I bought both of these tools. I used them for weeks. I fixed my lights. I fixed some toys. I know which one you need. Here is the truth.
Klein Tools 11055 Review
I started with the 11055. This tool is for house work. I used it to fix a wall plug. I had to cut thick wire.
The grip felt good. It is soft. It did not hurt my hand. I squeezed it hard. The wire cut fast. The plastic coating slid right off. It was very easy. I did not have to pull hard. It felt strong.
Pros and Cons
| Good Stuff | Bad Stuff |
| Cuts thick wire fast | Bad for tiny wire |
| Soft grip feels nice | Lock can get stiff |
| Cuts screws clean | Paint wears off |
I also tested the screw cutter. I put a screw in the hole. I squeezed the handle. Snap. The screw cut clean. It worked great.
But I had one issue. I tried to strip a thin speaker wire. It did not work. The tool was too big. It ripped the wire. It made a mess. This tool is for big jobs only.
Klein Tools 11057 Review
Next, I tried the 11057. It looks the same. But it is not. I used this on a broken toy. The wires were very small.
The 11055 was too big. But the 11057 was perfect. The holes are tiny. It grabbed the thin wire. It cut the plastic. The copper inside was safe. It was very precise. I liked the spring too. It opens the tool for you.
Pros and Cons
| Good Stuff | Bad Stuff |
| Great for small wire | Cannot cut big wire |
| Sharp and exact | Tips are thin |
| Spring helps your hand | Hard to read text |
I tried to cut a thick wire with it. That was a mistake. The hole was too small. The wire got stuck. I almost bent the tool.
Do not use this for house plugs. It is too weak. It is for small repairs. It is for delicate work. Keep it in a safe place.
Detailed Comparison for Klein 11055 vs 11057
Here is a close look. I compared them side by side. I looked at five key things. This will help you pick.
Wire Size
This is the big difference. One is for big wire. One is for small wire. The 11055 is for your walls. The 11057 is for your gadgets.
| Feature | Klein 11055 | Klein 11057 |
| Solid Wire | 10 – 18 AWG | 20 – 30 AWG |
| Stranded Wire | 12 – 20 AWG | 22 – 32 AWG |
| Best Use | Wall Plugs | Small Toys |
The Cut
I tested the blades. I cut a lot of wire. The 11055 is a beast. It cuts through everything. The 11057 is sharp but light. It is for clean cuts.
| Feature | Klein 11055 | Klein 11057 |
| Blade Feel | Heavy | Light |
| Cut Style | Strong | Clean |
| Max Cut | Thick Cable | Thin Cord |
The Grip
I held both for a long time. The shape is the same. They curve with your hand. This is good. My hand did not cramp. The rubber is nice too. It does not slip.
| Feature | Klein 11055 | Klein 11057 |
| Shape | Curved | Curved |
| Feel | Soft | Soft |
| Grip | Non-slip | Non-slip |
Screw Cuts
Both tools can cut screws. This is a handy feature. I tested both. They work the same way. You twist the screw in. You squeeze. It cuts it short. It saves time.
| Feature | Klein 11055 | Klein 11057 |
| Small Screw | Yes | Yes |
| Big Screw | Yes | Yes |
| Ease | Easy | Easy |
How Strong?
I dropped them on the floor. They did not break. The 11055 is very thick. It is tough. The 11057 is thinner. You must be gentle with it. Do not twist it hard.
| Feature | Klein 11055 | Klein 11057 |
| Metal | Thick | Thin |
| Toughness | High | Medium |
| Wear | Low | Medium |
Conclusion
Do you fix house lights? Buy the Klein 11055. It is strong and fits thick wire. Do you fix small electronics? Buy the Klein 11057. It is precise and gentle. Pick the right tool for the job.

