NWS pliers are made-in-Germany pliers that are becoming more popular in the USA as availability improves. Here is our NWS pliers preview, and information about where to buy them. Following is our video review of several NWS pliers and cutter styles.
If you can’t already tell, I am a HUGE fan of these pliers, especially the Fantastico cutters and Ergo-Grip pliers, which are uniquely designed and perform quite well.
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Check prices or purchase NWS pliers via German-Hand-Tools
Norm says
For diagonal cutters, I prefer the compound kind:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Crescent-Diagonal-Compound-Action-Pliers/dp/B000TDDP6E/
Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent-9-in-Pro-Series-Diagonal-Cutting-Pliers-PS5429C/100487601
You get the same action (and even a wider opening) as the NWS.
Not sure about the Lowes version: http://www.lowes.com/pd_253670-16878-50521_?productId=1208035
Lowes also have some pistol grip (I don’t know of a better way to describe it, the right angle like NWS) diagonal cutters, which I DON’T recommend. Not for wire cutting at least, maybe for zip ties.
Then again, maybe my hands are too small.
Stuart says
While I am a fan of compound-action pliers, the Crescent ones I saw in-stores didn’t really impress me. I am also slightly hesitant of the ability of the Crescents to handle hard wires as well as the NSW or other higher-end cutters.
I know that Dewalt has a compound-action diagonal cutter either out now or almost in stores, so maybe it will fare better.
But if you’ve had good experiences with the Crescent, I may pick up a pair to try out and compare. Thanks for sharing!
fred says
I can’t attest to cutting hard wire with any other tool than Starrett end nippers – which at current prices (about $200) should be expected to do a great job
E_Baker says
I recently received shipment from Ash via German-Hand-Tools of several different plier styles. In just the short while I’ve had them and and the minor tasks I’ve put them through, I can honestly say these are not only the most comfortable pliers I’ve ever owned, but also the most stylish, haha! I first started out with a comprehensive set of Kobalt pliers and as needed, upgraded to Knipex b/c of their availability locally, via Lowes. Needless to say, my Knipex collection is pretty extensive so I was hesitant to order the NWS pliers, but after reading so many positive reviews on Garage Journal and after your previous reviews I took the plunge and couldn’t be more satisfied. Quality and the prospect of longevity looks to be a tad better than the Knipex I own. Just thought you might appreciate my two-cents and great write-up as usual Stuey!
Steve Reo says
Stuart–Just a quick comment; the reviewer in the video mentioned the small-diameter opening near the tips of the pliers. His comment was that he thought it was for pulling screws, or I think that was what he said. I’ve seen similar small round openings like that; their purpose was to hold pins or small finishing nails steady so you could get them started with a hammer, then release it to drive it home. I have a small plastic plier tool with five such holes (from tiny to about 3/32″ diameter) just for that purpose, and it keeps me from smashing my fingers.