Recommendation for pliers set for electronics and repair: Brüder Mannesmann

[Andreas Thaler]

As a fan of good tools, I like to look at what is on offer.

There are relatively few special tools for camera repairs, so electronics is a related field, for which there are tools in the right small size.

I recently received this inexpensive set of electronics pliers from Brüder Mannesmann, Germany, which I really enjoy working with. The pliers are high quality, fit well in the hand, and there are shapes that I have never seen before.

The small combination pliers in particular are a highlight for repair work, and complement my standard combination pliers from Knipex:

Elektronik-Zangensatz 8-tlg.,

rutschfeste Griffefeingeschliffener Kopfleichtgängiges GewerbeIn praktischer Reisverschlusstasche40x27,5x26,5Mit rutschfesten Griffen und einem feingeschliffenen Kopf liegt er perfekt in deiner Hand und ermöglicht präzises Arbeiten. Dank des leichtgängigen Gewerbes bewältigst du jede...

www.br-mannesmann.com

+++

All information provided without guarantee and use at your own risk.

 

[koraks]

I recently received this inexpensive set of electronics pliers from Brüder Mannesmann

That looks like a cheap, generic set of Chinese-made pliers. I've had the exact same set for 15 years or so. The quality is...mediocre. It gets the job done, much of the time, but the metal of these pliers is very soft and this tends to create problems. The wire cutter on mine is damaged beyond repair because I tried to cut fairly thick copper (!) wire at some point. The thin-nosed pliers twist easily and don't offer much grip.

These are OK for the low price you pay for them. Not great, but convenient to keep around.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

That looks like a cheap, generic set of Chinese-made pliers. I've had the exact same set for 15 years or so. The quality is...mediocre. It gets the job done, much of the time, but the metal of these pliers is very soft and this tends to create problems. The wire cutter on mine is damaged beyond repair because I tried to cut fairly thick copper (!) wire at some point. The thin-nosed pliers twist easily and don't offer much grip.

These are OK for the low price you pay for them. Not great, but convenient to keep around.

I can't confirm what you wrote. I've been using the small combination pliers for repairs for a long time, and everything has been to my satisfaction. I haven't read any bad reviews about the pliers either.

Knipex doesn't specify the maximum diameter for copper wire or other wires that can be worked on for nothing. These are fine tools for fine work.

Each individual tool is manufactured to the highest quality standards and meets all relevant standards and requirements such as TÜV/GS seal or DIN-ISO certification.

Wir über uns | Brüder Mannesmann

Erfahren Sie mehr über Brüder Mannesmann – unser Unternehmen, unsere Werte und unser Engagement für Qualität und Kundenzufriedenheit.

www.br-mannesmann.com

It is clear that you will not get a tool with an infinite service life for the low price, but we are not a professional repair company here, 24/7.

Don't take this the wrong way, but I can't relate to some of the opinions you express. But maybe we work completely differently.

 

[koraks]

Well, you called them "high quality" and also mentioned you received yours recently. I've had these exact same for years and know them quite well, and that's where my remarks come from. They're in my view low-end quality tools that constitute a compromise with an emphasis on low price. There's nothing wrong with that, but there are quite pronounced limitations to what you can do with these. Again, I've had mine for years now and have used them intensively; I'm quite well aware of this particular product. I would not recommend it in particular over any other alternative in the same price range; there's really nothing special about them.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I don't know what you do with your pliers or how intensively you use them.

They are built for electronic work, i.e. cutting wires, bending connecting wires, holding desoldering braid, etc. The pliers are ideal for this and can withstand this low load.

Repairing cameras requires a little more load, but again these - and other electronics pliers - are not made for heavy work. The same applies to screwdrivers, probes, circuit board tools, etc.

I don't use thick copper wire on my expensive Knipex pliers if it is above the specification stated on each pair of pliers.

For rough work, I use the Knipex combination pliers, which are made for electrical work.

For me, the quality of these pliers is high and they do their job.

Almost everything breaks over time, but that's nothing new.

Are your pliers from the same manufacturer as mine?

 

[koraks]

Are your pliers from the same manufacturer as mine?

Yes. It's the exact same kit.
I've never used them for truly heavy work because they're physically too small for this. They're just not very sturdy, that's all.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Well, the Chinese most likely copied a set of someone's high quality pliers. As a result there should be two sets identical in appearance, but not in performance, being sold.

That said, the quality of 'Made in China' products has increased dramatically over the years so a set bought a dozen years ago and a set bought now are probably made from different steels.

The best pliers and cutters I have were both made in Sweden by either Lindstrom or Vigor.

Against that standard I have found the stamped steel tools made by Xuron and a whole host of imitators to be excellent. I have some Italian clones sold by Hakko that are a match for the originals. Available from Amazon and just about everyone else.

For servicing (and the engineering development of) modern electronics a set of SMD soldering, and maybe more importantly, desoldering tools is necessary. Again, I use Hakko products. There are also Chinese copies of Hakko products at far lower prices that may be more suited to hobby use.

Desoldering tweezers, with a good selection of tips, are needed for discrete and SOIC components and other parts with exposed solder joints. Trying to remove and replace components with hidden solder joints, like BGA packages, requires skills I never acquired. My solution was to find a good technician who moonlighted.

 

[koraks]

Well, the Chinese most likely copied a set of someone's high quality pliers. As a result there should be two sets identical in appearance, but not in performance, being sold.

My suspicion is that these are Made in China. My set are identical to OP's and there's also a sticker of the same German company within the folder of mine. On the tools themselves, there's no indication of the manufacturer or country of origin. Generally, with "Made in Germany" tools, manufacturers try to exploit this by stamping the actual tools that way.

Also, I have several tools from a Dutch 'quality' company that I know for certain are of Chinese manufacture since identical items are sold directly through various Chinese channels.

There are also Chinese copies of Hakko products at far lower prices that may be more suited to hobby use.

Yes, I'm familiar with these. I use a Hakko-clone soldering station. It's quite decent; as with all low-end products, it has some minor issues, but it's mostly quite functional. Same for desoldering tools, SMD hotplate etc. Most of it is fine given the low price. The times of Chinese products being effectively disposables are long gone.

I don't mess with BGA; it's not worth the trouble, especially since there's effectively zero opportunity to troubleshoot. Even QFN can be 'fixed' in case of a soldering problem.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

My suspicion is that these are Made in China. My set are identical to OP's and there's also a sticker of the same German company within the folder of mine. On the tools themselves, there's no indication of the manufacturer or country of origin. Generally, with "Made in Germany" tools, manufacturers try to exploit this by stamping the actual tools that way.

If Amazon hasn't deceived me, these are pliers from the original manufacturer and not imitations from China.

There is a manufacturer's information on my pliers. I don't assume that this is a fake:

I think you actually used a fake from China.

 

[Sanug]

The brand "Brüder Mannesmann" has nothing to do with the famous German steel factory. It is just a distributor, not a manufacturer. They wholesale basically cheap low end chinese tools for discount stores in Germany.

You may have been lucky to pick some mediocre quality, but you will always have the risk to buy inferior stuff which is more a toy than a tool.

They are far away from high quality tools sold by well known brands like the mentioned Knipex.

 

[MFstooges]

That looks like a cheap, generic set of Chinese-made pliers. I've had the exact same set for 15 years or so. The quality is...mediocre. It gets the job done, much of the time, but the metal of these pliers is very soft and this tends to create problems. The wire cutter on mine is damaged beyond repair because I tried to cut fairly thick copper (!) wire at some point. The thin-nosed pliers twist easily and don't offer much grip.

These are OK for the low price you pay for them. Not great, but convenient to keep around.

That's what I thought when I see them. That rubber sleeve and leaf springs are distinctive. I got this kind of pliers from Harbor Freight, I think $5 a piece. As soon as tiny amount of oil gets between the sleeve and the metal it becomes a liability than a tool.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Gentlemen, the pliers do what they are supposed to do and I am not going to participate in speculation about where something is made or not.

It is also not about comparisons with more expensive brands either, but only about what the tool does today, here and now at the table.

Such discussions tire me out because they always look for and emphasize the negative.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

That's what I thought when I see them. That rubber sleeve and leaf springs are distinctive. I got this kind of pliers from Harbor Freight, I think $5 a piece. As soon as tiny amount of oil gets between the sleeve and the metal it becomes a liability than a tool.

These are tools for electronics (!) and not for working on engines where oil drips. These pliers, like those from other manufacturers, are not intended for heavy work.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

The brand "Brüder Mannesmann" has nothing to do with the famous German steel factory. It is just a distributor, not a manufacturer. They wholesale basically cheap low end chinese tools for discount stores in Germany.

You may have been lucky to pick some mediocre quality, but you will always have the risk to buy inferior stuff which is more a toy than a tool.

They are far away from high quality tools sold by well known brands like the mentioned Knipex.

All tools, one partner.

We produce tools with passion. With the highest precision and outstanding quality. The entrepreneurial spirit and visionary ideas of the Mannesmann brothers are a common thread throughout our company history. We think in terms of solutions. Beyond borders. And in doing so, we create something new.

Our claim: everyone should be able to master their projects successfully and professionally with our tools easily, safely and with fun. This is what we are committed to.

The Brüder Mannesmann Werkzeuge company is one of the last successor companies of the Mannesmann family and is now run by Moritz Schafstein. The entire know-how from over 90 years as well as the latest research results flow into the innovative products and characterize them. Every single tool is manufactured to the highest quality standards and meets all relevant standards and requirements such as TÜV/GS seal or DIN-ISO certification.

With over 2,000 products, we offer you the optimal solution for every challenge.

Wir über uns | Brüder Mannesmann

Erfahren Sie mehr über Brüder Mannesmann – unser Unternehmen, unsere Werte und unser Engagement für Qualität und Kundenzufriedenheit.

www.br-mannesmann.com

 

[koraks]

only about what the tool does today, here and now at the table.

Well, I dunno about your tools, but I always like them to last more than a day.
Mind you, these have done so and I think they were good value. Again, my criticism stemmed from the somewhat enthusiastic outcry of "good quality", which my experience doesn't quite support. Decent for the price.

The brand "Brüder Mannesmann" has nothing to do with the famous German steel factory. It is just a distributor, not a manufacturer.

That's correct. They import and distribute/resell. As a matter of fact, it seems they never manufactured any tools in the past either. It's always been a trading company.

We produce tools with passion.

Yeah. Or maybe "AB Tools" do it for them. Given that they seem to carry a virtually identical set through Amazon
Although I really think that if you trace back the supply chain, you'll end up in either China or India. People may prefer other colors there, though: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006246486668.html

 

[MFstooges]

These are tools for electronics (!) and not for working on engines where oil drips. These pliers, like those from other manufacturers, are not intended for heavy work.

Cameras use oil and lubricants.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Cameras use oil and lubricants.

Yes, and I bathe my pliers in it

 

[Andreas Thaler]

I try to be constructive in this forum, with a focus on practical applications. I only write about tools that I use myself.

And instead of contributing something positive, people just talk about the junk I'm introducing, using absurd arguments ranging from years of service life to oil on the handle. I'm the only one claiming that you can work inexpensively with these tools.

Sorry, but I'd be better off investing my time elsewhere than writing reports here.

 

[koraks]

Come on, people respond to ideas and share their views. That's what happens in every online community - and in real life, too. You can't blame others for offering additional insights.

 

[MFstooges]

Yes, and I bathe my pliers in it

I am not sure why you're so upset. Like you, I'm also sharing my experience even though I didn't make a thread. I sincerely appreciate and enjoy your posts on repairs. I do like cheap tools and believe quality comes with price.

 

[Andreas Thaler]

Come on, people respond to ideas and share their views. That's what happens in every online community - and in real life, too. You can't blame others for offering additional insights.

Everyone can have their own opinion, but I'm interested in attitudes, and mine is positive. There's no other way to get on with the topics I'm working on.

If I present inexpensive, good quality tools that are perfectly adequate for intended hobby use, then that might be of interest to people who don't want to buy the Knipex set for USD 200. Especially if the pliers discussed have special shapes that aren't available anywhere else.

Yes, my multimeter and my laboratory power supply might also come from China, and yet I work with them every other day.

I'm sorry, but that's not the environment that motivates me to keep writing reports here. It doesn't get me anywhere.

All the best from Vienna.

 

[koraks]

I use cheap tools all the time, too. In fact, I only upgrade if I feel the quality issues are somehow unsurmountable, which is often not the case. I don't see how it's problematic to discuss shortcomings in equipment. Try not to get too worked up about it; it's not worth it.

PS we all have cognitive dissonance from time to time. It can be a little sour to realize your "German made" purchase ends up being something else than imagined.

 

[c.d.ewen]

Andreas:

If you can do good work with cheap tools, then they are good tools.

Charley

 

[loccdor]

My main pair of pliers was passed from my grandfather to my father to me. They're a little bent and I don't know what they're made of, but they've gotten good use for almost 100 years now. With my mediocre small-item-dexterity I was able to fix the shutter selection dial of my Pentax Spotmatic, replace a focusing screen in a Pentacon Six, and perform several other camera tasks as well as countless instances of garden support wiring. I have no doubt that this plier set, regardless of origin, can perform a lot of useful work. Pliers are a simple machine. As long as the metal isn't frozen-yogurt-soft, it will do its job.

 

[4season]

I own an identical-looking tool sold under the Velleman name. I wish that the spring hadn't broken off, but for my purposes, it's still useful.

Tool geekery, can become it's own rabbit-hole. My new bench power supply is not the latest from Rhode & Schwartz, but rather, it's a palm-sized thing from Alientek. And for my purposes, I think it will work just fine. Some of my most useful camera-repair tools are home-made, including flexiclamp wrenches that I cut from scraps of metal or fiberglass, or miniature spanner wrenches that I designed in FreeCAD and 3D printed on an old entry-level 3D printer (but it works!).

Daiso is a Japanese chain of "100 Yen Stores", though in their USA stores, it's closer to 1.79 USD. Which is what I paid for one of my latest tools. They even illustrate it being used as a camera spanner wrench, and it certainly seems sturdy enough, but that's not what I bought it for.