You might have seen Irwin’s NWS-made premium Vise-Grip pliers, we’ve sure talked about them enough. Some of these tools are identical to NWS designs, but with distinguishing Irwin handle grips.
Chris wrote in, asking about Irwin’s lineman’s pliers, which are part of that NWS-made lineup.
He asked:
Hello! I saw your article on the IRWIN branded NWS pliers and noticed something that I can’t seem to get clarification on. For the most part they look just like direct rebrands with new grips, but the Linesman Pliers actually seem to be entirely new models not available from NWS.
As far as I’m able to tell, the NWS site has 3 kinds of combination pliers, but none are in the Linesman Plier configuration (Fish Tape puller, longer serrated section behind the pivot/crimper behind the pivot. Even the serrated jaws are a bit different, the NWS ones have a small groove close to the end I think for grabbing wire).
Do you know if these are truly new models made exclusively for IRWIN, or if these models can be obtained from NWS themselves?
I actually asked Irwin about this a while back, about how their pliers are different from NWS offerings. Here is what they said:
The close collaboration between the two brands included the IRWIN Tools Industrial Design team developing the new 3-Zone Comfort Grips, which are specially-engineered to optimize ergonomics and enhance user comfort.
Okay, so Irwin’s team took part in developing their premium pliers’ distinct handle design. I haven’t been able to determine whether Irwin’s grips or NWS’ are better. Both offer excellent grip and comfort.
IRWIN Tools and NWS also co-developed the new range of Lineman’s Pliers, with key features specially-engineered to serve users in the North American market, as well as working together on the new ErgoMulti Pliers design with the appropriate features to meet the need of the US user.
So, Irwin’s lineman’s pliers are made by NWS, seemingly exclusive for them. They’re designed for users in the North American market, which is probably why we haven’t seen them with NWS branding. Or maybe it was part of their collaboration agreement.
These are the 3 lineman’s pliers currently available in Irwin’s premium NWS-made pliers lineup:
8″ high leverage lineman’s pliers, 1902414
Buy Now(via Amazon)
9-1/2″ high leverage lineman’s pliers with fish tape puller, 1902415
Buy Now(via Amazon)
9-1/2″ high leverage lineman’s pliers with fish tape puller and crimper, 1902416
Buy Now(via Amazon)
If anyone ever spots these same pliers under NWS branding, please let us know!
I’m definitely a fan of Irwin’s premium pliers, perhaps even more so knowing they’re made by one of my favorite pliers brands. If you’ve used these lineman’s pliers, what do you think of them?