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Posted: 8/11/2013 9:28:17 AM EDT
WTF is this crap?

I am a Home depot guy, but Lowes is much closer to my house...
Stopped in to get a new tape and channel loc's

Stopped over the electrical section and ALL their Knipex and Greenlee
Ideal meters are off the shelves and stocked up with Southwire.....

No tools as of yet, the Website is still being built
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 9:30:58 AM EDT
[#1]
Yeah they have moved to "home owner grade"  I used to get a lot of Greenlee and Ideal stuff from there to send overseas for work.  Now I just buy online and avoid the hassle and sales tax.



I do go to HD if I need some Ridgid tools though
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 9:32:22 AM EDT
[#2]
The only good thing about Lowes was that they had Knipex.  I'll have to check to see if I can grab some clearance items this week.  
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 9:32:26 AM EDT
[#3]


Southwire has been around for decades. At least when I used to work for UL, they were owned by Leviton.


Link Posted: 8/11/2013 9:33:04 AM EDT
[#4]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Southwire has been around for decades. At least when I used to work for UL, they were owned by Leviton.


View Quote


Their handtools suck.  And "suck" is a generous word for how crappy they are.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 9:35:38 AM EDT
[#5]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
The only good thing about Lowes was that they had Knipex.  I'll have to check to see if I can grab some clearance items this week.  
View Quote


Yeah, the had ONE pair of Knipex dykes....From, $26 down to $19  
I just got a new pair of Klein a few weeks ago.

I guess that is why Contractors go to HD or a supply house  
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 9:37:07 AM EDT
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Yeah, the had ONE pair of Knipex dykes....From, $26 down to $19  
I just got a new pair of Klein a few weeks ago.

I guess that is why Contractors go to HD or a supply house  
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
The only good thing about Lowes was that they had Knipex.  I'll have to check to see if I can grab some clearance items this week.  


Yeah, the had ONE pair of Knipex dykes....From, $26 down to $19  
I just got a new pair of Klein a few weeks ago.

I guess that is why Contractors go to HD or a supply house  


Klein is going to shit also.  
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 10:41:38 AM EDT
[#7]
Fluke and  Klein or stay in your mom's basement playing with the electric trains.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 10:46:34 AM EDT
[#8]
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 10:48:08 AM EDT
[#9]
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 11:55:05 AM EDT
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Fluke, Klein, Greenlee, will use others in a pinch, but especially the cutting tools are worth it.
View Quote


I have had my Kline ratchet cutters fail twice.    They fixed them, but it would have sucked if my buddy was not around with his.

For $400 I figure they would hold up better.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 12:05:44 PM EDT
[#11]
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 12:07:13 PM EDT
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


If you are using them heavily, then you need to go to the German made ones for about double that. They'll only break a paycheck once, and nothing after that.

Sort of like the Facom wire cutters.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Fluke, Klein, Greenlee, will use others in a pinch, but especially the cutting tools are worth it.


I have had my Kline ratchet cutters fail twice.    They fixed them, but it would have sucked if my buddy was not around with his.

For $400 I figure they would hold up better.


If you are using them heavily, then you need to go to the German made ones for about double that. They'll only break a paycheck once, and nothing after that.

Sort of like the Facom wire cutters.



Using them on 646mcm.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 12:10:12 PM EDT
[#13]
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:04:05 PM EDT
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



Using them on 646mcm.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Fluke, Klein, Greenlee, will use others in a pinch, but especially the cutting tools are worth it.


I have had my Kline ratchet cutters fail twice.    They fixed them, but it would have sucked if my buddy was not around with his.

For $400 I figure they would hold up better.


If you are using them heavily, then you need to go to the German made ones for about double that. They'll only break a paycheck once, and nothing after that.

Sort of like the Facom wire cutters.



Using them on 646mcm.

What model Klein cutter? What material/type of conductor?
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:18:13 PM EDT
[#15]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Fluke and  Klein or stay in your mom's basement playing with the electric trains.
View Quote

Well I guess I'll stay home and play with my Knipex tools then
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:21:34 PM EDT
[#16]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Well I guess I'll stay home and play with my Knipex tools then
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Fluke and  Klein or stay in your mom's basement playing with the electric trains.

Well I guess I'll stay home and play with my Knipex tools then


Me too.  Oh well.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:24:47 PM EDT
[#17]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Fluke and  Klein or stay in your mom's basement playing with the electric trains.
View Quote


Agreed.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:26:29 PM EDT
[#18]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Me too.  Oh well.
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Quoted:
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Fluke and  Klein or stay in your mom's basement playing with the electric trains.

Well I guess I'll stay home and play with my Knipex tools then


Me too.  Oh well.

I wish I was a professional enough to use Klein and stuff
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:30:27 PM EDT
[#19]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Klein is going to shit also.  
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The only good thing about Lowes was that they had Knipex.  I'll have to check to see if I can grab some clearance items this week.  


Yeah, the had ONE pair of Knipex dykes....From, $26 down to $19  
I just got a new pair of Klein a few weeks ago.

I guess that is why Contractors go to HD or a supply house  


Klein is going to shit also.  


The last few sets of screwdrivers I have bought from Klein have been less than impressive.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:35:27 PM EDT
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


The last few sets of screwdrivers I have bought from Klein have been less than impressive.
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The only good thing about Lowes was that they had Knipex.  I'll have to check to see if I can grab some clearance items this week.  


Yeah, the had ONE pair of Knipex dykes....From, $26 down to $19  
I just got a new pair of Klein a few weeks ago.

I guess that is why Contractors go to HD or a supply house  


Klein is going to shit also.  


The last few sets of screwdrivers I have bought from Klein have been less than impressive.

It's not their screwdrivers that are the problem for me, it's their pliers and cutters
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:35:30 PM EDT
[#21]
I'm a commercial electrician, and just bought a Southwire meter to try out.  I've had fluke, ideal (biggest pile of junk ever), greenlee, and recently a Klein.  The Southwire seems to be doing just fine.  It's the 1000amp AC/DC true RMS.  the greenlee and ideal used to tell me lies about voltage and resistance.  

Having had too many tools destroyed on construction sites, I quit using my flukes for everyday use.  As for a "disposable" meter, I had my Klein for 3 years without a problem until it grew legs, and after two weeks, the Southwire has been worth the $115 I spent on it


For hand tools, I'll stick with Klein.  Would go knipex, but I like being able to go in nearly any supply house and swap something out if the need arises
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:36:04 PM EDT
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

What model Klein cutter? What material/type of conductor?
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Fluke, Klein, Greenlee, will use others in a pinch, but especially the cutting tools are worth it.


I have had my Kline ratchet cutters fail twice.    They fixed them, but it would have sucked if my buddy was not around with his.

For $400 I figure they would hold up better.


If you are using them heavily, then you need to go to the German made ones for about double that. They'll only break a paycheck once, and nothing after that.

Sort of like the Facom wire cutters.



Using them on 646mcm.

What model Klein cutter? What material/type of conductor?


Copper 646mcm dlo.  And 4awg 3/c. VFD cable.

Cutter is German made 63060.

The sprig on the ratchet pawl falls out.   So does the one between the grips, but I can still use them when that happens.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:36:48 PM EDT
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


The last few sets of screwdrivers I have bought from Klein have been less than impressive.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The only good thing about Lowes was that they had Knipex.  I'll have to check to see if I can grab some clearance items this week.  


Yeah, the had ONE pair of Knipex dykes....From, $26 down to $19  
I just got a new pair of Klein a few weeks ago.

I guess that is why Contractors go to HD or a supply house  


Klein is going to shit also.  


The last few sets of screwdrivers I have bought from Klein have been less than impressive.



Snap on or S&K for screw drivers or gtfo.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:43:56 PM EDT
[#24]
These failed on #4 copper.   Cast steel.    

Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:49:10 PM EDT
[#25]
Fluke has never let me down.  














Link Posted: 8/11/2013 1:53:43 PM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

It's not their screwdrivers that are the problem for me, it's their pliers and cutters
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The only good thing about Lowes was that they had Knipex.  I'll have to check to see if I can grab some clearance items this week.  


Yeah, the had ONE pair of Knipex dykes....From, $26 down to $19  
I just got a new pair of Klein a few weeks ago.

I guess that is why Contractors go to HD or a supply house  


Klein is going to shit also.  


The last few sets of screwdrivers I have bought from Klein have been less than impressive.

It's not their screwdrivers that are the problem for me, it's their pliers and cutters


I gave up on Klein after their diagonal cutter tips kept breaking off.  That was over a 3 year span, and about 20 different pairs.  Their screwdrivers have sucked for a while IMO.  But they are still better than Southwire.  
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 2:06:56 PM EDT
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


I gave up on Klein after their diagonal cutter tips kept breaking off.  That was over a 3 year span, and about 20 different pairs.  Their screwdrivers have sucked for a while IMO.  But they are still better than Southwire.  
View Quote

The gap between my lineman's jaws is so wide they won't hold on to a piece of metal stud.
My lineman's and diagonal cutters were so hard to open and close I had to use almost a whole can of WD40 to get them to drop open with 0 input from me.
My Knipex have been flawless on all respects.

I'm having a hard time deciding which cutters in Knipex's line I'll get for cutting BX
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 2:23:54 PM EDT
[#29]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Copper 646mcm dlo.  And 4awg 3/c. VFD cable.

Cutter is German made 63060.

The sprig on the ratchet pawl falls out.   So does the one between the grips, but I can still use them when that happens.
View Quote

That cutter is rated for 400 MCM CU max, which is meant to be building wire or "compact conductor" type cable. I realize the DLO cable is finely stranded and should "give" easier than building wire, but have to wonder if the 646 DLO cable is too much for the Klein 63069 cutter and causing it fo fail.

The Klein 63750 would probably hold up better.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 2:47:06 PM EDT
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

That cutter is rated for 400 MCM CU max, which is meant to be building wire or "compact conductor" type cable. I realize the DLO cable is finely stranded and should "give" easier than building wire, but have to wonder if the 646 DLO cable is too much for the Klein 63069 cutter and causing it fo fail.

The Klein 63750 would probably hold up better.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Copper 646mcm dlo.  And 4awg 3/c. VFD cable.

Cutter is German made 63060.

The sprig on the ratchet pawl falls out.   So does the one between the grips, but I can still use them when that happens.

That cutter is rated for 400 MCM CU max, which is meant to be building wire or "compact conductor" type cable. I realize the DLO cable is finely stranded and should "give" easier than building wire, but have to wonder if the 646 DLO cable is too much for the Klein 63069 cutter and causing it fo fail.

The Klein 63750 would probably hold up better.

We have told Klein what it failed on.   They fixed  it.  They just said the cut would not be as clean.

The actual cutter and ratchet are fine.   It is just the return spring on the pawl and the return spring between the grips.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 3:02:13 PM EDT
[#31]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History



I found a pair of 9 inch Kobalt cutters like those. So far they have held up well. Even been used to drive a j hook in a pole a time or two.
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 3:11:33 PM EDT
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Klein is going to shit also.  
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The only good thing about Lowes was that they had Knipex.  I'll have to check to see if I can grab some clearance items this week.  


Yeah, the had ONE pair of Knipex dykes....From, $26 down to $19  
I just got a new pair of Klein a few weeks ago.

I guess that is why Contractors go to HD or a supply house  


Klein is going to shit also.  



Klein has been going to shit for a while.

Link Posted: 8/11/2013 3:22:51 PM EDT
[#34]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



I found a pair of 9 inch Kobalt cutters like those. So far they have held up well. Even been used to drive a j hook in a pole a time or two.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



I found a pair of 9 inch Kobalt cutters like those. So far they have held up well. Even been used to drive a j hook in a pole a time or two.

I refer to my lineman's pliers as my electrician's hammer
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 3:32:06 PM EDT
[#35]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

I refer to my lineman's pliers as my electrician's hammer
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Quoted:
Quoted:



I found a pair of 9 inch Kobalt cutters like those. So far they have held up well. Even been used to drive a j hook in a pole a time or two.

I refer to my lineman's pliers as my electrician's hammer


That's because you actually take your tools out of the bag
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 3:36:11 PM EDT
[#36]
Klein

/thread
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 3:43:04 PM EDT
[#37]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


That's because you actually take your tools out of the bag
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:



I found a pair of 9 inch Kobalt cutters like those. So far they have held up well. Even been used to drive a j hook in a pole a time or two.

I refer to my lineman's pliers as my electrician's hammer


That's because you actually take your tools out of the bag

Damned right, Cola Warrior
Link Posted: 8/11/2013 5:24:22 PM EDT
[#38]
Absolutely THE best open locator/tone generator we have been issued in my 30 years of telephony. Amazing for short wire runs and locate tool I have ever used.

http://www.flukenetworks.com/datacom-cabling/installation-tools/TS-100-Cable-Fault-Finder
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 3:58:41 PM EDT
[#39]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

I refer to my lineman's pliers as my electrician's hammer
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Quoted:
Quoted:



I found a pair of 9 inch Kobalt cutters like those. So far they have held up well. Even been used to drive a j hook in a pole a time or two.

I refer to my lineman's pliers as my electrician's hammer


I use channel locks for that.  
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 4:01:56 PM EDT
[#40]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Fluke, Klein, Greenlee, will use others in a pinch, but especially the cutting tools are worth it.
View Quote



This except for harbor freight pvc ratchet cutters. Which for reason work great.
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 4:04:53 PM EDT
[#41]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Klein is going to shit also.  
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The only good thing about Lowes was that they had Knipex.  I'll have to check to see if I can grab some clearance items this week.  


Yeah, the had ONE pair of Knipex dykes....From, $26 down to $19  
I just got a new pair of Klein a few weeks ago.

I guess that is why Contractors go to HD or a supply house  


Klein is going to shit also.  


The first time I saw their stuff in a HD, I suspected it wouldn't be long.

Glad I got my leather and canvas stuff already I guess.  It should last me.
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 4:23:48 PM EDT
[#42]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


I use channel locks for that.  
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:



I found a pair of 9 inch Kobalt cutters like those. So far they have held up well. Even been used to drive a j hook in a pole a time or two.

I refer to my lineman's pliers as my electrician's hammer


I use channel locks for that.  

Yeah but the lineman's have more heft
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 4:25:03 PM EDT
[#43]
Klein and Fluke

for small precision screwdrivers,  Felo.
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 4:26:54 PM EDT
[#44]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


The first time I saw their stuff in a HD, I suspected it wouldn't be long.

Glad I got my leather and canvas stuff already I guess.  It should last me.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The only good thing about Lowes was that they had Knipex.  I'll have to check to see if I can grab some clearance items this week.  


Yeah, the had ONE pair of Knipex dykes....From, $26 down to $19  
I just got a new pair of Klein a few weeks ago.

I guess that is why Contractors go to HD or a supply house  


Klein is going to shit also.  


The first time I saw their stuff in a HD, I suspected it wouldn't be long.

Glad I got my leather and canvas stuff already I guess.  It should last me.

I have this pouch. Serves me very well
http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/powerline-combo-sets/powerline-4-piece-electricians-combo-set-extra-large
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 4:28:06 PM EDT
[#45]
I have given up on pouches.  I almost always have a cart near by so I keep my tool bag on it with all my gizmos.  When I'm working on something I just stuff tools in my pockets.  Been wearing 5.11 pants to help with it
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 4:30:56 PM EDT
[#46]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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I have given up on pouches.  I almost always have a cart near by so I keep my tool bag on it with all my gizmos.  When I'm working on something I just stuff tools in my pockets.  Been wearing 5.11 pants to help with it
View Quote

Cargo pants are a must.

I'm thinking of getting a tool bag too. Use the pouch for when I'm up a ladder or cisorlift or something.
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 4:33:51 PM EDT
[#47]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Well I guess I'll stay home and play with my Knipex tools then
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Quoted:
Fluke and  Klein or stay in your mom's basement playing with the electric trains.

Well I guess I'll stay home and play with my Knipex tools then


lol agreed. The only other guy in my shop that does any wiring thought I was crazy for not buying Klein everything. Now he loves Knipex especially my multistrips
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 4:41:51 PM EDT
[#48]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


lol agreed. The only other guy in my shop that does any wiring thought I was crazy for not buying Klein everything. Now he loves Knipex especially my multistrips
View Quote View All Quotes
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Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Fluke and  Klein or stay in your mom's basement playing with the electric trains.

Well I guess I'll stay home and play with my Knipex tools then


lol agreed. The only other guy in my shop that does any wiring thought I was crazy for not buying Klein everything. Now he loves Knipex especially my multistrips


These?
http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1363&groupID=1376
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 4:46:44 PM EDT
[#49]
I have a Klein backpack.   Love it.   Looks geeky as hell but I don't care.
Link Posted: 8/12/2013 4:48:04 PM EDT
[#50]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
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I have a Klein backpack.   Love it.   Looks geeky as hell but I don't care.
View Quote

I thought of getting one.  I work in a place that has contractor parking about a mile away.  So I need super duper OPSEC when I bring my tools in and out of the parking garage.
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