Help me choose some Knipex - Cobra & Plier Wrench

[BirdMobile]

Hey all...
I'm gettin' paid next week for all the haulin' *** I've been doing lately! (Idiocracy reference, for those who know! )

Anyway, it's time to upgrade my pliers. Between losing a pair of Channellocks, breaking my chinese ****-o-matic 6" ones, and deciding that another pair of slip joint really needs to live in the car rather than my toolbox, I'm in need.

Thinking of buying 2 pair of pliers. I've decided it just has to be Knipex - no Irwin or Channellock this time. I want a Cobra and a Plier Wrench.

I'm thinking either 10" or 12" Cobras, leaning toward the larger size since it's going to be used mainly for automotive work, and if it gets to the point I need teeth, I like some leverage too. I don't know if I want the standard or comfort grips, please edumicate me on the pros/cons.

I'm thinking 10" on the Plier Wrench, seems like a good size considering what I work on... but I could probably be talked into the 7" instead if a compelling argument is made. Another "don't know" on the standard vs. comfort grip decision... I'm leaning toward comfort grip on this one, possibly for irrational "it just seems right" reasons. Please persuade me one way or the other.

Any input is greatly appreciated!
Thank you.

 

[KCT_Jordan]

Hey all...
I'm gettin' paid next week for all the haulin' *** I've been doing lately! (Idiocracy reference, for those who know! )

Anyway, it's time to upgrade my pliers. Between losing a pair of Channellocks, breaking my chinese ****-o-matic 6" ones, and deciding that another pair of slip joint really needs to live in the car rather than my toolbox, I'm in need.

Thinking of buying 2 pair of pliers. I've decided it just has to be Knipex - no Irwin or Channellock this time. I want a Cobra and a Plier Wrench.

I'm thinking either 10" or 12" Cobras, leaning toward the larger size since it's going to be used mainly for automotive work, and if it gets to the point I need teeth, I like some leverage too. I don't know if I want the standard or comfort grips, please edumicate me on the pros/cons.

I'm thinking 10" on the Plier Wrench, seems like a good size considering what I work on... but I could probably be talked into the 7" instead if a compelling argument is made. Another "don't know" on the standard vs. comfort grip decision... I'm leaning toward comfort grip on this one, possibly for irrational "it just seems right" reasons. Please persuade me one way or the other.

Any input is greatly appreciated!
Thank you.

Glad to hear that you're looking to upgrade to Knipex! Whatever size/handle you end up buying I think you will be happy.

Cobra: The 10" (250mm) version are more popular from my experience, although everyone's working conditions vary. Often times with automotive work you find yourself in limited spaces ... I'd opt for the smaller size to start with. You may end up liking them so much you will want to complete the set with the smaller & larger sizes available (125mm - 560mm!)

As for the handles, it's personal preference. I like the 01 series handles (non-slip plastic coated) although if these are going to be subject to daily use (i.e. mechanic, contractor) I would opt for the 05 series (ComfortGrip). You lose dexterity with the ComfortGrips but gain comfort with long-term usage.

The Pliers Wrench ... check out this video. As with the Cobra's I would get the smaller of the two sizes first; I'd opt for the 7" over the 10" for your first pair. Consider the jaw width and the size of fasteners you will be working on. Please PM for additional info on specs.

You can't go wrong with any size/style Knipex!

 

[monomach]

I have the 10" cobras along with a couple of smaller ones. The 10" stay in my work box (automotive). I've never really run across anything at work I'd use T&G style pliers for that would need more leverage than they have. I'd save the money and just go with the 10s.

For the plier wrench, I only have 10". No one I know has a 7", so I've never gotten to try one out.

Cushion grips vs traditional dipped grips is always going to come down to each user's preference. It's gotta be what feels better for you. A lot of older guys I know who have arthritis switched all of their pliers to cushions because their wrecked hands don't have to squeeze the handles as far. I'm not old enough for that to be an issue, so I've always preferred the increased sensitivity of the normal grips. With big plastic grips, it never seems like I really "feel" what I'm doing with the jaws.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Glad to hear that you're looking to upgrade to Knipex! Whatever size/handle you end up buying I think you will be happy.

Cobra: The 10" (250mm) version are more popular from my experience, although everyone's working conditions vary. Often times with automotive work you find yourself in limited spaces ... I'd opt for the smaller size to start with. You may end up liking them so much you will want to complete the set with the smaller & larger sizes available (125mm - 560mm!)

As for the handles, it's personal preference. I like the 01 series handles (non-slip plastic coated) although if these are going to be subject to daily use (i.e. mechanic, contractor) I would opt for the 05 series (ComfortGrip). You lose dexterity with the ComfortGrips but gain comfort with long-term usage.

The Pliers Wrench ... check out this video. As with the Cobra's I would get the smaller of the two sizes first; I'd opt for the 7" over the 10" for your first pair. Consider the jaw width and the size of fasteners you will be working on. Please PM for additional info on specs.

You can't go wrong with any size/style Knipex!

You're on here!?!? Just placed an order for a single screwdriver from you to test out!

/Thread jack

 

[BirdMobile]

Thank you both for the feedback!

KCT_Jordan,
What would you say is the main reason you recommend the 7" Pliers Wrench over the 10" for my first purchase? Also, is the amount of "feel" you lose with the comfort grips as important with these (holding/crushing/clamping) as it is with the Cobras (Manipulating/Wrenching)?

 

[woodstockva]

I did reviews on the 10" models of both the Pliers Wrench & Cobras. They are both awesome tools. I would recommend the 10" versions if you only can choose one, it is the most useful all-around size I think.

Also, I liked the comfort grips, but they arent life-changing. Both styles of grips are fine.

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[JBradley500]

In my opinion I would get the 10" ES Cobras. They have a longer, narrower set of jaws, which seems to help me a lot when working on automotive stuff. I probably would go with the 7" pliers wrench for automotive work also. The 10" are pretty good sized and may not fit where you really need them to in vehicles.


Here's a pic of the ES Cobra design vs the normal Cobras.

 

[BirdMobile]

OK...
Doing more reading, I'm now leaning toward the 7" Pliers Wrench instead of the 10" model. They're about $10 more expensive though... WTF?
Those ES Cobras look great... is there a downside? Are they weaker or more prone to break?

 

[chipper]

I have the 7&10 PW and I tend to use the 7 more especially for things around the house and for the cobras I use the 10 all the time but have others as well

 

[BirdMobile]

One other question - Anyone own the 10" Raptors? Do you like them?

 

[JBradley500]

I don't know of a downside to the ES's. Maybe someone else may know of a problem. I wish all of my cobras had that head profile, though.

 

[kyrbz]

I have the 7", 10" & 12" plier wrenches. I use the 7" the most, but if I could only afford one, I'd probably go with the 10". IMO the Knipex Plier Wrench is a must have tool if you work on cars, motorcycles, or fabrication work. They're great for soft copper or aluminum bolts/nuts, tweaking or straightening sheet metal, holding or pinching things without scarring, and a multitude of other uses.

There's also a new micro size plier wrench out that I'd love to have in the tool kits of my motorcycles.

 

[BirdMobile]

No feedback on the Raptors? Looks like it might be the ultimate rusted bolt buster...

 

[Joe B.]

12" for the Cobra's. The head is about the same size while the handle is longer and heavier. I have all sized and I always reach for the 12" first. If you don't have 10" of clearance, you probably won't have 12" The window of benefits for having 2" less is very small.

 

[BFHtime]

The plies wrench is great but the cobras flex too much and are not as sturdy as Channel lock. I would get pliers wrench in more an one size and would get Channel locks instead of Cobras. When twisting they flex quite a bit. The jaws are also not deep enough to keep up with how far they open, very noticeable when working on pipes. They are smaller than Channelock so sometimes they fit where channel locks do not.
I have three pairs of Cobras, I tried to like them, but I found that I like he Channel locks more. The pliers wrench is fantastic though worth the expensive price, especially with AN fitting and other finish work.

 

[BirdMobile]

The plies wrench is great but the cobras flex too much and are not as sturdy as Channel lock. I would get pliers wrench in more an one size and would get Channel locks instead of Cobras. When twisting they flex quite a bit. The jaws are also not deep enough to keep up with how far they open, very noticeable when working on pipes. They are smaller than Channelock so sometimes they fit where channel locks do not.
I have three pairs of Cobras, I tried to like them, but I found that I like he Channel locks more. The pliers wrench is fantastic though worth the expensive price, especially with AN fitting and other finish work.

This was actually a bit of a shock to read... first real negative I've run across reading about thr Cobras. How bad is the flex? Anyone else here prefer the Channellocks too?

 

[PBCampbell]

For general use I prefer pump pliers with a coarser adjustment like Channelocks and Knipex Alligators for general use. I find them less fussy to get on a fastner. I do have the long nose Cobras however (10") and they are worthwhile in my opinion. I also have the Raptors and they also have been handy but I use them mostly for plumbing type fittings. I also have Pliers Wrenches in 7" & 10" and it would be tough for me to say which is the more useful. Primarily a plumbing tool but the parallel jaws come in handy for a lot of things. I've never wished for a larger size that I can recall though.

 

[Youngguns]

I have the 10" Plier Wrench and regret not getting a smaller size. They're useful, but for the stuff I work with the most, they're a little bulky. Think hard and long about what you'll be using them for.

 

[cyato]

9 times out of 10, it's the 7" PWs for me at work. The jaw capacity is really good for it's size, so the 10" PWs rarely have to come out. Of course it's great to have them all. The 6" (8605150) are small and handy too. Rather than getting the 3 pc set, I purchased the 6", 7" and 10" separately.

 

[FMC1959]

I have alligators, pliers wrench and cobras, all work great and cobras by far the most popular for Knipex. If you go on their page
http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=groups&parentID=1298&groupID=1368
and look at the QuickSet, ES, Cobramatic, SmartGrip, & Raptor are only available as 250 (10")....because if they are are going to make 1 size, this is the most popular. In the cobra, I have the 6, 7, 10, & 12". I grab the 6 & 7 very often, because I have them, if I had to only carry 1 in my tool box, probably the 10, it is the best all around.

If you are only going to get 1, check out the Quick Set, they adjust without having to press the button, very convenient. Also, the SmartGrip, work excellent. These are great quick 50 sec videos with Representative Steve, on various cobras, aligators & pliers wrnech

The 22" he shows are great for twisting someone's skull if they piss you off.

If you do not mind the Craftsman name on Knipex pliers, this is a great deal. I saw them yesterday in store for $35 or $37, and they are 100% made in Germany for Craftsman, has to be Knipex.
http://www.shopyourway.com/craftsman-2-pc-adjustable-pliers-set-7-in-10-in/291472

Add points and coupons, plus the convenience if you ever had a warranty exchange, you can get a 7 & 10 for less than a Knipex 10

As for the Pliers Wrench, didn't' use them much when I got one years ago but slowly found more uses and benefits, use them all the time now. Bought a 2nd 10" and waiting for a deal on a 7" at some point

 

[BFHtime]

I did not know that there was a 6 inch pliers wrench, I could use a smaller one for those tight spots. I really like the pliers wrench.

 

[BirdMobile]

Decisions made.

I finally decided I had the cash for 3 pairs of pliers. I was really torn on what Knipex to get... but a 5 minute conversation with Jordan over at KC Tool helped me answer the questions I had. He's very knowlegeable and helpful, and upgraded one pair of pliers free of charge! Superb customer service, I'll definitely order from him again!

Anyway, I ended up buying:

7" Pliers Wrench, Comfort Grip Handles
7" Cobras, Standard Plastic Handles
10" ES (Extra Slim) Cobras, Standard Plastic Handles

I have no buyers remorse at all, I think I chose my first Knipex carefully, based on my needs and the type of work I do.

I'm thinking that if these tools work out and are of the quality and utility everyone raves about, I'll be adding a 10" Pliers Wrench (CG) and 12" Cobra (SG) to the lineup in the not too distant future.

Thanks everyone for the feedback, and thanks kC Tool!

 

[FMC1959]

Good man! Once you get used to using them, they will be the first you reach for, hard to find anything wrong with them.

 

[T45]

Bumping this thread for any updates/?

 

[Gmonkee]

An old boss has Wurth rebrand Knipex, between the narrow jaws and that flex in the handles I never found reason to buy my own. That and the tiny teeth just don't bite like big ol' arc joint pliers do, at least among the quality ones.

Then my needs for a pliers like that are not for delicate tasks, I want a destructive brute if I have to reach for last option tools. An ancient Klien & sons 12" arc joint currently does my dirty work.

The two smallest sizes of PW do interest me however. I can see those replacing a few 'mostly adequate' other options I use when a fixed size wrench is not critical.

 

[winlinmac]

Was hoping to come across detailed feedback on the Knipex's Raptor Pliers. I have the Channellock Nutbusters, but they will mar the surface.

 

[jallyn]

Was hoping to come across detailed feedback on the Knipex's Raptor Pliers. I have the Channellock Nutbusters, but they will mar the surface.

I know an experienced maintenance guy who has them and loves all his Knipex including the Raptors. I agree with you they will not damage the fastener like ChannelLock Nutbusters. They are pricey but are a "one of a kind" tool, i.e. if you need them there are no other options / competitors.

 

[LB-1911]

Was hoping to come across detailed feedback on the Knipex's Raptor Pliers. I have the Channellock Nutbusters, but they will mar the surface.

Guys...I have the Raptors.

THEY KICK *** ON ROUND OBJECTS. Like shafts/pipes/tubes and what not. No marring*, the alligators/cobras will chew it up and the Pliers wrench slips.

Highly recommend. And the more downforce you put on them, the tighter they grip.

(The only thing better than these is those $500 3-clamp non-marr pipe wrench things.)

1 example I remember: I have used them on twisting out the handle of my #3 arbor press that was seized in holder cavity. A strap wrench was worthless, and anything else would've chewed it up.

*they can grip so darn tight, that if the work piece is on the softer side, I have seen the Raptor put a small dent in it. But still nothing compared to a pipe wrench/cobra/alligator.

Knipex Raptor Pliers - MADE IN GERMANY

 

[winlinmac]

Thank you for the feedback. I wanted some opinions from members here. I always take YouTube reviews with a grain of salt. Until I have the tool in my hands will I really know. You know what that means