Klein isn't what they used to be.
I'm going to disagree here, the core group of Klein tools is still superior to most other brands in my opinion.
I will agree that the insulation on the Klein screwdrivers needs improvement, 100% agree with that. Although the "right tool for the right job" mantra applies here.
Klein has shifted some of the modular component tools overseas and it shows.
On the other hand, the core group of electrical tools that they built their reputation on are still top tier tools. I have personally been involved with a couple of arc flash incidents that resulted in some seriously damaged tools, one of them was a simple cutting of a live #4awg conductor with a Chinese made set of linesman pliers. The result of that was a slag pile of molten junk, on the other side of that comparison, I personally cut into a 3 phase 480v set of #8awg conductors that I thought was dead, aside from owning a great set of #8 strippers now, the pliers themselves held up fine, the later was on a FedPac breaker.
I have sets of Wiha nutdrivers, screwdrivers, and various pliers, I LOVE the screwdrivers, but the pliers just don't feel right in my hands. Maybe they're made for women, dunno. It also feels like they just don't have the leverage as Kleins, and it seems like they ergonomics are a tad different. Just my personal experience and opinion.
The knipex cobra heads are the only pliers I order for guys now, nobody wants anything else, they may be a perfect design.
I work daily with all of these tools doing a variety of technical work, from installation to troubleshooting of some non standard scientific equipment, to your everyday lighting work. After using many different brands I still reach for the real deal Klein Tools.
It also looks like the Klein stuff that fails QA find itself branded as Southwire and sold at your local big box store for a lot less than Klein. I've yet to confirm this as the gospel though.
. I'd rather have both the original Pliers Wrench and a Cobra.
