knipex pliers breakdown

[dgxlh]

Can someone give me the rundown on the knipex pliers. I'm getting really interested in them (due to this place lol) and just want to know what might suit my needs more. I'm a mechanic so I'd use these for all kinds of things like prying things out, turning damaged bolts, pipe work, and all the other **** you do with pliers. Now the popular ones here seem to be the cobras and pliers wrench.

I really like the pliers wrench because it says they close parallel and that seems useful
I like the cobras for the jaws thay have. They look like they'd grab a damaged bolt really well.

So the point of all this is for the guys here that already own these to chime in and let me know what you use them for or don't use them for, suggestions on which direction I should take. Maybe I'm over thinking this but they are a bit expensive for me at this point so I just want to be well informed before making a purchase
thanks

 

[franzdom]

Start with the cobras, they are very easy to get into tighter spots, and are a lot more useful for automotive uses than the pliers wrench. They are almost like a needle nose pliers that can open really wide.

 

[Adam.C]

You picked the 2 best and most useful. I would get the bigger (mid sized) plier wrench and cobra for that matter for their longer handles. They still grip small stuff fine.

I can't wholeheartedly recommend the other KNIPEX. I think I prefer Snap On's pliers.

 

[NoahG]

I'm not a Knipex fan boy, as I still think Klein makes a better dike and Linesman pliers, but the Knipex Cobra is an awesome plier!

 

[Monte]

just buy them all

 

[Joe B.]

I'm not a Knipex fan boy, as I still think Klein makes a better dike and Linesman pliers, but the Knipex Cobra is an awesome plier!

I would call it a toss up on the dikes but I agree on the Linesman pliers and the Cobras.

The important think to know about Knipex is that everyone here will tell you to buy the Cobras over the Alligators. Everyone here is wrong. The Alligators are a better tool. I would explain why but if I do everyone will disagree with me.

 

[dgxlh]

Start with the cobras, they are very easy to get into tighter spots, and are a lot more useful for automotive uses than the pliers wrench. They are almost like a needle nose pliers that can open really wide.

I like that idea lol

 

[dgxlh]

You picked the 2 best and most useful. I would get the bigger (mid sized) plier wrench and cobra for that matter for their longer handles. They still grip small stuff fine.

I can't wholeheartedly recommend the other KNIPEX. I think I prefer Snap On's pliers.

Only other item I like is the mini bolt cutters. Seems like I could use them somewhere for something. If I don't get them I know I'll look back and say " if I only had those..."

just buy them all

That's what i was thinking. Seems the easiest. But my fiancé doesn't think the same way I do...if I could only fix that

 

[rice rocket]

I would call it a toss up on the dikes but I agree on the Linesman pliers and the Cobras.

The important think to know about Knipex is that everyone here will tell you to buy the Cobras over the Alligators. Everyone here is wrong. The Alligators are a better tool. I would explain why but if I do everyone will disagree with me.

I have the Alligators, but in 1000v insulated. I got 'em because they were on sale but have been looking for a set of the Cobras. Tell me I did the right thing so I don't have to buy another pair.

 

[dgxlh]

I would call it a toss up on the dikes but I agree on the Linesman pliers and the Cobras.

The important think to know about Knipex is that everyone here will tell you to buy the Cobras over the Alligators. Everyone here is wrong. The Alligators are a better tool. I would explain why but if I do everyone will disagree with me.

What are the alligators? Is that another knipex type?

 

[Fcvapor05]

What are the alligators? Is that another knipex type?

It's like the Cobra but with a more conventional slip joint instead of the rapid adjustment.

 

[franzdom]

Oh yes, the mini bolt cutters!

Download their catalog, it's a very interesting read!

http://www.knipex.com/en/contact-service/downloads/general-catalogue/

 

[Fcvapor05]

I would call it a toss up on the dikes but I agree on the Linesman pliers and the Cobras.

The important think to know about Knipex is that everyone here will tell you to buy the Cobras over the Alligators. Everyone here is wrong. The Alligators are a better tool. I would explain why but if I do everyone will disagree with me.

Why do you prefer the alligator over the cobra? I'm legitimately curious- I've got the two smallest sizes of alligators, and I've been thinking of getting a bigger pair, and was thinking of going to the cobra for those. Why is the alligator superior?

 

[owenst7]

What are the alligators? Is that another knipex type?

They're another box joint pump pliers but they use a pin instead of a button to adjust. The cobras are more convenient but the alligators are cheaper. I have both and use both (mine are different sizes). I think they're both light years ahead of lap joints for the application. They lock closed and grip tighter the harder you turn them. The teeth are also super sharp. Only thing I like lap joint pump pliers for is demo work where I'm prying or hitting them with a hammer.

I like the pliers wrench for plumbing fittings like brass hydro lines, AN fittings, HVAC, etc. Not really the right tool, but I've found they spread less than AN wrenches and obviously grip tighter. I use the pump pliers all the time though, so I'd say they are both worth having...in several sizes

 

[fatfillup]

Alligators jaws open wider the Cobra's. Cobra's are easier to adjust and more importantly, have more adjustment choices. I like their dykes and needle nose too. I had at least one pair of pliers wrench come through the store. Didn't trip my trigger enough to keep them for myself but they sure sold quickly so they obviously have a following.

Note, I have worn out many of the jaws on alligator pliers over the years as they are my go to pliers and most times they are being used as a pipe wrench. Not complaining and have always bought replacements because I like them that much (alligators and cobras)

 

[SASORacing]

I just got the 2612200SBA on Amazon for $29. I am going to compare them to my Matco collection (Matco rep), which I think will surpass.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I've got the dikes, mini bolt cutters, just got the "gripper" hose pliers, ordered the straight, 45 and 90 needlenoses, and I've got the 6" and 10" pliers wrenches. Oh, and the small cable snips.

I was pretty impressed with the pliers wrenches. Just for gits and shiggles I tried loosening an anchor for the lift... and it worked. They're not really the right tool for much of anything, but I've already used them in place of a line wrench when that wouldn't grip, and succeeded, with less gnarling on the fitting than visegrips.

 

[SASORacing]

The 2612200SBA long nose knipex have a flexible grade metal that allow them to bend. Allowing them to grip better/ more user feedback? We will see.

 

[bahcoswed]

I have donate all my alligators to my friends Personally I hate the alligators.....after i tried a cobra!


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[Altmech]

Their dikes are the best get the ultra leverage or whatever they are called. The longer ones. They are amazing for removing cotter pins and obviously for cutting. As for alligator vs cobras is a preference thing I have both and prefer the alligator but I can see why people like the button on the cobras. Both are greAt for what you use regular slip joint pliers for except they have a much better grip. I like their needle nose but prefer snapon for needle nose. Haven't tried pliers wrench or any other types but from the dikes and alligators/ cobras I have I can say I wouldn't hesitate to drop some coin on them

 

[dgxlh]

They're another box joint pump pliers but they use a pin instead of a button to adjust. The cobras are more convenient but the alligators are cheaper. I have both and use both (mine are different sizes). I think they're both light years ahead of lap joints for the application. They lock closed and grip tighter the harder you turn them. The teeth are also super sharp. Only thing I like lap joint pump pliers for is demo work where I'm prying or hitting them with a hammer.

I like the pliers wrench for plumbing fittings like brass hydro lines, AN fittings, HVAC, etc. Not really the right tool, but I've found they spread less than AN wrenches and obviously grip tighter. I use the pump pliers all the time though, so I'd say they are both worth having...in several sizes

From what this thread is telling me I'm thinking in the same direction lol

 

[MikeF2316]

I would call it a toss up on the dikes but I agree on the Linesman pliers and the Cobras.

The important think to know about Knipex is that everyone here will tell you to buy the Cobras over the Alligators. Everyone here is wrong. The Alligators are a better tool. I would explain why but if I do everyone will disagree with me.

Why do you prefer the alligator over the cobra? I'm legitimately curious- I've got the two smallest sizes of alligators, and I've been thinking of getting a bigger pair, and was thinking of going to the cobra for those. Why is the alligator superior?

I first bought a set of 10" Alligators and a set of 10" Cobras. I found myself always reaching for the Cobras. I'm also legitimately curious - let me know why I was wrong to get the other sizes of Cobras and retire my Alligators.

 

[Dave455]

Knipex make a huge range of stuff, of which the cobra and pliers wrench are just 2 models!

Their styles are European, so the models are different from what's available from U.S. makers, but that's not always a bad thing!

If you've never tried a pair of European style combination pliers then that would probably be where I'd start, and Knipex offer a huge selection of sizes, finishes and handle styles!

With regard to the pliers wrench, I'm tempted to say that anything I've managed without till now I can manage without a bit longer, but... I bought one and use it an awful lot! Great for working with square shafts on machines or vices, superb for small milling chucks and mill arbors, and to be honest has taken over from the adjustable in my traveling box!

 

[wafrederick]

I have the mini bolt cutters,Cobra pliers,snap ring pliers,lineman pliers and I like them.Their latest pliers they came out with,the hose clamp pliers are worth the money and I bought a pair.I use this pair a lot for the hose clamps a lot now.I purchased them through one auto parts store,Parts Plus for $94.95 from the tool flier.I know the guy that comes in to check on the stock order every Friday,tell him to get the item out as a cash sale.

 

[rice rocket]

OTC makes a more versatile hose clamp plier set IMHO, it has the remote cable so you can reach underneath when techs move them to odd places. I think I've seen them as Mayhew, MAC, Craftsman, and a few others.

 

[franzdom]

Knipex make a huge range of stuff, of which the cobra and pliers wrench are just 2 models!

Their styles are European, so the models are different from what's available from U.S. makers, but that's not always a bad thing!

If you've never tried a pair of European style combination pliers then that would probably be where I'd start, and Knipex offer a huge selection of sizes, finishes and handle styles!

With regard to the pliers wrench, I'm tempted to say that anything I've managed without till now I can manage without a bit longer, but... I bought one and use it an awful lot! Great for working with square shafts on machines or vices, superb for small milling chucks and mill arbors, and to be honest has taken over from the adjustable in my traveling box!

Can you clarify what is a European style of combination pliers please, thanks!

I looked at their catalog and I guess what they call combination is what we call Linesman pliers...

 

[yamatitan]

Can you clarify what is a European style of combination pliers please, thanks!

I looked at their catalog and I guess what they call combination is what we call Linesman pliers...

No combination pliers are these

Linemans are these

 

[dgxlh]

Now I have to look into the hose clamp pliers lol

 

[MartyO]

Only other item I like is the mini bolt cutters. Seems like I could use them somewhere for something. If I don't get them I know I'll look back and say " if I only had those..."



That's what i was thinking. Seems the easiest. But my fiancé doesn't think the same way I do...if I could only fix that

I use mine and the Cobras a ton. I have a lot of Knipex stuff but those are my favorites.

 

[hullbert]

The Raptor pliers are pretty handy for dealing with damaged bolt heads.

 

[wtrmlnsp]

I love all my knipex pliers, I recommend them to everyone that asks me about them. I have a pair of the combination pliers, the new england style linesman pliers, plierswrench, normal cobras and the extra slim cobras. I'm about to order a couple more pairs to replace the side cutters and needle nose in my daily bag so that I have all knipex in that bag.

Buy them and don't look back, you won't regret the decision lol

Here's a pic of the extra slim cobras cause I don't think anyone's mentioned them yet, they come in handy for tight spots though.

 

[Eric Nordstrom]

I bought a 10" Alligator a long time ago from my long gone Mac dealer-the best
groove joint pliers I ever used. I just lost them about a month ago. Found some cobra's and didn't look back- love 'em-Now the best groove joint pliers I ever used.


Eric

 

[gagreen]

I'm a mechanic and my pliers wrench is one of my most versatile and used tools in my box. They are perfect when you need to grab something without marring. They are an excellent wrench. They are also really handy in forming sheet metal. The uses are endless. One of my favorite tools.

 

[pete379]

That's what i was thinking. Seems the easiest. But my fiancé doesn't think the same way I do...if I could only fix that

Best fix THAT problem right away !!!
pete

 

[Jack Olsen]

It's odd. I have the mini bolt cutter, dikes, lineman pliers, cobras and pliers wrenches -- and I use the pliers wrenches more than all the others combined. I've considered putting the cobras in a drawer because I use them so rarely.

But I guess it has everything to do with the specific work you're doing. I might be outside the norm. They're all good tools.

 

[senator52]

It's odd. I have the mini bolt cutter, dikes, lineman pliers, cobras and pliers wrenches -- and I use the pliers wrenches more than all the others combined. I've considered putting the cobras in a drawer because I use them so rarely.

But I guess it has everything to do with the specific work you're doing. I might be outside the norm. They're all good tools.

I've used the pliers wrench more than any of the others, but not combined, get use out of my cobras and needle nose fair bit too.

 

[Dave455]

Can you clarify what is a European style of combination pliers please, thanks!

I looked at their catalog and I guess what they call combination is what we call Linesman pliers...

They are different, as Yamatitan said above!

A combination plier is basically an engineers tool, and it differs from a Linemans plier in that it has a serrated semi circular portion behind the flat gripping surface for gripping round stuff! The nearest US equivalent would be a Slip Joint, but I find those seriously frustrating for general use as I'm used to the combinations!

The Linemans plier is really a tool for working with cables, and while they are great for that (hence firms like Klein offer them) I also find them really frustrating for mechanical use!

 

[paulsomlo]

I've had the Pliers Wrench for about 6 months now and find myself reaching for it more and more. Until you have one, you don't realize how many tasks are best accomplished with smooth jaws that close parallel. I recently loosened some very stubborn flare nuts on a master cylinder, with the nuts emerging intact.

 

[rice rocket]

I just got my pliers wrench in the mail yesterday, and immediately noticed how great the leverage ratio is. Is there any danger of deforming and ovalizing from excessive compressive force?

 

[Joe B.]

Why do you prefer the alligator over the cobra? I'm legitimately curious- I've got the two smallest sizes of alligators, and I've been thinking of getting a bigger pair, and was thinking of going to the cobra for those. Why is the alligator superior?

I will say that I worked for my uncle's fire sprinkler business for five years through college. At that time I carried a pair of 12" Alligator pliers stuck in my belt at all times. I also own a number of the

The Alligator pliears are superior to the Cobras for the following reasons:

• Once they are broken in a little and you develop the skilz you can adjust the size while holding them with one hand. (It is all in the wrist.)
• You can adjust them more quickly on what you are trying to grab because there is no button to push. They are almost auto-adjust if you know what you are doing. Put them on the work piece and slide the the requried sized. You could quick with the Cobras but not as quick as you can be with the Alligators.
• Cobra & Alligator have the exact same jaw and handles so there is no difference.
• There are more increments of width setting s on the Cobras. However, these are pliers (not wrenches) so the additional increments really do not add grabbing ability.

The Cobras are better if you need to lock them into one size and leave them that. Otherwise the button just slows you down without adding any tangible benefits.

Regardless, the best size of these are the 12". It is amazing how much leverage you get with the extra 2" and the jaws are only a little larger.