Knipex Twin Grip

[Dave455]

I was tempted by a pair of Knipex Twin Grip pliers last week, so thought I’d share my thoughts.

First off, these are from the same “range” as the Knipex Cobra etc, and they share some features. They are designed so that the forgings need relatively little finishing work, so they are different from the better grades of Knipex pliers that have solid rivet construction, every face ground, and partially polished. For the use intended however, they are more than acceptable.


Compared to two position slip joint pliers, the push button is an improvement I think. The tools stay as you set them, however they are used. In addition, instead of just two positions for the centre joint, there are multiple, much like Knipex Cobra’s.


The jaw design is very different from traditional pliers, and once again owes much to the Cobras. If you think of these as a “straight” Cobra, you are not far wrong. Early days for me with these, but I suspect this design will prove excellent, much as the Cobra’s have done.


One feature I’m not sure about is the “screw grip” feature, I know these have their uses, but I think it turns these into a more specialised tool. Personally, I think I would have been happier with a conventional jaw design in this area. They would be better suited to general gripping, but also for wire twisting etc, which you can’t really use these for.


One pleasant surprise is the amount of leverage you can exert. If you look at the design of the handle, there’s a straight portion between the hinge and the grips, and it’s this that gives you the leverage. It’s a clever design because it extends the handle length, without a proportional increase in the handle opening.

With all these designs, the most critical factor I find, is the hardness of the teeth. I have a pair of Spanish made locking pliers, on which the teeth crushed the first time I used them, making them totally unable to grip anything. Useless. I have never had such problems with Knipex, and I’m not expecting them here.

My only other dislike is that for the dip coated version, Knipex have opted for a rough texture grip as they put on the Cobra’s. I hate these. They’re unpleasant to use, impossible to wipe clean, and can only have been designed by someone who doesn’t actually use tools. I solved the problem here by opting for the comfort grips, but would probably prefer a smooth vinyl if it was offerred.

Overall, I’m more than happy with the design and quality. I’m in the U.K. so paid the equivalent of $20 for these, which I consider very fair.

 

[lardy1]

I noticed that Vamplier (I believe) addressed the inability to twist wires by offsetting the screw gripping feature to one side leaving a wider flat for that purpose. I thought that was a great idea but I've only seen it on combination pliers.

 

[Steve_P]

I bought a set of these with the dipped grips when they first came out; I love them. I don't use them a lot, but the teeth still look new, unlike my slip joint Channellock, which look like they've been used all day for a decade- and haven't. If Knipex made a 6-7" version, I'd buy those also, especially without the screw grip feature at the front; this would basically replace the typical American standard slip joint plier that everyone here that's in the US has, but with Knipex durability instead of Channellock ****.

 

[bcradio]

I just bought the Icon version of these. They do look handy!

 

[neophyte]

Personally I feel the twingrip design us a major improvement over the standard slop joint combination plier design.
One of my main reasons for buying the pliers was the screw gripping feature, which gies back to the days of “Gas Pliers” which were a standard design from most US plier manufacturers at one point, but which most plier manufacturers have since dropped.
It wouldn’t be hard for Knipex to make a version without the screw gripping feature, but it would probably be mire of a niche tool.

 

[Dave455]

Personally I feel the twingrip design us a major improvement over the standard slop joint combination plier design.
One of my main reasons for buying the pliers was the screw gripping feature, which gies back to the days of “Gas Pliers” which were a standard design from most US plier manufacturers at one point, but which most plier manufacturers have since dropped.
It wouldn’t be hard for Knipex to make a version without the screw gripping feature, but it would probably be mire of a niche tool.

I must admit, I find gas pliers incredibly useful too. I think they are still made by Elliott Lucas.

I have a pair of my Father’s dating from the ‘50’s, and a pair of my own made 40 years later, that are nearly identical.

I can’t see myself wearing out either though!

 

[Snapped-off]

The nose opening really shines on pan head machine screws.

 

[dutchgray]

The nose opening really shines on pan head machine screws.

This is basically why I have recently bought a pair of these, have had a pair of Engineer screw pliers for some years but the Knipex should provide more gripping power and work on larger screw heads. Plus Prime tools have been selling them really cheaply.

 

[neophyte]

I must admit, I find gas pliers incredibly useful too. I think they are still made by Elliott Lucas.

I have a pair of my Father’s dating from the ‘50’s, and a pair of my own made 40 years later, that are nearly identical.

I can’t see myself wearing out either though!

There must be dome specific use gor gas pliers in electrical work.
Cementex, a manufacturer of high voltage insulated safety tools and products, had someone manufacture gas pliers for them, and offer the uninsulated versions as well.

 

[darkzero]

I bought a pair of these when they first came out even though I have other "screw removal" pliers from Engineer & Merry. I really like these, bought a second pair recently for work.

Me personally I prefer the dipped handles for Knipex, I can't stand the feel & added bulk of the comfort grips.

I just bought the Icon version of these. They do look handy!

Icon has a copy of the TwinGrips? I've only seen the Pliers Wrench & Raptor copies. Are they new/not on the website yet?

 

[bcradio]

They aren't on the website yet

 

[tarbellb]

They aren't on the website yet

Dang- direct hit again from HF on Knipex battleship

 

[Ton ton]

I hate the twin grips because I pinch my hand in the handle. I can't get the hang of the goofy adjustment either.

 

[bcradio]

I also bought the Doyle soft jaw pliers that aren't in the website yet either. They seem like they'll be useful

 

[ohhimark]

I have the dipped versions, and don't really mind it not being the smooth vinyl..which I would be fine with too. The screw grip works well when it is needed. A larger version would be nice. All my channellock pliers are holding up too.

 

[AJHD]

I just bought the Icon version of these. They do look handy!

They aren't on the website yet

Did you find them in-store? I find it interesting they would be on the shelf in-store and not on the website?

New tools on the website take weeks before they show up on the shelf.

 

[bcradio]

Did you find them in-store? I find it interesting they would be on the shelf in-store and not on the website?

New tools on the website take weeks before they show up on the shelf.

I thought it was interesting as well. They were in the store on an end cap and not on the plier aisle at all. I noticed all of the front items on each peg were turned backwards and realized they were doing inventory, so maybe that's why they were out.

 

[matthew]

How much were the Icons?

 

[bcradio]

How much were the Icons?

$20 without coupon.
Could get it for $14 or $15 with a coupon.

 

[darkzero]

Dang- direct hit again from HF on Knipex battleship

Lol, funny but not funny just like I hate & like HF at the same time.

I've already got the real deal for home & work (paid $26 a few months ago from Amz for my second pair) but if I didn't I don't think I would buy the HF version. I have every single size of the Pliers Wrench at home. Wanted a pair for work & with the prices they cost now I bought the Icon pliers wrench for work.

Well I personally don't like their copy of the Snap-on grips but it's also the tool itself. The Icon pliers wrench are so big a bulky compared to Knipex Pliers Wrench I don't enjoy using them. I regret buying them but again the real ones cost way more than I want to pay. Hoping to score a Amz Warehouse deal.

 

[darkzero]

N/M

 

[Wamsutta]

My only other dislike is that for the dip coated version, Knipex have opted for a rough texture grip as they put on the Cobra’s. I hate these. They’re unpleasant to use, impossible to wipe clean, and can only have been designed by someone who doesn’t actually use tools. I solved the problem here by opting for the comfort grips, but would probably prefer a smooth vinyl if it was offerred.

GoJo hand cleaner works wonders with textured grips. They will look like new afterwards. Massage in and wipe off.

 

[Bubba Fett]

They aren't on the website yet

So, I'm guessing they have a license deal to sell generic Knipex and Snap-On pliers. Otherwise, they are straight up selling counterfeits. The lack of lawsuits make me think the former is reason. They could have been emboldened by the Daytona jacks case, but it's more than tools that look the same. These have actual functions that are directly copied.

 

[Dave455]

So, I'm guessing they have a license deal to sell generic Knipex and Snap-On pliers. Otherwise, they are straight up selling counterfeits. The lack of lawsuits make me think the former is reason. They could have been emboldened by the Daytona jacks case, but it's more than tools that look the same. These have actual functions that are directly copied.

I’m very much doubting it!

I’m not by any means fully acquainted with U.S. Law, but internationally, they would only be “counterfeit” if they said “Snap On” or “Knipex” on them. Otherwise, provided the tools don’t infringe someones patent, or use their trade marks, it’s help yourself!

I believe that the U.S. is slightly different in that you can protect a design, but I’m sure enough changes are incorporated that they don’t fall foul of this. I’m equally sure that some very expensive lawyers will have checked this out before anything hits the shelves!

 

[neophyte]

So, I'm guessing they have a license deal to sell generic Knipex and Snap-On pliers. Otherwise, they are straight up selling counterfeits. The lack of lawsuits make me think the former is reason. They could have been emboldened by the Daytona jacks case, but it's more than tools that look the same. These have actual functions that are directly copied.

You can practically sue anyone for anything in the USA,
But, for Harbor Freight to be sued over the Icon pliers, they would really need to have violated a patent, or trademark, or design patent, and even then, the entity suing HF would need to prove that HF actually violated a patent or trademark, and the entity could wind ip having their patent or trademark challenged or found to have been issued in error.
When SawStop sued Bosch over there similar saw, I believe some of the Sawstop patents were actually successfully challenged.
Anybody suing Harbor Freight would likely need deep pockets as well.
Black & Decker, (Dewalt) sued when Harbor Freight make yellow and black tools, since B&D had somehow trademarked the color combination, and B&D won, hence no more Black and Yellow Harbor Freight tools.
The Icon pliers routinelly just look generic, or have the distinctive “arrow hatch” design, so the tools can’t be mistaken for name brand tools that might have filed design patents.
I suspect Harbor Freight carefully checks patents and trademarks nowadays, and once a product has been on the market for a while, a manufacturer can’t really sue Harbor Freight for design patent or trademark infringement, because it’s really necessary to file a complaint as soon as the violation comes to the notice of whoever’s rights are being violated, and Harbor Freight is hardly some hidden retailer at this point.

 

[Bubba Fett]

After doing a little digging, Snap-on sued HF over the floor jack (which we all know), but HF counter-sued Snap-On for false advertising, claiming the jacks were made in the USA when they are actually made in the same factory as the HF jacks, and both use Chinese parts.

But eventually, both companies settled, and both suits were dismissed. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it does make me wonder if they found a compromise. Snap-On designs the tool (pliers), makes it in America, while HF sells a near identical copy (which they claim is designed in the US) but makes them in Taiwan. I could see HF paying a license for the design, and maybe royalties or something like that. Both companies make money.

The Knipex pliers-wrench patent expired, which is why Knipex changed the design a little, but HF version is nearly identical, down to the rhombus-shaped openings in the head, which would be hard to defend. Plus their Twin-Grip pliers are a new design, so surely the patent still exists.

I know HF has deep pockets and patent attorneys to find workarounds, but I think it would be easier and mutually beneficial to simply get a for the product.

 

[Dave455]

After doing a little digging, Snap-on sued HF over the floor jack (which we all know), but HF counter-sued Snap-On for false advertising, claiming the jacks were made in the USA when they are actually made in the same factory as the HF jacks, and both use Chinese parts.

But eventually, both companies settled, and both suits were dismissed. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it does make me wonder if they found a compromise. Snap-On designs the tool (pliers), makes it in America, while HF sells a near identical copy (which they claim is designed in the US) but makes them in Taiwan. I could see HF paying a license for the design, and maybe royalties or something like that. Both companies make money.

The Knipex pliers-wrench patent expired, which is why Knipex changed the design a little, but HF version is nearly identical, down to the rhombus-shaped openings in the head, which would be hard to defend. Plus their Twin-Grip pliers are a new design, so surely the patent still exists.

I know HF has deep pockets and patent attorneys to find workarounds, but I think it would be easier and mutually beneficial to simply get a for the product.

Well, it is feasible, and I can see how it might come about, but I always got the impression that the HF business model was simply to “rip things off”!

Yes, I knew the pliers wrench patent had expired. I think Knipex pretty much accepted that. I seem to remember seeing some sort of interview with someone from Knipex who was talking about it.

I don’t know if there is even anything on the Twin Grip that is patentable? It’s basically a variation of a very old design. It incorporates some features not found on other slip joint pliers, such as the push button, and the multi position hinge, but all those have been used before by Knipex, so I don’t think are patentable.

I suspect the best they could do is patent the design, but that would be easy to get around with a few changes, which is exactly what HF seem to do generally. Who knows?

Personally, as I can buy the German made tool for the equivalent of $20, I have little to no incentive to buy a rip off for $15!

Although I have a few Taiwanese tools around (mostly sockets and wrenches from Facom or similar, the quality of which I rate highly) I don’t have any Taiwan made pliers.

The reason is that I can get very good quality pliers from first world manufacturers such as Knipex, VBW, Facom, Tsunoda etc etc, for very little more than Taiwan tools cost. There just isn’t the incentive to buy Taiwanese.

 

[reclaimer]

The screw removal cutout is keeping me from purchasing these, I have a few pliers that have those already. I'm surprised it's taken them so long to come out with variations to this design. Ideally I'd like something a little shorter with a full cross-hatched gripping section, or a needle-nose/slim version.

 

[Dave455]

GoJo hand cleaner works wonders with textured grips. They will look like new afterwards. Massage in and wipe off.

I shall bear that in mind.

Though it’s a solution that wouldn’t be needed with better design!

And the rough grips are still unpleasant to use!

 

[tarbellb]

After doing a little digging, Snap-on sued HF over the floor jack (which we all know), but HF counter-sued Snap-On for false advertising, claiming the jacks were made in the USA when they are actually made in the same factory as the HF jacks, and both use Chinese parts.

But eventually, both companies settled, and both suits were dismissed. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it does make me wonder if they found a compromise. Snap-On designs the tool (pliers), makes it in America, while HF sells a near identical copy (which they claim is designed in the US) but makes them in Taiwan. I could see HF paying a license for the design, and maybe royalties or something like that. Both companies make money.

The Knipex pliers-wrench patent expired, which is why Knipex changed the design a little, but HF version is nearly identical, down to the rhombus-shaped openings in the head, which would be hard to defend. Plus their Twin-Grip pliers are a new design, so surely the patent still exists.

I know HF has deep pockets and patent attorneys to find workarounds, but I think it would be easier and mutually beneficial to simply get a for the product.

Interesting about the counter suit, HF must have had a pretty good case to keep the Snap-On dogs at bay.

Regarding the licensing/design- no way! HF doesn't need to "design" a damn thing, Knipex has already done it.

All they simply need to do is change a **% to bypass the infringements and off to the sales shelf they go.

I'm not sure why people think things can't be cloned, easily, and just slap a different name on it. They are called Dupes now, and it's nothing new, just easier these days.

 

[bwringer]

The screw removal cutout is keeping me from purchasing these, I have a few pliers that have those already. I'm surprised it's taken them so long to come out with variations to this design. Ideally I'd like something a little shorter with a full cross-hatched gripping section, or a needle-nose/slim version.

The screw removal cutout is the WHOLE POINT of these pliers. At least half, anyway.

I do get what you're saying, that a version without the screw removal bit would also be extremely useful.

That cutout also makes these perfect for dealing with those little spring wire tubing clips found on carbureted motorcycles and small engines.

I find them insanely useful, and as a few others have noted, I much prefer the "dipped" handles over the bulky "comfort" grips, which aren't even comfortable IMHO. Personal preference.

 

[bcradio]

How do these compare to the Vampliers Boss pliers? I ordered a pair of those (coming today) the day before I bought these. I am thinking I don't need both unless there is a different use for them.

 

[Dave455]

How do these compare to the Vampliers Boss pliers? I ordered a pair of those (coming today) the day before I bought these. I am thinking I don't need both unless there is a different use for them.

The Vampliers Boss pliers look to be a rebranded Engineer Screw Grip.

The Engineer pliers are basically regular combination pliers with the screw gripping feature added.


The Knipex are basically long “slip joint” pliers. They would be capable of much move leverage than the Vampliers (which might be useful for screw gripping) but the jaws are much more “multi purpose” I think.

 

[mrjaw14]

I want to get a set of twin grips, but seems like the price keeps going up. I should have bought back when it was ~$26. it's close to $40 now for a set of fancy slip joint pliers. That's a bit hard to swallow. I expect the screw gripping end to get damaged with use if the jaws aren't perfectly hardened, if they are actually used as intended. I am leaning toward the HFT version for ease of warranty. I think that Knipex would deny a warranty claim, and by the time you pay for shipping you're out a lot of money to get told it's wear and tear. Don't want to start thinking of $40 pliers as consumable.

 

[bcradio]

The Vampliers Boss pliers look to be a rebranded Engineer Screw Grip.

The Engineer pliers are basically regular combination pliers with the screw gripping feature added.


The Knipex are basically long “slip joint” pliers. They would be capable of much move leverage than the Vampliers (which might be useful for screw gripping) but the jaws are much more “multi purpose” I think.

Would you say both are not needed as there is too much overlap? I would probably return the Vampliers if I was going to return one

 

[garfieldzzz]

$20 without coupon.
Could get it for $14 or $15 with a coupon.

Interesting, i paid 13€ for my Knipex which is approx 14$ today…

I like them a lot to hold round stock on a bench grinder

 

[Dave455]

Would you say both are not needed as there is too much overlap? I would probably return the Vampliers if I was going to return one

Now that’s a bold statement on this forum.

I suspect it all comes down to how often you use the screw gripping feature.

I have survived till now without such tools, and in all honesty, if there was a Twin Grip without that feature I would probsbly prefer it.

Having said that, I can think of occasions when I might have used screw grip pliers, If I’d had some.

For me, I think I’ll probably stick with the Twin Grips, but if I used the screw grip feature a lot, my answer could be different.

 

[lardy1]

Return? Keep them both plus buy the Fujiya's. Because Garage Journal.

 

[Ton ton]

Would you say both are not needed as there is too much overlap? I would probably return the Vampliers if I was going to return one

Keep the vampliers!

 

[Bubba Fett]

Interesting about the counter suit, HF must have had a pretty good case to keep the Snap-On dogs at bay.

Regarding the licensing/design- no way! HF doesn't need to "design" a damn thing, Knipex has already done it.

All they simply need to do is change a **% to bypass the infringements and off to the sales shelf they go.

I'm not sure why people think things can't be cloned, easily, and just slap a different name on it. They are called Dupes now, and it's nothing new, just easier these days.

It's also possible that Snap-On or Knipex are still looking things over, and haven't decided what to do yet.

TBH, I'm conflicted about it, because I don't like to support a company that is effectively lying about designing a tool, but the real ones are expensive, and not so easy to get/easy to warranty. Plus I think the intended customer is different (DIYer vs professional mechanic). However I do find the whole situation amusing.

As for screw extraction pliers: Engineer is the one to beat in my book. Vampliers are basically the same thing, (same company) but pricier.

I will admit for screw extractions, I'm probably not even going to be using pliers in the first place. My mind automatically goes to extraction bits.