Itโs clear that working efficiently is the key to happy customers and more invoices. But ways to streamline our work donโt always jump out at us when weโve always done it that way. I have a tool pouch with wire strippers/cutters, pliers, crimpers, and maybe some screw shears. How much more efficient can I be? Well, quite a bit as it turns out. With the help of the newย Klein Hybrid Pliers with Crimper, I can drop another tool (or two) from my belt.
Although Klein already offers a wide selection of similar tools, the company sensed the tradesmenโs need for an all-in-one tool that canย strip, cut, twist, shear,ย and crimp. Whatโs nice is they donโt make this stuff up. They actually go out and ask electricians what they could use on the job site.
I was happy to see if Klein Tools struck the right note.
Performance
A great hybrid tool has to thread a needle by performing each function in a way that doesnโt detract from any of the others. As I built control panels for large industrial pumps and performed other electrical work, theย Klein Hybrid Pliers crimped, cut screws, and stripped, cut, and twisted wire beautifully. A lot of new guys will nick smaller gauge wire because they use their regular Kleins for stripping. Iโve had enough practice that I donโt do that anymore, but if youโre an apprenticeโor working in a hurryโthe Hybrids are just about foolproof.
Not the Only Hybrid Tool
Klein isnโt new to hybrid tools. Take the Klein Kurve heavy duty wire stripper. The sole complaint I heard about those strippers concerned the knurling. Some guys said it wasnโt aggressive enough for twisting wire efficiently. But this new hybrid hasย more aggressive knurling with a strong grip. In short, you can quickly cut, strip, and twist wires easily before putting on a wire nut.
Reviewerโs Note:ย To this day I use a pair of Kleins (or similar) to twist wires before applying a wire nut. Thatโs how I was taught, and it preps the wires so that the wire nuts get a better and more secure bite. Itโs just a safer way to do the job.ย Even so, Iโve seen many guys fail to perform this quick step. Donโt be that guy!
I consider theย lack of a spring and lock a Pro, although you may think otherwise. Itโs annoying to have to lock pliers to keep them from springing open. It slows me down and can make it a little difficult to remove the tool from a pouch or pants pocket.
The crimperโs thickness is a big advantage. Compare its width to your traditional stamped wire strippers with crimper like theย Klein long nose wire strippers, and youโll immediately see what I mean. Youโll get a much better crimp with theย Klein Tools Hybrid Pliersโ design. Howeverโฆ
Room for Improvement
The crimper is only for non-insulated crimps. Unfortunately, most of my work is insulatedโand so is a lot of professionalsโ work. If this tool had both, it would truly be a home run for Klein.
Price & Value
The Klein Tools Hybrid Pliers donโt have a lot of direct competition, but two similar tools come to mind.
First, Stanleyโs Fatmaxย FMHT75086 costs about $17. They are well-reviewedโjust not by a lot of professional electricians. It might be a solid pair for the homeowner or electricianโs apprentice. Also, the Southwireย MPSCP multi-tool plier prices out around $30 but lacks a crimper.
Need a Fish Tape Puller? Klein Has You Covered!
The Klein J2159CRTP Hybrid Pliers emphasizes its fish tape puller in addition to the crimper for even more flexibility. Thereโs not much difference between the twoโso grab either one to have the same basic functionality.
The Bottom Line
Iโve become partial to the Klein Hybrid Pliers for its highly efficient combination of functions. It only needs to add an insulated crimper to be perfect!
Klein Hybrid Pliers with Crimper Features
- Multi-purpose tool saves time and lessens the tool count
- Strips 10-14 AWG solid and 12-16 stranded wire
- High-leverage design for more cutting power
- Wide knurled head easily grabs and twists wires
- 6-32 and 8-32 bolt shearing
- Crimps non-insulated connectors, lugs, and terminals
- Full length, induction hardened cutting knives for hard wire
Klein J215-8CR Hybrid Pliers with Crimper Specifications
- Application: Strip (10-14 SLD)(12-16 STR), Bolt Shear #6-32 and #8-32, Crimps Non-Insulated Connectors, Lugs and Terminals, Cuts Screws, Nails and Most Hardened Wire
- Jaw dimensions
- Length: 2 in.
- Width: 0.5 in.
- Thickness: 0.5 in.
- Capacity: 1.5 in.
- Knife Length: 0.75 in.
- Cut style: Side-cutting
- Joint type: Hot Rivet
- Handle Finish: Journeyman
- Handle Length: 5.75 in.
- Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 0.5 in.
- Weight: 0.062 lbs.
- Price: $39.97
Klein J2159CRTP Hybrid Pliers with Fish Tape Puller Specifications
- Application: Strip (10-14 SLD/12-16 STR), Bolt Shear #6-32 and #8-32, Crimps Non-Insulated Connectors, Lugs and Terminals, Cuts Screws, Nails and Most Hardened Wire; pull steel fish tape
- Jaw dimensions
- Length: 2 in.
- Width: 0.5 in.
- Thickness: 0.5 in.
- Capacity: 1.5 in.
- Knife Length: 0.75 in.
- Cut style: High-leverage, side-cutting
- Joint type: Hot Rivet
- Handle Finish: Journeyman
- Handle Length: 5.0 in.
- Dimensions: 9 x 2.25 x 0.75 in.
- Weight: 10.9 oz.
- Price: $46.31
