Klein Tools 12098-INS Insulated Universal Combination Pliers, 8-Inch

The 12098-INS combination pliers carry two layers of insulation and are marked with the official 1000-volt rating symbol. Each one is individually tested to meet or exceed ASTM F1505-10, IEC 60900-2004, CAN/ULC-60900-09, NFPA 70E (2012 ed.) and CSA Z462. That said, insulated tools only reduce the chance of injury on contact with an energized source. De-energize lines wherever you can, and destroy the tool if the orange coating cracks or the white underlayer shows through.

Klein builds the 12098-INS with an orange outer layer over a white inner layer. If the orange coating cracks, breaks or is damaged in any way, stop using the tool, and if white shows through the orange, destroy the tool. The insulation also has to stay clean and dry, since moisture, films and surface contaminants conduct. Inspect before every use and wear approved eye protection.

One tool does three jobs here. The 12098-INS has induction hardened side-cutting knives with a 0.711 inch knife length, a precision machined pipe-grip section for round stock, and a crimping die set behind the hinge for non-insulated connectors, lugs and terminals. It also installs and removes spring-tension hose clamps. For insulated terminals or heavy lugs you'd still want a dedicated crimper.

Yes. The high-leverage design lets you grip with either the side or the end of the jaws, which is what you want when you can't get square on a workpiece inside a box. The jaws measure 1.78 inches long, 1.02 inches wide and 0.55 inches thick, and the tool is 8.76 inches overall, so plan for a full-size 8-inch plier footprint in the enclosure.

The rivet is positioned closer to the cutting knives, and Klein states the design delivers 35 percent more cutting power than a standard plier. The joint is hot-riveted for smooth action without play, and the tool is forged in the USA from US-made tool steel with induction hardened knives.

The 12098-INS is a universal nose combination plier, not a flat-nose lineman's plier. The universal jaw adds a machined pipe-grip for round stock plus a crimping die and hose-clamp capability, so it handles pipe, conduit and connectors as well as flat gripping and side cutting. A straight lineman's plier gives you flat gripping and cutting only. If your work is mostly pulling and twisting conductors, either works; if you also grip round stock or crimp terminals, the universal nose is the one.

Integral guards are molded into the 12098-INS to help keep your hand off conductive parts, and the handles run 4.93 inches with a flame retardant, impact-resistant bright orange coating. Keep in mind the uninsulated portion of the tool is still live-capable: do not touch it or any conductive object when either might contact an energized source.

Listed weight is 1.0 lb for the 12098-INS, which is typical for an 8-inch high-leverage plier with a full insulated grip. Overall length is 8.76 inches, so it sits in a standard plier pocket on a tool pouch.

Order Klein Tools 12098-INS. That is the manufacturer part number for the 8-inch insulated universal combination plier, and it is the only configuration, so there is no finish, size or handing choice to specify.