Klein Tools arrived at the party of pliers wrenches late but they did it in style. The company released its first-ever pliers wrench, Klein D53010. It is the world’s first pliers wrench with a reversible jaw. You can actually call it a pliers wrench multitool.
Yes! The Klein Tools D530-10 pliers wrench is multifunctional. You can use it as a pliers wrench and as water pump pliers. This is made possible by the reversible lower jaw that has a flat edge on one side and a curved serrated edge on the opposite side.
How to switch
Switching the Klein D530 between pliers wrench and water pump pliers modes is super easy. You simply slide off the lower jaw and flip it over to the smooth side (for pliers wrench) or to the toothed V-shaped edge (for water pump pliers).
Is the Klein D53010 a new design or an upgrade?
The D53010 Klein pliers wrench is not a totally new design in Klein Tools pliers lineup. It is an upgrade of the D503 adjustable pliers, which albeit branded as a pliers wrench lacks the important features of wrench pliers. For instance, the D503 has toothed jaws, the head is angled, and the jaws are not parallel to each other at all positions.
Moreover, the adjustment mechanism is not as smooth as other pliers wrenches. In fact, these pliers have the typical tongue and groove mechanism in water pump pliers. And this, IMO, makes it a glorified pair of water pump pliers.
So, what makes the D530 pliers wrench different?
Klein Tools D530 Pliers Wrench Features
As I mentioned, the highlight of the Klein D530-10 pliers is the reversible jaw that enables you to convert it between wrench pliers and water pump pliers. It is also replaceable.
But besides that novel feature, this tool closely resembles the Knipex pliers wrench. It is perhaps Klein Tools’ best attempt at taking on Knipex pliers wrench – the gold standards.
Key features
- Size: 10 inches
- Gripping capacity: 1-3/4 inches
- Adjustment positions: 20 positions
- Available sizes: 10 inch only
- Plastic dipped handles
- Has a reversible jaw that is also replaceable
The pliers are solidly built with a black oxide finish to prevent rust and yellow dipped handles for a comfortable grip. They use a spring button adjustment mechanism to adjust the jaws like the Knipex counterpart.
The adjustment system has multiple teeth that allow you to smoothly adjust the jaws up to 2 inches wide. But the functional range is up to 1-3/4″ and the sizes are marked with 1/4″ increments.
Similar to the Knipex pliers wrench, the handle on this tool has a built-in cam mechanism that ensures the jaws move parallel to each other. It also allows the jaws to ratchet easily when tightening or loosening hex workpieces.
Unfortunately, the Klein D530 is only assembled in the USA using global products. It is not entirely made in the USA because i reckon it would bear the “USA” stamp.
But interestingly, some tool enthusiasts claim that the Klein D530 is made by NWS and merely labeled under the Klein brand. If this is true, it could mean that the tool inherits some German quality and craftsmanship. Do you think that’s true? Let me know when you get a hold of it.
How long do you think it will take the Klein Fanboys to figure out these are actually made by NWS, and just rebranded for Klein? Or was the big “Made in Germany” thats cast into the side not obvious enough? These are awesome pliers, just like all the other NWS stuff. I guess the yellow handles instead of the typical NWS red, threw them off..
Amazon Customer
Overall, this pliers wrench from Klein Tools is a nice addition to the toolbox of any hobbyist or professional. It is a perfect 2-in-1 adjustable pliers for removing and installing hex fittings, nuts, and bolts as well as round pipes. You can use it to do everything an adjustable spanner does and can also stand in the gap for water pump pliers.
It is also an excellent choice for HVAC technicians or plumbers, especially if you need multipurpose adjustable pliers that can grip round objects as well as any stock with flat sides. These pliers can also handle delicate hex fittings such as brass and copper and at the same time provide a firm aggressive grip on steel conduits.
Where can you find Klein D530?
Initially, the Klein D530 was only available in Home Depot. But after the termination of the Klein – Home Depot partnership, you can now find it in various stores including Amazon and Lowes.
Conclusion
Overall, the Klein Tools D530-10 pliers wrench multitool feels like a cheap copy of the Knipex pliers wrench. But it has the advantage of a reversible jaw that makes it useful for gripping round objects. This makes it the best multi-tool pliers wrench yet.
