KNIPEX is one of the most popular and renowned manufacturers of quality tools, and they produce a vast range of products for various different applications. One thing that distinguishes KNIPEX from many other tool manufacturers is that their model numbers carry a meaning, and if deciphered can tell the user a lot about the product they are looking at. When browsing products online or physically in a store, or even in your toolbox, the model number – which is usually seven digits long - can be used to establish whether you are looking at the right product for what you need, as the model number describes the parameters of the pliers.
Here we have broken down the system used by KNIPEX and explained how the standard model numbers can be interpreted to work out what products you need. Pliers are one of the most popular product groups manufactured by KNIPEX and we have used these as an example as they differ in length, surface and handle type and this allows us to demonstrate best how the KNIPEX system works. Every model number is prefixed with the letters ‘KN’ which stands for KNIPEX, and therefore doesn’t form part of the unique model number format we are breaking down here.
Basic model – the first two digits
The first two digits in the model number denote the basic model description, with a specific number allocated to each basic model. In the case of pliers, for example:
- 03 is always combination pliers
- 87 is always the KNIPEX Cobra
- 86 is always a pliers wrench
- 70 is always for cutting pliers
Style or shape – the third digit
With the third number the code starts to describe the variations within the basic model already established with the first two digits, and this is usually describing the style, shape or design of the model. For example:
- 0 denotes that the pliers have a straight shape
- 2 denotes that the pliers are angled
Detail – the fourth digit
The fourth digit in the model number really drills down into the detail of what you are looking at. It can contain various pieces of information, but typically describes the type of head, the surface and the type of handles. You can use this standardised list to help you:
- 0 = Pliers black atramentised, head polished, no handles
- 1 = Head polished, handles with non-slip plastic coating
- 2 = Head polished, (blue-red) multi-component handles
- 3 = Pliers chrome-plated, handles with non-slip plastic coating
- 4 = Pliers chrome-plated, no handles
- 5 = Pliers chrome-plated, (blue-red) multi-component handles
- 6 = Pliers chrome-plated, insulated (red-yellow) multi-component handles, VDE-tested
- 7 = Pliers chrome-plated, insulated (dipped) handles, VDE-tested
- 8 = Atramentised, insulated (red-yellow) multi-component handles, VDE-tested (US only)
Length – the last three digits
The final three digits are probably the easiest to decipher and to read literally, as they denote the length of the tool. So a pair of pliers with the last three digits ‘250’ will measure 250 millimetres in length, and ‘180’ would be 180 millimetres in length.
Letters
There are sometimes letters after the final three digits, and if this is the case, the model number is telling you some information about either the packaging of the item or a possible accessory to be used in conjunction with the product. The letter is usually a type of abbreviation. An example of this is:
- T – this denotes that the tool is part of the ‘Tethered tools programme’ and that means that a fall protection device can be attached to the pliers.
- BK – this denotes that this set of pliers is supplied in a blister pack.
Order your KNIPEX tools from Test Instrument Solutions
Understanding what tools you need is made easier by interpreting the descriptive KNIPEX model numbers. So you can use this guide to help you when checking out our range of KNIPEX tools at Test Instrument Solutions.