What Makes Knipex Pliers So Special? (And Does Lowe's Still Sell Them?)

Pliers are some of the most useful and versatile hand tools, and are essential for crafts, DIY projects, and professional work. They are also one of the best options for bending wire and other materials. Among the numerous brands, Knipex pliers are well regarded due to their performance, durability, and quality, attributed to the company's use of premium materials, precise build, and utilizing innovative features that improve their usability and functionality. Knipex pliers are available in the United States at various online and physical shops, including Lowe's, with a limited selection available.

Knipex pliers are distinguished by their versatility and adaptability, allowing one tool to be used for additional tasks aside from its main use, like the pliers wrench, which combines the functionality of two tools in one. Another distinction is the professional-grade quality of the company's products, which makes its tools come at a higher price compared to its competitors. There are numerous options available, as featured in the Knipex catalog, which include various kinds of pliers, wrenches, cutters, and specialized electricians' insulated tools.

Established by Carl Gustav Putsch in 1882, the company began as a metalworking forge that produced handmade tools for tradesmen in the municipality of Cronenberg, Germany. By 1927, the company was capable of manufacturing thousands of pliers weekly, and in 1942, Knipex as a brand was officially registered. A decade later, in the 1950s, the company diversified its product range and modernized its manufacturing capabilities under the leadership of the founder's grandson, Karl Putsch. Today, the company has a strong following, with its Knipex Cobra water pump series as one of its most popular products.

To achieve its durability, Knipex pliers are made from a combination of steel alloys, including chromium and vanadium steel. Together with hardness, the pliers must be able to retain their sharp edge. Knipex accomplishes this by using an annealing oven to heat-treat the alloys in a multi-stage hardening process. Additionally, another important factor in its production process is the use of precision milling that ensures accurate tolerances, with no play in its joints, and a clean fit and finish. Lastly, Knipex tools are subject to rigorous testing, including temperature, mechanical load, and a 10,000 AC volt test for its insulated tools that ensures the quality and safety of its products. 

In terms of features, Knipex pliers are made with clever and practical elements that facilitate easy use and enhance performance. Starting with ergonomically designed handles and high-leverage mechanisms that reduce user fatigue and strain, and require less effort to use. Another one is its push-button adjustment that can quickly change the width of the jaw with a button push. Next, some Knipex models employ a self-locking mechanism that allows the pliers to grip tightly without slipping by pushing the lower jaw of the pliers.

Nearly 150 years since it was founded, Knipex tools has continuously produced tools of considerable durability and longevity and ranks as one of the best hand tool brands. While more expensive, Knipex pliers, like other premium items, are cheaper in the long run and can be considered an investment due to lower long-term costs, such as repairs or replacement. In addition, due to its durability, more expensive and quality tools can help boost productivity by eliminating downtime from breakdowns and, most importantly, provide a measure of safety when in use.