Klein lineman's pliers - manufacturing defect?

[Sea Nile]

I purchased these in April.
I didn't notice the gap until I tried to grab a single wire in a CAT5 cable and the jaws wouldn't close tight enough to grab it.
I thought it was a defect, so I went to the warranty page and looked up my model.

Lineman's Pliers, Fish Tape Pull/Crimping, 9-Inch - J2000-9NECRTP | Klein Tools

These Klein Tools Lineman's Pliers are induction hardened and have a hot-riveted joint for smooth and powerful action without handle wobble. Their unique tempered handle design, with dual material Journeyman handles provide a better grip and absorbs the snap when cutting wire, screws, nails or...

www.kleintools.com

The picture of my model pliers on the website also looks like it has a gap.
Now I'm not so sure if it's made that way for a reason.

 

[infinity]

Are you asking about the gap in the nose end of the pliers? If so that's normal for Klein pliers.

 

[roger]

They are made like that.

 

[RWC/NC.]

To the best of my recollection, it's always been there..

 

[roger]

To the best of my recollection, it's always been there..

You are correct, it has. If the jaws closed all the way it would hinder the cutting ability before they completely wear out.

 

[jim dungar]

They are made like that.

I have Craftsman pliers from 40 years ago that were also made this way.

 

[LarryFine]

As the others said, if the jaws could grip flat, the cutter would stop cutting through wire sooner.

They expect you to twist real wires with them.

 

[Sea Nile]

Thank you all. That answered my question.