KNIPEX – 31 11 160 Tools – Needle Nose Pliers (3111160)

I have used many cheap tools throughout the years, and for many purposes they are fine. But finely crafted objects, especially tools, are things of joy that can last for generations and make life better and easier. I have a number of Knipex tools and know them to be among the best. This set of needle nose pliers is no exception. Everything is precisely made from excellent materials. The price is significantly higher than even a good set of alternative pliers; however, the quality of the Knipex is FAR superior to most of the common models, and that quality just makes them work much better and last much longer. The only thing that gave me some pause in buying these pliers was the description of them having smooth surfaces on the faces of the jaws, because that could easily cause slippage when using them. I was pleased to find that the jaws actually have finely machined, tiny ridges that will not easily mar the workpiece but will grip it well enough for the more delicate tasks these little pliers are designed to handle. Mine will be primarily devoted to small electrical work where the long, thin jaws are exactly what are needed to hold and bend components. I can see them being used for jewelry, gunsmithing, or other projects where small items and tight spaces are present. I never like to abuse my tools; however, these pliers are strong and durable if used in a reasonable manner. This shouldn’t be the only set of needle nose pliers you own (Knipex makes some great heavier models), but if you do the kind of work they are designed for, you shouldn’t be without them. They really are that good, as are the other Knipex tools I have. Make sure you can keep them in a safe place, because people will want to walk away with tools like this if they ever get their hands on them — and you will feel the pain of loss when you need them and discover they’re missing.

These are great little pliars. They are well made and a joy to use. The tip design is sturdier than most very fine tip pliars and the tips are perfectly aligned.Only complaint is that mine arrived as magnetic. This helped when picking up a small screw I droped but gnerally speaking don’t care for that part.

I use these for Deutsch WedgeLoks when I’m building connectors and they work great. Very glad I upgraded to Knipex and will be gradually upgrading all of my pliers.

As a Electrical Engineer, these could easily be the best mid-sized pliers I’ve ever used, some of the domestic Japanese small pliers are also fantastic.No regrets in purchase.

I specifically sought these out as they were made in Europe but unfortunately it seems the manufacturer is cutting corners. The mating surfaces of the pliers aren’t very accurately ground at the tip, they don’t even come together properly and it makes holding smaller things difficult. Given that the surfaces aren’t stippled or knurled in any way means they need to come together perfectly to be effective. Also, no spring loading on them makes them inferior to a $5 pair bought at Walmart. Shame.