Klein Tools arrived at the party of pliers wrenches late but they did it in style. The company released its first-ever pliers wrench, which is the world’s first pliers wrench multi tool.
Yes, you heard it right. 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 is flat on one edge and serrated on the other.
Converting the Klein D530 between pliers wrench and pump pliers is easy. You simply remove the lower jaw and flip it to the smooth side if you want a pliers wrench or to the toothed V-shaped edge if you want water pump pliers.
The D530 Klein pliers wrench is an upgrade from the D503 adjustable pliers, which albeit branded as wrench pliers lack important features of a pliers wrench.
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 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 are the features of the D530 pliers wrench?
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 just like the Knipex.
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.
Just like the Knipex pliers wrench, the handle on this tool has 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 with global products. If it were made in the USA, it would be stamped “USA” like other Klein Tools.
That being said, this new 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.
The Klein Tools D53010SEN is an excellent choice for a HVAC technician 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.
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.
Unfortunately, the Klein Tools pliers wrench is currently available in 10-inch version only with plastic dipped handles. Even worse, you can only find it at Home Depot. But hopefully, there will be more sizes to select from over time and they will be available in multiple outlets.
