Lineman's Fish Tape Pulling Pliers D213-9NETP - High Leverage Tool

Our review of the Klein Tools D213-9NETP finds it best suited for electricians and tradespeople who regularly pull flat steel fish tape and need a durable, precise plier built for that single task. The biggest reason to buy is its tailored design: a built-in channel that pulls 1/8 in or 1/4 in flat steel fish tape without damaging the tape, combined with a high-leverage head that increases cutting power and makes repetitive work noticeably easier. This is a purpose-built workhorse rather than a general household plier.

Key Features

• High-leverage design: Provides roughly 46 percent more cutting power, making cuts through cable and tape easier and requiring less hand force.
• Built-in channel: Safely pulls 1/8 in or 1/4 in flat steel fish tape without nicking or deforming the tape, preserving tape life and performance.
• Sure-gripping jaws: Cross-hatched knurled jaws give a secure grip on fish tape and wire during pulling and cutting tasks to reduce slippage.
• Handle tempering: Unique tempering in the handles helps absorb the snap when cutting wire for added comfort and reduced shock to the hand.
• Durable construction: Precision-hardened plier head, induction-hardened cutting knives and a hot-riveted joint ensure smooth action and long service life.
• Made in USA: Constructed from custom US-made tool steel and finished with plastic-dipped, handform handles for comfort and quick identification.

Who It's For

This tool is aimed at professional electricians, linemen and serious DIYers who frequently work with flat steel fish tape and need a specialized plier to speed pulling and protect the tape. The D213-9NETP is especially useful on jobs where repeated cutting and pulling would quickly wear lesser pliers.

Users who want a multi-purpose household plier for occasional use may prefer a more general side-cutting plier; this model is optimized for fish tape work and shines on jobsite, service, and commercial electrical tasks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-leverage design increases cutting power and reduces hand fatigue on tough jobs.
• Built-in channel pulls 1/8 in or 1/4 in flat steel fish tape without damage, extending tape life.
• Durable, precision-hardened head and induction-hardened cutting knives for long-term reliability.
• Plastic-dipped, handform handles and handle tempering improve comfort and shock absorption.

Cons

• Specialized design means it is less versatile than general-purpose cutting pliers for non-fish-tape tasks.
• Heavier construction may be more than needed for very light, occasional home use.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Klein Tools D213-9NETP is a focused, professional-grade plier that delivers real benefits for electricians and linemen who work with flat steel fish tape. Its built-in tape channel, hardened cutting knives and high-leverage head justify the investment for frequent users, offering durability and reduced fatigue on repetitive pulls. For occasional household needs a general plier may suffice, but for trade work this is a dependable, good-value tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it pull both common flat steel fish tape sizes?
Yes, the built-in channel is designed to pull 1/8 in and 1/4 in flat steel fish tape without damaging the tape.

Are the cutting edges durable?
Yes, the plier head is precision-hardened and the cutting knives are induction-hardened for long life.

Is this tool made in the United States?
Yes, it is made in the USA from custom, US-made tool steel with a hot-riveted joint.