Knipex Handles Musings

[mobiledynamics]

Out of the all Knipex, I really displike the Comfort grips. I bought them way back and upon receipt, I find them too thick and the durometer is not adding =comfort= to them. In a recent video feed I was watching, I saw one cutter he liked for Romex and the Sorts. Even those, call me old school. I still prefer the Ideal Super T as I like the semi curved handle on it, and also the less metal bulk of it as well for it's intended function of stripping, cutting up in mass.....sure I still want a nice heavy duty linesesman if I want to twist.

Any fans of the Comfort Grips ?
In the spectrum of electrical wiring tools (similar to the Knipex Install Pliers or the Milwaukee copycat), do you guys favor this larger tool vs. the -older school- Ideal/Klein variants.

 

[BrandonV]

Dipped grips only gang. Klein, Knipex, anything...

Hell, I prefer metal handles, but you know these days you might have second thoughts as you're twisting wire.

 

[bcradio]

I bought a bunch of knipex comfort electrical grip pliers and hate them. I like standard grips

 

[ItsNemo]

Dipped here, I have one pair of knipex comfort grips and see no point to them, they're just bulky with little to no benefit in the comfort department.

 

[neophyte]

I mostly prefer the ultra thick dipped 1000v handles, but those are only available on a small number of pliers.
I can understand why the dual component Knipex grips might not appeal to everyone.
A lit of people just prefer regular dipped grips.

 

[Muckin_Slusher]

Don't like them. I've a set of cobras and I want to remove the thick handles.
What's the easy way other than a razorblade? Boiling water help?

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I have several pairs of Knipex and the only ones with comfort grips are my lineman's pliers - I hate it (love the pliers though). The standard grips are so much better.

 

[Dave455]

Not a fan of comfort grips.

The problem is, that plier manufacturers don’t really seem to understand how their tools are actually used.

They think that users grip them like this.


When in reality, apart from sometimes gripping cutters this way, you seldom do.

Most of the time, you actually grip them like this, and with comfort grips there’s seldom enough room for your second finger, and even if there is, there’s no fine control.


The only grips I might sometimes prefer are the plain metal. Either on chrome tools like these cutters, or even on plain steel tools.

You can get these covered in grit, grease, brake fluid etc. There’s no damage to the handles and they’re easy to wipe down.

Again though, the makers don’t understand why people buy these, and seem to think it’s some sort of “economy” measure, when in reality I’d be prepared to pay more for a more durable tool.

 

[f121]

For me it depends on the size. For small stuff, like these small cutters (70-110) or needle nose pliers, I prefer the red dipped handles:



For bigger stuff like combination pliers or bigger cutters, I prefer the comfort grips. I just ordered a second pair of these (03 02 180) because they’re great to use:

 

[grumpychevy]

I have several Knipex Pliers of all sorts and I much prefer the comfort grip as I have large hands and they just feel better. I also have dipped handle Cobras as well as plastic handle Pliers Wrench’s and like them well enough that I’m not going to spend the money to repurchase them for the comfort grip handle versions. It would be nice if changing handle types (at a reasonable price) were an option, as some pliers are only available with dipped handles and some people change there mind after using them and want different than they originally purchased.

 

[Steve_P]

For Knipex, I only have the comfort grip in the Cobolt pliers- and I actually prefer it on them. I have one that wasn't available with comfort grip, for some reason, so I have a comparison. I have some NWS pliers with comfort grip that I use for clean work, and like those also. The other 90% of the pliers I have are dipped handles. All of my smaller pliers have dipped handles.

This has been a topic multiple times before here, and most prefer dipped for easy cleanup.

 

[richfinn]

I like the comfort grips, the vinyl coatings eventually split and peel off, I've got big hands though and they might not be for everyone.

 

[Farmall450]

For me it depends on the size. For small stuff, like these small cutters (70-110) or needle nose pliers, I prefer the red dipped handles:



For bigger stuff like combination pliers or bigger cutters, I prefer the comfort grips. I just ordered a second pair of these (03 02 180) because they’re great to use:

Makes sense for a lineman plier when you're putting some force on them. Too bulky for me when I'm working in tight areas, but that'll never be with lineman's pliers.

 

[Wamsutta]

I was very disappointed in the handles of the 10-inch pliers wrench. I thought they were going to be the same configuration as the handles of the 10-inch Cobra. Not at all. The pliers wrench handles are skinny and have an uncomfortable configuration. The Cobra handles are a 1000 times more comfortable than the pliers wrench.

 

[Steve_P]

I don't have a preference between the PW and Cobra handle size, never noticed a difference using them, but I do like the textured grip on the Cobra. I have no idea why they don't use that on the PW as well.

Most of my PWs are the initial "heavyweight" design, so I'll have to compare them to the Cobras.

 

[assassin10000]

The black atramentized have the textured grip on my plier wrenches. The chrome have the smooth vinyl.

 

[39 LaSalle]

As a rule, I prefer naked or the textured dipped handles on my pliers. However, when I was redoing the upholstery on my vintage car, I bought the Knipex comfort grip angled head diagonals and was glad I did. When you're cutting through hundreds of hog rings for a project, those thicker handles sure went a long way to insuring I had no fatigue.

 

[T45]

Comfort grips have their time and place mainly in high leverage cutters, if you are doing a big project cutting hard stuff. For general use, I prefer the regular grips, since they pack alot better in the tool cart and in mobile kits.

 

[ItsNemo]

I don't have a preference between the PW and Cobra handle size, never noticed a difference using them, but I do like the textured grip on the Cobra. I have no idea why they don't use that on the PW as well.

Most of my PWs are the initial "heavyweight" design, so I'll have to compare them to the Cobras.

I prefer the smooth dipped over the textured...easier to wipe down at the end of the day and grip is never a problem really.

 

[BlackVersa2]

I think 95% of my pliers are dipped grips, I have some vintage pliers with just bare steel grips, and a handful of comfort grip. The ones with the comfort grips had no other option (Irwin/NWS and NWS Ergo Combi).
I don't mind the comfort grip I just prefer dipped.

 

[KnurledNut]

Knipex preferences where I’ve found it makes a noticeable difference...

9” linemans: dipped (comfort grip bulky and restrictive, although better for pulling and shock-absorbing when cutting)

10" Cobras: comfort grip (more purchase when reefing, less fatiguing during extended or heavy use; once acclimated, the size quickly became preferred)

8" needle nose: 1000v comfort grip (bolsters provide useful thumb rest aiding tactile feel and control; fills out the somewhat uncomfortable narrow profile that plagues the dipped pattern)

My overall favorite grip style is only used on one tool and its hardly ever mentioned, the SmartGrip auto-adjusting Cobras.
A hard durometer molded single component grip, smooth finish combined with a large textured panel on each spine. Durable, long profile extends further up the pliers offering more grip range, well balanced, easy to clean, very comfortable, texture where needed. Just a well-engineered grip.
Its a pity its limited to this one tool. It could certainly benefit others, especially the Pliers Wrench and standard Cobras.

 

[F-22]

Would be interestng to see where Knipex sells more of which type of pliers. Over here in central Europe I'd say a lot of people go for "comfort grip" versions.

Similarly with ratchets, I remember reading some older Hazet, Stahlwille and Gedore catalogues - the ratchets with an all metal grip were called the "American version", cause the ones for their domestic market were mainly using some kind of rubber/plastic grip.

On combination pliers I prefer the comfort grip. They adda bit of a bolster on top whoch makes it much easier to "push" on stuff with them. Hand slide off of regular grips. I know this is not a common case of usage but I do sometimes find it handy.

Personally I don't find either considerably more comfortable, but I think each has its uses. I do find it easier to squeeze the thicker comfort grips compared to the dipped grips.

 

[bpwoodworking]

I hate comfort grips, I don't know when having big goofy handles is preferable to having thin handles which can get into tight spaces. They also take up more room in the boxes.

 

[silkman]

Everyone: Its a European thing, dont worry. We like the comfort grip. When you squeeze hard with a pliers or a cutter, the big grips are infinitely better than a thin grip that pains your palm and fingers.


I have both of the tools you have. I think the chromed pliers wrench is different because its meant to be used more in the wet. I don't feel the cobra material works well with water (and the black finish will eventually rust) but it works better around oily stuff (eg working on a car) thats why most Knipex car tools come with it. Just my opinion.

EDIT: Just checked the Knipex website. Apparently all chromed tools get the bright red coating and the black ones get the other type. There are also chromed Cobras with the bright red coating. Not all retailers carry the full range, I've never seen a chromed Cobra in a shop.

I was very disappointed in the handles of the 10-inch pliers wrench. I thought they were going to be the same configuration as the handles of the 10-inch Cobra. Not at all. The pliers wrench handles are skinny and have an uncomfortable configuration. The Cobra handles are a 1000 times more comfortable than the pliers wrench.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I started with dipped grips, like the Channellocks and Kleins, but I’ve learned at my shop that the comfort/composite grips just work better. I can really get a solid grip on the pliers and fatigue isn’t an issue. Personally I’m a bigger fan of the NWS handles than the Knipex ones.

 

[Wamsutta]

Everyone: Its a European thing, dont worry. We like the comfort grip. When you squeeze hard with a pliers or a cutter, the big grips are infinitely better than a thin grip that pains your palm and fingers.


I have both of the tools you have. I think the chromed pliers wrench is different because its meant to be used more in the wet. I don't feel the cobra material works well with water (and the black finish will eventually rust) but it works better around oily stuff (eg working on a car) thats why most Knipex car tools come with it. Just my opinion.

EDIT: Just checked the Knipex website. Apparently all chromed tools get the bright red coating and the black ones get the other type. There are also chromed Cobras with the bright red coating. Not all retailers carry the full range, I've never seen a chromed Cobra in a shop.

It's not just the handle covering that the issue. It's shape of the handles themselves.

Why couldn't Knipex make the pliers wrench with the same handles as the Cobra?

 

[bpwoodworking]

This set is similar to the cobra.

 

[AEAdam]

I prefer the comfort grips on KNIPEX. I think it’s better to have a wider grip to reduce the pressure in your palm. My Klein journeymen pliers have similar grips and I like those.

But to be honest, best are the Snap On grips. The steel part is wide, and the grip is a foam, which doesn’t feel clumsy like the comfort grips can.

Sorry if I’m repeating myself: I bought a bunch of KNIPEX pliers based on GJ posts. It’s an emperors new clothes thing for me. KNIPEX just aren’t great pliers. They have a couple innovative designs, but I find them generally pretty mediocre. Snap On pliers are best I’ve used. The handles are better, the machinings are better, jaws are harder, stiffer.

 

[bpwoodworking]

I’ve been pretty happy with Knipex but I think their strength tends to be in snap ring pliers, pliers wrench/cobra. The standard pliers tend to be pretty similar to Klein.

I might try out some snap on if I get the bug to own more pliers.

 

[f121]

I might try out some snap on if I get the bug to own more pliers.

I’ve been very disappointed with every set of snap on pliers or cutters I’ve bought, compared to knipex. The snap on ones are mega stiff, feel like they’ve already been in a wet toolbox for 20 years. Knipex are just more precise and nicer to use.

 

[Dave455]

I’ve been very disappointed with every set of snap on pliers or cutters I’ve bought, compared to knipex. The snap on ones are mega stiff, feel like they’ve already been in a wet toolbox for 20 years. Knipex are just more precise and nicer to use.

Snap On can be stiff from new, but they break in with use, after which they are about perfect. Sometimes you even need to work them a bit (without lubricant) to break them in.

Knipex are great when new, but can get a bit too loose over time.

The Snap On are probably designed more for heavy use, especially the snipe nose.

 

[bpwoodworking]

All things considered I’d probably go with Keiba for some more. I have a small set of snips from them and they’re pretty good.

Overall pretty happy with knipex though.

 

[AEAdam]

The really great thing about Knipex is that they make a dizzying array of pliers. Pliers are super personal tools. They have to feel right and fit your work and work style.

Sometimes the jaw length to handle length hits a sort of sweet spot. For me, Knipex “assembly pliers” really fit me and my work.

Knipex 8" Assembly Pliers (half-round jaws) - Plastic Grip

Knipex 8" Assembly Pliers (half-round jaws) - Plastic Grip - high quality German engineering at the lowest price

www.kctool.com

I like the duck bill versions as well.

 

[f121]

Snap On can be stiff from new, but they break in with use, after which they are about perfect. Sometimes you even need to work them a bit (without lubricant) to break them in.

Knipex are great when new, but can get a bit too loose over time.

The Snap On are probably designed more for heavy use, especially the snipe nose.

I’ve seen people say that a few times on here (usually in response to my moaning), but the issue is they feel so horrible I have no desire to use them, when I could use a knipex pair that are great. On the bright side, most of my snap on cutters/pliers are box fresh!

Was thinking of this when I picked up my most used pair of so cutters this afternoon, and you’re right, they’ve loosened up over the last 10-15years, and are definitely heavier duty than my similar knipex pair, but everytime I use them, they just don’t feel nice. I’d rather spend £15-20 on knipex every 3 years than one set of snap on that annoy me for a decade!

 

[Dave455]

I’ve seen people say that a few times on here (usually in response to my moaning), but the issue is they feel so horrible I have no desire to use them, when I could use a knipex pair that are great. On the bright side, most of my snap on cutters/pliers are box fresh!

Was thinking of this when I picked up my most used pair of so cutters this afternoon, and you’re right, they’ve loosened up over the last 10-15years, and are definitely heavier duty than my similar knipex pair, but everytime I use them, they just don’t feel nice. I’d rather spend £15-20 on knipex every 3 years than one set of snap on that annoy me for a decade!

Yes, the newer Snap On designs seem to suffer more than the older ones in this regard.

I have the last of the classic “Vacuum Grip” designs. They are probably the finest pliers ever made and were perfect from new, but the current models are not as well made.

Ultimately, there are many choices out there. As well as Knipex, Facom and Tsunoda both represent excellent quality / value at present I think. Snap On have got very expensive over the last few years.

 

[f121]

Ultimately, there are many choices out there. As well as Knipex, Facom and Tsunoda both represent excellent quality / value at present I think.

How do you get on with Facom pliers/cutters? I’ve started using a bit of Facom over the last year and been very impressed with everything I’ve tried so far.

 

[Dave455]

How do you get on with Facom pliers/cutters? I’ve started using a bit of Facom over the last year and been very impressed with everything I’ve tried so far.

To be honest, they are very nice.

I like the different options that are available for grips. I don’t know if it’s a result of German standardisation, but it seems that every German manufacturer offers oversize comfort grips or dip coated grips, both softer than ideal.

Facom offer their pliers with these grips, which are just a little thicker than regular dip coating, but are a much more durable hard plastic.

The styling is quite modern, different to Knipex (or even British tools) but the standard of fit and finish is very high. Possibly a bit nicer than Knipex, certainly as regards finish, but the range of tools available is nothing like Knipex.

I also replaced the pliers in my road box with these. They’re chromed, which I don’t generally like but work in a road box. The grips work better for me than the Chrome Knipex.

 

[Squankum]

Absolutely a fan of comfort grip on Knipex whenever possible, but like many others who say this, I have large hands.

 

[oldpliers1]

Out of the all Knipex, I really displike the Comfort grips. I bought them way back and upon receipt, I find them too thick and the durometer is not adding =comfort= to them. In a recent video feed I was watching, I saw one cutter he liked for Romex and the Sorts. Even those, call me old school. I still prefer the Ideal Super T as I like the semi curved handle on it, and also the less metal bulk of it as well for it's intended function of stripping, cutting up in mass.....sure I still want a nice heavy duty linesesman if I want to twist.

Any fans of the Comfort Grips ?
In the spectrum of electrical wiring tools (similar to the Knipex Install Pliers or the Milwaukee copycat), do you guys favor this larger tool vs. the -older school- Ideal/Klein variants.

Being a long time electrical contractor I have always liked the vde grip the 1000volt rating is good insurance. The comfort grips I think are great and at a good price point ,if your not doing electrical work , but the comfort grip offers good insulation properties though not rated ( nothing was vde rated when I started in the trade ) I bought the comfort grip 8 inch combination pliers as gifts for my neighbours and friends when they come on special on Amazon. Nice quality tools . Here’s a photo of a pair I bought along time ago when they only offered one type of handle ( in the 80s )

 

[oldpliers1]

To be honest, they are very nice.

I like the different options that are available for grips. I don’t know if it’s a result of German standardisation, but it seems that every German manufacturer offers oversize comfort grips or dip coated grips, both softer than ideal.

Facom offer their pliers with these grips, which are just a little thicker than regular dip coating, but are a much more durable hard plastic.

The styling is quite modern, different to Knipex (or even British tools) but the standard of fit and finish is very high. Possibly a bit nicer than Knipex, certainly as regards finish, but the range of tools available is nothing like Knipex.

I also replaced the pliers in my road box with these. They’re chromed, which I don’t generally like but work in a road box. The grips work better for me than the Chrome Knipex.

I’m glad you give the Facom stuff a decent rating , the current range is a mixture of Stanley / Sidchrome and facom the designs are of the side cutters are from Sidchrome and the product is sold in the pacific as Sidchrome , I think the facom / Sidchrome finish is far better than the Stanley. ( the old facom pre Stanley tool companies offerings were quite unique to todays offerings ) thanks for the post.