klein tools - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

electricalperson · 01-25-2009, 10:10 PM

did klein change the quality of there tools? just wondering since all the klein screwdrivers have different handles now. i got a screwdriver from home depot and it didnt have a black tip on it.

Peter D · 01-25-2009, 10:14 PM

I've never been a fan of Klein screwdrivers. I have a few new ones that turned to junk within the first few weeks of use. But then again, I've never been able to find a screwdriver that can stand of the use and abuse of electrical work.

electricalperson · 01-25-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter D

I've never been a fan of Klein screwdrivers. I have a few new ones that turned to junk within the first few weeks of use. But then again, I've never been able to find a screwdriver that can stand of the use and abuse of electrical work.

the straight blade ones last me a while but the philips break pretty quick

MDShunk · 01-25-2009, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electricalperson

did klein change the quality of there tools?

I've asked myself that same question numerous times over the years, and I'm still not sure. They've either decreased the quality of their tools or I'm harder on tools as I age. Maybe a little of both. When I recently replaced my #2 phillips a few months ago, I promised myself for the zillionth time in a row that I was going to treat it good this time. It's only been a few months, and already it's slipping in the heads of philips screws. When I was rooting through the junk drawer in the kitchen earlier today, I dug out an older "Klein and Sons" #2 phillips and it still has a real nice tip on it. I think it's safe to say "they don't make 'em like they used to". I've always been impressed with Snap-On's screwdrivers and I promise that my next full set is going to come from the Snap-On man.

electricalperson · 01-25-2009, 11:16 PM

i wonder if the journeyman 2000 screwdrivers are better

MDShunk · 01-25-2009, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electricalperson

i wonder if the journeyman 2000 screwdrivers are better

If they are, I don't like being forced to buy the high dollar series of tools just because they're making the regular line out of junk now.

electro916 · 01-25-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electricalperson

i wonder if the journeyman 2000 screwdrivers are better

Well I have the Journeyman 2000 screwdrivers, the tips are black just like the older Kleins, the flatheads hold up extremely well, and the phillips is just starting to show some wear. These screwdrivers were used hard and I have had them since last June.

Also some local Home Depots had the 5pc set on clearance for $39.00, I'm about to get a spare set.

electricalperson · 01-25-2009, 11:27 PM

i do like the new grips on the screwdrivers i just hope they didnt cheapen up the metal. those screwdrivers are expensive

Peter D · 01-25-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electro916

Also some local Home Depots had the 5pc set on clearance for $39.00, I'm about to get a spare set.

I just bought two sets at $39 myself.

electro916 · 01-25-2009, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter D

I just bought two sets at $39 myself.

That was a sweet deal

azsly1 · 01-26-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDShunk

If they are, I don't like being forced to buy the high dollar series of tools just because they're making the regular line out of junk now.

just another way to con a guy out of more money. complete bull**** but i think thats what they (being klein) are going for.

cbruce73401 · 01-26-2009, 08:40 PM

I've used Klein since I first got in to the trade and have been very disappointed in the last few things I've bought. They want to raise the price, drop the quality and then not warranty anything.

paul d. · 01-26-2009, 08:45 PM

what he said x3

electricalperson · 01-26-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbruce73401

I've used Klein since I first got in to the trade and have been very disappointed in the last few things I've bought. They want to raise the price, drop the quality and then not warranty anything.

i only been using klein since about 1999. thats when i got my first tool kit. i havnt really noticed quality change but maybe the guys who used the stuff a lot longer than me has

cdnelectrician · 01-26-2009, 10:12 PM

Someone should send this thread to Klein! I emailed a similar thread to them and I never did get a reply.

Peter D · 01-26-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electricalperson

i only been using klein since about 1999.

I've been a Klein user since 1874.

Frasbee · 01-26-2009, 10:59 PM

I have two 9'' lineman's, one is greenlee, the other is craftsman.

I know craftsman isn't ideal, but their unlimited, no questions asked warranty is hard to beat.

Their dykes are pretty nice, but the spring on them broke, so I went to bring them in, and looked at my needle nose, and my lineman's and figured "why not?". I brought all 3 in and took their new versions to the counter, and walked out with 65 dollars worth of new tools. Free.

No questions, no nothing.

Peter D · 01-26-2009, 11:03 PM

I don't use any Crafstman stuff (other than mechanic's tools). Reason is simple - Sears is 30 minutes from my house while Lowes and HD are 5 minutes away. It's just a matter of convenience despite their unbeatable warranty.

cbruce73401 · 01-27-2009, 12:00 AM

I'm in the same boat, the closest Sears is about an hour away. The supply house we go to most of the time just quit selling Klein and switched to Greenlee. They are starting to grow on me, they warranty anything no questions asked. I just can't get passed how weird the Linemans feel since all I've ever known is Klein.

shorttimer · 01-27-2009, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electricalperson

did klein change the quality of there tools? just wondering since all the klein screwdrivers have different handles now. i got a screwdriver from home depot and it didnt have a black tip on it.

I agree w/u klein tool are not what they used to be.