Knipex has upgraded all (or many) of their diagonal cutters with a new higher leverage pivot that it said to provide 20% higher cutting force than previous models.
Not only that, the cutting edges are longer.
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Knipex says that the high cutting force is due to optimum cutting geometry and [power] transmission ratio.
This actually comes to me as a surprise. Why now? Still, it’s good to see Knipex striving for improvements, even in what might be considered their most popular tools.
A fact sheet I found mentions a novel hinge design, although I can’t see much innovation in the hinge aside from a closer pivot joint.
The longer cutting edges don’t seem to contribute to the increases power – this feature is more intended to make it easier to work in tight spaces, such as power distribution boxes.
There’s no word as to how much they’ll cost compared to previous models, and the model numbers remain the same. You’ll probably want to wait until the older versions sell out, or try to buy them in person to ensure you get the newer model.
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In this image, the newer model is at the top, older model at the bottom. This is the 70 02 160 comfort grip diagonal cutters.
Comparing the two photos shows that there IS a tiny increase in cutter length. It’s not a huge amount, but perhaps enough to make a difference in use.
It looks to me that the edge of the pivot isn’t much closer to the cutting jaws – perhaps it is by the tiniest bit – but it does look smaller, which puts the center closer to the cutting jaws. That would be enough to contribute to the higher leverage capabilities.
I wish I could provide insight into where you can buy these new upgraded diagonal cutters, but when brands reuse model numbers, all you can do is wait until older versions sell out. If shopping in stores, look at the writing on the pivot. The new version has straight lettering, the older version has lettering that curves around the pivot.
More Info(via Knipex)
Shop Now(Knipex Diagonal Cutters via Amazon)
Do you know of any way to make sure you’ll get the newest version when buying from online vendors?
fred
I see that Knipex has also come out with a longer (250mm – 10 inch) hand bolt cutter:
http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1367&groupID=2430
Lance
Looks like the pivot to tip dimension is about the same, but the joint itself is smaller in diameter which allowed for longer jaws that get closer to the pivot point, hence higher mechanical advantage.
Could be totally wrong, that’s just based on looking at the pic.
Toolfreak
About the only thing you can try online is calling or emailing to ask if they have any of the new models, along with a photo or verbal description of the differences.
Given how many of these they make, I’d guess it will be quite awhile before these make it to retail in the U.S., since the warehouses of the suppliers will be sending out the old models until they are all gone before the new ones ever hit the shores.
Nice to see Knipex making improvments, however minor, but I dislike the embedded Knipex logo, stuff like that gives an area for crud and grime to get into, and is a hassle to fully clean. I’d rather have a smooth surface on the whole tool so there’s less places for crud to get trapped and it’s easier to just wipe clean without snagging the cloth. Strange a company like Knipex didn’t consider this before going with this kind of design for the new tools.
JD
+1 Yes, ask the seller which version they have. I’ve done this on occasion on Amazon and have gotten very quick responses.
Mike
The problem is if the order is “Fulfilled by Amazon” there is no guarantee you will receive an item supplied by the seller that answered your inquiry. Like items from different suppliers are binned together at the warehouses, so even though you purchase from supplier A the item may actually come from the stock provided by suppliers B or C. The seller may be supplying only the new version but they cannot guarantee you will receive the new version if Amazon pulls the order.
It’s that system that’s allowing so many counterfeits, knock-offs, and factory seconds to be sold through Amazon as genuine items. Amazon needs to do something about that and they know it, yet nothing seems to be changing. I still hold my breath each time I open an order from them that contains some of the more commonly faked items. This isn’t necessarily tool related, just a general rant.
JD
Very interesting, thanks for the info. I’ve found KC Tool a pleasure to deal with. They also have a LARGE selection of these highly sought after German tools.
fred
Having bought many thousands of dollars of tools from them over the years for both business and personal use, I’ve found Chad’s Toolbox to be a reliable supplier of Knipex, NWS and other German tools. Their prices are often very good – but if you need the item quickly – you may need to look elsewhere – as they sometimes drop ship or their warehouse (I think in Alaska) may be out of stock.
Dan
This is the “comfort grip” and they also make their pliers with the typical “dip” coating that is easier to clean.
Rick C
@Toolfreak, why not drop some epoxy on the logo, let it fully cure, and razor blade it smooth?
fred
Chads Toolbox is also promoting these as new from Knipex:
http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1336&groupID=2375
JSBSON
Newark shows they have 2.
http://www.newark.com/knipex/70-05-160-t/diagonal-cutter-160mm-4mm-cut/dp/83Y7061
Stuart
That’s the new tethered version. I suppose that’s one way to ensure you get the new version, but you’re spending more for the tethering capability.
steve zissou
I have a few different pair of NWS manufactured Irwin high-lev pliers with the lanyard feature, it is nice to have, particularly when up on a ladder.
JSBSON
If you need to find stock on almost any electronics part number. Many tools stocked by distributors show up.
https://octopart.com/