If there’s one eternal truth about electrical work, it’s that wires need cuttin’. And what company has more experience with wire cutting tools than Klein whose first product in 1857 was, in fact, a pair of side cutting pliers? Now Klein offers many different types of wire cutters, one of which is the Klein Tools 9-Inch Angled Head Diagonal Cutting Pliers, which I get the (hopefully) good fortune of using now. I’m in the middle of big service installation so there’s no shortage of ways to put the tool to the test.
First Impressions
The Klein pliers look a lot like any other pair of pliers with two notable exceptions: the angled head and the length of the plastic-dipped handles. The tool’s steel head, featuring a hot-riveted joint and induction-hardened cutting knives, is standard size but the total length of the tool is an unusually long 9 inches. This adds leverage – 67% more, according to Klein – to cut through ACSR, screws, nails, and hardened wire. The length should also aid the reach of the tool, as should the angled head. Let’s cut to the chase.
Down To The Wire
Well, there’s not much nuance with a tool like this: either it cuts or it doesn’t cut. And the Klein Tools 9-Inch Angled Head Diagonal Cutting Pliers can cut – they are the best pair I’ve owned. I attribute the long handles to the ease of use, the added leverage making quick work of all the wire I asked it to cut. These are an inch or so longer than the Kleins I usually carry. Although my most recent pair is excellent, the Klein D2000-49 exceeds them.
The large electrical service installation I’ve been doing gave me all sorts of wires and other objects to push the tool’s limit, but it never seemed to reach it. The curved head makes it exceptionally easy to get into tight spaces to snip as well as to cut wire flush with another surface when needed. I cut through large bundles of wire that are usually a much greater challenge, zip ties, and of course, a boatload of single wire cuts.
The cutters stayed exceptionally sharp throughout the review. In fact, I can’t remember having a pair that stayed as sharp after so much work. The handles provide a comfortable grip even under the greatest effort my hands could generate. It all adds up to a remarkably good tool that I’m happy to have in my bag.
The Bottom Line
Going with a 9-inch size offers additional leverage that I don’t get with the Klein diagonal cutters I normally carry. More leverage means it’s easier to cut through more at once and the Klein 9-Inch Angled Head Diagonal Cutting Pliers are up to the task of tougher cuts while retaining their cutting edge well.
You get all the benefits of Klein’s hand tools – smooth hot-riveted joint and comfortable plastic coated handles that reduce the shock of the cut. Add in the security of a lifetime warranty along with the pride of a Made in the USA tool and you’ve got another winner for Klein.
Editor’s Note: Klein just relaunched these with a new Yellow handle color. The point of the color change is to help differentiate these from the blue-handled, 8-inch diagonal-cutters.
Every electrician has plenty of wire cutting to do and I can heartily recommend these as an upgrade to the diagonal cutting pliers you already have or the ones you should go for if there’s a gap in your Klein Tradesman Pro backpack (or similar tool bag).
Klein Tools 9-Inch Angled Head Diagonal Cutting Pliers Features
- 2000 series heavy-duty cutting knives cut ACSR, screws, nails and most hardened wire
- Longer handles for added leverage, reach and comfort
- High-leverage design has 67% more cutting power
- Angled head design for easy work in confined space
- Induction-hardened cutting knives outlast other cutters
- Plastic-dipped handles for comfort and ease of identification
- Hot-riveted joint ensures smooth action and no handle wobble
- Custom, US-made tool steel
Klein Tools 9-Inch Angled Head Diagonal Cutting Pliers Specifications
- Item number: Klein D2000-49
- Overall Length: 9” (228.6 mm)
- Length of Jaw: 13/16” (20.6 mm)Width of Jaw: 1-1/4” (31.8 mm)
- Thickness of Jaw: 7/16” (11.1 mm)
- Cutting Knives: Standard
- Handle Finish: Plastic Dipped
- Handle Color: Blue
- Weight: 10.3 oz. (292 g)
- Price: $36.99
