The last tool deal we arranged for with KC Tool is quite possible the best one. These Gedore 8248-160 JC 6.3″ angled pliers are on sale, today only, for $29.50. Angled pliers provide a more ergonomic angle that can make certain tasks and operations a lot easier on the hands and wrists, and they sometimes provide for better fastener accessibility.
I’m a big fan of NWS’s angled pliers (here’s a show and tell), and the similar Irwin model as well. But they’re full-sized, which means they’re great for the things most users would use them for. But there are times when I wish for something smaller that would be better suited for finer or higher precision work.
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That’s not to say that Gedore’s 160mm are meant for light duty work. They’re said to be capable of the toughest of demands, so they should be fine for hard-use applications.
They’ve got a 60° head angle, V-groove jaws with flat front gripping area, hot-forged and tempered steel construction, induction-hardened cutting edges (63-65 HRC), and cushion grip handles for fatigue-free working. They can cut all kinds of soft wire, and hardened piano wire up to 1.6 mm (0.063″, or ~1/16″).
Sale Price: $29.50
Deal Ends: 11:59pm 6/5/2015
Buy Now(via KC Tool)
Looks like a good buy but you’re on the fence? I’ll be reviewing these in about a week. You can decide then whether they’re suitable for your needs, and add them to your watch list for if/when this deal comes around again.
James
Gedore is a Austrian brand? or German?
Stuart
German. I guess these are built in Austria. Wera is another brand that has European factories outside of Germany, and I believe others sometimes do the same as well.
fred
I recently was in both Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Both are fairly well industrialized countries – with Slovakia seemingly producing many German-Brand-name autos and the Czech making tools (like some Wera items and Narex chisels to name two.
Monte
Most of the Gedore tools are made in Germany. However their pliers factory is located in Austria. They also build certain tool boxes there.
adam
Maybe I’ll give these a try. I just contacted Amazon this morning about replacing my Irwin Angled Multi-Plier. Most expensive single hand tool I’ve bought and I was quite disappointed. It can’t strip 12 or 14 gauge wire worth a hoot. The jaws do not match up well enough to properly strip a wire. Quite surprised for a made in Germany tool, hopefully the replacement is better.
firefly
I got that same pliers. Did you mean the jaw doesn’t close all the way? There is a a razor thin gap between the jaw and if so that is by design. It shouldn’t affect your ability to strip wire though. I have the pliers in front of me right now and the hole look too big for 14 or even 12. Thought I couldn’t locate a spec on what wire gauge it was designed for.
Personally I love the pliers but if stripping wire is my primary job I wouldn’t get it. I also have the fantastico and that thing can cut wire like butter. I used it just the other day and I love the way that thing cut!
Mike
The stripper holes are metric (1.5 mm2 and 2.5 mm2). Unfortunately those don’t correspond well to AWG, solid or stranded.
fred
Many European and other foreign-made tools are indeed specific to their market. Some companies like Knipex make separate strippers for AWG and Metric standards – but (as Mike notes) the metric sizes are not close-enough to work well) and you need to pay attention when you buy.
Mike
In Adam’s defense, Irwin stopped publishing the fact that they’re metric like they did at first. They even state the pliers will strip 14 and 12 gauge solid wire in their literature here and there. Will they? Yes, but not quickly, cleanly, and easily like an appropriate sized stripper will.
SteveR
These look like they’d be great for a lot of tasks, and I appreciate the look of the handles; would appear to be very comfortable with the cushy-looking grips. I especially like the pistol-grip design of the tool, which is much easier to use (more ergonomic) compared to conventional pliers.
I wondered why the video showed removing a large-headed screw with them when a Torx screwdriver was called for, but I supposed it was to demonstrate how wide the pliers would open. The teeth look pretty aggressive, so these aren’t meant for delicate work. The thin jaws will get you into some tight places, however.
Jerry
The large-headed screw looks like a ‘Spax” screw. And II’d say it was to demonstrate how wide the pliers would open.
Old as dirt
The price from KC tool may be good but you are required to open an account.So I crossed KC tools off my list.
Stuart
As do most online retailers.
Have you tried calling them to place an order over the phone? They might be able to accommodate you.
Old as dirt
I take back my comment about KC tool.I recently ordered the offset pliers from them.
firefly
I got the Gedore angled pliers today. The handle is a bit too sticky for my liking. I like the feel of the Irwin/NWS angled much better, cushioned but not sticky. There are a few rough/unfinished spot inside the jaw that have some sharp edge that can cut your finger. Again I am just nitpicking. It’s not at a spot where I will cut my hand under normal operation.
It’s also pretty heavy for it size. That can be good or bad that’s depend on your preferences.
The jaw open and close very smoothly so that’s a plus. The metal also have a premium feel to it except for the few rough spots.
I think it will compliment the NWS nicely. But if you gotta pick one I would go with the NWS. The NWS Jaw is longer but actually have a narrower shape. Both open to about the same width. Again I prefer the long but narrow NWS jaw, I think it will give you better access.
Now that I look inside the NWS jaw, there a few rough edge as well. Both of them probably got the rough edge from the plating but the Gedore is more noticeable because it’s matte white.
Gary T.
I just received my order of the Gedore angled pliers. Very nice!
Old as dirt
I received my Gedore offset pliers and am very happy with my purchase.They have a nice solid feel and unlike firefly I don’t feel the handle is to sticky.I agree with firefly that they also have a nice heft to them.They feel better than some of the other pliers that I own.Again I am very happy with my purchase.