Knipex Cobra 150 or 180?

[Vril]

I bought the 10" (250) Cobra a few months ago and I have been very impressed. So much so that now I am looking to get them in a smaller size as well.
Considering fit, weight, torque, overall robustness and usability, which size is best for a smaller pair of pliers? Side by side comparison pictures will be appreciated.

 

[ste6168]

Not sure what your application is, but I use the 180 more than anything else. I’ll post some size comparison pics for you shortly.

Edit for pics... Let me know if you'd like any other specific details. I know you didn't ask for the 300s but included those, for comparison anyway. The 300s and the 125s I have are both basically brand new. If you couldn't guess, I much prefer the comfort grips to the dipped handles. Like the guy below mentioned, they are sometimes cheaper, per pliers, if you buy in a set (but not always)... Also included the two pairs of accompanying pliers wrench I have, I can't ever foresee a time where I would need the 250 pliers wrench, so I don't own that size.






2nd Edit - Those two smallest belong to the same "tool kit" and it still bothers me that the dipped handles are not the same type/style/material. Seems odd to me the Cobras are different than the rest of the Knipex dipped handles. Not that it matters in actual use.

 

[dacan23]

Like you I bought one pair way back, always wanted a 2nd pair to stash in another location, just bought the set instead.

Amazon.com

 

[Iridium rand]

2nd Edit - Those two smallest belong to the same "tool kit" and it still bothers me that the dipped handles are not the same type/style/material. Seems odd to me the Cobras are different than the rest of the Knipex dipped handles. Not that it matters in actual use.

I’m not 100% on if both options are available on both models but you can tell ahead of time by the model number, one number is the type of plier, one is the handle type and one is the length. Bothers the hell out of me too one of my pairs is that rough plastic which I really don’t like, but not enough to bother returning for another one either

 

[Iridium rand]

the 180 is by far more useful, less than that and it’s tough to put much force on them but if you intend to keep em in your pocket regularly then I’d factor in which one fits more comfortably

 

[KnurledNut]

The 180 was my most used until i got the 150.
I EDC the 150. It gets used all the time.
Ill usually jump up to the 250 if I need bigger, even though I have multiple 180s.

 

[ElusiveKandyDC]

180's all day

 

[dnschmidt]

Pikers, Get them all. This is Garage Journal after all!!!!

 

[hoston23]

I have one of each size. I use them all pretty often..

 

[dnschmidt]

I have one of each size. I use them all pretty often..

Now that's the spirit.

 

[DerekV]

The correct answer is all of them

 

[CS454]

I own one pair of 10" and 3 pairs of 7"/180mm.

The 180 is the jam.

 

[Olafur]

Since you already have the 250 I would pick the smaller one. But of course, this being Garage Journal the only correct answer is - both!

 

[visionguru]

I have 12"(300), 10"(250), and 7"(180). It's cheaper to buy a set, and you don't know which size is proper until you need it.

 

[Olafur]

As it happens I have two 250mm cobras. And as weird as it may sound - I have never considered getting the smaller versions. Haven't seen the need for them.

 

[ste6168]

As it happens I have two 250mm cobras. And as weird as it may sound - I have never considered getting the smaller versions. Haven't seen the need for them.

Majority of the repliers above disagree with you, so now youll need to get the smaller size! LOL

 

[rick carpenter]

I'm not sure how thick the 150mm Cobras are, but you might find them helpful for adjusting the attitude of a receptacle as you push it into the box. Because they're only 1/4" thick, a pair of 6" Irwin GrooveLock v-jaws live in my electric bag so I don't ever have to rely on the receptacles' mounting strap ears to make them sit flush. Very handy. For other work I have a pair of 180mm Cobras, various large size pairs of Crescent/Channellock regular & v-jaws, and a pair of 250mm Pliers Wrenches. I hate the Alligator-style pliers.

 

[Sal Bandini]

I have one of each size. I use them all pretty often..

Do you have the 100?