Hand Tool Comparisons · Reviewed October 17, 2026
CHANNELLOCK 369 vs Klein D213-9NE Lineman's Pliers
Both are USA-made high-leverage lineman pliers with crosshatched jaws and dipped grips. CHANNELLOCK documents ACSR cutting; Klein specifies a longer jaw and soft-metal application.
Best for
Tradespeople and capable DIYers choosing a full-size gripping, twisting and side-cutting plier for documented wire and construction tasks.
Probably not for
Energized circuits, hardened materials outside the published capacity, bolt cutting, precision electronics or any job requiring certified insulated handles.
Specifications at a glance
| Detail | CHANNELLOCK 369 | Klein D213-9NE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall length | 9.5 in | 9.35 in |
| Published weight | 1.08 lb | 17.6 oz |
| Jaw length | 1.54 in | 1.91 in |
| Cutting edge | 0.73 in | 0.781 in |
| Jaw style | Round nose; crosshatch teeth | New England nose; crosshatched knurled jaws |
| Cutting system | Precision knife-and-anvil; laser heat treated | Side cutter; induction-hardened knives |
| Published material claim | Cuts ACSR | #8 AWG copper, aluminum and other soft metals |
| Grip | CHANNELLOCK BLUE dipped grip | Plastic-dipped Handform handles |
| Origin | Made in USA from forged U.S. steel | Made in USA |
| Insulation | Comfort grip is not an electrical rating | Explicitly not insulated |
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CHANNELLOCK 9.5-Inch XLT Round Nose Linemen's Pliers (369)
A 9.5-inch forged high-carbon-steel plier with XLT rivet placement, crosshatch jaws and a laser heat-treated knife-and-anvil cutter rated by CHANNELLOCK to cut ACSR.
Pros
- ACSR cutting is documented for the exact model
- Knife-and-anvil edges are designed to mate directly
- Round nose and crosshatch teeth support gripping and forming
Cons
- Shorter published jaw than the Klein
- At 1.08 pounds it is not a lightweight pocket plier
- Dipped comfort grips must not be treated as insulated protection
Who it’s for: Choose 369 when the published ACSR capability and knife-and-anvil cutter match the work. Skip it when Klein longer New England jaw or exact soft-metal specification is the better fit.
Check CHANNELLOCK 9.5-Inch XLT Round Nose Linemen's Pliers (369) on Amazon Paid linkKlein Tools 9-Inch New England Nose Lineman's Pliers (D213-9NE)
A 9.35-inch high-leverage side-cutting plier with a 1.91-inch New England nose, crosshatched jaws, induction-hardened knives and hot-riveted joint.
Pros
- Longer published jaw supports a broad grip area
- Manufacturer states application for #8 AWG copper, aluminum and other soft metals
- Hot-riveted joint and induction-hardened knives are specified
Cons
- Explicitly not insulated
- No crimping die or bolt shearing on this exact model
- Published application does not include the CHANNELLOCK ACSR claim
Who it’s for: Choose D213-9NE when the longer New England nose and documented soft-metal application fit the task. Skip it if a crimper, fish-tape puller or insulated version is required.
Check Klein Tools 9-Inch New England Nose Lineman's Pliers (D213-9NE) on Amazon Paid linkThe dimensions are close, but the jaws are not identical
CHANNELLOCK lists 369 at 9.5 inches overall with a 1.54-inch jaw. Klein lists D213-9NE at 9.35 inches overall with a 1.91-inch jaw. The Klein therefore devotes more published length to the nose, while the CHANNELLOCK uses a round-nose pattern. Neither dimension alone proves a better grip; workpiece shape and hand placement determine which geometry is easier to control.
A long jaw can reach and twist more conductors, but it also asks the user to keep the load close enough to the joint for leverage. The tip is not the strongest place to apply maximum force. For bending, gripping or twisting, seat the material across the appropriate jaw area and keep fingers clear of the joint and cutter.
The cutters use different documented language
CHANNELLOCK describes a precision-machined knife-and-anvil system with laser heat-treated edges and says model 369 cuts ACSR. Klein describes induction-hardened side-cutting knives and lists #8 AWG copper, aluminum and other soft metals as the application. These are maker specifications, not results from one shared test, so they should not be converted into a comparative force or life claim.
Material identity matters. ACSR contains a steel-reinforced core, while ordinary copper or aluminum conductor presents a different cutting job. Never assume an unknown wire, nail, screw or spring is within capacity because it fits between the jaws. Check the exact material and manufacturer guidance before cutting, then wear approved eye protection because cut ends can move suddenly.
Rivet placement creates leverage, not permission to overload
Both brands place the joint close to the cutter to increase mechanical advantage. CHANNELLOCK calls the design Xtreme Leverage Technology. Klein says its high-leverage geometry provides 46 percent more cutting and gripping power than its other plier designs. Each claim describes that maker own design context; it is not a cross-brand laboratory ranking.
More leverage can reduce the hand force needed for a suitable task, but the tool still has limits. Do not extend the handles with pipe, strike them, twist the cutter sideways or rock through a material that the manufacturer does not approve. If the cut stalls, reassess the material and choose the correct cutter rather than escalating force.
Weight and grip affect a full day differently
CHANNELLOCK publishes 1.08 pounds, while Klein publishes 17.6 ounces. Those values are nearly the same, so this is not a meaningful lightweight-versus-heavyweight split. Handle shape, balance, glove thickness and how often the pliers are carried will likely matter more than the small published difference. A tool belt user should check the holder as well as the plier.
Both use dipped grips rather than bulky molded comfort sleeves. Dipped handles keep the profile narrow and give a clear visual grip area, but they provide less cushioning than some multi-material models. If sustained cutting causes discomfort, use the proper technique and task-specific cutter rather than relying on a thicker grip to compensate for an unsuitable operation.
Do not confuse these with related crimping or insulated models
Klein sells D213-9NE-CR with a crimping die and D213-9NE-INS with tested insulation. Those suffixes identify different products. The Amazon link here is B0000302W6 for the plain D213-9NE. CHANNELLOCK also offers many lineman and cutting patterns, but this comparison is limited to model 369 and its exact published features.
Klein explicitly says the plastic-dipped handles on D213-9NE are not intended to protect against electrical shock. Apply the same safety rule to any comfort grip without the required insulation markings. De-energize, lock out and verify as appropriate. If energized work is permitted and requires insulated tools, select the correctly rated model and procedure.
Care starts at the joint and cutting edges
Keep the joint clean, dry and lightly maintained according to the maker guidance. Dirt at the rivet can make the action feel rough, while rust or nicks at the edge can prevent clean mating. Inspect the dipped grips for splits and the jaws for deformation. A cutter that no longer closes correctly should not be forced back into service.
Use the gripping faces for work they can hold securely, not as a hammer surface. Protect the cutters from abrasive debris and hardened items. After outdoor or damp work, wipe the steel dry before storage. The manufacturer warranty may address defects, but it does not turn misuse or normal edge wear into a performance guarantee.
Choose around material and jaw pattern
CHANNELLOCK 369 is the clearer choice when the manufacturer documented ACSR capability, round nose and knife-and-anvil cutter are central. Klein D213-9NE is the clearer choice when a longer New England jaw and stated #8 AWG copper, aluminum and soft-metal application match the routine. Either one still requires correct material identification and eye protection.
The verified Amazon identifiers are B00004SBD6 for CHANNELLOCK 369 and B0000302W6 for Klein D213-9NE. Confirm the suffix before buying, especially on Klein listings that group crimping or insulated variants. No price, stock, cut-count, force measurement, durability test or personal-use ranking is claimed.
Official sources and further reading
Sources reviewed on October 17, 2026. Prices, availability and terms can change; recheck before buying.
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