Buying Guide

ManualsBrandsKlein Tools ManualsCutting PliersHigh Leverage Side Cutters with Ring

Introduction – Pliers

Klein Quality

Klein pliers are made of the finest U.S. steel alloy. 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 and hot riveted for

uniformly smooth opening and closing action. Cutting knives are manufactured for

long-lasting edges and are designed to perfectly align and 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 for comfort, NOT for

protection against electrical shock.

"HD" (Prefix) – Indicates the pliers have heavy-duty plastic-dipped handles to provide

an extra level of user comfort, NOT for protection against electrical shock.

"J" (Prefix) – Indicates the pliers have State-of-the-art dual material molded

Journeyman™ handles for a softer, more comfortable grip on the outer surface and a

harder, more durable grip on the inner surface and handle ends, NOT for protection

against electrical shock.

"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 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

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

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 295 for additional information on warnings.