Product Brochure

Introduction – Pliers
Klein Quality
Klein pliers are made of the finest U.S. steel alloy. They are forged, precision
machined, hardened, and carefully tempered for maximum strength. Klein pliers
provide exceptional performance and durability.
All pliers mating surfaces and dimensions are precision machined for faultless
performance. Pliers halves are precision machined and hot riveted for uniformly
smooth opening and closing action. Cutting knives are manufactured for long-lasting
edges and perfect alignment.
The cutting knives on all Klein pliers are designed to meet according to the way each
is used. Side-cutting and long-nose pliers with side cutters have knives that meet at
the hinge first and then meet at least one-half of the knife length. Diagonal-cutting
pliers meet at the tip first and then meet at least one-half of the knife length.
These precise knife-closing designs increase knife life and
facilitate resharpening.
Klein pliers are individually adjusted to meet performance standards far exceeding
application requirements – ensuring that nothing less than outstanding quality ever
carries the Klein name.
Pliers Catalog Number Prefixes/Suffixes
"D" (Prefix) – Indicates the pliers have plastic-dipped handles. Plastic-dipped handles
are for comfort, NOT for protection against electrical shock.
"HD" (Prefix) – Indicates the pliers have heavy-duty plastic-dipped handles.
Heavy-duty plastic-dipped handles provide an extra level of user comfort and are
NOT for protection against electrical shock.
" J" (Prefix) – Indicates the pliers have Journeyman™ handles. State-of-the-art dual
material molding that allows for a softer, more comfortable grip on the outer sur
-
face and a harder, more durable grip on the inner surface and handle ends.
"C" (Suffix) – Indicates the pliers have a coil spring in the handles for
self-opening action.
A professional knows all the rules about using pliers, but a review of the following
points may help you recall any you may have forgotten.
1. Never use pliers to do another tool's job. Pliers should not be used as a
hammer or pry tool or a wrench. Using pliers instead of the proper tools risks
damaging the work, damaging yourself, and losing time.
2. Never push pliers beyond their capacity. Bending stiff wire with light pliers or the
tip of needle-nose pliers can spring them or break them. Use a stronger, blunt-nose
pliers. When you need greater leverage, use pliers with greater leverage. Don't extend
the length of the pliers handles. Bolts should be cut with a bolt cutter, and large cable
with a cable cutter.
3. Never expose pliers to excessive heat. Direct flame on metal can ruin the tool.
Cutting pliers are especially vulnerable to high, direct heat.
4. Never cut hardened wire with ordinary pliers. Pliers should not be used for
cutting hardened wire unless they are specifically recommended for this use.
5. Never rock pliers from side to side when cutting wire…and never bend the wire
back and forth against the cutting knives. Either practice can dull or nick the cutting
edges. Cut wire at a right angle only. If it won't cut readily, the knives may need
sharpening, or you may need pliers with greater leverage.
6. Never cut any wire or metal unless your eyes are protected. Goggles or other
protective devices are an absolute must. Don't take shortcuts. Operate safely...the
professional way.
7. Never cut any wire or metal unless your fellow workers' eyes are also
protected. The wire that doesn't get you may get someone else. Think about the
"other guy" as well as yourself.
8. Never depend on plastic-dipped handles to insulate you from electricity.
Plastic-dipped and Journeyman
TM
handles are intended for comfort and a firmer grip
only. They are not intended for protection against electric shock. Never use any pliers
or cutting tools on live electrical circuits. Only use insulated tools that are marked with
the official inter national 1000-volt rating symbol if there is any chance that the tool will
make contact with an energized source.
Using Pliers
Pliers Cutting Edges
Knife-edge descriptions refer to the angle of the outside cutting edges of the knives when fully closed.
Semi-Flush Cutting Edges
Closely cuts medium wire. Found on
select Klein diagonal cutting pliers.
Standard Cutting Edges
Cuts hard wire. Found on all Klein
side cutters, long nose, and on most
diagonal-cutting pliers.
Full-Flush Cutting Edges
Close, flat cutting of soft wire only.
Found on select diagonal-cutting pliers.
Pliers
See page 310 for additional information on warnings.
6
www.kleintools.com