Lots of recommendations around here for Knipex (Germany) but I have not heard anything about Ideal (USA). Lowes carries both but they have more Ideal options than Knipex. Is one brand better than the other?
Knipex vs Ideal
- Thread starter RyanY
- Start date
JHZR2
Staff member
You sure Ideal is actually US made? Might want to check again.
I do have ChannelLock (USA), and Klein electrical tools. Knipex is in some cases cheaper than Klein.
I do have ChannelLock (USA), and Klein electrical tools. Knipex is in some cases cheaper than Klein.
I don't know if all Ideal are USA but i was just in the store and noticed that the 8" diag cutters are USA.
I think they are made by Wilde. So are my SK, I think. Too identical. My Proto pliers are made by Wilde. Too identical.
https://www.wildetool.com/product/7-heavy-duty-diagonal-cutting-pliers/
And more advertising them.
https://www.wildetool.com/pdfs/wildetool_catalog.pdf
https://www.wildetool.com/product/7-heavy-duty-diagonal-cutting-pliers/
And more advertising them.
https://www.wildetool.com/pdfs/wildetool_catalog.pdf
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IDEAL is saddled with debt. They have been selling/closing iconic brands this last year....
There are 3 non-snapon lines that my Snapon man keeps on the truck because they are the best and cant be competed with, Knipex, Fluke and Gearwrench ratcheting wrenches
Knipex are definitely good but I was just wondering about Ideal. Made in USA and higher price than Knipex; not that higher price is a valid indicator of higher quality, but it definitely piqued my interest!
I will pick up a set of Knipex next time I go to Lowes. The fact that Snap-On truck carries them indicates they are good enough for me!
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AutoMechanic
Site Donor 2025
Interesting I’ve never seen the Ideal ones in the store before or the Knipex unless you are referring to online. For me all my go to pliers are Snap-on I don’t care for the Knipex grips but that is all matter of preference.
Project Farm just tested those….
Lowes has them in the electrical tools section.
For the price, Channellock is the best tool for the money. USA made, lifetime warranty, lots of choices.
Ideal wire strippers are apparently very good, but I haven’t tried them yet. I’ve been meaning to get some Knipex “channellocks”, but just don’t want to spend the money on it at the moment.
Pretty much everything else is Klein for me. Easy warranty should the need arise too.
I’d personally pass on anything made by Wilde.
Pretty much everything else is Klein for me. Easy warranty should the need arise too.
I’d personally pass on anything made by Wilde.
I just don't see much of a reason to buy anything but Channellock in the pliers world.
