Knipex 7.25" Pliers Wrench

[Wamsutta]

Would you get the regular grips or the comfort grips?

I'm used to the regular grips on the 7.25" Cobra pliers and like them just fine. I'm kind of afraid I'd lose dexterity with the bulky comfort grips.

 

[macgee]

I have both and prefer the regular rubber grip. The comfort grip feels a bit bulky and not very cushy or as grippy as the regular grip which is also cheaper. However, if I had to use the pliers full time for hours at a time on a regular basis, then maybe I could see the comfort grip being beneficial.

The comfort grip can be more comfortable when applying lots of force but you also lose some dexterity and its bulky.

EDIT: If you order new ones, make sure it's the latest version with measuring marks on the tool. Many on sale right now are the older version without the marks on them.

 

[bwringer]

Regular grips, every time.

Comfort grips take up too much space in the drawer and in the hand, and they get in the way of reaching stuff sometimes. They also seem to be more fragile and less chemical resistant.

And honestly, I've never thought "comfort" grips were comfortable, either. Opinions will vary.

 

[M6erfan]

I have both styles. Regular plastic grips.

 

[darkzero]

I also prefer the regular grips.

On top of that I don't like the red blue color combo. Something about them that makes me feel like they look cheap.

 

[u2slow]

Regular grips here for the one that lives in my coveralls' pocket.

The bigger set we have at work has the bulky grip... gets in the way for sideways clearance more than I like.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I’ve used both I like the regular. I don’t like bulky handles like that. But I would use both as both feels good to me.


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[GForceJunky]

Regular grips for sure! Have the pliers wrenches in every size (yup...the tiny ones all the way to the monstrous ones) and regular grip is the way to go. The comfort grip is too bulky and way less dexterous, especially when trying to fumble with them one-handed while you hold something else with your other hand.

 

[measuredtwice]

The comfort grip is bulkier, especially on the 7 inch. The bulkier grip might not fit some storage racks... also might not slide in or out of a pocket or roll as easily as the dipped.

I'm not so picky but I think I like the dipped handles best on the 7 inch... and either is okay for me on the 10 inch.

The comfort grips are a slightly different on the 7 inch compared to the 10 inch.

 

[darkzero]

Have the pliers wrenches in every size (yup...the tiny ones all the way to the monstrous ones)

Same here! Good to know I'm not a weirdo. Well maybe I still am.

Mine are all the old version.

 

[GForceJunky]

Same here! Good to know I'm not a weirdo. Well maybe I still am.

Mine are all the old version.

Nope, not weird at all. Would be weird *not* to have the complete set. Also have all the old style and have used all of them with some regularity except the biggest set, though it does see use now and then for sure. Saw a lot more use when I was refreshing the heating system in our hundred year old house (2-pipe steam system).

 

[M635_Guy]

Another vote for classic/regular grips

 

[pizza]

it's all personal preference. i don't think you'll know what you like without trying and using them all. sorry!

i prefer the multi-component (comfort) grips. the bulk's never gotten in the way, and i feel like i have more control over the tool. it's also very comfortable when squeezing the hell out of it (which i tend to do, especially with pliers wrench). after trying them all, i'll definitely only buy MC grips from now on assuming MC is available in the size and tool i want.

the regular grips are also fine though. here are my thoughts on them:

for pliers wrench, the regular grip is smooth. looks like a sleeve they slide on rather than a dip. sure does clean up easy, but imo it's a little TOO smooth.

for cobra, the regular grip is a dip. functionally, i think it's superior to the pliers wrench regular grip. it has a very pleasing texture. nice and grippy. i have only one like this (125mm), and the main thing i don't like about it is how smelly it is. major plastic VOCs even after washing with soap and water. my hand smells like it after using the tool. not a huge deal for most people i'm sure, but i'm funny about smells sometimes, and it grosses me out a little.

 

[Meursault74]

Which style of handle is less likely to have hair stick to it?

 

[Dave455]

I have the regular ‘dip coated’ grips on all of mine, and have had no issues. I think I’d stick with these in any sort of greasy or dirty environment as they are nice to use and easy to wipe down.

I prefer the smooth dip coated grips on the pliers wrench to the rough texture version on the Cobra’s.

Choosing plated or phosphate finish is a tougher call. I have gone for plated, but on my really old adjustable wrenches, the unplated tools have actually lasted better, as you can stone out any area of damage. Damaged plating stays damaged.

I'm not so picky but I think I like the dipped handles best on the 7 inch... and either is okay for me on the 10 inch.

measuredtwice - it looks like you have both plated and phosphate tools, in both grip styles!

Sir - you win my total respect! Though I can see how it could happen...

 

[GForceJunky]

I agree with Dave's sentiment that the smooth dip is generally preferable to the rough dip due to ease of cleaning if nothing else. The textured grip is nice and definitely a bit grippier but I've never used the smooth ones and though to myself "man, I wish these had more grip". Haha

 

[rambler]

No comfort grips in my Knipex pliers wrench collection. Never really a fan of comfort grip handles and like the feel of the regular handles

Here’s the rest of my Knipex pliers collection. My favourite has to be the Knipex 13” Swedish pipe wrenches and I planned on adding the two bigger sizes soon (17” + 22”)

 

[Rarified27]

Another vote for regular handles on the pliers wrench.

I do have a pair of comfort grip long nose I got on mega sale when Lowe's dumped Knipex for Southwire and I don't find any particular advantage to them unless they're in your hand for hours at a time.

 

[measuredtwice]

...measuredtwice - it looks like you have both plated and phosphate tools, in both grip styles!

Sir - you win my total respect! Though I can see how it could happen...

HaHa! I pulled the photo from a store because I thought it would be helpful to see how they compare side by side. I do have a few but not all of them... yet.

 

[ElusiveKandyDC]

Other...

Black atramentized finish


Comes with the same textured grips as the Cobra's.

Perfection IMO



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[CS454]

Regular grips, as many have already stated.

 

[juddspaintballs]

I have comfort grips on all of mine and I like them. I have the regular dipped ones on some lesser used Knipex items like my C clip pliers. I have no issues with the comfort grips and they're a lot easier to hold on in the cold while wearing some warmer (bulkier) gloves.

 

[PelicanPines]

Regular... comfort grips feel weird.

 

[lilscorpion]

My first set was a cushioned and I liked it. My second was non-cushioned and liked it way more. Feels like i have a better grip on the pliers and they're more nimble in my hand. Now I have every size and a multiple of a few of the sizes in the regular grip version. They might be the best wrenches ever made. My son, now 17, only uses them and thinks regular wrenches don't make any sense.

 

[Indexmill]

Does anybody prefer bare handles? Most of my Channellocks are older bare handle, non-plated and they are great. You can feel well enough to pull a splinter.

 

[H10FSD]

Regular on all my knipex

 

[Jackfre]

Funny Knipex story. Probably 20 yrs ago or so my partner and I were the factory reps for the six New England States. We were independent Manuf Reps. Our sample cases arrived and opening them, they were like jewelry. We had difficulty getting them into distribution in the P&H/HVAC trades and really the problem was that we simply weren't spending enough time with them as our business was mostly equipment lines. The Sales Manager was a friend of my partners. We discussed the line and felt that our lack of effort was holding the product out of the market. It wasn't fair to the company so we decided to resign the line the following week at the big National Trade Show. The Sales manager thanked us and we suggested a couple reps he should interview whose lines were complimentary to Knipex. He sent us a nice note after the show again thanking us and said, "Just send the sample cases back..." I was shocked and aghast. It cost us $3300 to drop the line, but there was no way I was parting with those tools. I have the regular grips on my 9" and the fatties on the smaller.

 

[islandkent]

Well while were on the subject of these super pliers. I know this is a loaded question but if you were to have only one pair of these what size would you pick up for general mechanic fab work? I'm going to pick up a pair to try them out and go from there. Or should I just pick up one of those triple packs for Amazon. What sizes for the three pack??

Please and thanks.

 

[Dave455]

Well while were on the subject of these super pliers. I know this is a loaded question but if you were to have only one pair of these what size would you pick up for general mechanic fab work? I'm going to pick up a pair to try them out and go from there. Or should I just pick up one of those triple packs for Amazon. What sizes for the three pack??

Please and thanks.

Probably the 10 inch.

The first I bought were this size and I reckon they are about right for general work.

I ended up leaving mine in my road bag as I use them almost daily. Not wanting duplicates, I bought 7 1/2 inch and 12 inch for my main box. Probably use the 7 1/2 inch almost as much as the 10 inch, but if I only had one pair it would be the 10 inch.

 

[so2315]

Well while were on the subject of these super pliers. I know this is a loaded question but if you were to have only one pair of these what size would you pick up for general mechanic fab work? I'm going to pick up a pair to try them out and go from there. Or should I just pick up one of those triple packs for Amazon. What sizes for the three pack??

Please and thanks.

I've seen where most recommend getting the 10" pair if you will only have one set. I just ordered mine off of Amazon.

 

[Dave455]

I was tempted, last year, by the set of 6 inch pliers wrench and 5 inch cobra’s in a pouch.

The combination of these, and a decent bit driver, gives you an awful lot of capability in a very small package.

 

[islandkent]

Thanks guys! Going head over to the big A and use my prime. Thanks again. Have to start somewhere. And by the way everybody that has a pair of these talk about them I might as well give them a try.
Once more thanks for the quick response guys.

Done deal. Here Thursday.

 

[darkzero]

Well while were on the subject of these super pliers. I know this is a loaded question but if you were to have only one pair of these what size would you pick up for general mechanic fab work? I'm going to pick up a pair to try them out and go from there. Or should I just pick up one of those triple packs for Amazon. What sizes for the three pack??

Please and thanks.

I agree with the others.

I have every single size (and for the Cobras), I find myself using the 7" the most but for general use, I don't work on cars for a living anymore.

If I could only have one I would choose the 10". The very first Knipex I ever bought was a 10" Cobra off the Matco truck. I used that one for over 10 yrs before buying any more other sizes.

 

[kngelv]

I like the regular grips. As an electrician the comfort grips feel too much like insulated tools yet they are not insulated. That just bothers me. If I’m using a fat handled tool it better be insulated.

James

 

[islandkent]

10" on the way Darkzero. Thanks for the input.

 

[darkzero]

 

[Bradc1989]

I’ve always thought the comfort grips look like cheap pliers,or toys. Idk, I don’t like ratchets with the like rubber handle on the end either

 

[KnurledNut]

Have to start somewhere. And by the way everybody that has a pair of these talk about them I might as well give them a try.

Theres a little bit of a learning curve to them, but once mastered, they are excellent. Especially being able to "ratchet another bite" with them. Keep in mind, they dont completely replace the simplicity of an adjustable wrench in certain applications.

 

[islandkent]

Thanks KN I'll give the christening once I receive them.

 

[islandkent]

Well a day early! Purolator! Well sort of free shipping. Well worth the entry fee. lol
Just played around with them. Very well made. Working according to plan. Glad everybody suggested the 10 " pair. Right comfortable in the hand. I could see my self getting a bigger pair but this pair seems like it could do some small work. So very happy with this size for starters. Love the handle. Put it on a 3/4" T fitting. Grabbed it very securely. More than the adjustable would do. With the no marr gripping jaws will be a nice addition to my chest. Time will tell if I find myself reaching for these things. I doubted those ratcheting wrenches for years. Thought they were a gimmick but since I bought a set of Gearwrenches I've been using them steady. The Knipex hopefully will be the same. Thanks for everybody input on this well timed thread. I didn'y mean to hijack this thread.
Sorry Wamsutta