Cobra vs Locking Pliers

[T45]

What jobs does a cobra out-perform a good locking pliers?

- cobra has no leverage multiplier when clamping
- cobra only-kinda-locks into place

These are the pro's of the cobras

+ lighter for length
+ faster jaw adjustment
+ thinner jaw
+ harder jaw

So would a cobra or a locking plier be better in a travel kit?

How about when you have to work a sheared bolt head or stud (rather than just holding a rounded hex)?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[AceofSpad3s]

What jobs does a cobra out-perform a good locking pliers?

- cobra has no leverage multiplier when clamping
- cobra only-kinda-locks into place

These are the pro's of the cobras

+ lighter for length
+ faster jaw adjustment
+ thinner jaw
+ harder jaw

So would a cobra or a locking plier be better in a travel kit?

How about when you have to work a sheared bolt head or stud (rather than just holding a rounded hex)?

Thanks for your thoughts!

When you need locking pliers, there is no real substitute. I am know a bit about the cobra's but not much, How much pressure can they put out? With locking pliers I can get an insane amount of force on the fastener. I would rather have locking pliers if it was my kit.

 

[General Geoff]

What jobs does a cobra out-perform a good locking pliers?

- cobra has no leverage multiplier when clamping
- cobra only-kinda-locks into place

Both of these statements are untrue.

I have personally bent the top handle of a 10" pair of Cobra pliers by slipping a 3 foot pipe over the handle and standing on it in an effort to break the retention nut loose on a macpherson strut assembly. The handle bent slightly but the jaws DID NOT let go of the nut. They did not budge at all. Alas, I needed bigger Cobras to bust that particular nut loose, which I did with the 22" Cobras (and aforementioned cheater pipe).

 

[zkling]

Apples to oranges. Locking pliers (Vise Grips name) are basically a small clamp that can be used hands free. Cobras, not so much.

 

[T45]

Apples to oranges. Locking pliers (Vise Grips name) are basically a small clamp that can be used hands free. Cobras, not so much.

In a sense I agree that a cobra is just an offset, slip-joint plier. Its not a clamp. But thhere is alot times any old adjustable pliers works as a utility plier. The cobras may even be better for this use. I use a smooth plier for my utility pliers right now, but prefer a non-locking plier cause its quicker.

Now, in the field the speed is not so much the issue. I may need that locking/clamp feature more than I need a couple of seconds here or there during a repair. Then in that case, the question is maybe should I be packing a cobra in addition to a locking pliers? What kinds of jobs would warrant that?

The one thing I can see is having a 250 size cobra to deal with any huge hex fastener where another wrench won't fit in the kit b/c too big/heavy. The greater adjustability saves alot of weight vs havig a 300mm long locking plier.

But for smaller stuff where the two tools are both in medium size (so not out-stretching the locking pliers) are there going to be a need to carry both? Or can I get by with either one or am I just better off with the locking ones?

I see alot of guys with cobra+pliers wrench...but I'm wondering if locking pliers + pliers wrench might be a better call?

 

[firebox40dash5]

Apples to oranges. Locking pliers (Vise Grips name) are basically a small clamp that can be used hands free. Cobras, not so much.

True... although you kinda can use them hands free, if you can rotate the handle into something and apply constant pressure. They don't lock, but they will grip.

The advantage of Cobras is the more torque you put on them, the harder they bite, with Vise Grips you're limited by how tight you can get it and still get it locked down. I've used my 7" Cobras as stud removers when neither a 3-cam stud remover nor Vise Grips could.

 

[T45]

I've had issues in the field witha sheared bolts before, so If a cobra could deal with that its good to know.

Those are the kind of data points I was looking for in this thread.

 

[Farmall450]

I've had issues in the field witha sheared bolts before, so If a cobra could deal with that its good to know.

Those are the kind of data points I was looking for in this thread.

I think it has to do a lot with the teeth too. I've had plenty of Vise Grips locked tight, only to have the (typically round) fastener start to tear/Vise Grips start to slip. I think lots of little teeth, like the Cobra's have, is beneficial in that aspect.

 

[DodgeMech]

i must not use my cobras properly...i can never get them to "lock onto" anything...don't get me wrong, they'll grip the **** out of something, and tear it up...when they do slip off...

as far as vice grips go(**** you copyright office), i'd think the best ones to get these days is either the grip ons, or the snap on branded grip ons...unless you can get some NOS old US made Peterson vice grips