Knipex self adjusting Cobras

[Thedroid]

I've been using them for about a month or so at work in place of channellocks, and I'm not sure if I really like them or not. I have a small pair of the Cobra's that blows channellocks out of the water, but the self adjusting seem to be kind of awkward to use. First bite is great, but when I remove pressure to get another bite, they seem to readjust to a different tooth and throw off my rhythm.

I'm thinking I'll just buy the set of regular cobras and put these in the drawer. Could never go back to channellocks after using cobras. I still think channellock makes a quality plier, but the knipex is the perfected design. Once they bite down they are locked on.

 

[bchee]

I always wondered about those. The robogrips seem to do what you're describing. Once you barely release pressure, you can't get the same grip back.

 

[Vulturej]

I bought one also, I did not like it that much so I traded it in for a standard pair.

 

[Merkava_4]

I didn't know they existed until I clicked on this thread. I like the original Cobras just fine.

 

[NugeConstruction]

Guys, thanks for sharing your experiences, whether good, bad, or ugly.

That sort of information invaluable in sorting through the sheer mass of options in tools, as I have been trying to do in deciding which Knipex to order from AK Tools at:

http://www.aktoolsonline.com/newplierwrench.html

Please feel free to check out any of the following links which I selected from a ton of pages that I just checked out:

Pics illustrating uses of various of the Knipex pliers:

http://www.aktoolsonline.com/knipex.html
http://www.angloamericantools.com/box01a.html
http://www.angloamericantools.com/box01b.html
http://www.angloamericantools.com/box01c.html
http://www.angloamericantools.com/box01d.html
http://item.rakuten.co.jp/touryo/h-knipex-8751250/
https://aikencolon.3dcartstores.com...-560-Cobra-XXL-Water-Pump-Pliers_p_2109.html#

Another forum's take on Knipex pliers, etc.:
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=95938
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=95938&page=2

And miscellaneous additional links:

http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000655.php
http://toolmonger.com/2008/04/15/knipex-raptor-pliers/#more-9768
http://toolmonger.com/2008/01/09/knipex-smooth-jawed-pliers-a-box-of-wrenches-in-one-tool/#more-8480
http://www.bookofjoe.com/2005/02/knipex_cobra_pl.html

 

[zuspiel]

If you're looking at the wrenching pliers, this thread might help.

 

[jshillin]

I have the Cobra's that are Craftsman branded. You can get the 7" and 10" sets for $35. Well worth the money!!!

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00945433000P?vName=Tools&cName=Mechanics+Tools&sName=Pliers

 

[HandyManny]

If you're looking at the wrenching pliers, this thread might help.

Those wrenching pliers look like they would be ideal for plumbing use on chromed hex fittings and decorative brass. I can't stand it when I see a so-called professional plumber use regular toothed Channellock or Griplocks to install or repair something and they totally scar and gouge up all the valves and fittings. Just makes a finished job look unprofessional. Handymen always get accused of doing that, but a lot of prefessional plumbers do that as well, too many. I have a pair of 10" smooth jaw tongue & groove pliers (Superior Tool Co) that adjust to most 3/4"sized common pipe fittings and most household plumbing hardware for use in my home, but those Knipex look like they will adjust to just about any size within it's range. Might have to get me a pair. I like it.

 

[zuspiel]

Yep, no marring of anything! Tons of grip, too. You won't be disappointed.
[\HIGHJACK]

 

[ImportTuner]

Thanks for the mini review; I was going to get one of the self adjusting, but I think I will pass based on the comments ..

 

[sjt78]

If you're looking at the wrenching pliers, this thread might help.

My Sears Hardware store has those sets for $12 on sale this week. Not sure if it is a local thing or not. I bought two sets, another for myself and one for a gift.

 

[zuspiel]

^^^^^^^^^ ?????

Do you mean the CMan branded Cobras or the wrenching pliers. If the latter, I'll have to run to Sears....

 

[sjt78]

Oh, yeah...my mistake. I meant to quote jshillin's post with the link to the CMan Cobras. Those wrenching pliers are *very* nice, but I've never seen them locally.

 

[HandyManny]

Oh, yeah...my mistake. I meant to quote jshillin's post with the link to the CMan Cobras. Those wrenching pliers are *very* nice, but I've never seen them locally.

Check Sears website. I'm sure they can be ordered just like many Knipex, S-K and Armstrong tools can be.

 

[HandyManny]

Yep, no marring of anything! Tons of grip, too. You won't be disappointed.
[\HIGHJACK]

Just checked on MSC Industrial Supply website. They usually have what I need or want at the right price. $66 for the 10" Knipex wrenching pliers. I'm sure they are very nice, but it's a lot more money than I want to spend on pliers. I'll just stick with using my smooth jaw tongue & groove pliers used in conjunction with a approriate sized adjustable wrench. Now I know why I don't see too many professional plumbers with Knipex pliers. Most of them use Channellocks.

 

[Thedroid]

I have a pair of the wrenching pliers also. Carry them in a little pouch along with my mini cobras and a snap on ratcheting screwdriver. I love the wrenching pliers, best thing since sliced bread.

The self adjusting cobras though are just plain weird. Does anyone like these pliers? I personally think they feel weird. The few extra seconds to find the proper adjustment with regular cobras is well worth the effort.

 

[FNFS2000]

I don't like the auto ones, the regular cobras can't be beat. And I'm gonna throw a shameless plug for my favorite store(where I just won $100 drawing) since there was one above for a different one. ChadsToolbox.com has the lowest prices and best service I've encountered. If you find a lower price they refund you the difference +10% then they change their prices so the next guy gets the best deal without any claims.

 

[FNFS2000]

My Sears Hardware store has those sets for $12 on sale this week. Not sure if it is a local thing or not. I bought two sets, another for myself and one for a gift.

I would have bought them out and sold them on ebay at that price.

 

[sjt78]

I would have bought them out and sold them on ebay at that price.

Too much work involved for the small profit to make. They regularly sell them at that store for $15 for the set if I ever change my mind.

 

[FNFS2000]

For Knipex plier wrenches? The lowest I have seen them for years since our dollar dived against the euro is $37 for the smallest size.

 

[bchee]

Oh, yeah...my mistake. I meant to quote jshillin's post with the link to the CMan Cobras. Those wrenching pliers are *very* nice, but I've never seen them locally.

For Knipex plier wrenches? The lowest I have seen them for years since our dollar dived against the euro is $37 for the smallest size.

cobras, not pliers wrench