Knipex Combination Pliers

Knipex pliers are among the most recognized and widely distributed professional hand tools in the United Kingdom and across Europe. Founded in 1882 by Carl Gustav Putsch in Cronenberg (now part of Wuppertal), Germany, the company began as a small forge producing carpenter and farrier pincers by hand.

Throughout the 20th century, the brand evolved through generations of the Putsch family, officially registering the brand name 'KNIPEX' in 1942. Today, KNIPEX remains an independent family-owned business headquartered in Wuppertal, Germany. The company operates as KNIPEX-Werk C. Gustav Putsch KG and is the lead enterprise within the Knipex Group, which includes other specialized tool brands such as Rennsteig Werkzeuge.

In contrast to many global hand-tool brands that outsource production, Knipex manufactures its pliers primarily in Wuppertal, Germany. The brand produces millions of pliers annually, maintaining strict internal quality standards from steel forging to heat treatment and finishing, and serves the UK professional trades and DIY markets through local retail distributors and wholesale channels.