Overview
The IPS SOFTTOUCH Neo NH-165 is a 6.7" (170 mm) professional combination plier with removable resin jaw caps, designed for mechanics, technicians, and hobbyists who need to grip chrome, plated, and polished parts without leaving marks. With the caps removed, it works as a standard combination plier, so one tool covers both delicate and everyday gripping.
The clear resin caps attach and detach by hand with no tools, and a spare set is included in the box. A three-position adjustable joint opens to 1.18" (30 mm) and grips pipe from Ø0.14" to Ø1.18" (3.5–30 mm), an opening IPS rates about 30% wider than its previous Soft Touch model. A built-in spring opens the jaws automatically between grips for faster repetitive work, and setting the joint in the center hole disengages the spring when you don't need it.
Trigger-style handles with a PVC coating give a comfortable, controlled grip, and the black cationic electrodeposition coating is rated by IPS at roughly 10 times the rust resistance of nickel-chrome plating. Winner of a 2023 Good Design Award. Made in Japan.
✅ Removable resin jaw caps grip finished surfaces without marring
✅ Tool-free cap replacement, with a spare set included
✅ Grips pipe from Ø0.14" to Ø1.18" (3.5–30 mm)
✅ Spring-assisted opening speeds up repetitive work
✅ Cuts soft wire up to Ø0.08" (Ø2.0 mm)
✅ Cationic coating rated by IPS at about 10× the rust resistance of nickel-chrome plating
Features
- Clear resin jaw caps protect chrome, plated, and painted parts from scratches
- Tool-free cap replacement; replacement caps available (IPS No.001)
- Standard combination plier function with the caps removed
- Three-position adjustable joint with 1.18" (30 mm) maximum opening
- Built-in opening spring, disengaged in the center joint position
- Trigger-style PVC-coated handles for a comfortable, controlled grip
- Slim 0.47" (12 mm) head for work in confined spaces
- Black cationic electrodeposition coating for rust resistance
- Good Design Award 2023; Japanese utility model registered (No. 3215839)
- Not insulated; see Product Safety below
- Made in Japan by IPS PLIERS (Igarashi Pliers) to Japanese quality standards
Details
| Specification |
Detail |
| Model |
NH-165 |
| Tool Type |
Combination Slip-Joint Pliers with Resin Jaw Caps |
| Total Length |
6.7" (170 mm) |
| Weight |
6.2 oz (175 g) |
| Head Thickness |
0.47" (12 mm) |
| Head Length |
1.87" (47.5 mm) |
| Handle Width |
1.69" (43 mm) |
| Adjustment Positions |
3 |
| Pipe Gripping Range |
Ø0.14"–1.18" (3.5–30 mm) |
| Cutting – Soft Wire |
Ø0.08" (Ø2.0 mm) |
| Jaw Caps |
Special resin, removable; 1 spare set included |
| Replacement Caps |
IPS No.001 (JAN 4953880230011) |
| Grip |
PVC coating, trigger style |
| Finish |
Cationic electrodeposition coating (black) |
| Insulated |
No (non-insulated tool per IPS) |
| JAN Code |
4953880232503 |
| Country of Origin |
Made in Japan |
Product Safety
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and safety glasses, when using tools.
- Wear safety glasses when striking, cutting, or prying with any tool.
- Inspect each tool before use and do not operate if damaged.
- Use all tools only for their intended purpose and within their specified limits.
- Do not use on live electrical circuits unless the tool is certified to IEC 60900 / VDE 1000V and marked accordingly.
- Only tools carrying that certification are rated for work near energized conductors.
- A plastic handle, resin shaft cover, or internal insulating component is not electrical insulation and will not protect you from shock.
- Always disconnect power and verify the circuit is de-energized with a tester before working on electrical equipment.
- Store tools in a dry location and keep them out of reach of children.
Shipping
Ships from: Vancouver, Canada
For full details on delivery options, transit times, and carriers, please see our [Shipping Policy]
Returns & Exchanges:
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery if items are unused and in original condition. For full instructions, visit our [Refund Policy]
