Knipex Plyers

[cgv69]

Hey guys,

With all the talk about Knipex pliers around here I had to check them out. Now I already have a bunch of mostly Snap-On and Channel Lock pliers but I'm always interested in quality tools, especially something different that I may not already have.

The first thing they make that really caught my eye are their "pliers wrench". Those look to be very handy, kind of a mix between your typical T&G Channel Lock and crescent wrench. I plan to get a set up those very soon.

I am also interested in their "water pump pliers", specifically the "cobra" version. They are a little pricey but they seem like a much improved version of the classic Channel Locks T&G pliers? I would like to hear form any of your who may have both and can compare the 2. Specifically I like to know if they are so much better then the Channel Locks to warrant replacing a full set of Channel Locks with a full set of the Cobras?

What about their handles? Personally I'm kind of a traditional guy and like the looks of the standard handles but I see a lot of you buy the Ergo handled versions. Do you really feel they are that much better?

Lastly, any other tools they make that you feel are must haves? I was kind of looking at their Pipe Gripping Pliers look like they could come in handy from some plumbing jobs?

 

[Trucky]

I'm also looking at the pliers wrench.. mostly the 7 and 10 inch models I believe. Looks to be incredibly handy, and well built as well. A bit expensive for my tastes, but I'm selling most of the rest of my Knipex so I might pick one up soon.

As for the Cobras, I have the 10 and 7 inch models with the regular grips, I hear a lot about how the comfort grips on those are a bit bulky for the size. I have 440s and 442s from Channellock as well, and they're some tough tools. I've used the 442s very frequently for over 8 years and they've held up incredibly well, so I can speak towards their durability and value as a result. The cobras got a lot less frequent use, but they still look new. As of now, the 10 inch is gone but I can tell you it came in handy when I needed it.

As far as replacing your whole CL section for the cobras, I wouldn't go that far. Pick up a 7/10 inch piece and try it out. I still kind of prefer the Channellocks, but the Cobras are thin, light, and very handy for the smaller spaces you might come upon.

I think their CoBolts are a must have. Very powerful and durable to boot, and they aren't that expensive. As for their other tools, I don't think they're must haves, but they are very useful. If it wasn't for the higher cost, I'd have a lot more of them.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I asked this very question last summer when they first started to be carried by Sears.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107541&highlight=jjjrmx5+Knipex

Even my Snap-On and Mac truck drivers did not carry them or knew little of them even tho they both stocked certain Knipex pliers and cutters.

And, I;m just a few miles North of ya.

Get the 10" plierwrench if you have $45 to spare. Totally worth it.

 

[bobcatdan]

The plierwrench is very handy for the guy who uses an adjustable wrench a lot. The cobra pilers are nce and also their high levage side cutters. If you already own a fair amount of SO and Channelock pliers, I would say just add a plier wrench and maybe a corba, the big 22" corba is awesome. There would be no reason to replace what you already have with knipex.

 

[Monte]

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

 

[0.511MeV]

I really do like the Cobras a lot. They are thinner than the Channellocks, so to me they are different and complementary. The movement of the Cobra jaws is very precise because of the box joint, so I have used them in a pinch to press fit things together without warping anything.

I used to work with brass fittings a lot, and was drooling over the plierswrenches. However, I didn't get a pair, and now I don't deal with the brass much anymore so I can't bring myself to buy a pair.

My favorite tool is the mini bolt cutters. They go right through just about anything.

The comfort grips are awesome, I have large hands though.

 

[cgv69]

As far as replacing your whole CL section for the cobras, I wouldn't go that far. Pick up a 7/10 inch piece and try it out. I still kind of prefer the Channellocks, but the Cobras are thin, light, and very handy for the smaller spaces you might come upon.

Well I guess I should have mentioned that the only reason I even mentioned that is because my son is turning 18 and is going into the trades so I've been slowly buying him tools. I figured If I like the cobra's enough I might buy a set of them and give my son my CL's? You are right though, I'll start off with one and see how I like it before doing anything drastic.

I think their CoBolts are a must have.

Ooh, good call but if I was going to buy only one, which one? The angled vs straight? standard vs spring loaded? I'm thinking the angled spring loaded may be the most versatile but I wonder if the angled has as much leverage as the straight ones?

 

[Tunger]

I love my cobras, I had 2 pair until someone needed my small set more than me, but the 2 I have left are used daily and I'll never go back to conventional style for everyday use. Thet are so easy to adjust one handed and don't slip. I've still got some t&g's but they are for special uses, one pair is snap on parrot heads (nut busters), the other are ancient blue point 18", so both of those come out when the day just went to **** for the most part. But the cobras are the bees knees. I've got the regular handles because I dislike any of the ergo grip stuff from any maker, I just prefer old school handles.

 

[cgv69]

And, I;m just a few miles North of ya.

Get the 10" plierwrench if you have $45 to spare. Totally worth it.

Howdy neighbor!

The Plier wrenches are definitly on the list. I found the set (7", 10" & 12") for a pretty good price ($129.20 at Crawford Tool) so I think I will go with the set

 

[garfunkle24]

Cobras are worlds apart from Channellocks. The biggest thing besides the quality is that they have a self-energizing operation kinda like a pipe wrench which Channellocks (except the Nutbusters) do not. Once they're engaged you can simply apply torque (ie with one hand) rather than having to also apply clamping pressure. I find the teeth work much better on hardened shafts also. I'm a an equipment tech if that matters.

Plier wrenches are nice and handy, but not a complete replacement for a crescent wrench IMO.

Also, you should really check out NWS pliers.

Knipex make excellent "Precision" snap-ring pliers and wire strippers and I really like the 4-in-1 electrical pliers too.

 

[Muffduster]

My favorite tool is the mini bolt cutters. They go right through just about anything.

Man, I agree. Those are awesome and can be had for $6.50 a pair at a salvage store near me. Yes, $6.50 a pair!

 

[garfunkle24]

Man, I agree. Those are awesome and can be had for $6.50 a pair at a salvage store near me. Yes, $6.50 a pair!

I'll take 20 and cover the freight. Thanks!

 

[WhoWhatNow]

I'll take 20 and cover the freight. Thanks!

I'd be happy with just one pair and I'd cover shipping!

 

[Monte]

On the larger Cobras i prefer the comfort handles, on the smaller ones i think they´re not necessary (and not available i think). My father owns a german version of "Channellock" type pliers - i don´t like them, i much prefer the Cobras (also don´t like the Alligators) because you simply push the button and you can slide the jaws up and down. Very easy and fast !
The Channellock type of water pump pliers is also not really readily available in continental Europe.

 

[Demon4x4]

I'd be happy with just one pair and I'd cover shipping!

Ditto!