Knipex
Recommended 78× on r/BuyItForLife
Shop Knipex
Cobra Water Pump Pliers
No more time-consuming test-adjusting to achieve the correct size. With the Knipex Cobra water pump pliers, you can simply position the upper jaw to the workpiece, push the button,...
Flat Nose Pliers
Premium Quality Flat Nose Pliers Looking for a reliable pair of flat nose pliers for your wire working and jewelry making projects? Look no further! The Knipex 20 01 125 5'' Flat N...
Pliers Wrench Set
Knipex 9K 00 80 121 US features pliers wrench models 86 03 125 and 86 03 180. The 86 03 125 is 5 In. L with 11 adjustment positions, making it a mini yet mighty tool. It is ideal f...
Pliers Wrench Set
A one-of-a-kind tool with unlimited possibilities, the patented, easy-to-use KNIPEX Tools pliers wrench is a fantastic tool for fastening, gripping, holding, and bending. Its slim...
Pliers Wrench 86 05
A one-of-a-kind tool with unlimited possibilities, the patented, easy-to-use KNIPEX Tools pliers wrench is a fantastic tool for fastening, gripping, holding, and bending. Its slim...
10" Plier Wrench
The Knipex pliers wrench is excellent for gripping, holding, pressing and bending work pieces. The high lever ratio, parallel jaws without profile and infinitely variable adjustmen...
High Leverage Diagonal Cutters
Knipex part number 74 01 160. 20% less effort required compared to conventional diagonal cutters of the same length. Forged-on axle for heavy-duty work. For very tough, continuous...
Diagonal Cutters
The Ultimate Diagonal Cutters for Professionals The Knipex 6.3" Diagonal Cutters with Plastic Grip is the go-to tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. With its high-qual...
Diagonal Cutters 70 02
KNIPEXTEND comfort handles make it easy to identify your tools and utilize the KNIPEX TetheredTool System lanyards and adapters by simply adding KNIPEXTEND ColorCoded Clips and Tet...
8" High Leverage Diagonal Cutters
Knipex Tools is the worlds largest manufacturer of professional pliers since 1882. Knipex Pliers, Cutters, Insulated Tools and other products have been the tools of choice for Prof...
8" High Leverage Diagonal Cutting Plier
KNIPEX Tools is the world's largest manufacturer of professional pliers since 1882. KNIPEX Pliers, Cutters, Insulated Tools and other products have been the tools of choice for Pro...
Diagonal Cutter 7201160
The cutting edges of diagonal cutters used for wire are ground to produce a wedge-shaped cut towards the centre of the cut product. This wedge ultimately splits the cut material ap...
Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Knipex
78 mentions from real owners
- #1Dec 26, 2025
Knipex-which tool as a gift?
Knipex adjustable pliers wrenches - so useful!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #2Dec 24, 2025
Knipex-which tool as a gift?
The little 5 inch parallel pliers are a lot more handy than one would expect and fit basically anywhere. If you want to spend more, they sell them as a set with bigger versions too.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #3Dec 24, 2025
Let’s Talk Wirecutter: What Was Worth It and What Wasn’t?
Best wire cutters I've ever used are my Knipex high leverage diagonal cutters, the ones with the comfort grip handles. No idea what the fuck the rest of you are on about.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #4Dec 23, 2025
I built a directory of Good Goods, featuring some of the products often mentioned here!
Nice done! Some items I have also bought, Wera, french press,knipex. You know what to buy for life!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #5Dec 23, 2025
A list of BIFL not made in the USA
First, thanks for sharing the EU version of the sub, it'll help me a lot! Secondly I agree 100% about Knipex pliers, I bought a pair of small Cobra ones when Facom started to go down the gutter, and I was VERY pleasantly surprised. The many teeth, solid material and one-handed adjustment are a must, and then there's the Twingrip collection, front and lateral gripping, that's the cherry on top!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #6Dec 23, 2025
Let’s Talk Wirecutter: What Was Worth It and What Wasn’t?
I bought my wife a bunch of knipex pliers, wire cutters snips etc bc I caught her for hopefully the last time using some janky ass chintzy cheesedick “tool” from Harmful Fate.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #7Dec 22, 2025
Knipex-which tool as a gift?
If you don't know tham super well maybe just don't. I think you can never have too many Knipex Cobras, but not everybody is like me.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #8Dec 22, 2025
Knipex-which tool as a gift?
Those little Knipex minis are perfect for this - small enough to actually stay in the glove box and still handle most random fixes that pop up. I keep a set in my truck and they've saved me more times than I can count
View on Redditopen_in_new - #9Dec 22, 2025
Knipex-which tool as a gift?
I do love knipex as side cutters, but I recently discovered the Milwaukee wire strippers ..... They are the best wire strippers I've ever used. I keep a pair in my jeep and also on my workbench. Highly recommend.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #10Dec 22, 2025
Knipex-which tool as a gift?
For me, the Knipex diagonal cutters are indispensable. I keep one at home, one in the trunk, and another in the tool bag. If he likes fixing things, an extra one will definitely be useful.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #11Dec 22, 2025
Knipex-which tool as a gift?
Knipex 2 Pc Mini Pliers XS Set with belt pouch - Mini cobra / pliers wrench.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #12Dec 21, 2025
Let’s Talk Wirecutter: What Was Worth It and What Wasn’t?
CK, Knipex, Mac are all good
View on Redditopen_in_new - #13Dec 21, 2025
Let’s Talk Wirecutter: What Was Worth It and What Wasn’t?
Honestly, Knipex are the best.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #14Dec 5, 2025
Is there anything you're convinced is "the cheaper the better"?
Dude if you know the parts of the tool you are using, sure just get the good one. You are probably a power user or you appreciate your tools. I have this advice to my coworker that just bought a house and barely used a tool before in his life. He doesn’t need a Festool drill and knipex pliers to fix stuff in the house. Just buy it at HF for 1/10th the cost, and if you think it sucks or it breaks buy a good one. There are so many variants from the good brands, you will never buy the right one unless you’ve been using the tool and know what features you wish you had.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #15Dec 1, 2025
Gift Ideas for My Boyfriend Who Has Everything?
let him buy and just give it to you to give at xmas. I bought myself 3 things for Christmas: Knipex cobra mini pliers, 3 pack of Under Armour underwear and Fjällraven Färden 50 duffel bag which I got in black Friday discount, otherwise I would have gotten Savotta Keikka 50 duffel bag but it was 50€+ more expensive. I don't necessarily need these things but they are nice to have. I'm looking forward getting them.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #16Dec 1, 2025
My grandmas drill that she gave me to use to hang curtains
I agree in general however: > how much old snap-on or craftsmen tools are sitting in the bottom of a landfill? For basic hand tools it is easy to quantify quality. If you know how tight the machining/finish/forging/grinding/broaching is and what kind of metal with what hardness is used, you can undoubtedly define its quality for the task. Plenty of screwdrivers and wrenches are far inferior. Now, Snap On never cut corners in this department. Craftsman did not make their own tools anyway, it's just a name, but in general the older ones were sourced better than later (though some late US made production was really bad too). Recent V line was generally quality though, better than what you'd get in the past. The other thing is also when new tools are introduced that take unique ways to approach a problem. Like, you have 100 year old quality pliers and you have modern quality pliers. But e.g. knipex did combine a few things in the Cobras that you did not see combined before (positive lock engagement, adjustable with a box joint and not a lap joint, meaning it can be way lighter for the same grip strength) and it proved somewhat revolutionary. Or modern anti-slip wrenches (maybe snap on pioneered there?), same with sockets (pretty sure it was snap on there). Or Wera with the hex-plus profile. Three sides of the same coin, just in different forms, but this is a design you find on modern tools that old tools won't have no matter the quality lever.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #17Nov 6, 2025
What’s a BIFL thing you bought and now swear by?
Knipex pliers
View on Redditopen_in_new - #18Nov 4, 2025
Which brands/products have gotten better over time?
Knipex pliers, Wera Joker wrenches, Wiha hex/torx wrenches, Stahlwille wrenches and sockets.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #19Oct 2, 2025
Which everyday item do you wish had a true BIFL version?
Regarding hand tools. If Knipex makes it, it’s probably great. If PB Swiss makes it, it’s probably really good. Of Wera makes it, it’s probably good enough for most.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #20Oct 1, 2025
Why are we allowing posts that are not in the spirit of BIFL?
I used to think the same. Usually just machined steel and a handle, right? how could you go wrong? I still have my grandfather's craftsman screwdrivers, wrenches, estwing hammers, stanley chisels, and a few pliers that were made in the late 50s to early 70s and those are the quality and standard I expect. I broke a diagonal cutter of his (craftsman) and went to Lowe's to warranty it. After a fair amount of bitching, the cutters they were going to give me were not of the same quality. The hinge was not as tight. The machine finish was rough. It was just not to the standard I expected. I chose to keep the broke ones (I was using them as a pry bar and snapped a tip off - so still functional but not ideal). The tradespeople (and total hacks) I've worked along side have noticed a consistent decline in quality too. As soon as a big company or private equity buys into a brand - quality goes to shit. I coddle my grandads tools for sentimental reasons. And "replaced" them with Wera, Vessel, Wiha, Knipex, and Bondhus tools. But your average Joe typically wont spend the money for those brands. I use my tools everyday. So my perspective and needs are different from a DIYer/home owner. Am I just bitter and angry about minutiae? Probably. But I've broke enough (newer) craftsman and Stanley tools to never buy them again. So you're probably right if you only use your tools for a job/project here and there. Thanks for coming to my ted talk.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #21Sep 4, 2025
Best Buy it for Life Gift?
> skateboard, enjoys single-track riding, fixing cars with his friends, Tools, specifically automotive and bicycle tools. Instead of figuring out if individual tools are correct, a great gift would be to spend the effort to track down a really good deal on a high-end BiFL set like one from a German brand like Wera, Wiha, Knipex, Stahwihl. These are the kind of tools that people find hard to buy for themselves, but will be delighted to show their friends that they got as a gift. North Americans should get both SAE and metric sizes, while most other places in the world can get by with just the metric. > enjoys a fancy bourbon drink every now and then. Vintage decanters and classic mixology apparatus isn't bad, either.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #22Sep 3, 2025
West Germany Knipex tong thingy.
Ah the old tong thingy.... aka kneifzange in German or pincers for the English speaking crowd. Look up knipex, they make an amazing amount of specialized pliers at top quality.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #23Sep 3, 2025
West Germany Knipex tong thingy.
Those are, as far as I see them used, for crimping pinch clamps on hoses. I have many myself and always preferred the knipex ones for sure
View on Redditopen_in_new - #24Aug 8, 2025
Searching for small toolkit
As others have said, buy a tool bag or box and fill it with quality tools. Brands like wera and knipex will last a lifetime.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #25Aug 6, 2025
$2K Amazon Budget—Help Me Turn Digital Money Into Sawdust
A good place to start educating yourself is the project farm YouTube channel. He does excellent reviews, buying the products instead of receiving free items from manufacturers. Some companies don't extend warranty to tools purchased on Amazon, so shopping locally is the smart move. If you choose that option, use your Amazon card for consumables like blades and bits or non-powered tools like wrenches. Cordless is the way to go with most power tools. Your first decision is which company you want to purchase. DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita are the top brands. Batteries do interchange between brands. Ryobi and Rigid are both manufactured by the company that owns Milwaukee. Ryobi has a bunch of gadgety tools. Rigid isn't as refined as Milwaukee, but has a lifetime warranty, including batteries. They are the only company to have a lifetime warranty. The only way to get this warranty is to purchase tools from Home Depot. Bosch and Metobo are somewhat second tier, not always having the best/latest features. Though some Bosch corded tools are very good. The best jigsaw I have is a Bosch. Their corded miter saw is very nice. Between the big three they all have certain tools that are best in class, which makes it difficult to decide which brand to purchase. Your primary tools will be a drill, a ¼" impact for driving screws and bolts, a circular saw, and a sawzall(reciprocating saw). In addition, you will find a power miter saw useful. An orbital sander is handy. I prefer corded for the sander as batteries either don't last long enough or the batteries that last longer make the tool heavy and awkward. If you purchase a reciprocating saw, invest in carbon toothed blades. They last a long time and power through wood and metal faster than standard blades. They go through metal extremely fast. For a shop vac Rigid is top of the line. While they share the same name as the power tools, the vacuums are made by a different company, Emerson Electric. Continuing with the Rigid name, their plumbing tools are top notch. Again, made by a different company. Their pipe wrenches are excellent. It is handy to have two pipe wrenches, one to hold the stationary pipe and the other to tighten the fitting. If you have pedestal sinks where the plumbing is visible, a smooth jawed pipe wrench won't mar the plumbing fittings. Other top tier brands of tools include Knipex, Fein, Festool(makes the best power miter saw but is very expensive), and Wera.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #26Aug 6, 2025
$2K Amazon Budget—Help Me Turn Digital Money Into Sawdust
Wiha ergostar for some good hex wrenches. Knipex pliers wrench is the best adjustable wrench on the market and capable of holding torque than a vice grip.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #27Aug 3, 2025
Anyone keep a “BIFL Roster”?
The patent on knipex’s locking system is expired and harbor freight makes some for half the price. Plus they have a life time warranty of hang tops, so you can literally walk in and swap them if they break.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #28Aug 2, 2025
What products used to be well built back in the day but now are low quality?
I would actually argue that this is one area where globalization benefited the consumer. Taiwanese tool steel and manufacturing has basically increased in quality to the point where the differences with American and German brands is almost negligible. Torque Test channel just did a video basically acknowledging that Icon’s new G2 ratchets are virtually indistinguishable from Snap On, with an easier and better warranty. Agree with others that Wera, Wiha, Knipex, and Gearwrench, and Tekton are all solid brands. The biggest issue in tools is that the premium market has gotten out of hand. Companies have learned that there is more profit up market and have really accelerated leaving the middle-class buyer behind. Premium tool brands have popped up left and right to fill this market; they’re often the companies I look at and find cheapening practices. Say what you will about Harbor Freight, but lines like Hercules have really approached the value of the bigger names like Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Makita for a third or less of the prices. Milwaukee’s prices have grown astronomical in several territories.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #29Jul 9, 2025
A list of BIFL not made in the USA
Carpenter here, can confirm Knipex are professional trade quality.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #30Jun 13, 2025
I have money to spend. Advise me.
Mac Mini Ridgid Shop Vacuum Knipex pliers Milwaukee 12v Fuel Impact Wrench
View on Redditopen_in_new - #31Jun 13, 2025
I have money to spend. Advise me.
Trusco or Tone toolboxes Leatherman Nicks, White's, or Viberg boots Horween wallet Hamilton Murph watch Good tools. Knipex, Wiha, Wera, PB Swiss... Benchmade 940 Bark River fixed blade Rio Bravo GoRuck GR2 backpack
View on Redditopen_in_new - #32Jun 7, 2025
Looking for high-quality, Made-in-USA compact tools as a gift—suggestions
This is the correct answer! If you want BIFL in this situation Knipex cannot be beat!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #33Jun 7, 2025
Looking for high-quality, Made-in-USA compact tools as a gift—suggestions
You can get USA made vise grips from Malco that are great quality https://www.harryepstein.com/products/7-straight-jaw-eagle-grip-malco-locking-pliers-lp7r?srsltid=AfmBOoqH8J3gt_hO1b4pomMk78fibZtzcAhTFcRp-LdniTdIt6HzIy9P Agreed with those that recommended Knipex and Klein
View on Redditopen_in_new - #34Jun 6, 2025
Looking for high-quality, Made-in-USA compact tools as a gift—suggestions
I'm so sorry but if you want good pliers you really want to be going for knipex haha
View on Redditopen_in_new - #35Jun 6, 2025
Looking for high-quality, Made-in-USA compact tools as a gift—suggestions
Unfortunately I’m not old enough to have gotten a nice set of craftsman tools, but being a maintenance apprentice, I use my knipex daily for the past year and a half and don’t seen them going anywhere any time soon along with some of their needle nose and a Klein 11in1 I can do about 70-80% of service calls in the hospital I work at
View on Redditopen_in_new - #36Jun 6, 2025
Looking for high-quality, Made-in-USA compact tools as a gift—suggestions
These have been the best for a while. Back in the day when I worked in Sears hardware people were switching to Knipex from Craftsman when the quality of the latter started going downhill.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #37Jun 6, 2025
Looking for high-quality, Made-in-USA compact tools as a gift—suggestions
Knipex, made in Germany but I abuse mine and they are some of the best I own
View on Redditopen_in_new - #38Jun 5, 2025
What brand name is SUPERIOR to the knock-off?
Klein has dropped dramatically in its quality in the last few years as someone who has worked in electrical. I no longer recommend them. Knipex is recommended as well as certain Japanese in Japan tool brands who sell cheaper than Klein but quality is about as good as a Knipex
View on Redditopen_in_new - #39Jun 4, 2025
What’s one thing you bought once and it’s still going strong years later?
With their warranty, kinda. -PB Swiss, Wright, Knipex, Old SK, Milwaukee guy
View on Redditopen_in_new - #40Jun 4, 2025
BIFL items to gift to someone when they’re young?
Knipex pliers, basic Klein screwdriver set, GoRuck GR2 backpack, 70 Series Land Cruiser, tweezerman tweezers, leatherman skeletool, Cross Pen, Be change Osborne 940, Darn Tough socks, Stainless Steel Nalgene bottle, good hardside luggage, Patagonia black hole duffle 40L
View on Redditopen_in_new - #41Jun 3, 2025
What’s one thing you bought once and it’s still going strong years later?
Am a sparkie who discovered Knipex hand tools. They are ridiculously better than anything Iv found made in the US. The Deklein has been sad to watch
View on Redditopen_in_new - #42Jun 3, 2025
What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?
Sorry I should have specified, Wera and Wiha both produce stuff outside of Germany now. I think Knippex is still all German yet.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #43Jun 3, 2025
What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?
Wera is not German, but they want you to think they are. Knipex is top tier, Wera is mediocre. Check out PB Swiss and also from Japan - Vessel and Koken for good value top end tools, and KTC/Nepros.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #44Jun 3, 2025
What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?
What is not? Knipex pliers are all made in Germany and have it stamped on the forged steel. They only make pliers.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #45Jun 3, 2025
What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?
Knipex pliers and wire/cable/zip tie cutters For a toolbox/bag, anything by Veto Pro Pac. I like the vertical electrician’s bags but all their products are elite Brooks Brothers MiUSA Oxford cloths. I don’t care about the price; they’re worth it
View on Redditopen_in_new - #46Jun 2, 2025
What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?
Knipex pliers wrenches are fantastic. I carry one in my motorcycle toolkit and it can replace a dozen wrenches and pliers.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #47Jun 2, 2025
What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?
German tools like Knipex and Wera
View on Redditopen_in_new - #48May 11, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
Knipex hand tools
View on Redditopen_in_new - #49May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
I was onboard until Channellocks as well. Probably the worst pliers I have ever used in my life. I would take the $15 garbage Wilde pliers over channellocks any day. I’m still using the same knipex cobras for the past 15 years or so and pliers wrench’s for the last 10 or so and they still are almost brand new (well in function, they look a little ragged). Used every single day all day and the cobras serve 50/50 duty as pliers/hammer with a little pry-bar duty mixed in, and still no play or slop, once a year I take them apart to re-bend the button spring and clean then then back to their torture they go!
View on Redditopen_in_new - #50May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
I cannot speak highly enough of Knipex tools. Was using old school Channellocks for running stainless steel rigid pipe for a few weeks before I swapped, and the difference is night and day. Half the struggle is gripping the conduit, whereas Knipex actually bite in. Ran them for 6mo of only stainless rigid, and the only spot on them is where I sharpied my initials on them. IBEW lu81
View on Redditopen_in_new - #51May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
Knipex needle nose pliers are ass, their other products are pretty great though. Source: commercial electrician
View on Redditopen_in_new - #52May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
flat knipex exist, I love mine more than my similar channelocks. But I have had the channelocks for 30 years..
View on Redditopen_in_new - #53May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
olight is that good? Agree on knipex.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #54May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
channelock ok, knipex better
View on Redditopen_in_new - #55May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
knipex is excellent. I don't love the feel of their linesmans though. But honestly, great brand
View on Redditopen_in_new - #56May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
Knipex makes great stuff, but as a lowkey DIY weekend warrior don't sleep on ICON products from Harbor Freight these days
View on Redditopen_in_new - #57May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
Channellock and maglites I'll disagree with. Neither one has lasted more than a few months at work, Streamlite is another over hyped into oblivion without the quality to support it. I'm in a mechanical trade and a lot of time in the Weather, so it is a rough life. Knipex and O-Light as alternatives - done horrible shit to them, rarely broken and always warrantied.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #58May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
Goruck backpacks Moccamaster coffee machine Redwings boots Grip6 belts Patagonia clothing Norco bikes Knipex plyers Fiskars gardening tools Herman Miller desk chairs
View on Redditopen_in_new - #59May 10, 2025
Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products
Knipex for anything that looks remotely like pliers.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #60Apr 12, 2025
Items that made your life so much easier/saved time?
Hell yes! Snap on ratchets, Knipex pliers, Wera screwdrivers, Bondhus Allen wrenches. That’s buy for life level. USA made Craftsman was ok, but nowhere near that level. Later Craftsman was just Harbor Freight level that tried to trade on the earlier generation’s reputation.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #61Apr 9, 2025
Items that made your life so much easier/saved time?
I gotta disagree here for the most part. Hand tools built for tradesman are bifl. Matco, snap on, Knipex, wera, wiha, klein, vaughn, stiletto, ridgid (aluminum pipe wrenches are second to none). A 60+ year old screwdriver is inferior to wera screwdrivers in every possible way.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #62Apr 9, 2025
What is your current BIFL item you recommend to everyone?
Knipex pliers, Wera screwdrivers. Or watch Project Farm on YouTube.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #63Apr 5, 2025
What is a BIFL item/product you recommend?
I have the briggs and Riley Baseline carryon, medium roller (getting the Large/XL means you will be over the 50lb domestic (US) weight limit), and a cabin 2-wheel underseat roller. Great bags, although the wife wanted Away (seem nice so far, but not my preference). Tom Bihn backpacks. Took a week long trip to the tropics and the bag is a little unorthodox but it can hold a lot of stuff. And you have a variety of fabrics to select. Bose over hear headphones - great for travel and mine have lasted for awhile. For life is somewhat limited but its an electronic item that has a little tech, its a tradeoff. Sonicare toothbrush - It is like 10 years old on the original battery. Teeth are life. Agree with the Leatherman Wave+, good tool doesn't really excel at any one thing, but useful to have. Cookware: DeBuyer carbon steel country fry pan. I prefer this over cast iron. Demeyere Atlantis Fry pan - great steel fry pan. Allclad copper core (functionally similar to the d3 but I like the appearance of the copper line that shows through and I don't worry about cleaning it). I have watches. Mechanical ones are nice but as the old joke goes if you have to pick a watch to wear for the rest of your life what would you choose and no you can't choose your g-shock. NiMH batteries - where possible get rid of alkaline even if they are cheaper. They will leak and ruin your day and maybe even the device they are in. I choose Eneloops, the normal not the pro variant. Skip the LION batteries for now as they are 3.7v and require a voltage regulator to go to 1.5v, but if you need the 1.5v instead of 1.2v for the device meaning the NiMH won't work then the normal 1.6v lithium batteries would work. High quality LED lights - CRI should be 90+. They are a long term consumable but higher quality light is better. Knipex and Klein for tools. Knipex makes my favorite generalist pliers/wrenches. Klien makes great hand tools, I prefer the MiUSA options and use their linesmans for random things. Klien also makes a bottle opener, Wera does too and they are somewhat comfortable to hold. Clothes that don't have spandex. Spandex and elastic fail. I have had Patagonia fleece for 30 years and it still works. Randolph sunglasses - I just like them. Ray Ban 4140, they have spring hinges which means I can wear my spouse's and they have had theirs for 15 years although I had to buy new aftermarket lenses. Also discovered a french brand Cartel that also uses spring hinges, but don't know enough about this brand. Miele Washer and Dryer - gets rid of the vent ducting behind and they are solid if a little quirky. They canister vacuum is great. Converted the in-laws to this brand and they just went from the upright to the canister.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #64Mar 2, 2025
Channellock #317 made in Meadville Pa.
Wera has had some killer options too. I don't own any but the feel and build quality is on par with knipex
View on Redditopen_in_new - #65Mar 1, 2025
Channellock #317 made in Meadville Pa.
Yeah it varies by tool IMO, but a mix between channellocks and knipex is perfect
View on Redditopen_in_new - #66Feb 7, 2025
What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?
Vevor, oddly enough everything I've gotten from them has been solid. Knipex products have been great aswell, but generally too pricey for what they are. Dixxon makes solid flannels, but they're also just way too expensive for what they are. Anker makes pretty decent electronics, but they don't sell parts for any of the things I've grabbed. Next Level apparel makes pretty decent shirts (they hold up to battery acid, welding sparks, normal sparks, and general wear) Carthartt is still alright for pants, if you buy directly from the website. Otherwise, everything else I've found has been trash. Timberland and brunt have proven pretty decent shoe wise. I really wanted to like wolverine, but I can't get their boots to last more than 5 months. Smith still makes decent helmets, but I prefer the petzl ones. They're fall protection equipment is also pretty solid. Benchmade for pocket knife, but victorinox makes very nice kitchen knives. (Their Swiss army knives are meh to be fair) Cat still makes half decent equipment, but their generators are garbage. Kohler generators are way better. Speaking of, kohler faucets are dogshit, but their toilets are still half decent.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #67Feb 7, 2025
What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?
Knipex
View on Redditopen_in_new - #68Feb 6, 2025
What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?
I've slowly transitioned into all knipex pliers at work. I've about used to the needle nose and the cobras teeth up after 5 years of hard use. Pliers wrench are holding up better but they're only a could years old, but the jaws are perfect.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #69Feb 6, 2025
What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?
Knipex
View on Redditopen_in_new - #70Feb 3, 2025
A list of BIFL not made in the USA
I'm following this. For headphones/audio stuff, one of the few categories where tech is BIFL, Sennheiser, Germany is not only BIFL but also way better sound than the alternatives! Meze, Romania are also built like pieces of art and their new models sound like a dream! and Beyerdynamics, Germany are the choice for indestructibility for a reason. For tools, PB Swiss and Knippex, Germany, dominate for a reason. For knives, Victorinox, Switzerland and Opinel, France are not only top notch but also super affordable, and plenty of small French manufacturers if you want something fancier. For clothes, Fjallraven, Sweden deserves the reputation it has, and I'm very happy with my stuff from Seagale, France. If price is an issue, do not understimate the higher end of the Decathlon, France catalogue, it may not be as fancy as the alternatives, but durability is not compromised! For shoes, Carmina in Spain deserves a shootout. Same as Scarpa from Italy for more practical shoes. I know tech is not BIFL but Fairphone, Netherlands makes a repairable phone, and Nokia/HMD, Finland has done some nice repairability upgrades too. Tuxedo, Germany and Slimbook, Spain also sell computers based mostly on Clevo, Taiwan designs that tend to be more repairable and upgradeable than the alternatives.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #71Feb 3, 2025
A list of BIFL not made in the USA
Hand tools and metrology tools: Knipex Wera Wiha Mitutoyo Brown & Sharpe Interapid I know there's a bunch of brands I'm missing, but these are what I use daily. Knipex pliers wrench, Wera Tool-Check Plus and torque driver, Wiha wing handle torx, Brown & Sharpe tenths indicator with half divisions, Interapid .0005" indicator. The Wera ball detent hex wrenches are fantastic and definitely help avoid dropping fasteners. The downside is that the plastic sleeves will come off eventually. My set lasted about a year with constant contact with cutting oil. The Wiha wing handle torx are honestly consumables with the amount of use they get. Wiha will replace individual drivers for a year if you buy through an authorized distributor like Amazon. The replacement rate for me was about 1 T8 every 4-6 months across 3 sets. That has since been reduced by using a Wera torque driver to tighten the screws. I highly recommend Mitutoyo digital calipers with a round depth rod and the Quantumike is game changing coming from their standard digital micrometer. I'll add Citizen sliding headstock lathes as a for fun bonus item. The L20 and C16 models I've run and seen are fairly bulletproof and I'm working on reviving a 1991 L16 that came out of a company's r&d shop in 2020 and sat for a few years.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #72Feb 3, 2025
Looking for suggestions on high quality tweezers
Sparkfun curved tip Aven Erem Wiha Excelta Knipex
View on Redditopen_in_new - #73Feb 3, 2025
What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?
Knipex pliers, pricey but worth it for professionals. Don't buy the knockoffs
View on Redditopen_in_new - #74Feb 3, 2025
What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?
there's a lot, but one i use daily would be my knipex kobra 5" pliers. it's become my second set of hands
View on Redditopen_in_new - #75Feb 2, 2025
Buy Once Cry Once items?
Knipex pliers and wrenches. Took a beating when I bought them but he'll the quality has been phenomenal and will be for the next 30 years.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #76Feb 1, 2025
Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?
Milwaukee and for hands tools Wera and knipex.
View on Redditopen_in_new - #77Feb 1, 2025
Buy Once Cry Once items?
Quality hand tools. Wera, Vessel, Gearwrench, Knipex etc just a joy to use and over time a great investment in quality
View on Redditopen_in_new - #78Jan 9, 2025
List your 3 favorite BIFL items and at least 1 regret or fail
Top 3 that may help others out. - Kent combs and brushes. Amazing quality; doesn’t pull on beard hairs like must combs do. - Hand tools like Knipex pliers, Gearwrench ratchets, etc. that are quality for the piece needed. Note that one brand doesn’t make the best of everything. Project Farm does great testing to help figure out what to buy from each company. - Gardening tools with wood handles so they can be rehung when needed. Hammers, axes, rakes, shovels, are all this way. You can find a lot of old heads for free and just rehang them. - RM Williams boots. Very comfortable and can be rebuilt when needed. Keep the leather clean and hydrate them with Obenaufs paste. Future items: GoRuck pack, Rolex (functional savings account), coffee grinder, pour over rig, and tea pot.
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