New Klein "J" tools, or new handles?

[Mule]

Ok the insulation grips on my pliers is getting pretty ragg'ed. Ive always used the old fashioned "dip in hot water" replacement insulation grips on previous tools. My helper has the new journeyman tools, but Im not sure if I like those new fangled grips, or the old stand by's. Besides braking in new pliers? I like my klack'n kleins......what's everyone else do?

[iwire]

I buy new ones pretty often, I don't like old tools.

[chris kennedy]

Have you priced the new J-man tools?

[Mule]

Im sorry, Im still wiping my eyes from my last post on another topic....:D

Yes they are expensive, but the biggest thing with me is the break in time....yuk

[480sparky]

I buy new ones pretty often, I don't like old tools.

I rarely get the chance to experience old tools. I usually lose them before they wear out. :mad:

[Buck Parrish]

I like my klack'n kleins......



Kliens with the red grips. Nothing else comes close.
Some other brands look like Kleins. But, they ussually are not sharp or don't close far enough.

[Mule]

I had a older feller that worked for us years ago, and he had a pair of Chrome plated lineman kleins, anniversery model or something....I always bugged him and tried to buy them from him....Now he is passed away...I wonder where those pliers are?

[roger]

Here's what I use.

http://electrical-contractor.net/BCodes/my_linemans.JPG

Roger

[Mule]

Here's what I use.

http://electrical-contractor.net/BCodes/my_linemans.JPG

Roger

Yep, and they feel good in your hip pocket too, no drag getting them out..........that's the way I have my channel locks.....bare

[roger]

Yep, and they feel good in your hip pocket too, no drag getting them out..........that's the way I have my channel locks.....bare

I agree.http://forums.mikeholt.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

Roger

[Mule]

I agree.http://forums.mikeholt.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

Roger

But think of the fuel you have to burn in the winter time warm'n those things up where you can work.......burr:D

[alfiesauce]

But is it safe to work on live work with no insulation on the handles? :D :rolleyes:

[Mule]

But is it safe to work on live work with no insulation on the handles? :D :rolleyes:

Brother, you've better have more than that protecting you, doing live work...but yes its best to have insulation......old timers just got ole ways

[JJWalecka]

I prefer the Klein pliers with the dark blue handles. I dislike the pliers with the crimp. The red handles ones feel tool thick to me.

I find that lube, provided for a hilti power actuated tool, works well for loosening em up.

JJ

[480sparky]

But is it safe to work on live work with no insulation on the handles? :D :rolleyes:

Standard 'cushion' handles are not voltage rated anyway.

[brantmacga]

i use klein j-man pliers w/ the blue grips; they're great. strippers i use klein curve, and large/multi-cable cutters i use the red-handle kleins (to which none compare).

[jeremysterling]

J-man grips are too tacky or grippy. No crimpers or fish-tape pullers either.

Klein D213-9NE with hot water grips that "klackety-klack" when you twirl/throw them are, IMHO, the world's finest handtool.

[ohm]

Here's what I use.

http://electrical-contractor.net/BCodes/my_linemans.JPG

Roger

They do clear the holster faster than a sheetrocker, but I generally replace them after a bucket of staples or a keg of nails, whichever comes first.

[Mule]

J-man grips are too tacky or grippy. No crimpers or fish-tape pullers either.

Klein D213-9NE with hot water grips that "klackety-klack" when you twirl/throw them are, IMHO, the world's finest handtool.

Sold !!! Im buying new red grips for my Klackadie Klacks, and my side klacks, and my needle klacks....

[mattsilkwood]

J-man grips are too tacky or grippy. No crimpers or fish-tape pullers either.

yea they do ive got a pair of j-2000 with a tape puller and im pretty sure they make a pair with crimpers too.
over the last couple years ive switched over to the j-man tools and i really like em. the old style grips feel wierd to me now.

Standard 'cushion' handles are not voltage rated anyway.

yea i know but come on tell the gods honest truth. ive used mine on hot work and will again

[TOOL_5150]

yea they do ive got a pair of j-2000 with a tape puller and im pretty sure they make a pair with crimpers too.
over the last couple years ive switched over to the j-man tools and i really like em. the old style grips feel wierd to me now.

Standard 'cushion' handles are not voltage rated anyway.

yea i know but come on tell the gods honest truth. ive used mine on hot work and will again

Ah oh.. :rolleyes:

~Matt

[peter d]

My pliers of choice are the J20009-NE, at least I think that's the part number. I consider them disposable so I replace them when they wear out, unless they succumb to "Klein's Law" first. ;)

[TOOL_5150]

My pliers of choice are the J20009-NE, at least I think that's the part number. I consider them disposable so I replace them when they wear out, unless they succumb to "Klein's Law" first. ;)

YOu mean installing a "stripper notch"?

~Matt

[bjp_ne_elec]

Seeing we're on pliers - what do you guys do to loosen them up. I've got a pair of the J-series Kleins diagonals., and I think they picked up some moisture and got a touch rusted.

Anyone ever use that naval jelly? I know it's good to remove rust - but you can barely see the rust - but it must be enough moisture got in the joint. Looking for an oil one of you might recommend.

[peter d]

YOu mean installing a "stripper notch"?

Yup. :D

Kleins Law: "The probability of cutting through a live cable with your pliers is inversely proportional to the length of time in service."

[Mule]

Seeing we're on pliers - what do you guys do to loosen them up. I've got a pair of the J-series Kleins diagonals., and I think they picked up some moisture and got a touch rusted.

Anyone ever use that naval jelly? I know it's good to remove rust - but you can barely see the rust - but it must be enough moisture got in the joint. Looking for an oil one of you might recommend.

I carry WD40 at all times on the van, and use it on a regular basis on my pliers, KO punch bolt and die's, and other tools. My Kleins are the most Klackin'es in the land !! It's thin enough to wash out the fine junk and rust that gets inside Kleins plier joint.....my two cents

[brennan]

Is there or does any one sharpen the cutting edges of their cutters?

[TOOL_5150]

I carry WD40 at all times on the van, and use it on a regular basis on my pliers, KO punch bolt and die's, and other tools. My Kleins are the most Klackin'es in the land !! It's thin enough to wash out the fine junk and rust that gets inside Kleins plier joint.....my two cents

I usually spray my KO punches with wd-40 or brakleen, wipe them off and then put a little bit of brake grease on the threads to keep them running smooth.

~Matt

[Mule]

T/B and/or Klein crimpers, I have sharpened the cutter on the end several times. However these pliers are desgned to close against a stop. So if you sharpen them it removes steel thus not closing all the way... you also have to change the point in which the close by filing it as well....They work good for cutting sealtight and greenfield....

[Mule]

I usually spray my KO punches with wd-40 or brakleen, wipe them off and then put a little bit of brake grease on the threads to keep them running smooth.

~Matt

YEP, try a small amount of No-lox on the threads, and then a very small amount of WD40 on top of the no-lox. When you get a KO cutter or bolt that straining its a amazing combination...I would say at least 50% less work turning the cutter with your wrench....

[wptski]

What, nobody uses or believes in insulated tools? I mean the test rated ones and not just coated handles on pliers and test rated screw drivers too!

[TOOL_5150]

YEP, try a small amount of No-lox on the threads, and then a very small amount of WD40 on top of the no-lox. When you get a KO cutter or bolt that straining its a amazing combination...I would say at least 50% less work turning the cutter with your wrench....

Ill give that a try next time, Thanks!

~Matt

[Mule]

What, nobody uses or believes in insulated tools? I mean the test rated ones and not just coated handles on pliers and test rated screw drivers too!

Very very rarely do I work around medium voltages any more, and IMO standard grips work just fine for me, if they are in good shape....BUT reguardless, I still use my low voltage gloves when working around something live, especially around the larger current values....and I never never work medium or hight voltage hot....thats what they make grounding straps for....Im 50 and Im still here ....:D

[TOOL_5150]

What, nobody uses or believes in insulated tools? I mean the test rated ones and not just coated handles on pliers and test rated screw drivers too!

Not only do I believe in them I use them EVERY time I work hot.. no questions asked. I am just really carefull with them because once the outter layer gets cut, they do not have the 1000v certification any more.

~Matt

[Mule]

Not only do I believe in them I use them EVERY time I work hot.. no questions asked. I am just really carefull with them because once the outter layer gets cut, they do not have the 1000v certification any more.

~Matt

I agree they are great tools, but I would suggest a second layer of protection. Wear your gloves, if you dont already

[TOOL_5150]

I agree they are great tools, but I would suggest a second layer of protection. Wear your gloves, if you dont already

Agreed - Always wear your gloves! Just because your tools are insulated, doesnt mean your hands are.

~Matt

[Minuteman]

Here's what I use.

http://electrical-contractor.net/BCodes/my_linemans.JPG

Roger

Roger, I see that your nines are arc bit. Happens to us all. ;)

[jrannis]

Roger, I see that your nines are arc bit. Happens to us all. ;)

My dad always skinned the plastic off of the handles of his Kleins and channelocks.
When he died I found several pair of kleins, all worn out to were the cutters were even with the front gripping part. No holes in any of them.

I personally grind all of the sharp edges from the sides and front of my kleins when I first get them. I have three pair in my tool bag, no burn holes just thought I lost them (misplaced by helper) and found them again.

[hey_poolboy]

This (http://www.hogwash.com/brake-part-penetrating-oil.php) stuff works great for loosening up the new, or moisturized pliers.

[sgeers]

klein hd red handles. and i keep my old pair with the barrel crimp and the replacement handles handy as well. i rarely throw out tools.

[William1978]

Seeing we're on pliers - what do you guys do to loosen them up. I've got a pair of the J-series Kleins diagonals., and I think they picked up some moisture and got a touch rusted.

Anyone ever use that naval jelly? I know it's good to remove rust - but you can barely see the rust - but it must be enough moisture got in the joint. Looking for an oil one of you might recommend.

I use WD-40 and sand to loosen up mine.

[William1978]

Here's what I use.

http://electrical-contractor.net/BCodes/my_linemans.JPG

Roger

I do that to my chanel locks for reaming conduit.

[wptski]

This (http://www.hogwash.com/brake-part-penetrating-oil.php) stuff works great for loosening up the new, or moisturized pliers.
Your saying this stuff will loosen up a new pair of Kleins better than any other penetrating oil, etc.??? I have several new Kleins and have tried several different things on them. It seems that the only thing that'll work is some sort-of metal removal like using lapping compound!

[tonyou812]

Yup. :D

Kleins Law: "The probability of cutting through a live cable with your pliers is inversely proportional to the length of time in service."

im going on almost two years on my present pair . "Old yellers" with the crimp. But Im ready for a new set. The cutters dont cut so well anymore.

[Mule]

im going on almost two years on my present pair . "Old yellers" with the crimp. But Im ready for a new set. The cutters dont cut so well anymore.


Cant you break the handles or something, then turn them in under warranty?:wink:

[William1978]

Cant you break the handles or something, then turn them in under warranty?:wink:

Speaking of that I was able to get this new employee at Sears to swap out 3 pairs of sidecutters no questions asked buddy of mine went and they shot him down they must have caught on. :D

[peter d]

im going on almost two years on my present pair . "Old yellers" with the crimp. But Im ready for a new set. The cutters dont cut so well anymore.


I kept my old pair for quite a while, and when I finally bought some new ones, I asked "Why did I keep those pieces of junk for so long?!?!" For $35 it's not worth it to keep dull sidecutters in use. They go into the "demo tools" collection.

[Fulthrotl]

Seeing we're on pliers - what do you guys do to loosen them up. I've got a pair of the J-series Kleins diagonals., and I think they picked up some moisture and got a touch rusted.

Anyone ever use that naval jelly? I know it's good to remove rust - but you can barely see the rust - but it must be enough moisture got in the joint. Looking for an oil one of you might recommend.

aero-kroil is what i use instead of wd-40. i ran across it in the steam
plants years ago, and it's wonderful. smelly to use, and expensive,
at $18 for a 16 ounce spray can, but it lasts forever, and if it won't loosen
something, you really need a cutting torch instead. not food rated,
so you cannot use it in food packing plants.


randy

[MAK]

http://www.marvelmysteryoil.com/index.php/site/mtsl/

I've always used Mystery oil on my tools when they sit in the van during some of those long rainy weeks.

[electricalperson]

knipex makes nice pliars. i use the NE style linesmans with the dipped handles

[quogueelectric]

Here's what I use.

http://electrical-contractor.net/BCodes/my_linemans.JPG

Roger

You must have gotten this off of ebay.

[hey_poolboy]

Your saying this stuff will loosen up a new pair of Kleins better than any other penetrating oil, etc.??? I have several new Kleins and have tried several different things on them. It seems that the only thing that'll work is some sort-of metal removal like using lapping compound!

So far it's the best thing I've found. It sure beats the sand and WD method and anything else I've tried over the years. I just replaced a pair of diags not too long ago, and right out of the package those things are stiff. Put a squirt or two on and opened and closed them a few times...squirted them again and let them sit overnight, and they were as smooth as could be.

An old guy at a small engine place turned me on to it years ago to remove a rusted pulley when my liquid wrench didn't work. After a good helping of Busty and a couple hour soak I pulled the pulley off without so much as a puller.

[roger]

You must have gotten this off of ebay.


Nope, the supply house, used that pair for years just as they are shown.

Roger

[George Stolz]

Where does sand fit in? :-?

I've always just gave mine a shot of WD-40 whenever I notice mine getting a little stiff (i.e. not falling open with authority, gravity only). For really rusted stuff that's been mistreated, squirting and working is all I've ever done.

On my older set of nines, I've used Liquid Nails to keep the J-man handles on when they tried to slide off. I haven't gotten a chance to give my new ones that treatment. Fish tape pulling nines with J-man handles are kind of like oil and water - I pull hard enough to pull the handles off, depending on the circumstances, sometimes flinging them off during a hard pull. One of these days I'll remember to give them the treatment and see how it works out.

[electricalperson]

i used to have those journeyman pliers and i dont really like them since the handles would fly off every 2 seconds. same with those greenlee pliers there a little too big for my hands. i always liked dipped handles

[William1978]

Where does sand fit in? :-?

Sand has always worked good when I first breakin a pair of sidecutter's. An oldtimer taught me this one.

[jmsbrush]

Don't ask why it works but I spray my lineman with wd and the shove them in lose sand, spray them again and that loosens them Right up in a matter of :grin:

[wptski]

Where does sand fit in? :-?
I guess some mix a bit of sand and WD-40!:grin:

[William1978]

Don't ask why it works but I spray my lineman with wd and the shove them in lose sand, spray them again and that loosens them Right up in a matter of :grin:

Yes sir thats right. :D

[Fulthrotl]

knipex makes nice pliars. i use the NE style linesmans with the dipped handles

their waterpump pliers are better than anything else i've used.
i've been using them since 1990... the ones with the slip fitting,
not the ones with the push button lock.. i don't care much for
those. they grip without slipping, without squeezing on the
handles, and they are skinny and fit anywhere.

nothing else is anywhere close to acceptable. :-)


randy

[ultramegabob]

Sand has always worked good when I first breakin a pair of sidecutter's. An oldtimer taught me this one.


The first guy I worked for had a little bottle of diamond dust he worked into the joints of his pliers to break them in, I have no idea where you get that stuff, I would imagine its expensive anyway.

[wptski]

So far it's the best thing I've found. It sure beats the sand and WD method and anything else I've tried over the years. I just replaced a pair of diags not too long ago, and right out of the package those things are stiff. Put a squirt or two on and opened and closed them a few times...squirted them again and let them sit overnight, and they were as smooth as could be.

An old guy at a small engine place turned me on to it years ago to remove a rusted pulley when my liquid wrench didn't work. After a good helping of Busty and a couple hour soak I pulled the pulley off without so much as a puller.
Tried to purchase that stuff on-line but it won't accept any credit card I used, so I emailed them, no answer yet!

I see later that "they" show Murray's and CarQuest carrying their products. I tried both stores locally. Neither carry any of their line!:rolleyes:

[William1978]

The first guy I worked for had a little bottle of diamond dust he worked into the joints of his pliers to break them in, I have no idea where you get that stuff, I would imagine its expensive anyway.

Sounds like it would work great.

[wptski]

I bought a 1 1/2oz. tube of Permatex Valve Grinding Compound (http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/specialized_maintenance_repair/rebuilder_aids/Permatex_Valve_Grinding_Compound.htm) at AutoZone for $4. Worked the stuff into my tight Klein 9" lineman's pliers for a bit, flushed it out with WD-40 and now they drop open!:grin: It also worked on a pair of needlenose pliers but it's harder to get the stuff into the metal friction areas.

[electricalperson]

I had a older feller that worked for us years ago, and he had a pair of Chrome plated lineman kleins, anniversery model or something....I always bugged him and tried to buy them from him....Now he is passed away...I wonder where those pliers are?

ideal makes the premium sidecutters. there about 190 dollars a pair and are chrome

[JacksonburgFarmer]

I like to use either PB Blaster and or WD40....I have another idea....almost hate doing it but it works....BOTH WAYS.....:D

Any tool new, used, whatever....hold in one hand and take a hammer...yes hammer. If you want to loosen, strike side of tool that does not show end of hinge pin. It may take several strikes. To Tighten...strike the side of tool that shows hinge pin with hammer....HINT it takes more to loosen than tighten....you can tighten up tools that seem to "clank" with this method.....it works....I just dont like hammering my new tools....but I usually do in the end.

[Pierre C Belarge]

Right now, my Kleins are going to last a very long time...I have them in a tool box that is in the back of my Jeep...which I have not had out on a regular basis in 9 months. :grin:
I do have a pair of the new Jman type, but I do not think I have twisted any wire with them...at least no yet.
Who knows, with this economy, I may have to go back to the tools. :-?

[electricalperson]

the teacher in school taught us to use sand and wd40. i broken in a pair of new kleins in 20 minutes with it. makes a big mess. i think the hardest thing to do is use a new pair of linesmens before doing something to loosen them up. it makes life much easier

[Mule]

as a side note, I just noticed I started this thread back in Nov of last year. I purchased new handles as a result of this thread, and they are still in the packages in the van....:rolleyes: maybe tomorrow?!?!?:D

[masterinbama]

I was taught to put the nose in a 4' piece of 3/4 galvanized and slam the other end on the slab several times. Always seemed to work well. Also on the subject of new tools. I always ask the new guys this when they come up with their new nines or side cutters,"do they have a pitch on them yet" as I hold them up to the light. If they say no, I pitch them as far as I can. Preferably into some tall grass. I forgot this one while the practical joke thread was going.

[jimport]

Got sent a pair of Idela sidecutters to try. Broken in right out of the package. No problems using them as hammers either.

Nice sharp cutting edges too.

[electricalperson]

I always ask the new guys this when they come up with their new nines or side cutters,"do they have a pitch on them yet" as I hold them up to the light. If they say no, I pitch them as far as I can. Preferably into some tall grass. I forgot this one while the practical joke thread was going.
thats not nice

[Karl H]

I was starting to think I was the only guy left ,that still "boiled"
his grips before inserting them on a new pair of side cutters.
I know I'm old, but I will give you a very long and heated debate if I'm
old and crazy.:D

[electricalperson]

as a side note, I just noticed I started this thread back in Nov of last year. I purchased new handles as a result of this thread, and they are still in the packages in the van....:rolleyes: maybe tomorrow?!?!?:D

just buy new pliers :D
these ones http://idealindustries.com/products/tools_totes/pliers/premium_side-cutting_pliers.jsp

[Mule]

just buy new pliers :D
these ones http://idealindustries.com/products/tools_totes/pliers/premium_side-cutting_pliers.jsp

What? I like my old ones so well...they klack-idee-klack well.:smile:

[masterinbama]

speaking of boiling handles. Do they still make the hard ones with the crosshatched ribs on them. I haven't been able to find them, only the smooth ones.

Going back to putting a "pitch" on tools. Had an apprentice 20 years ago that fell for this 3 different times. He is known around town as the eternal helper. I've got a feeling his train of thought has hauled too many chemicals. But he is a real good helper.

[Mule]

just buy new pliers :D
these ones http://idealindustries.com/products/tools_totes/pliers/premium_side-cutting_pliers.jsp

You can't pull a fish tape with those !!! :smile:

speaking of boiling handles. Do they still make the hard ones with the crosshatched ribs on them. I haven't been able to find them, only the smooth ones.

Going back to putting a "pitch" on tools. Had an apprentice 20 years ago that fell for this 3 different times. He is known around town as the eternal helper. I've got a feeling his train of thought has hauled too many chemicals. But he is a real good helper.

My supplier ordered the hard crosshatched ones YES !

[masterinbama]

You don't pull fish tapes with pliers do you? I always use a piece of rope with a loop served in the end. Works a lot better and doesn't bend the tape.

[Mule]

You don't pull fish tapes with pliers do you? I always use a piece of rope with a loop served in the end. Works a lot better and doesn't bend the tape.

Yea I do....carefully mind you....But in truth, these fish tapes these days are much softer steel and dont last near as long anyway IMO....

[LarryFine]

Yea I do....carefully mind you....But in truth, these fish tapes these days are much softer steel and dont last near as long anyway IMO....Agreed, but look at the bright side: you can bend a new hook on the end without using a torch. :rolleyes:

[Greg Swartz]

You don't pull fish tapes with pliers do you? I always use a piece of rope with a loop served in the end. Works a lot better and doesn't bend the tape.
How true!
Easier on the hands, and I don't get bloody knuckles too!

[steelersman]

You can't pull a fish tape with those !!! :smile:



My supplier ordered the hard crosshatched ones YES !
Re-read the link. These sidecutters come with the fish tape puller.

[Mule]

Re-read the link. These sidecutters come with the fish tape puller.

By Golly your right......But Im old....my fish tape would be slipping into those crimpers..then Id have to get my reading glasses out of my pocket. Then Id have pody water all over my glasses..I'll let you younger guys buy a pair....:)

[quogueelectric]

im going on almost two years on my present pair . "Old yellers" with the crimp. But Im ready for a new set. The cutters dont cut so well anymore.
I use old yellers with a crimp and cut the yellers off and replaced with blue/black grips. It cost me twice as much but I want what I want. The boys at work almost had a coronary when I razored the yellow grips off in front of them. Mine work great and stay loose but then again I use them a lot.

[quogueelectric]

You don't pull fish tapes with pliers do you? I always use a piece of rope with a loop served in the end. Works a lot better and doesn't bend the tape.
I have never seen this method could you please explain how it works?? I have an antique snake puller which has a knurled wheel on a cam built into a cast handle. The wheel only rolls forward on the snake.

[masterinbama]

To pull a fish tape with a piece of rope, you have to use the twisted poly. I prefer the 3/8 yellow that Graybar sells. You can either tie or braid a loop in one end and tape or burn the other to keep it from unraveling. Then you simply twist the rope open a little and wind it around the tape ( the tape will become the fourth strand). The rope will then act like a Chinese finger the harder you pull the tighter it grips. I have also used this to pull slack in cables at pull points because this method doesn't damage the insulation like half hitches will. I will try to post some pics to illustrate this method.

[quogueelectric]

To pull a fish tape with a piece of rope, you have to use the twisted poly. I prefer the 3/8 yellow that Graybar sells. You can either tie or braid a loop in one end and tape or burn the other to keep it from unraveling. Then you simply twist the rope open a little and wind it around the tape ( the tape will become the fourth strand). The rope will then act like a Chinese finger the harder you pull the tighter it grips. I have also used this to pull slack in cables at pull points because this method doesn't damage the insulation like half hitches will. I will try to post some pics to illustrate this method.
I have a nice 3/8 rope how many wraps do you put on it??

[electricalperson]

Re-read the link. These sidecutters come with the fish tape puller.

they better come with something for the price those are

[George Stolz]

I will try to post some pics to illustrate this method.
Please do! :)

[boboelectric]

Roger,You are Kidding?

[boboelectric]

aero-kroil is what i use instead of wd-40. i ran across it in the steam
plants years ago, and it's wonderful. smelly to use, and expensive,
at $18 for a 16 ounce spray can, but it lasts forever, and if it won't loosen
something, you really need a cutting torch instead. not food rated,
so you cannot use it in food packing plants.


randy

P B Blaster

[Mule]

Had a freind tell me that "Engine Valve Lapping Compound" works really well loosening up new pliers

[electricalperson]

Had a freind tell me that "Engine Valve Lapping Compound" works really well loosening up new pliers

just buy new pliers! :D

[neutral]

Hi
A-jaxs works, apply to joint and work a few times then rinse out with wd-40 and you're good to go