Why can't I get a "Kneifzange" here?

[Burkhardt]

I grew up in Germany and got into woodworking by my dad who was a shop class teacher. One of the more common hand tools there is the Kneifzange type pliers that is mainly used to pull nails, but can also clip wires and nails or double as an emergency hammer.

It seems to be utterly unknown here in the US. At least I don't see it at the Home Depot. Why is that?

http://images.tradoria.de/b4372ce2f46ec8855e3f416d187e06db/images/189794681_303056.jpg

[steve_g]

Looks like my grandfather’s horseshoeing tools
http://www.hoofnail.com/tools_mustad.htm (http://www.hoofnail.com/tools_mustad.htm)

SG

[bob_s]

I have a pair I found as "front cutting pliers" years ago
Also similar to American fence pliers although they are a bit more hammer like

[jdwykrent]

I was thinking the same thing Steve. I have a pair that was made for trimming hoofs but I use them as a wire cutter or nail puller. I purchased them from Tractor Supply Co. I think Northern Tool or Harbor Freight would also stock them.

[Kyle Stapleton]

Yup, Hoof trimming:)
Just used them today to pull nails and cut wire.

[Ajcoholic]

We have a Hpme Depot here, I go maybe 3 times/year. I dislike buying tools from hardware stores as I usually order my stuff from one of the suppliers I deal with.


http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=71974&cat=1,43456,43400,71969

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=33042&cat=1,43456,43400

[Simops]

Is a common tool in the Home Depot centres here.....

Cheers

[bleeth]

Here they are:

http://www.amazon.com/50-01-180-Carpenters-Cutting/dp/B005EXO4J6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1423481396&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=Knipex+pliers+50+01180

(Searched google using German word for them. scrolled down and found German Amazon selling them, translated page, copied model, searched US Amazon)

[jerry_stanek]

Klein tool carries them we use them for hanging suspended ceilings.

[willnewton]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_464640-16878-55758_0__?productId=50069719

We call them concrete nippers.

[Burkhardt]

Thanks guys, it was more curiosity about the "why" for such differing practices. It is such a useful tool although I must admit 80% of the use is probably for opening beer bottles. Actually I brought such pliers along from the last trip to Europe after I somehow lost my old pliers that I had for some 40 years. At least the new one now has vinyl coated grips.

[bleeth]

I thought rings were for opening beer bottles.
Never have to look for it.