Yesterday I talked a bit out a few new LED flashlights I recently ordered. In the same spirit, here’s a preview about a few NWS pliers I just received. Of course a proper review will be in the works, but I couldn’t wait to share my excitement about these pliers with you.
If you’re not familiar with NWS, don’t worry, it’s not just you. While I may have heard a little about their pliers in passing, I have not really known about the brand until very recently.
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NWS pliers are made in Germany and are apparently considered top-notch, with some users claiming that they top even Knipex in terms of quality. One look at NWS’s full line of tools, and I knew I had to try them out.
In the picture above, from left to right are: a heavy duty Fantastico Plus side cutter which can cut hardened piano wire, a Multi-Ergo pistol grip needle nose plier with stripper/cutter/crimper, and an Ergo-Combi pistol grip combination plier.

The Ergo Combi pliers is chrome-finished, and the other two feature NWS’s Titan Finish, which they describe as PTFE plastic coated. (PTFE is commonly known as Teflon.)
Also on the way is a standard combination plier and several screwdrivers. I’m always excited when I purchase new tools to try out, especially if they’re unique or from an unfamiliar brand. I paid about $35 each for the 3 pliers, but from what I can already tell, they’re worth it.
JeffD
I just added three NWS pliers to my arsenal. Previously I was using Knipex and Wiha Pro pliers, but these NWS put the others to rest.
fred
I’ve bought quite a bit of Knipex over the last few years from Chads Toolbox – and had recently seen them carrying the NWS Line but have yet to try any of these out. So your I’d be interested in what you and others have to say.
We use Knipex Cobra and smooth jaw “pump pliers” almost exclusively on fittings
clueless
Stuey- Would you care to share your NWS source? Looking forward to a review in the near future from you!
Stuart
I ordered them from Chads Toolbox. I know of at least one other online distributor, but they seem to be a startup and their store is not functional yet.
Thus far, I’m definitely liking NWS pliers. They’re costlier than I would have liked, but it looks like they’re worth it.
Pat
I wonder if anyone tried making some wire joints with the ergo combi 45
mustafa
HI , which finish is more durable the hard chrome finish or teflon one ????
Stuart
I haven’t had issues with either so far. In theory, I suppose the chrome finish should be more durable.
mustafa
i just received NWS pliers with 49 (chrome finish) but what i see there is small chips come out from pliers (is there a paint layer cover the hard chrome
thanx for respond
Stuart
That shouldn’t be happening and might be grounds for replacement.
The chrome is the paint chips. Chrome plating is a thin layer often deposited over a nickel layer.
As discussed in our Chrome plating introduction, the main difference between decorative chrome plating and hard chrome plating is the thickness of the layer. Hard chrome plating is 100-200 µm thick, while decorative chrome plating is about 1.25 µm thick.
100 µm is the average thickness of a human hair, so chipped hard chrome plating might look like paint chips.
Chrome plating should NOT be chipping on a brand new tool. If there are chips coming off a new tool, that would suggest something went wrong with the plating process. If in your shoes, I would seek immediate replacement. If you’re not happy with the replacement, it could be worth looking into the other coating option.
Chipped chrome also presents a safety hazard.
John S
I just grabbed a pair of pistol grip NWS pliers and when I fully close the plier it is slightly crooked (small gap that increases slightly from right to left)…. Is that normal?
Stuart
I would think not. If it’s slight enough that it wouldn’t affect usage or performance, I would ignore it. But if it bugs you, send it back for a replacement or exchange.
John S
This is my second time ordering these pliers and the first one was slightly worse – the jaws didn’t quite align straight in the first place…. and had the gap I wrote about above…
And this second pair has a gap on the right side while closed that fits about 3-4 pieces of paper. Ugh. I don’t think it will ruin its functionality, but not what I expected.
mustafa
Thank you i realy appreciate , i will return it to chad toolbox i will replce it with 69 teflon finish ,again thanx for info