Pliers have always been one of the cornerstones of Klein Tools’ business. Mathias Klein made the first pair of Klein pliers himself, back in 1857, and today we produce 165 different varieties of pliers for specific trades and tasks. While it would take a much longer blog than we have room for to break down every variety, one key differentiator for our pliers is the handles. The colors and styles of the handles on Klein’s pliers help users to identify what line a pair of pliers belongs to, and certain color handles are designed with certain features in mind. Take a look at what some of those different handles mean in terms of using the pliers.
Insulated Handles -These orange and black handled pliers feature a unique three-part insulation with a white underlayer that provides a warning sign that insulation may be compromised. These pliers are designed to protect the user from electric shock and meet or exceed ASTM F1505 and IEC 60900 standards for insulated tools. Small thumbguards on both sides help provide for ease of use and easy storage in a tool belt.
Klein Tools has spent many years designing and perfecting various forms of personal protective equipment, including gloves, safety vest, knee pads and quite importantly, hard hats and safety helmets. Head protection is especially important given how many jobsite injuries are head related and how serious they can be. As great as these forms of head protection can be, additional accessories can improve their functionality and even how comfortable they are. Below you’ll find some of Klein Tools’ hard hat and safety helmet accessories and learn a bit about how they can make your head protection more functional and more comfortable so you keep your hard hat on and your head safe.
Throughout 2021, once a month we’re continuing to bring you a Klein Timeline Snapshot: a look back in time at a specific year, looking at what the world was like in said year, and what was happening with Klein Tools.
This month’s year: 1857
Brown sugar: $.09 per pound Bar soap: $.23 Illinois Central Railroad ticket: $.02 per passenger per mile
What was happening in the world: January 9, 1857, the United States experienced one of the largest recorded earthquakes in US history, the 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake. Occurring at about 8:20 a.m. in central and southern California, it had an estimated magnitude of 7.9 and ruptured the southern part of the San Andreas Fault for a length of about 225 miles. The earthquake is named after Fort Tejon because that was the location that experienced the greatest amount of damage.
You've heard about our regional Electrician of the Year Winners, as well as our National Winner, John Kinney. Below, get to know each of them a little more!
Region 1 – Dillon Schoenberg
-Dillon Schoenberg is an electrician that was born and raised in Alaska and spent his entire life around trade professionals. His father was a self-described “construction guru,” and Dillon spent his childhood watching his father work and developing a passion for the electrical industry specifically. Dillon enrolled in the Alaska Job Corps Electrical Program, where he met instructor Ben Kainer, who he credits with teaching him everything he knows about being the most safe and efficient worker possible, as well as how to retain information learned in the field. Dillion’s biggest passion is helping families however he can, especially on service calls. He says that his passion and knowledge only continue to grow, and he has his mentors and instructors from over the years to thank for that.
Given that we’re more than halfway through December, the temperatures across most of the country have dropped, and we’re starting to see snow and ice storms regularly. Winter is just getting started, however, which means we’ve got another two to three months of this weather ahead of us. Luckily, Klein Tools recently launched a line of cold weather gear, perfect for keeping you warm from head to toe during the winter, both on and off the jobsite. Take a look at some of the new gear below:
Every month in 2020, we’ll be brining you a Klein Timeline Snapshot: a look back in time at a specific year, looking at what the world was like in said year, and what was happening with Klein Tools.
What was happening in the world: December of 1933 was a big month for the United States, as the Congress passed the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, repealing the 18th Amendment and ending Prohibition. Congress ratified the 18th Amendment in 1919, which established the prohibition of alcohol in the United States, meaning that there was a nationwide ban on producing, importing, transporting and selling alcohol. This was the product of a decades-long push by the temperance movement, which tried to convince Americans that banning alcohol would help resolve poverty and other issues plaguing society. This ban lasted all the way until the end of 1933, when the 21st Amendment was passed. The 18th Amendment is the only amendment in history to be repealed.
With any tool, there is always going to be a variety of versions of the tool, each designed for a different job or trade specialty. If you’re just beginning to work in the trades, or if you’re DIY-er who doesn’t have an extensive knowledge of the differences in tools, it can be hard to know what variety of a tool to use for what. At Klein Tools, we know that, and want to make the task of finding the right tool a little easier. So today, we’re looking at some of the different varieties of hammers that we offer and giving you a brief overview of what that particular variety can be used for.
As we move towards the holidays, many people are looking for the perfect gift for the trade professionals in their life. One of the most important pieces of equipment that can often get overlooked is the perfect bag. Given that a bag is essential for carrying tools safely and efficiently, it can be one of the most key necessities for any pro. Today we’re looking at some of the different bag options that Klein Tools has to offer and the different needs that they can help.
For a dark worksite - Tradesman Pro™ Tool Station Tool Bag Backpack with Worklight -This backpack not only features 21 pockets and a large interior for maximum, but also a removable hands-free Worklight to illuminate not only the backpack but also the jobsite around you. Plus, the front flap unzips halfway for quick access or fully extends for workstation access.
Fish tapes are some of the most common tools in the electrical trade, being used to run wire and cable through out-of-reach areas on work sites. Klein Tools has always had a wide range of fish tape options, and continues to expand its variety, including the most recent addition, the glow fish tape. While the fish tapes do the bulk of the work in running the wire and cable, having the right accessories for the job can make a big difference. These products can help make fishing wire more efficient and ultimately make the job you’re doing even easier. Today we’re looking at some of the top fish tape accessories offered by Klein Tools, and how they can help you out with your wire and cable pulling jobs.
Every month in 2020, we’ll be brining you a Klein Timeline Snapshot: a look back in time at a specific year, looking at what the world was like in said year, and what was happening with Klein Tools.
What was happening in the world: Over in Europe, 2007 saw a huge step forward in high speed transportation as High Speed 1 was first opened to passengers. High Speed 1, also called the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, is a 67-mile long high-speed railway that links London with the Channel Tunnel. This high-speed railway carries international passenger traffic between the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. First opening on Nov. 14, 2007, this railway cost £5.8 billion to construct, and has trains running at speeds of up to 186 mph. The project took several years to complete, which included construction of numerous bridges and tunnels for it to cross over the River Medway and tunnel under the River Thames.
