Klein Tools Or Greenlee

newguy07

What tool manufacturer do you like better?

JohnJ0906

I've been using Klien hand tools for the entire time I've been in the trade.
But I do have some Greenlee, like a KO set, fishtapes, level, and a few other things. I haven't tried their hand tools yet.

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John from Baltimore
"One Day at a Time"
All replies based on the 2008 NEC

newguy07

Do they have any lifetime warrantys or anything like that? I am looking for some tools to get for a first time.

Is there any websites that sells these tools?

MechanicalDVR

Klein are better quality for the most part but they both make some items that the other doesn't or just has a better choice of. In pliers Klein is the ****.

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"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" mlk
100% Union and Proud of It

MSSI

Most name brand tools have a lifetime warranty...I have found great prices on Ebay sometimes for Lots of hand tools with dammaged packaging etc..

DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM GB

JohnJ0906

It would take a LOT for me to use someone besides Klien for Linesmans or screwdrivers.

Not to take away from any other brand, I just think they are the bomb!

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John from Baltimore
"One Day at a Time"
All replies based on the 2008 NEC

Speedy Petey

Both Klein and Greenlee are TOP quality tools with a niche market. They have a few common tools (such as rabis and ratchet cutters) and either is worth buying over pretty much anything else.
They are not really direct competitors.

I prefer Knipex for most hand tools except linemans. For them it's D2000-9NECR
I LOVE German screwdrivers. Knipex, Witte and Wera are all pretty much the same thing.

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GregS

What makes them so good over others?

Speedy Petey

That's easy.
Quality, usability and just plain feel. To me warranty is almost not an issue.

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mdshunk

I agree with Speedy. Certain things are only availble from one manufacturer or the other, so you'll end up with a little of both. They're both very respectible, as well as Ideal and Kinpex tools. Honestly, I'd use anthing from any of them. Lennox makes some stuff for electricians that's top notch too. There are some brands that sound respectible, but they're crap. Gardner Bender (GB) and Sperry are among the crap brands. I go back and fourth on Craftsman, but I'd generally steer you clear of that brand if your budget permits. When you're new in the trade, you get what you can afford many times.

Celtic

A lot depends on the amount of abuse given to a particular tool.

For benders...especially mechanical type..GreenLee - nothing else.

Hand tools...a variety of manufac.s:
Klien for cutting tools - pliers, dykes, BX snips
Klien for screwdrivers - keep the craftsman drivers at home - your hands will ache (and be blistered) after using them all day.
Craftsman - wrenches and ratchets ...comfortable all day
etc


Tell us what tool you have in mind, we'll give you the thumbs up/down based on experience.

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newguy07

What is wrong with craftsman hand tools? I dont know about klien and green lee but I know there are at least 3-4 places locally where I can exchange tools and get a new one in a matter of minutes.

mdshunk

It's hard to explain until you've used good stuff. The wrenches and sockets are fine for all the more an electrician will use them. Their pliers, dikes, and screwdrivers pale in comparison to good stuff. Their quality certainly has gone downhill big-time even during my short lifetime so far. It's sorta like Fords vs. Chevy's, but a certain amount of the respect that you'll get will be directly connected to the tools you use. Choose wisely. When I take my car to the shop, I'd rather see MAC or Snap-On in the mechanic's box rather than Craftsman.

Celtic

Nothing ....except for the handles

Turn screws all day and get back to us on that ....mean while, I'll hike up my skirt and use a rubber handled comfort grip type driver

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Speedy Petey

You have 3-4 Sears stores locally???

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newguy07

Yes, all within a 10-12 mile radius. I live in tampa

mdshunk

KMart handles Craftsman now too.

Celtic

How can a company that was in the midst of a Chapter 11 (or 13 or 7 or whatever) come out and buy an icon like Sears?

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Speedy Petey

Seriously?

I guess anything's possible. I know my Wife returns Lands End stuff at Sears and they said they will have a new huge L E department there soon.

I agree Celtic!

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GregS

Easily. There must be at least 30 here in the GTA.