Greenlee Hand Tools

[marissa2]

Does anyone use or know someone who uses Greenlee hand tools. I am talking about screwdrivers, cutters and other items like this.
Lou

[kkwong]

I've known a few guys who've used them. They like the strippers, but the ones who have the cutters have complained about the steel being alittle on the soft side and pitting when you cut nails and what not.

[jrannis]

Greenlee for knock outs, and bigger wire cutters, Klein sidecutters and screw drivers, Channel lock "channel locks" and Ideal for small wire strippers

[peter d]

They are fairly new to the market so there is not much information about them, although they basically look like Klein/Channelock stuff with different handles. (Channelock makes a lot of stuff for Klein and Ideal anyway.)

A distributor that I know of took down their Klein wall and replaced it with Greenlee, and the Greenlee walls are seriously cutting into Klein's space. They seem to be taking the market by storm, and are obviously relying on the recognition of the Greenlee name.

[stickboy1375]

They seem to be taking the market by storm, and are obviously relying on the recognition of the Greenlee name.


Hope it does not end up like Rigid...

[pgordon]

greenlee has the best roto strippers on the market, better than those ideal ones.

[LarryFine]

Greenlee for knock outs, and bigger wire cutters, Klein sidecutters and screw drivers, Channel lock "channel locks" and Ideal for small wire strippers
Works for me! :)

[peter d]

Hope it does not end up like Rigid...

I think the "real" Rigid plumbers tools are still the same. The power tools that they sell at Home Depot are nothing more than Techtronic stuff (maker of Ryobi, among others) with a Rigid name on it. It's just a marketing ploy by HD as far as I can tell.

[ItsHot]

I think the "real" Rigid plumbers tools are still the same. The power tools that they sell at Home Depot are nothing more than Techtronic stuff (maker of Ryobi, among others) with a Rigid name on it. It's just a marketing ploy by HD as far as I can tell. I don't own any Rigid cordless tools. Are they not any good. The few people that I have asked, have said a few good things about them. Did you know Ryobi bought Milwaukee???

[boboelectric]

Greenlee for knock outs, and bigger wire cutters, Klein sidecutters and screw drivers, Channel lock "channel locks" and Ideal for small wire strippers
My thinking also.Threw the Channelock Diaganol cutters away.No competition with Kleins.

[e57]

Knipex (Cutters and pump pliers) and WiHa (Screw-drivers) - far superior to all mentioned above IMO.

[Riograndeelectric]

It is not Royobi that bought Milwaukee but that Emerson tools the parent company of Ridigd tools Bought Milwaukee and Metaboo tools . I went tot the Emerson / Ridigd website and found this out.
I own a ridigd 24 volt combo kit and it weighs like a Anchor.
I am not impressed with it as the battires at just 8 months old will not hold a charge .

[Poolside]

It is not Royobi that bought Milwaukee but that Emerson tools the parent company of Ridigd tools Bought Milwaukee and Metaboo tools . I went tot the Emerson / Ridigd website and found this out.
I own a ridigd 24 volt combo kit and it weighs like a Anchor.
I am not impressed with it as the battires at just 8 months old will not hold a charge .

I know the feeling. I owned three of the 18v Milwaukee Hammer/Drills. Almost to the the day each went out at 6 months. I had them rebuilt- lasted another 6 months. By then, the batteries were junk, too. I figured with the cost of the batteries, I was better off buying the cheaper Ryobi drills. They're inexpensive, but you get a lot of bang for the buck. I'm done with Milwaukee cordless anything. At least the Hole Hawg is still made well.

Greg

[electricalperson]

i like greenlee handtools but i use klien pliers because they dont have a set with a crimp on them yet.. basically greenlee screwdrivers are pretty much the same as the klien brand just a different color.

[electricalperson]

also a supplier i go to around here stopped selling klien and now only sells greenlee tools

[dezwitinc]

I own a ridigd 24 volt combo kit and it weighs like a Anchor.
I am not impressed with it as the battires at just 8 months old will not hold a charge .

I will agree with you there.
We just bought 2 of the sets and the batteries are a pain in the rear.
Sometimes they go forever and sometimes, they die after just drilling a couple of holes.
One of the drills lasted 2 weeks and is now out of service.
We have been in touch with Rigid but no resolution yet.
I would like to just get my money back and buy Bosch.

[rkrieger]

Many have posted regarding brand favorites and quality issues. I believe that since Home Depot began selling Greenlee hand and basic electric tools, some DIY's begin to purchase what once was an electrical supply outlet product. I agree with many in that the best wire cutters are probably Klein blues, Channel-lock for pliers, Ideal for strippers and Klein for screwdrivers and nut drivers. Be aware that if you are talking U.S. made tools, there are only a few manufacturers that make tools under different brands. For example, the Danaher Corp. makes most of Craftsman and many of Snap-On tools and I suspect many of Klein' and others. I personally do not use imported tools simply because of quality concerns. Being a totally "loyal" domestic user is tough if not impossible in today's global economy when many U.S. firms manufacture off-shore to say labor costs. I also know that I am probably using some "imported" tools thinking that they are made in USA. We use Greenlee for KO work, hole saws, Pullers, Drywall saw, etc.

For what it's worth.

RLK

[cschmid]

Many have posted regarding brand favorites and quality issues. I believe that since Home Depot began selling Greenlee hand and basic electric tools, some DIY's begin to purchase what once was an electrical supply outlet product. I agree with many in that the best wire cutters are probably Klein blues, Channel-lock for pliers, Ideal for strippers and Klein for screwdrivers and nut drivers. Be aware that if you are talking U.S. made tools, there are only a few manufacturers that make tools under different brands. For example, the Danaher Corp. makes most of Craftsman and many of Snap-On tools and I suspect many of Klein' and others. I personally do not use imported tools simply because of quality concerns. Being a totally "loyal" domestic user is tough if not impossible in today's global economy when many U.S. firms manufacture off-shore to say labor costs. I also know that I am probably using some "imported" tools thinking that they are made in USA. We use Greenlee for KO work, hole saws, Pullers, Drywall saw, etc.

For what it's worth.

RLK

Amen to that brother buying us is tough now a days but it is nice to see someone else attempts to buy US made and supports our economy..

[BryanMD]

Straight from the horses mouth:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-bz.decker27dec27,0,7818297.story

excerpt:
In the U.S. market, TTI sells Ryobi and Ridgid, both consumer brands sold primarily through Home Depot, and Milwaukee, which is positioned for construction professionals.

TTI also has a multiyear alliance with Craftsman to manufacture hand-held cordless and corded power tools sold through Sears and Kmart.


Black & Decker (edit: includes DeWalt -what used to be B&D Industrial) ranked first in the U.S. power tool market in 2006, capturing 25 percent of the market, while TTI was second with 17 percent, said Michael Deneen, analyst with the Cleveland-based Freedonia Group.

[electricalperson]

just dont buy greenlee tape measures..they tend not to go back in on there own

[peter d]

TTI also has a multiyear alliance with Craftsman to manufacture hand-held cordless and corded power tools sold through Sears and Kmart.


That would explain why the Craftsman stuff looks just like Ryobi.

[cschmid]

just dont buy greenlee tape measures..they tend not to go back in on there own

I actually like mine and own 2 of them..tape measures are a funny item kind of like a sock in the laundry..never find them when you want them..

[cschmid]

okay here is some intersting information I stumbled upon..Makita is made in the USA it was founded in NY and is manufactured in Georgia..here is the link..

http://www.makita.com/co_why_history.htm

I wonder if I can get a commision from makita for advertising...

[220/221]

Greenlee 660 holesaw kit.

Interchangable carbide tips........ BEST TOOL EVER.

http://www.toolfetch.com/media/7533.jpg

[BryanMD]

[QUOTE=cschmid]okay here is some intersting information I stumbled upon..Makita is made in the USA it was founded in NY and is manufactured in Georgia..here is the link http://www.makita.com/co_why_history.htm[QUOTE]


look deeper:

http://www.makita.com/co_intl_japan.htm

[cschmid]

bryan thanks for the info..wonder how I missed that..they still have a plant in georgia..kind of like a toyota..thanks again always like to learn..

[big john]

Knipex (Cutters and pump pliers) and WiHa (Screw-drivers) - far superior to all mentioned above IMO. At this point, I'm the last person who'll defend Klein (with their even increasing prices and ever decreasing quality), but I'm not a big fan of Knipex. I own a couple of their insulated tools, and they work well enough for occasional use, but I wouldn't like to try to use their lineman's pliers every day. The Wiha defintely seem more ergonomic, but they make them too small, I think. What's the point of having it be ergonomically shaped if it's too small to fit the contoures of my hand?

A few guys are getting Greenlee screwdrivers now. I really don't see any difference between those and Klein. The one big black mark against them is their made in Taiwan. You give me two mediocre screwdrivers, one foreign, one American, I'll stick with the local brand...for now. I'm still searching for something better than breaks-a-lot Klein.

-John

[peter d]

I stopped buying Klein screwdrivers. I just get the Husky ones at HD now. Much easier and they cost the same, and have the same return policy as Craftsman.

The only Klein stuff that I still like are the pliers, dykes, and Romex strippers. Everything else they make is no different than Stanley or Channelock.

[76nemo]

Insulated tools???,....................Wa-Wa-Wa-Wiha:)
Have to leave it at that, too opinionated on tools:cool:

[quogueelectric]

Greenlee 660 holesaw kit.

Interchangable carbide tips........ BEST TOOL EVER.

http://www.toolfetch.com/media/7533.jpg
Worth every penny

[76nemo]

Here's another manufacturer to check out. I heard some pretty good comments on them. Anyone else back them up?

Cementex.

http://www.specialized.net/ecommerce/shop/series.asp?category%5Fid=21

[mdshunk]

Here's another manufacturer to check out. I heard some pretty good comments on them. Anyone else back them up?

Cementex.

http://www.specialized.net/ecommerce/shop/series.asp?category%5Fid=21
My hot work tools are mostly Cementex. If they make other stuff, I don't really know about it. They seemed like the best value for the money when I was buying hot work tools. Most of the utility's seem to use Cementex.

[76nemo]

My hot work tools are mostly Cementex. If they make other stuff, I don't really know about it. They seemed like the best value for the money when I was buying hot work tools. Most of the utility's seem to use Cementex.


Thanks Mark. Matter of fact, the fella who gave me his opinion on Cementex said the same thing. "Most everyone here in our utilities field carries Cementex."
That means alot hearing it again. Thanks Mark:smile:

[76nemo]

Maybe if I took the time to read slower, I would of seen it was Marc with a "c", not "k". Sorry Marc.

"You BIG DUMMY", ~Fred Sanford:smile:

[iaov]

I know the feeling. I owned three of the 18v Milwaukee Hammer/Drills. Almost to the the day each went out at 6 months. I had them rebuilt- lasted another 6 months. By then, the batteries were junk, too. I figured with the cost of the batteries, I was better off buying the cheaper Ryobi drills. They're inexpensive, but you get a lot of bang for the buck. I'm done with Milwaukee cordless anything. At least the Hole Hawg is still made well.

GregI've have an older model Milwaukee corded angle drill that is pretty indistructable. My father in law is a retired Milwaukee Tool engineer and he cringes when he sees all the Makita stuff in my truck.I realy like Kein screw drivers. I have some Chinese made (I don't remember the brand name) tools that I bought at HD that seem to work fine.

[cbranter]

Klein Tools are King
You usually pay for what you get.

[GilbeSpark]

I used to buy dewalt 18v. Had an 18v sawzall which I never had any problems from. One drill, which I got for a good deal, somehow got stuck in the on position while drilling with a 1'' bit. The bit snagged and the drill wouldn't go off. The smell of burnt motor filled the upstairs and my battery quickly fried. Next 18v drill was an XRP 3 speed hammer drill. Very nice. A couple of teeth broke on the gears and it wouldn't work correctly. Took it in for repair and $75 later it was working almost like new. 3 or 4 months later the gear stripped again and friggin thing also didn't like to switch between hammer and regular. That's when I stopped buying dewalt. IMO, overpriced and not worth it.

I get the Ryobi stuff now. It's cheap and gets the job done. If it breaks, $39 will get me a brand new one. I've had an 18v ryobi drill now for 2 years and never had a problem with it. My only complaint is that the batteries don't last very long. But hey, $39 will get you 2 more to have on hand, ready to go. 1 dewalt battery will cost you twice that. Plus, ryobi has a huge selection of different 18v cordless tools to mess around with.

[electricalperson]

ive owned a few cordless drills. an 18v dewalt that i gave to a helper when i bought the milwalkee 18v kit and the dewalt 36v kit. the milwaukee 18v kit was horrible i thought. the flashlight broke, and the drill literally melted. i have zero complaints about the dewalt 36 volt line of tools. i think dewalt is one of the best tool companies out there. but i stil love my hole hawg

[electricalperson]

also greenlee makes a pretty decent set of insulated nutdrivers and screwdrivers

[jbower]

My thinking also.Threw the Channelock Diaganol cutters away.No competition with Kleins.


I used Greenlee diaganols for about 15 min. went back to my Kliens.

[marissa2]

Thanks for all the replies.
Lou

[1793]

Works for me! :)

Ditto :smile:

Greenlee for knock outs, and bigger wire cutters, Klein sidecutters and screw drivers, Channel lock "channel locks" and Ideal for small wire strippers

Same setup I have used for years.

[LarryFine]

Oh, one more thing. Klein NM strippers, the ones with notches for 14-2 and 12-2 sheaths and conductors, also are great for stripping UF. Give it a try.

[ex-seabee]

I have been an electrician for over 20 years, I've learned to trust Klein tools! Greenlee makes great punches. The green "Commercial Electric" hand tools are cheap Chinese junk like the Ridgid tools sold in the Big orange box, unless you are a do it yourself type, or lose a lot of tools. Lots of stores are chasing dollars, and care less about quality, and which Asian tool manufacturing company made their tools.

[electricalperson]

only place that sells klein tools around here is home depot and lowes. the supply houses sell greenlee.

[quogueelectric]

The greenlee carbide cutters are the bomb. The klien carbide cutters are garbage imho.

[lordofpi]

As a an additional amen, Cementex is great for PPE and insulated tools; they are about 10 minutes away from where I live and are very nice people. I never really bothered getting tools such as linemans and dikes, but due to the decrease in quality of even Kleins, I would be more than happy to switch; I'll post an update if I sample the Cementex.

By the way, why are most Kleins coming out so stiff lately? I have to play with linemans for hours and hours to get them to loosen up! Not good. I understand they need a few minutes of break-in, but I ought not to have to waste time like that!

[LarryFine]

By the way, why are most Kleins coming out so stiff lately? I have to play with linemans for hours and hours to get them to loosen up! Not good. I understand they need a few minutes of break-in, but I ought not to have to waste time like that!
Maybe a dry lube, like graphite, would be better than a liquid.

[lordofpi]

Maybe a dry lube, like graphite, would be better than a liquid.

Will try it; thanks!