Alligator vs. Cobra pliers

[water-works]

Looking to buy some new pliers and I noticed there are 'cobra' and 'alligator' types from Knipex.

What is the difference?

Cobra from Knipex
http://chadstoolbox.com/002006s1knipex3-pccobrapliersset710and12.aspx

Alligator from Knipex
http://chadstoolbox.com/3x88knipex3pcalligatorset710and12.aspx

 

[HairMetal]

Cobra has a locking mechanism on the size adjustment.

 

[zkling]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=227152&highlight=alligator+cobra

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=248994&highlight=alligator+cobra

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=244506&highlight=alligator+cobra

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=259273&highlight=alligator+cobra

I actually prefer the alligators to the cobras, but many will disagree with me.

 

[water-works]

Sheesh I thought it was an obscure enough question but I guess I should use the search bar before asking! I forget this forum leaves no stone uncovered when it comes to tools!

Thank you for the feedback guys!

 

[Joe B.]

I actually prefer the alligators to the cobras, but many will disagree with me.

zkling is correct on both points made.

 

[wild cowboy]

Alligator vs. Cobra is like blondes vs. brunettes, both have their pros & cons!

Alligator was the original, they are simpler and less to go wrong, but can occasionally do this "lock-up" kind of thing if you are not careful, and do not require use of a pushbutton to adjust (they adjust like Channel Locks)

Cobras are newer and have finer range of adjustment, no lockups, but require pushing a button - they have now eclipsed the Alligators in terms of popularity by a wide margin

both types are better than any other adjustable pliers on the market at any price!

 

[sonvolt]

Either style is a win/win, best pliers out there.

 

[shaggymutt1]

The Knipex cobra is one of the greatest tools ever made! Grips hard and wont slip. Every person I have ever showed them to has bought a pair and love them!

The alligator has less adjustment but same grip. Also cost half the money!

 

[water-works]

Thanks. After some more research, I found there are newer versions of some of the cobra pliers that open wider, so I ordered the following:

5" Knipex 87 01 125 13 adjustments, 1" capacity
7" Knipex 87 01 180 18 adjustments, 1-1/2" capacity
10" Knipex 87 01 250 25 adjustments, 2" capacity
12" Knipex 87 01 300 30 adjustments, 2-3/4" capacity

And because the feedback on other threads about how the teeth can tear up things, I went ahead and ordered the following Knipex Plier Wrenches as well

5" Knipex 86 03 125 11 adjustments, 7/8" capacity New July 2014
7" Knipex 86 03 180 13 adjustments, 1-3/8" capacity
10" Knipex 86 03 250 17 adjustments, 1-3/4" capacity
12" Knipex 86 03 300 22 adjustments, 2-3/8" capacity

Can't wait to use them on a new project.
Thanks again for the help everyone!

 

[Farmall450]

Wow...quite the order.
I've gotta get a few of those plier wrenches myself.

 

[DodgeMech]

have both 10 inch cobras and pliers wrench...the PW's stay in the box, but the Cobras are rarely out of my hand some days

 

[shaggymutt1]

Thanks. After some more research, I found there are newer versions of some of the cobra pliers that open wider, so I ordered the following:

5" Knipex 87 01 125 13 adjustments, 1" capacity
7" Knipex 87 01 180 18 adjustments, 1-1/2" capacity
10" Knipex 87 01 250 25 adjustments, 2" capacity
12" Knipex 87 01 300 30 adjustments, 2-3/4" capacity

And because the feedback on other threads about how the teeth can tear up things, I went ahead and ordered the following Knipex Plier Wrenches as well

5" Knipex 86 03 125 11 adjustments, 7/8" capacity New July 2014
7" Knipex 86 03 180 13 adjustments, 1-3/8" capacity
10" Knipex 86 03 250 17 adjustments, 1-3/4" capacity
12" Knipex 86 03 300 22 adjustments, 2-3/8" capacity

Can't wait to use them on a new project.
Thanks again for the help everyone!

Man I want to 5 inchers!

 

[shaggymutt1]

I wanna try out the Quick set cobra!

 

[water-works]

Man I want to 5 inchers!

I have a feeling those 5" babies are going to be my new favorite tool. I can think of so many times I've needed a strong but small plier like that. Really excited to get these in the tool box. Been long overdue order and the last project I just worked on it killed me not having the right tools.

 

[FMC1959]

I wanna try out the Quick set cobra!

New Cobra's the teeth are angled to "quick set". The old one you need to push the button to open or close, the new ones you push the button to open, to close, just slide the two handles.

Older model

Newer model (recognizable by the red ring on the button)

If you get Cobra's go for the quick set, they kind of combine the attributes of the Alligator and older Cobra. New/old Cobra's or Alligator, they all work great

 

[shaggymutt1]

I have a feeling those 5" babies are going to be my new favorite tool. I can think of so many times I've needed a strong but small plier like that. Really excited to get these in the tool box. Been long overdue order and the last project I just worked on it killed me not having the right tools.

I want them to replace my whole set of wrenches, when I go to junkyard!