Knipex Plierswrench vs VBW Powergrip

[ToolRoom]

I have been tempted for a while to get a set of the Plierswrench, but I have noticed VBW do a similar product called the Powergrip which seems works out marginally cheaper for me.

VBW

Knipex

Both seem to have compound leverage, flat jaws and box joints - does anybody have any experience of using both?

Is one substantially different in operation or quality over the other?

Knipex seems to be available in a larger range of sizes, but from my experience with their pliers VBW seems to have a slightly better standard of finish.

Thoughts?

 

[maico]

Wouldn’t the compound lever of the Knipex have greater mechanical advantage ?

On my 250mm one the grip obtainable is substantial.

 

[fivespdcat]

I have 2 of the Stahlwille pliers that appear to be the same or similar to the VBW, while I have a full set of the knipex. I prefer the Knipex in just about ask the situations, mainly for two reasons:

-the angle of the jaws to the handle are more comfortable for me
-the ratcheting action of the Knipex is smoother.

I have not tested both to the limits, but the Knipex seem to be a bit "stouter". The finish on the stahlwille are excellent and the grip is ok for standard versions. Although I greatly prefer Knipex comfort grips for these tools.

 

[rlitman]

Wouldn’t the compound lever of the Knipex have greater mechanical advantage ?

Yes, but the bigger advantage to the Knipex is that the jaws have parallel action.

 

[maico]

I have 2 of the Stahlwille pliers that appear to be the same or similar to the VBW,

VBW is part of Stahlwille GmbH

 

[stage20]

Yes, but the bigger advantage to the Knipex is that the jaws have parallel action.

looks like the others would have parallel jaws as well. quick search pulls an ebay ad that advertises them as such.

 

[maico]

Yes, but the bigger advantage to the Knipex is that the jaws have parallel action.

http://www.samstagsales.com/vbw/images/VBW_180-305.jpg

 

[fivespdcat]

Yes, but the bigger advantage to the Knipex is that the jaws have parallel action.

I can assure the board that they are both parallel in action while working and adjusting.

 

[rlitman]

looks like the others would have parallel jaws as well. quick search pulls an ebay ad that advertises them as such.

Yeah, I stand corrected.
When I first looked at them on my cell phone, they looked like smooth jaw pump pliers with a fine adjustment. Looking closelier on a computer, I can easily see they're parallel action.

Interesting. So the moving handle is hinging on the jaw like the PliersWrench, it's just that the point of contact is hidden. If that's the case, the mechanical lever advantage is probably around the same on both.

So the only significant difference is which jaw (static or moving) forms which half (doubled or inside) of the box joint. Well, to me, the Knipex wins (barely), because the moving jaw's handle on the PowerGrip has less meat, and may be more likely to flex (though you'd need gorilla fists to get this to happen). But I'd really need to handle the PowerGrip to get a better idea of how it feels in comparison.

 

[ricleh]

I have full sets of both and I don't see much difference other than the much wider range of sizes available from Knipex. You won't be disappointed with either brand.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I'd get the Knipex. I LOVE my plierswrench and they are finely finished- perfection really.

 

[maico]

Interesting. So the moving handle is hinging on the jaw like the PliersWrench, it's just that the point of contact is hidden. If that's the case, the mechanical lever advantage is probably around the same on both.

I think the lobe gives a better leverage ratio on the Knipex. It's further away from the pivot point.

 

[Monte]

the handles of the Knipex pliers are a bit stiffer but i can´t see much other differences...

 

[Wakefield]

Where is the one that is not Knipex made?

 

[firworks]

Those VBW look like they cover a larger size range for each given wrench. That could be handy. Also the button to slide the joint on my pliers wrench doesn't really work all that well. It's clunky and sometimes hard to get to move. Maybe the VBW button is a bit different. I know if I saw one on sale some day I'd grab one to try it out and see!

 

[maico]

Where is the one that is not Knipex made?

Says Germany on the other side

http://www.samstagsales.com/vbw/images/VBW_180-305x.jpg

 

[Tooling Around]

Do you think that the VBW Powergrip would allow nuts and bolts to be tightened more easily? There's something about the high position of the jaws and the curve in the upper handle that makes it look like it might apply more torque than the Knipex.

 

[maxpower_hd]

It appears to me that the Knipex are shaped a little differently and would possible allow them to be used in tighter areas, which is what is important to me. I haven't held the VBW though.