Klein Tools D243-8 Diagonal Cutting Pliers, High-Leverage, Stripping, 8-Inch

The stripping holes on the D243-8 are sized for 12 and 14 AWG solid wire, which covers the bulk of residential and light commercial branch circuit work. Stranded sizes are not called out, so for stranded conductors or a broader AWG range use a dedicated stripper. The cutters themselves handle general wire cutting with beveled edges for close, flush cuts.

On the D243-8 the rivet sits closer to the cutting edge, which Klein rates at 36 percent more cutting power than a standard plier design for the same hand effort. The joint is hot-riveted, so the action stays smooth without handle wobble, and the cutting knives are induction-hardened.

Overall length is 7.98 inches with a 4.73 inch handle, and the tool weighs 0.6 lbs, so it rides in a standard pliers pouch. The jaw is short, 0.781 inches long and 1.25 inches wide, with 0.46 inch jaw thickness and 0.938 inch jaw capacity. Short jaws plus beveled edges let you get in close to trim conductors in a crowded box.

No. The D243-8 is not tether-capable, so there is no lanyard hole or attachment point for aerial or elevated work. For bucket truck or tower work, choose a tool from Klein's tether-ready range instead.

For 12 and 14 AWG solid branch wiring, the D243-8 cuts and strips in one tool, which cuts a step out of device box work. Anything outside those two solid sizes, including stranded and smaller control wire, still needs a dedicated stripper. It also won't substitute for an insulated tool on live work, since these handles are not rated for shock protection.

Klein Tools model D243-8, an 8-inch high-leverage diagonal cutting plier with stripping holes. Steel construction, made in the USA with Klein's custom US-made tool steel, standard cut style and standard cutting knives.