KNIPEX13 88 8 US Knipex Tools LP - 13888US Electrical Installation Pliers Red/Yellow

I’m an electrician/automation tech by profession and carry these in my back pocket along with a Wiha insulated screwdriver (90% of issues can be addressed with these tools)…these pliers are built quite well and cut wire, strip, pull fuses, open electrical cabinets, crimp connectors very, very well …only thing they can’t do is tighten terminal block screws (that’s what the screwdriver is for). Yes, they are pricey but you really get what you pay for. If you’re working with industrial electricity, do yourself a favor and get yourself some high quality, insulated pliers like these…you won’t regret it!

Expensive, but these cut cable very well and are very useful for electrical work by a DIYer.

I recently got these, after owning just about every Knipex plier there is. I compared these to the forged wire stripper, and I have to say, I prefer these far more. Very versatile for electrical service work, since I’m working with high voltage live circuits, changing transformers/ballasts, and dismantling old/corroded connections. Those stripping holes and shear are insanely sharp too, which makes stripping old wires and shearing 12-2 MC no problem.

Well designed and purpose built tool. Very happy with my purchase.

Simply the best. If I could only carry one pair of pliers, it would be this one.

I ordered and received Knipex brand pliers (13888US 12-14 AWG version), made in Germany. These pliers are designed for installing electrical devices. I'm doing a fairly large, time consuming rewire project - adding outlets to existing circuits plus installing a few new runs. I needed insulated, longer less bulky pliers for wiring, particularly grounding conductors at the back of metal boxes and electric panels. These are similar in profile and overall length compared to US style linesman pliers, but are more refined, much lighter with a semi-needle nose jaw shape.The jaws are machined, aligned and finished well. The hinge opens and closes easily yet they stay closed when not in use (there is no spring or latch on this version). The tool is well proportioned and appears to be made from high quality forged tool steel. The plastic grips are very ergonomic with a solid feel. The material, fit and finish meet my expectations based on the product description and price. Overall impression is that these are well worth the money. If you are doing a lot of electrical work I highly recommend them.

Update 11/4/16 to previous review- Liking these pliers a little bit more. Still haven't had a chance to use them too much- however I have played around with them a bit, stripping some 12 gauge wire, bending hooks, cutting solo wire and it has performed quite well. I still wish it had a wider grip when closed like my Kleins- but I am getting used to it. Plus- bonus- I misplaced my crimper and had use for the crimper on these pliers today installing a new pilot generator and thermostat- none of my other electrician's tools had the correct one built in, this did. Upgrading to a fourth star, however unless I really find the grip on the klein's to be unwieldy and opting to reach for this pair over and over, I don't know if it will get to a 5 star review.-----Just received this after purchasing it last month (Amazon was out of stock and I didn't mind waiting- not affecting my stance on the review) and I wanted to give my preliminary thoughts upon it's arrival.I freely admit- I am very much a Klein guy when it comes to certain tools in regards to my electrician's tools- however I am also a guy who appreciates a good tool and will venture out of brand loyalty when it makes sense and when the tool I am looking for is superior. That said- this may influence my rating be because I AM a Klein guy and have used their standard, non-insulated needle nose pliers for ages without a desire to upgrade, however the grips on the needle nose have become slightly damaged through normal use and I decided I don't like chancing using them to do quick fixes on any live wires. After receiving and greatly enjoying the Klein Insulated Linesman pliers (2000-9NE-EINS) which I took a chance on when upgrading from my standard Klein Linesman's, I decided to look into their other pliers which included a multi-purpose pliers very similar to these Knipex pliers. The only issue is that I wanted all of the functionality with an insulated format, and I thought I would give these a go due to some other tools by Knipex that have served me well, mainly because these were insulated AND offered the benefits I needed of cutters, strippers and needle nose in one. To afford insulated versions of the Klein, I would need to buy 3 individual insulated tools- space I didn't want taking up room on my belt if I could avoid it.Thoughts:I really am not a fan of the grip. The tool is machined excellently, however it could be that I just have slightly larger hands than these are designed for, or I am just as I said earlier, used to the wider grip offered by the Klein needle nose pliers, but when I hold these- I find it very difficult to personally operate one-handed, without feeling like I may drop them. The grip itself is quite similar to my insulated Klein Linesman pliers but the handles when fully closed are probably a quarter inch too close together for my hands. Now- this may be because of what I am used to, or it may be the way many people feel- I can't say for sure, but so far, that's my initial impression. I intend to update this review after some hands on experience in the next few weeks to see if I am able to adjust or if I will break down and purchase the individual tools through Klein- but not until I have given these pliers a fair shake. Other then that- like I mentioned, it is machined well, and unlike Klein who rivets their joints, these are fastened with a screw- whether or not this is a weak point remains to be seen, but I figure it has worked for them so far, it could be alright. Additionally I have some hope that I can adjust to the grip because the large amount of work I would do with these- stripping and needle-nose work, open just the right amount with ease in my hand. It's only when I need to cut something that I can see myself dropping the pliers with no problem at all.

Best quality handle tool I own. Cuts wire like a hot knife through butter.