It’s clear that working efficiently is the key to happy customers and more invoices. But ways to streamline our work don’t always jump out at us when we’ve always done it that way. I have a tool pouch with wire strippers/cutters, pliers, crimpers, and maybe some screw shears. How much more efficient can I be? Well, quite a bit as it turns out. With the help of the new Klein Hybrid Pliers with Crimper, I can drop another tool (or two) from my belt.
Although Klein already offers a wide selection of similar tools, the company sensed the tradesmen’s need for an all-in-one tool that can strip, cut, twist, shear, and crimp. What’s nice is they don’t make this stuff up. They actually go out and ask electricians what they could use on the job site.
I was happy to see if Klein Tools struck the right note.
Performance
A great hybrid tool has to thread a needle by performing each function in a way that doesn’t detract from any of the others. As I built control panels for large industrial pumps and performed other electrical work, the Klein Hybrid Pliers crimped, cut screws, and stripped, cut, and twisted wire beautifully. A lot of new guys will nick smaller gauge wire because they use their regular Kleins for stripping. I’ve had enough practice that I don’t do that anymore, but if you’re an apprentice—or working in a hurry—the Hybrids are just about foolproof.
Not the Only Hybrid Tool
Klein isn’t new to hybrid tools. Take the Klein Kurve heavy duty wire stripper. The sole complaint I heard about those strippers concerned the knurling. Some guys said it wasn’t aggressive enough for twisting wire efficiently. But this new hybrid has more aggressive knurling with a strong grip. In short, you can quickly cut, strip, and twist wires easily before putting on a wire nut.
Reviewer’s Note: To this day I use a pair of Kleins (or similar) to twist wires before applying a wire nut. That’s how I was taught, and it preps the wires so that the wire nuts get a better and more secure bite. It’s just a safer way to do the job. Even so, I’ve seen many guys fail to perform this quick step. Don’t be that guy!
I consider the lack of a spring and lock a Pro, although you may think otherwise. It’s annoying to have to lock pliers to keep them from springing open. It slows me down and can make it a little difficult to remove the tool from a pouch or pants pocket.
The crimper’s thickness is a big advantage. Compare its width to your traditional stamped wire strippers with crimper like the Klein long nose wire strippers, and you’ll immediately see what I mean. You’ll get a much better crimp with the Klein Tools Hybrid Pliers’ design. However…
Room for Improvement
The crimper is only for non-insulated crimps. Unfortunately, most of my work is insulated—and so is a lot of professionals’ work. If this tool had both, it would truly be a home run for Klein.
Price & Value
The Klein Tools Hybrid Pliers don’t have a lot of direct competition, but two similar tools come to mind.
First, Stanley’s Fatmax FMHT75086 costs about $17. They are well-reviewed—just not by a lot of professional electricians. It might be a solid pair for the homeowner or electrician’s apprentice. Also, the Southwire MPSCP multi-tool plier prices out around $30 but lacks a crimper.
Need a Fish Tape Puller? Klein Has You Covered!
The Klein J2159CRTP Hybrid Pliers emphasizes its fish tape puller in addition to the crimper for even more flexibility. There’s not much difference between the two—so grab either one to have the same basic functionality.
The Bottom Line
I’ve become partial to the Klein Hybrid Pliers for its highly efficient combination of functions. It only needs to add an insulated crimper to be perfect!
Klein Hybrid Pliers with Crimper Features
- Multi-purpose tool saves time and lessens the tool count
- Strips 10-14 AWG solid and 12-16 stranded wire
- High-leverage design for more cutting power
- Wide knurled head easily grabs and twists wires
- 6-32 and 8-32 bolt shearing
- Crimps non-insulated connectors, lugs, and terminals
- Full length, induction hardened cutting knives for hard wire
Klein J215-8CR Hybrid Pliers with Crimper Specifications
- Application: Strip (10-14 SLD)(12-16 STR), Bolt Shear #6-32 and #8-32, Crimps Non-Insulated Connectors, Lugs and Terminals, Cuts Screws, Nails and Most Hardened Wire
- Jaw dimensions
- Length: 2 in.
- Width: 0.5 in.
- Thickness: 0.5 in.
- Capacity: 1.5 in.
- Knife Length: 0.75 in.
- Cut style: Side-cutting
- Joint type: Hot Rivet
- Handle Finish: Journeyman
- Handle Length: 5.75 in.
- Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 0.5 in.
- Weight: 0.062 lbs.
- Price: $39.97
Klein J2159CRTP Hybrid Pliers with Fish Tape Puller Specifications
- Application: Strip (10-14 SLD/12-16 STR), Bolt Shear #6-32 and #8-32, Crimps Non-Insulated Connectors, Lugs and Terminals, Cuts Screws, Nails and Most Hardened Wire; pull steel fish tape
- Jaw dimensions
- Length: 2 in.
- Width: 0.5 in.
- Thickness: 0.5 in.
- Capacity: 1.5 in.
- Knife Length: 0.75 in.
- Cut style: High-leverage, side-cutting
- Joint type: Hot Rivet
- Handle Finish: Journeyman
- Handle Length: 5.0 in.
- Dimensions: 9 x 2.25 x 0.75 in.
- Weight: 10.9 oz.
- Price: $46.31
