Klein J215-8CR :: Hybrid Pliers w/Crimper :: PLATT ELECTRIC SUPPLY

Nate S. –

Pittsburgh PA on 06/21/2018

Great tool to keep the bag light.

I want to start this review by first stating that I received this tool for free from Klein as part of their KleinCrusaders program in exchange for an honest review.

Ive used these pliers for about 2 weeks now and at first I was definitely apprehensive towards them as I am normally a believer of multi-purpose tools being a waste of money because they generally dont perform tasks as well as their single purpose counterparts. I can proudly state that klein has changed my mind!

Let me start my critique with what I like about the pliers.

1.The jaws of the pliers have some heavy-duty knurling on them and allows them to grip wires for pre-twisting splices like a charm. Normally I would need to break out my linesman pliers to perform this task. The jaws are wide enough to more than capably grab at the cable you are working with without slipping off.

2. The wire strippers actually strip the wires! I had previously bought the klein blue and yellow handled “heavy duty” wire strippers some time back and I quit using them almost immediately because they often do not strip the wires properly and if they do, it would require me to wiggle the wire in the stripper to ensure the blades actually dug into the insulation. That is not the case with these hybrid pliers. When you go to strip a wire you can rest assured that it will strip the wires with ease.

3. The screw cutter works without hassle. Everyone knows the annoyance of making up a packed box only to realize your screws go way too far into the box. Then you have to cut them with your linesmans and hope the half you need to keep doesn’t go flying off into oblivion. That is a non issue with these hybrid pliers. The screw cutters hold the screw for you and slices through the screws like butter.

4. The cutting jaws are very close to the pivot point and thus applies plenty of leverage for all your cutting needs. I use my linesman pliers for most of my cutting needs but I had noticed myself reaching for them less and less over the last two weeks as I became more used to the tool and what it is capable of.

5. My final pro of these pliers is weight reduction on the job. These things are light! For everything these pliers can do, I was pleasantly surprised at how light they are. While I will still keep an individual pair of pliers and linesmans on hand for wire sizes outside of the hybrids capabilities (more on that soon), these pliers definitely allow you to keep the number of tools you keep on hand with you throughout the day at a minimum. Less tools to keep track of and less weight in your pockets and tool pouches.

Now for the cons and I really only have one.

1. I wish that these pliers would include one size larger for wire stripping. This would allow you to strip #8 solid and #10 stranded. As someone who works with #10 stranded almost daily, this would be a huge plus for this tool. You can still strip #10 stranded cable with this tool, but you must be more aware of how much pressure you apply so as not to knick the wire.

Overall, the new klein hybrid pliers can put in some serious work and have made a great addition to my tool bag. They save me from carrying around so many tools while working and they are light. While I would like to see a designated #10 stranded wire stripping slot, I feel that all the pros definitely outweigh my one con. These pliers have changed my mind toward hyrbid tools and i will definitely have to keep a more open mind in the future. This is definitely a tool I will be recommending to my friends and coworkers.

Nate S. –