Had to pick between a Klein crimper and a Greenlee - went with the Klein and kinda regret it

So last month I was doing a bunch of CAT6 runs for a new office building over in Oakville and I needed a decent crimper. I was stuck between the Klein VDV226-110 and the Greenlee 1909. The Klein was about 80 bucks at the supply house, the Greenlee was closer to 110. I figured save the cash and grabbed the Klein. First few crimps were fine but after about 50 connectors the ratchet started slipping and I had to squeeze twice as hard. My buddy has the Greenlee and swears it's still tight after a thousand crimps. I'm thinking I should have just spent the extra 30 bucks. Has anyone else had the Klein crimper give out on them or did I just get a lemon?

2 comments

2 Comments

stella_baker15d ago

...and that's the exact reason I always joke that "buy once, cry once" applies double to Klein anymore. I did the same thing with their punchdown tool a few years back. Worked great for about 100 jacks, then the blade literally sheared off on the 101st. Not even a sorry from customer service. I've heard the Greenlee stuff is built tougher for the price, but man, 30 bucks is 30 bucks when you're buying on a Saturday morning and forgot your wallet at home. Hope you didn't toss the receipt yet, maybe you can swap it out before it totally gives up.

campbell.tara15d ago

Actually read somewhere that Klein's been having quality issues since they moved more production overseas a few years back. My old man still swears by the vintage stuff from the 90s, but the new batch seems to be hit or miss depending on the week lol. Heard similar stories about their screwdrivers chipping too, so it's not just the punchdown tools.