Knipex pliers

[Spannersphere]

Hello I'm relatively new on here and I was just looking for any opinions on knipex pliers (ie combination, long nose, diagonal cutter). I've been trolling there site and I've come across the two types of handle plastic dipped red handle or the dual composition blue red handle. Also I have seen the black anodised and chrome finishes does anyone know if there's any difference or could share with me there preference because I haven't been able to find much online about this sort of thing it would be great. And if anyone has any recommendations other than knipex it would be appreciated

 

[Strouty]

Some of it is going to be personal preference. I have yet to buy any of the comfort grip style, they just seem too bulky. I have both black and chrome finish, but was not aware they offered the chrome on anything except the pliers wrench. Those are awesome by the way. I will say I did not have good luck with the needle nose. Every other pair I have I really like. The cobras will chew up whatever you grab, so be aware of that.

 

[Jim C.]

Knipex tools are generally regarded as high quality, well made tools. I only have a few, but they do include a pair of combination pliers (purchased very recently), a couple pairs of needle (long) nose and a couple diagonal cutters (which I really like a lot). I really like their mini bolt cutters too. I use those frequently. All of mine have the red dipped handles. They're fine. I'm generally not a fan of tools with comfort grips, etc. I don't think you can go wrong with any Knipex product. They're a little bit expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for. I like them and I see myself buying more in the future. If you want to economize, Channellock makes some great pliers, cutters, etc., and the price is reasonable. I don't know if they're available in Austraiia or not, but you might want to check those out too.

Jim C.

 

[Spannersphere]

Yeh that was my opinion on the comfort grips I was leaning toward the dipped just wasn't sure.
Just sussed out the pliers wrench and they look awesome one of them will be added to my purchase.
Cheers for the hits


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[Adam.C]

I don't think they are as good as people here say. Their jaws can be on the soft side and the handles aren't awesome. I've had some out-of-the-box quality problems with some of mine.

Chrome finished models are for work in corrosive environments, like electrians who work outside for example. Otherwise, get the cheaper black oxide.

The comfort handles are nice, but the lump near the joint isn't as ergonomic as one might want. The vinyl grips are smaller, so less comfortable and a bit slippery. Almost cheap.

I know I'll get flak for this but it's honestly how I feel: Snap On make better pliers. I own both and comparable models of both. At this point, I think I would only recommend Knipex Cobra (I have the comfort grip and like them) and the Pliers Wrench (also comfort grip). Both are beautifully designed, but for the price, they have a bit of play and are a bit lower quality than I would expect for the cash they cost me. I bought a pretty big set of Knipex pliers based on glowing recommendations here. I've since learned to trust little that I read on GJ. It gives me no pleasure to say that.

The old model Snap on 47ACP standard black slip joint pliers are probably my favorite pliers. They have a nice pointy nose, grippy handles, and great jaws. They are very well made- maybe the best of their type. I don't like the size and shape of the new talon version quite as much. The talon needle nose, and dikes are very very nice. They just came out with new dikes that are on special where I live, again with differentially heat treated jaws. I also have the SO duckbills and like them far more than my Knipex duck bills.

Cobras are probably must have pliers. In general, think Knipex are decent compared to channel locks, Klein, and my old Craftsman pro. Come to think of it, I think I may have preferred my craftman pros. Especially the duck bills. Teh grips were textured like my Snap Ons.

MAC pliers look very much like Snap On. I have no experience with them, but if they are readily available they might be worth a try.

Last, I would take the advice you get here (including mine) with a big grain of salt. Buy your pliers one at a time and be prepared to return them if you don't like them.

 

[Ainsley]

I have quite a few of the knipex pliers and prefer them over my Klein journeymans in my home bag, klein standard grips in my work bag, channel locks in my dad's bag and obviously over the stanleys in my work box.
I carry the following in my hip pouch all day: 10" cobras, 10" pliers wrench and 8" side cutters and they're all great.
After using the cobras I can't stand channelocks, they replaced my 430s the second I held them.

A good start would be the 7 and/or 10" pliers wrench and cobras and the 8" side cutters.

 

[Sine Swept]

I would like to throw my needle nose and electricians pliers into the Knipex forge. The other tools I very much like. From a recommendation on here I opted for a pair of Klien needle nose's and they are just the ticket, very grippy. I put the Klien's above the CL's. I don't know if the Knipex needle nose would be good enough to retrieve a Kleenex.

 

[Detecto]

The funny thing is...I was in the same boat myself deciding between CL, Klein and Knipex.

The sad thing is...is that it seems like every thread I read, someone loved one brand, and thought the others were just pure junk.

Some people were Knipex lovers, and thought CL and Klein had went downhill.

Vice versa..

So I guess the only real way to know, is find out yourself.

 

[bcradio]

Last, I would take the advice you get here (including mine) with a big grain of salt. Buy your pliers one at a time and be prepared to return them if you don't like them.

Agree with this here.

Adam obviously isn't a big fan of Knipex, but many others on here are. What does that tell you? That pliers are a personal preference type tool. Try different brands out and see what you like.

As for Knipex, I do not like their needle nose and linesman, but love their mini bolt cutters, pliers wrenches, and cobras. Others from them are ok too but do not stand out really.

 

[cbrxfr67]

Knipex demoed at our last sales meeting. I'm not crazy about the cobras or alligators. A new wire cutter, stripper, long nose she showed us looked good. My favorite from the meeting was cobra style hose clamp remover. Those got my attention. They can do all style of clamps, including a special ford one, that she mentioned.

 

[Strouty]

I think a lot of the plier styles and brands depend on what you are using them for.

 

[TomB19]

I don't think they are as good as people here say. Their jaws can be on the soft side and the handles aren't awesome. I've had some out-of-the-box quality problems with some of mine.

I feel the same.

I have three Knipex items and will probably get more. They are very good. It's easy to see how people love them. At this quality level, you could go Klein, Knipex, or a few other brands and be happy for the rest of your life.

I consider Klein to have the best side cut in the business. Their S2000 line side cut is stupid expensive for what it is but they are crazy hard. Even after years of use, they will cut every strand of wire cleanly. The Knipex could be similar quality but I don't know anyone who as owned them long enough to be able to compare. Once someone has used the Knipex daily for 10 years, we'll know. Not before then. In the mean time, the Klein are the cutters to beat, IMO.

I have the Klein S2000 lineman pliers and literally went to KMS to pick up a pair of Knipex but ended up coming home with Milwaukee lineman pliers. I know that's a small downgrade, in terms of quality, but they are the most versatile lineman pliers in the game and they cut like butter. ... and the Milwaukee are half the price. Even if they last half as long, I'd rather have the Milwaukee.

It's down to preference, IMO.

 

[Tellingthem]

I have the 8" and 10" cutters, 10" pliers wrench, and the 7" & 10" craftsman branded Cobras. I like them all fine. In fact I've given numerous pairs of the cobras as gifts. They are pricey but you can get them at decent prices on sale. I got mine at sears. But yes check them out in store. Me and my step dad love them while others not so much. But I'm totally happy with them so far. And I only have the regular handles no comfort so no opinion on those.

 

[Strouty]

I would like them a lot better with lime green or dark blue handle grips.

 

[Strouty]

I think they would perform much better as well, at least in my head that is how I rationalize buying tools I all ready own in different colors.

 

[Jure]

I know I'll get flak for this but it's honestly how I feel: Snap On make better pliers.

 

[Adam.C]

I did a comparison of these two very differents pliers some time ago:

View media item 41312
Call me biased, a kool aid drinker or whatever (btw, if you guys knew where that term came from, you wouldn't use it anymore)...
....you can kinda see the difference in the grips and just how pointy the Snap On pliers are. Keep in mind that I like the Cobras a lot and recommend them. But maybe you guys can see what I was talking about.

 

[Spannersphere]

Cheers everyone for the handy tips and I will take that advice and buy a few from different brands and compare hopefully they stand up to the test



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[Brunel]

From memory I have the following Knipex: combination, 2 long nose, sidecutters, 2 alligator, cable cutter, wire strippers. 7 have VDE insulated handles (even more bulky than the comfort grips) and one has red plastic handles. Mostly they are chrome plated. I think they are all superb tools and I am delighted with every one. The construction and finish are first rate. I haven't compared them to anything else but doubt that there's much better.

For mechanical work I'd say there's no need to go for the chrome as it can peel off (as it will on all makes) and will get damaged over time with heavy use. Handles are a matter of preference including the application. Red plastic are easier to clean but can split, comfort grip are larger, hopefully more hard-wearing, but the softer parts can attract grease and oil.

 

[LordPsychon]

Knipex cutters are very good but just a tad less so than Klein's.

Knipex pliers are also very good but the style doesn't always work for everyone. Channellock pliers tend to be a better generalist's choice.

 

[bob from indiana]

I have 10" cobras, 5" baby cobras and 7" craftsman cobras. Also a pair of 8" combo pliers for the Lowes clearance, I bought a pair of 7" alligators and prefer the over the cobras. I plan to get a pair of 10" alligators soon. The cobras are very nice but the alligators work fine and feel better for me.