Knipex hand tools can be pricey, and this is especially true for crimping tools and similar.
With a big wiring project coming up, and then a couple more after that, now seems like a good time for me to buy a new crimper.
The crimper I have is very basic, and more of a field-repair type of tool for crimping a terminal or two at a time.
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When shopping for crimping tools, the pricing escalates quickly.
I’m also treating this as a review opportunity, and so if I’m trying one new style of crimping tool, I might as well try one or two others. I’ve been doing things like this for a while, and it helps provide context.
The pricing was… unpleasant, although not as bad as with other more specialized styles of crimpers.
Amazon’s pricing more or less reflects the pricing at other dealers.
As of the time of this posting, Amazon, has the Knipex 97 52 36 “PreciForce” crimping pliers for insulated terminals priced at $144.
Can I get it for less?
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Yes!
Amazon has an “Amazon Japan” listing where I can get the same crimping tool for $112.34 with free shipping. That’s certainly a bit better.
Strangely, they also have other imported-from-Japan versions for $119 and Prime shipping. For a couple of dollars better, the delivery time goes from two weeks to two days.
$119 is still better than $144, right?
I ordered them from Amazon Germany instead.
Amazon Germany has them for around €84 (or ~€71 excluding VAT) plus €17.99 delivery. I paid €18.96 for faster shipping and a couple of dollars US state sales tax.
The final price was around €96, or $104 USD.
It was estimated to arrive in three days, but arrived in TWO.
I placed the order at 11:59pm EST 1/29/24, and they arrived at 4:09pm EST 1/31/24. They shipped from Italy to Germany and then the USA in that time.
So that’s what, a 40-hour international delivery time, AND I saved $40 off the regular Amazon price and $25-30 compared to buying an international version from Amazon 3rd party and global store sellers.
The tool arrived in a cardboard envelope but seems to be safe and sound.
Ordering from overseas can carry risks.
Will this affect warranty coverage? What happens if my product gets lost in transit? Damaged in transit?
What if the tool is defective? How do I return it to Amazon Germany/UK/Japan without losing money?
I’ve had to contact Amazon’s overseas customer service at least once. At that time, instead of sending me the tool I ordered (Knipex wire stripper), they sent me a cheap temperature sensor. With a quick email, the proper item was on its way.
As there are risks, I decide on a case by case basis as to whether it makes sense to order from an overseas Amazon store rather than a local USA supplier.
In this case, I saved at least $40 and got the tool I needed in just 40 hours.
This wasn’t my first time ordering Knipex tools from Amazon Germany. Here’s all of the Knipex tools I ordered from Amazon Germany over the years:
Knipex End Sleeve and Ferrule Crimping Pliers
Knipex Mini Wire Stripper
Knipex PreciStrip Automatic Wire Stripper
Knipex Mini Wire Cutter
Knipex Lock Ring Pliers Set
Knipex Cobra XS
Knipex Automatic Wire Stripper
Knipex Long-Reach Pliers
One final note – be sure to find the language tab and change it to English. Look for where it is on Amazon.com, and you can find it in the same place at Amazon Germany’s website.
Also, keep in mind there could be foreign transaction fees. I don’t have such fees on my Amazon business (and consumer) credit cards, and so I opt to pay in Euros. It would have cost a few dollars more to place the order in US dollars.
Ordering from Amazon Japan works the same way.
CA
I suppose it is worth it to save the extra $. Amazon Germany/UK/Japan would not want a tarnished reputation so I guess they have to have good customer service. Can’t beat the 40 hr arrival time. I have been wanting to get more Knipex stuff so I will have to check it out.
MM
Foreign Amazon sites can be the source of amazing deals. Two years ago I bought several very large and heavy Strong Hand welding clamps from Amazon UK. I have no idea how they made money on the sale, the price of the clamps alone was already half that of typical US pricing, and there was “free shipping” added to the mix.
IronWood
I bought a Knipex ferrule crimper off the UK Amazon a while back for like $50 cheaper than the US site. It was also odd because the US site had the black oxide version and the UK site had the chrome version for cheaper. Definitely worth checking a couple options.
CA
Maybe similar to the Canada vs US pharmacy prices? LOL.
CA
In other words we’re going to find out that Knipex has been made in the USA all along.
Greg
I’ve also found Knipex tools from Amazon UK and significantly lower prices than American Vendors are selling them at.
Jim
Thanks for this Stuart. I would have never thought to look on overseas Amazon sites.
From the look of this crimp tool I take it you must be using insulated terminals, possibly shrink tube insulated?
Stuart
Insulated and fully insulated – mainly Faston quick-disconnect type, but maybe ring terminals too.
DRT42
If you are doing anything exposed to vibration, do not use “hardware store” terminals. Get PIDG types, which are used in aircraft. They are higher quality and have improved strain relief.
Stuart
That’s one of the reasons I’ve shied away from using end terminals for a few years – my earlier uses typically involved poor crimps and cracked plastic insulation housings.
DRT42
Here is the source I use. B&C is a very reputable aviation supply company. I am sure you can also get PIDGs from electronics supply houses, or Aircraft Spruce. These are the only crimp terminals I will use, for anything. If you look at the picture you can see metal extending almost all the way to the end of the plastic barrel. When you crimp, the metal not only makes electrical contact with the bare wire, but also grips the wire insulation. Hardware store terminals only have plastic (no metal) on the ends, so there is effectively no strain relief. A common failure mode of the hardware store ones is the copper wire fatiguing and snapping off when the wires see a lot of vibration. The Faston ones also grip terminals really well – these things will never fall off.
Good luck with your project, whatever it is !
https://bandc.com/product-category/electrical-supplies/terminals-and-splices/
Stuart
Thanks! I tend to order from Mouser, but will consider that source too.
Tirapop
Stuart, when you go to a foreign Amazon website you can sign in with your U.S. Amazon account?
I’ve gone to Amazon Japan before, just to look around, but didn’t consider actually buying anything.
I’ve noticed on Etsy some foreign sellers mention import tariffs and shipments clearing customs. It sounds like that wasn’t something your Amazon foreign purchases had to deal with.
ITCD
They mention import duties because they’re not sure on your specific situation (they may offer shipping to several countries for example) and its just easier to make them your responsibility.
For America, at least with certain classes of stuff and for personal use, and I think there may be some exceptions for things arriving from certain countries, but you’re allowed a certain dollar amount duty-free. I order from Japan a lot and I’m aware specifically for Japan when it comes to tools, if you keep it under $800 USD total in product value + shipping and handling in a 30 day period there’s no duties to pay. When you order from say Amazon Japan, inside the package will be a slip declaring the items and their value, as well as S&H. It’ll be in yen but it’s easily converted online. This will be declared even for stuff that has free international shipping because it’s required by law.
Since adding more stuff to the package only adds minimal extra to the shipping and handling it’s usually worth it to plan ahead and save up if needed if you’re wanting multiple items and get them all at once.
MM
This has been my experience too. I’ve been buying tools from Amazon.de and .UK for a few years, and CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, books, and electronics from Amazon.JP for many years and I’ve never had to pay any sort of customs fee or import duty.
Stuart
Yes?
I don’t remember, so I tried signing in to Amazon Italy, which I’ve never shopped at before, and it worked.
Customs can be a concern, but I’ve never had a problem.
I ONLY order from Amazon directly, never 3rd party sellers overseas.
JR Ramos
I’ve never been able to. Had to create a new account for each one (Japan, Germany, and UK for me). If you have Prime it won’t apply elsewhere, either. It’s been a couple years since I last ordered so maybe it’s changed. I’ve browsed a few times but the shipping costs went way, way up so many things just aren’t feasible anymore unless it’s something you just can’t purchase here. I sure got some great deals for awhile, though, and some items that for whatever reason domestic distributors would not stock or order for me.
Stuart
It really depends on the product.
Here, even with expedited international shipping, I saved $40 on just one tool.
I would not expect the same on say a single Phillips #2 screwdriver.
frampton
I have purchased many tools from Amazon Germany – Bosch, Knipex, Wera, Wiha, Hazet, and Festool (Systainers). Saved big even after shipping. Often, my order was delivered to NY in 2-3 days, including the giant boxes of Systainers.
Adam
Does any non-electrician really need a name brand crimping tool that costs 5X what a generic ratcheting crimper costs? Admittedly, my crimping needs center mostly around low voltage, high gauge wiring (open barrel connections mostly) and speaker wiring. But I feel confident enough in my assortment of $40 and under crimping tools to make solid and dependable crimps that I just can’t understand how a slightly higher quality version could justify such a price difference. I get it, the higher the voltage, the more you want to ensure a solid connection. But I imagine the most notable benefit to the higher priced tools is longevity. How many crimps are you needing to make, and for how long?
Stuart
Precision and quality can make a HUGE difference when crimping on ferrules and end terminals.
I also bought a $30 Klein and an even more expensive Pressmaster under Automation Direct branding.
Does it really make a difference? That’s what I hope to find out.
My current project involves high voltage and high current, and my next ones will involve a high volume of connections.
These are buy-it-for-life types of tools for me.
I have had so many headaches stripping difficult wires in the past. I like to experiment with different styles, and it does come in handy to have options.
frampton
This is the truth. Many quality tools are nice to have, but you can get by with less costly options. But, for crimping, especially end ferrules, the Knipex and Wiha are worth the upgrade. A bad crimp has ruined projects for me and introduced hours of troubleshooting. For end ferrules, I bought this:
https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01MA396SX/
For insulated and non-insulated terminations, I got this: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00203I82W/
At the time, the Knipex was less than half the price of buying domestically, even factoring in shipping. The Wiha was even cheaper and could only be found in the US at German specialty tool retailers, which tend to be pricier (than Amazon.com, for example).
IronWood
My background is in marine electrical, and it makes a huge difference if you use poor quality crimp tools. I’ve seen so many DIY failures of poor terminations. People say “it’s just low voltage” and true it won’t electrocute you, but it can absolutely start a fire. For fantastic wiring advice check out Rod Collins’ site.
https://marinehowto.com/marine-wire-termination/
https://marinehowto.com/terminating-bare-wire-ends/
MM
I’m with frampton and IronWood here. Cheap crimpers are a false economy. You save a few bucks when you buy the tool but you really pay for it later. I especially hate those stamped sheetmetal all-in-one tools which are strippers, crimpers, etc. combined, often sold with assortments of bad quality terminals. They just aren’t worth your time: it’s difficult to align the terminals in the jaws correctly and the often slide to one side or rotate. The crimps are of questionable quality, there’s no ratchet mechanism, the handles have terrible ergonomics and quickly become uncomfortable to use. A quality crimper with thick padded grips, ratchet, and proper interchangeable jaws is well worth the spend. And if you have a lot of crimping to do it’s worth looking for a model that pays a lot of attention to ergonomics. I have a Paladin PA8000, two PA1300s, a Knipex 97 43 200, and a Thomas & Betts TBM21E. That Knipex in particular was a pretty penny but it fits the hand so incredibly well that you can use it for hours without much fatigue.
Wayne R.
I’m with the rest of you too. Connections are always a weak spot, and finding bad ones can be terrible waste of time.
I have the firm opinion that any connection made should be permanent & forever reliable. The best way to assure yourself of that is to use good connectors and good ratcheting crimpers. Or solder.
Cheaping out here is really expensive.
Wayne R.
BTW, all mine (for wire) are Thomas & Betts. Bought a long time ago via eBay, and a quick check shows prices have doubled since then, but my tools are still just fine. Other crimpers for Ethernet and coax are similar: They’re ratcheting & high quality.
MM
It’s amazing how much they’ve gone up in price. I paid around $25 each for my Paladins and I see those are more like $70 now. I would not buy the PA1300’s again at that price, they are solid tools but the handles are a bit blocky in shape. For $25 that’s acceptable, but not for $70. The PA8000 has much more comfortable handles than the 1300.
TonyT
Any soldered connection that will have any mechanical stress needs to have strain relief, otherwise it will fail sooner or later.
Johnation
I’ve been an in the trades now for 35 years and while I do agree with your comment on some products I cannot stress the importance of paying for a better quality product on ANYTHING that is dealing with electricity. Believe me I’ve seen my share of guys that have been in the trades for 20 years get electrocuted and sadly much worse because they wanted to save money on a cheaper unit.
To each their own and being self employed for the last 30 years I don’t tell others what to do; but you have to ask yourself how expensive will this be to go to the emergency room or doctor in today’s world? At my age and stage of my career I no longer take these types of jobs anymore but these young people have their entire lives ahead of them.
Just an old guy giving my two cents at the end of the day for what it’s worth I suppose.
TonyT
If you want to see expensive, go to Mouser or Digikey and look at dedicated crimpers from Molex (Micro-Fit Jr crimper a bargain at under $400), TE, JST (one we looked at was $1000) and such.
But they are worth it for production work.
Jon
You’ve discovered my trick! My company has an office in Germany and I usually need to visit once or twice a year. The week before going I order a bunch of tools on Amazon.de to be delivered to the office and then bring them home with me. I spend way too much money.
KMR
Don’t forget Conrad.de or Conrad.ch (Swiss).
I do the same as you. Each year when I visit, typically in the summer months, I have shipments from Amazon and Conrad waiting for me.
nigeldh
Amazon International sites have “shipping restrictions” – they do not ship to Amazon US Business accounts. So I had to set-up a personal account that I use to order items when I get the “restricted shipping” nastygram.
Jim
Looking forward to your experiences with the different crimp tools
Reauxtide
I own several 90’s era BMW project cars. It’s hard to find some of the OE electric connectors, as well as the tools for them at a reasonable price here in the US.
I can’t believe this is never crossed my mind!
I’m not sure if this just saved me money, or is about to cause me to spend a whole lot more.
James
Hahaha exactly.
Brian M
I have a gigantic collection of Knipex that is probably the cheapest average out-of-pocket as anyone. I have 98 pairs of Knipex pliers and tweezers (11 pairs) with the average being $10.47 each, most of them were from Sears at $0-10 out of pocket due to their Shop Your Way rewards program. Sadly, that is long over so Amazon is the only source for good deals now, but I’ve still found Knipex at a 50% or more discount, rarely but a few times under $10 for $28-$45 pliers. You just have to look for more than you need, stuff that you may need in the future…I had to make a spreadsheet to keep track. You’re not going to find pliers wrench for cheap, the last opportunity for that was Sears and the Shop Your Way program. Twin-grip also doesn’t get much cheaper anywhere.
To explain the Sears/Kmart Shop Your Way program, it was a rewards program with some online elements of tasks to complete. They also used it for marketing, and they’d send some ridiculous coupons just to get you in the store. The best coupons were $20 off $20, yes that was essentially a $20 bill they gave you with no need to purchase anything else. I would get 5-6 of them in a row, you couldn’t combine coupons but you could earn and use points in conjunction with the coupons, so weekly I had ,pre than $20-$40 of free money from Sears on two accounts. I have soo much Knipex, Witte, Craftsman, Wera, Gearwrench, and a Wiha set from that. My average as a whole from that program was more than 85% off on average…no wonder why they’re virtually out of business. They also sometimes would send a coupon with a rebate that matched your out-pf-pocket up to a certain amount of money, you could get $100 of store credit for buying something that was $100. What a time to be into tools.
James
So weird. Good for you but wtf. No wonder they’re out of business. Some things just make me scratch my head and then I have to move on……seriously wtf?!
And I reiterate – good for you!!
Brian M
They were soo poorly run, that exploit never shouldn’t have happened but it lasted for more than two years. Many people were abusing it from the slickdeals forum, I was talking about it here, and on the tool forums as well. They had to know it was being abused but they never did anything to stop it, I stopped using it when all the Sears and Kmarts in my area closed. In ship to store, sometimes they’d send a more vaulable item by mistake too. It was a real clown show in those final years of being a real national chain.
Amazon is pretty good at deals, it just takes a lot of searching and patience, but it mostly only works if you have Prime to avoid shipping charges. Like Stuart was talking about, you can use your Amazon account for other countries too. I’ve ordered from amazon.de, which is great for Hazet and Gedore (stay away from Gedore red), or Europe-only tools.