Knipex Pliers

[dodge610]

Just bought my first 2 pairs of Knipex alligator pliers yesterday. Never owned a pair before now could not see what all the hoopla was about. Now since I have used them do not know how I did without them all this time these pliers are great. Eye opening expierence now I need to get some of the Knipex cobra pliers.

 

[Alienbaby17]

I bought a couple pairs of the Knipex Cobras a few years ago. They are very nice. I almost never use my regular slip-joint pliers any more.

 

[bareass172]

I went a little nuts and bought about 7 pair of them this week... I know how you feel, and I've only very barely used them.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I went a little nuts and bought about 7 pair of them this week... I know how you feel, and I've only very barely used them.

Yep, after you've opened the flood gates, it's really hard to resist buying them. I bought the 3 pc set from Epsteins, I don't need them, didn't even open the package. But I just couldn't resist. ( Good price too )

 

[jefferyb_2]

Just bought my first 2 pairs of Knipex alligator pliers yesterday. Never owned a pair before now could not see what all the hoopla was about. Now since I have used them do not know how I did without them all this time these pliers are great. Eye opening expierence now I need to get some of the Knipex cobra pliers.

I feel the same way. I wish I'd have bought them years ago.

 

[AV tinker er]

I was at Home Depot last night and noticed these (https://www.channellock.com/original-tongue-groove.aspx?feature=griplock). Seem just like the Cobras.

 

[Farmall450]

I feel the same way. I wish I'd have bought them years ago.

Same here, got a pair of cobras at sears a while back...so nice.

 

[Holt]

Knipex and nws are all I use now with the exception of my klein scotch lok pliers. I just ordered the new knipex installation pliers l. Should be here in a week.

 

[FordsnFishin]

I'm a apprentice electrician. During our work Christmas party they gave us all a free pair of the 10'' knipex slip joints. I used them for a week and had to buy another pair.

They replaced the the trusty ol 420 channel locks i keep in my work tools.

Definitally suggest everyone to try a pair out. I found them cheapest off of www.chadstoolbox.com .

 

[Monte]

now get the Knipex pliers wrench

 

[joedodge]

Are the pliers wrench really that great?

 

[zer0cell]

I'm selling the 12" pliers wrench - new for a good price in the classifieds if anyone is interested.

 

[joedodge]

That is a good deal but what makes them better than an adjustable wrench? I think I'd use them a lot as a diesel tech but I'm unsure

 

[Trucky]

Are the pliers wrench really that great?

Yes, yes, yes, yes, and one more: yes.

My "must haves":

At least one pair of Cobra-style pliers
"Pliers wrench"
CoBolts (Or one made by similar mfg's)

The pliers wrench is seriously good! I got the 10" and appreciate the sheer versatility. The jaws aren't serrated, instead they're nice and flat. So they don't muck up fittings or anything, and they give a hell of a grip on everything I've tried them on. Even some purely round stuff. Since they're parallel, you can push pins into small parts with them, or help align parts with them as well. And the adjustment range is rather large. Overall a really helpful tool with tons of uses.

It's like an adjustable. Which is exactly what I thought about in the store before I bought 'em. But you gotta use em to know just how much better the adjustable wrench is with a bit of squeeze on the jaws And they're not nearly as slow to use. Check out knipex's videos on the wrench where they show the action of the wrench when you're turning a nut. You get to keep the wrench on the fastener without pulling it the whole way off. Awesome for larger sized stuff.'

edit: Monte of all people is a person whose opinion on this subject is especially accurate! And he's got the videos to prove it

 

[Monte]

Are the pliers wrench really that great?

yes

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9UT96PQiK-g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/I-K6TM4KKSc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1_RLWKMXrqk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7Z7_NpmUuKA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/6zyMu9S0gF8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=knipex+pliers+wrench&sm=12

 

[zer0cell]

I own the 12" version with standard grips and the 10" and 6" with comfort grips. I still plan on getting the 7" model with comfort grips at some point. They have a lot more uses than just an adjustable wrench replacement. I have found some interesting uses for them throughout various home remodeling projects. If you like making crafts and 3D art, they have some uses there too.

 

[rice rocket]

I was at Home Depot last night and noticed these (https://www.channellock.com/original-tongue-groove.aspx?feature=griplock). Seem just like the Cobras.

Yeah except that they're nothing like the Cobras. Closer in design to the Alligators than anything, but still not even close.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/41WRX7tJLx0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[IUEC Medic]

I've been lurking on this forum for awhile, and made an account to respond to this thread...

This is my post on a truck forum, a few days after I bought a 10" pliers wrench...

The best tool I've purchased in awhile... Maybe ever, I can't think of any tool I've ever bought that's impressed me this much.

I've used channellocks and other brands of tongue-and-groove pliers on a daily basis for awhile , and this tool is BRILLIANT.

My trade is extremely varied in what we do day-to-day. One day could include high voltage wiring/ modifying structural steel/ doing finish stainless work with metric hardware/ or plumbing a sealed hydraulic system... Ect. We do a lot of everything, so channellocks are always a must have, because you might not always have the exact right tool the exact time you need it and they work in a pinch... Knipex just took the concept and combined it with parallel jaws like an adjustable wrench and some creative compounding leverage principles.

10:1 ratio from the handle to the jaws, which are smooth and don't mar or round off nuts.

Definitely one of the most Bad *** hand tools I've used, very versatile, astoundingly simple, exceptional build quality.

They are awesome. Yesterday I used them to remove several Pan head Philips machine screws that were in a space too tight to fit any of the three offset ratcheting screwdrivers I tried...

So I grabbed the knipex and removed them without any visible marring of the profile of the head. My channel locks would've eaten them up.

 

[exmaxima1]

My "must haves":
"Pliers wrench"
The pliers wrench is seriously good! I got the 10" and appreciate the sheer versatility. The jaws aren't serrated, instead they're nice and flat. So they don't muck up fittings or anything, and they give a hell of a grip on everything I've tried them on. Even some purely round stuff. Since they're parallel, you can push pins into small parts with them, or help align parts with them as well. And the adjustment range is rather large. Overall a really helpful tool with tons of uses.

The concept behind the Plier Wrench is not new---I have a similar design pliers that is at least 40 years old. Yes, they are useful for old-style hose clamps but that's about all for me. They don't have the leverage to replace a standard adjustable wrench.

 

[IUEC Medic]

Yeah except that they're nothing like the Cobras. Closer in design to the Alligators than anything, but still not even close.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/41WRX7tJLx0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Annnnnd now I need a set of Cobras. I was not aware of the locking feature.

The concept behind the Plier Wrench is not new---I have a similar design pliers that is at least 40 years old. Yes, they are useful for old-style hose clamps but that's about all for me. They don't have the leverage to replace a standard adjustable wrench.

For me, the speed, adjustability, and compounding leverage to the jaws of the knipex pliers wrench far outweighs the slight handle leverage disadvantage compared to a standard adjustable. The advantage of the regular adjustable is that if you need to use a breaker bar or tap it with a hammer to break a bolt free, you can. The pliers handle on the pliers wrench doesn't really allow for that contingency. That being said, if I'm going to the toolbox to get a breaker
Bar or hammer to break a bolt loose, I'm also going to grab the correct sized combination wrench, 6 point socket, and a big giant ratchet.

 

[harvero]

How do these knipex compare to the old US made vise grips?

 

[brettboat]

Knipex wrench pliers are worth every single penny

 

[Mr.3-5-7]

I have the 10" plier wrench. I mainly use it for freeing stuck tie rods. Its amazing. Now i need some cobras.

 

[sonvolt]

I've had my eye on the Knipex stuff for about a month.....definitely a must have.

 

[jefferyb_2]

Knipex and nws are all I use now with the exception of my klein scotch lok pliers. I just ordered the new knipex installation pliers l. Should be here in a week.

I have a pair of these. They're ok, and they're a good "utility" plier, but they won't replace all of the individual tools that they're designed to.

 

[rice rocket]

I have the 10" plier wrench. I mainly use it for freeing stuck tie rods. Its amazing. Now i need some cobras.

Damn you.

I have stuck rear tie rods.

Now I must purchase.

 

[PBCampbell]

I love Knipex pump pliers and I own a couple examples of the pliers wrench. I recommend them although I've always viewed them as more of a plumbing tool. Knipex has an exhaustive array of pliers which is possibly the best thing about the company, but they do tend to be pricey.

 

[Chris_L]

I love Knipex pump pliers and I own a couple examples of the pliers wrench. I recommend them although I've always viewed them as more of a plumbing tool. Knipex has an exhaustive array of pliers which is possibly the best thing about the company, but they do tend to be pricey.

Pricey but VERY worth it, I much prefer them to even to truck stuff which is actually more expensive.

 

[Coolguy83]

Yep I agree knipex pliers are worth every penny. I will never go back to channel lock.

 

[ecotec]

Are the pliers wrench really that great?

They really are. I use them in lieu of an adjustable wrench in my work tools. It is a really great tool.

I use two pairs of cobras in my work tools, as well. One pair of pump pliers is useless for an electrician.

 

[AV tinker er]

Yeah except that they're nothing like the Cobras. Closer in design to the Alligators than anything, but still not even close.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/41WRX7tJLx0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I'd never seen a CL version of them before yesterday. Might not be close but still cool.

 

[bareass172]

Jeez, so many to keep track of... So if I have this straight...
Alligators = channel locks
Cobras = channel locks with a finer "tooth", they lock, and they have a push button to change position
Pliers wrench = adjustable wrench but much faster

Is that fairly accurate? I've been bouncing around trying to check the Knipex site and watch videos (like above) but there are so many variations and sizes sometimes it makes my head spin.

 

[cburnscrx]

Are the pliers wrench really that great?

Well, yes and no. I have the Cobra's (rebadged as Craftsman), the mini bolt cutters, cable cutters and diagonal cutters.

The mini bolt cutters are awesome, I wouldn't trade them for anything. LOVE them.

The diagonal cutters are not impressive and I am still using the ones I thought I was replacing over the Knipex versions.

The Cobra's are nice for certain situations, but sometimes the shear force I can use with traditional slip joint pliers trumps them.

The cable cutters work just fine, and I have no complaints.

 

[Davefr]

Knipex Cobra's are excellent. Their cutters are also top notch.

However their needle nose pliers are ****. (ineffective serration pattern and too much flex in the jaws).

 

[jjjrmx5]

Well, yes and no. I have the Cobra's (rebadged as Craftsman), the mini bolt cutters, cable cutters and diagonal cutters.

Uhhhhh.... the Plier Wrench is NOT the same as the Corbras.

All are excellent.
Plier Wrench is nice for plumbing and use on fittings as well as some automotive, machine and maintenance work where you do not need to break out the adjustable wrench thus saving a little time.

You can get by without it but they are handy to have around if you have the $$$.

The Knipex specialty stuff and proprietary pliers are the "bees kness."

 

[Trucky]

Knipex Cobra's are excellent. Their cutters are also top notch.

However their needle nose pliers are ****. (ineffective serration pattern and too much flex in the jaws).

I've heard this a few times. Just so you know, they're specifically MADE to flex. On purpose. My Klein pliers are rock-solid and Do. Not. Flex. at all.. for a reason. Just like Knipex spring tempers their needle nose pliers, on purpose/for a reason.

Though I do wish they made it much more obvious that they are like that to begin with. That would be nice.

 

[jefferyb_2]

Knipex Cobra's are excellent. Their cutters are also top notch.

However their needle nose pliers are ****. (ineffective serration pattern and too much flex in the jaws).

I love the Knipex needle nose pliers I have. They are much better than the 2 pair of Kleins they replaced.

 

[redwrench60]

It seems I'm the only one that likes and makes use of both Knipex and Channellock designs. They both have their place. If you pick ONLY one or the other you're cheating yourself out of some very versitile tools.
The two makers have some very specific designs that are very unique and usefull and I exploit their strengths according to what I'm doing.

 

[BlksnshN]

Are the Craftsman rebranded cobras every bit as good as the originals?

 

[Trucky]

Are the Craftsman rebranded cobras every bit as good as the originals?

Most likely! And it'll give you a really quick warranty route if you want.

IMO, they're exactly the same without the Knipex branding. Shoot an email to Knipex USA if you're not to sure