-sets/irwin-reg-vise-grip-trade-9-1-2-linesman-pliers/1902415/p-5239772153204408-c-9156.htm?
Jared
Those are awesome. I found a pair after a lot of digging (because they’ve been discontinued for some time).
Basically NWS linesman pliers – but in a size NWS doesn’t make. I really like the Irwin grips on them too. This is a steal. I’d get a second or third pair if this was in Canada.
Patrick T
Thanks for the tip. I don’t recall seeing these in store. Maybe I’m blind to anything but Knipex when I’m there. Looks like there are about 14 available between the two stores closest to me. Might need to pick a pair up for that price.
Stacey Jones
Aww, you had to post that. Didn’t you?😉 Now I bought another hand tool I don’t need.😂😂😂 Thanks!
Kris
Menards has the Irwin pliers wrench down to $10 after rebate too.
fred
I have a few NWS pliers. I like their Ergo-Grip ones:
https://www.kctool.com/search.php?search_query=1096-49-200
Bought mine in 2011 for $31 – they now sell for $20 more
ChrisK
I’d like to try these and have long done business with German Hand Tools but my last order was refunded a few weeks after I placed it with no explanation . I hope they are still doing business. They have always given me quick shipping and a fair price, in the case of NWS, cheaper than KC tool.
fred
I can’t say that I have shopped with them – but good to know.
KC Tool does offer 10% off using promo code TOOLGUYD4LIFE
They also usually do a 20% off deal around Black Friday
Chads Toolbox is sometime cheaper – but I generally like the service at KC Tools better.
For brands like Wiha, Wera, Stahlwille, and Gedore – you might also try Palmac
https://palmac.net/brands/
And there is also Haus of Tools for some German brands
https://hausoftools.com/pages/brands
Flotsam
i only have 2 pairs of NWS, definitely a worthy option to Knipex
Koko The Talking Ape
This is the first I’ve heard of the “Titan” finish, a PTFE coating. Does it protect against rusting better than the black phosphate coating?
Stuart
I would assume so.
I’m not clear on the pros and cons of the coating – NWS isn’t very explicit about them – but it should be corrosion-resistant.
I like the Titan Finish because it’s easy to clean and non-reflective (which should also be true for the matte chrome).
Emilio Gonzalez
Really? Do we need more pliers wrenches? What about some new innovative designs?
Japan seems to be one of the few offering new innovations in tools. Sheeesh.
Raycr
My 4 Japanese vampires while nicely finished have softer steel than Knipex. Just a few screw removals are enough to start gouging the teeth. Accordingly they are on a diet with no hardened or epoxy screws for them.
Then It is time for the Beast – Twin grip slip joint Knipex with the hardened teeth.
Also the Vanpliers handles really flex when cranking down. I have found their steel more hardened than Chinese pliers but not as good as Taiwan pliers like Doyle.
Ball_bearing
Felo added them to their 2022 catalog as the 897 fittings pliers. The black oxide (I suppose) coating looks great on them.