theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I don't own any, but being a "tool guy", I think I might buy a couple. I have several arc-joint pliers up to huge. Which Knipex are the MUST HAVE ?
Knipex - where to start
- Thread starter theoldwizard1
- Start date
southalabama
Well-known member
Cobra
RichieP_MechE
Well-known member
10 inch cobras, 10 & 7 inch pliers wrench.
SweetD
Well-known member
I guess the main question is, what are you looking to use them for?
As we all well know some can be for more general use (Cobras) while some are pretty specific (mini bolt cutters)...
General answer = the more the merrier!
As we all well know some can be for more general use (Cobras) while some are pretty specific (mini bolt cutters)...
General answer = the more the merrier!
This is pretty much the perfect suggestion. The pliers wrench is a really unique pair of pliers and super useful, definitely my first choice. I could do without cobra's myself but they are the most typical suggestion and are definitely great pliers. I'd then maybe suggest the twin grips as a third choice.
sparky 1971
Well-known member
None of them are must have, but the 10" Cobras sure are nice and a good place to start.
OP
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Anything I would previously use arc joint pliers on.
I have the mini bolt cutter.
genog
Well-known member
I have just one Knipex
But it's a Go-To tool and gets used frequently
A good buddy got it for me off of the SnapOn truck
I otherwise never knew where they are marketed
But it's a Go-To tool and gets used frequently
A good buddy got it for me off of the SnapOn truck
I otherwise never knew where they are marketed
dnschmidt
Well-known member
I warn you Wizard. This is a rabbit hole you can't escape from. If I could have only one (perish the thought) it would be the pliers wrench. The reason is that the rest of the line is superb but available from other sources such as NWS and to a lesser degree Channellock. The pliers wrench is unique and truly an engineering marvel.
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The new twingrips are easily my favorite knipex pliers personally. Many brands are very similar in function for most other models of knipex pliers, but twin grips are in a class all their own IMO. But if you are looking for arc joint equavelent pliers then the cobras are the general go to, and they are some of the more reasonably priced pliers as well.
BigBoreFan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2010
- Messages
- 311
Pliers wrench, very handy. I'll add, I don't like the comfort handles on the smaller pliers, get the normal handles.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
The plier wrench won a design award when first introduced. Get that and the cobra most defanately.
Also check out this thread:
Also check out this thread:
Knipex old and new a place to post and talk knipex
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Bill Bowman
Well-known member
As mentioned, Cobra 10" and side cutters. Good start.
I'm still a Knipex virgin but not for long, see a few that I need to add to the collection, small pliers wrench is one of them...This is pretty much the perfect suggestion. The pliers wrench is a really unique pair of pliers and super useful, definitely my first choice. I could do without cobra's myself but they are the most typical suggestion and are definitely great pliers. I'd then maybe suggest the twin grips as a third choice.
Out of the pliers wrench sizes, I use the 250's and 180's all the time...the 125's much less so, they are TINY.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Come on Nemo be a man. Get a pair of the 400's.
I've got both the 16" 400's and 22" 560's cobra's along with the 16" 400 pliers wrench in my amazon cart waiting for the price to drop
I've got Channellock 460's and 480's already, but you better believe I want the big Knipex pliers too
pizza
Well-known member
i know they are advertised with inch equivalents on the packaging in some markets, but i wish everyone just went by the length in mm when talking about knipex pliers online. the length in mm is what's in the actual model numbers, and so that's how i have them in my head. it's also what's actually printed on the tool (the important part, imo).
XS = super small
125 = 5"
150 = 6"
180 = 7"
250 = 10"
300 = 12"
400 = 16"
You're welcome
joesregalproject
Well-known member
I use my 10 inch Cobras all the time but I'm eager to pick up a pliers wrench and the mini bolt cutters.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
One does not just buy “a couple” Knipex.
What kind of stuff do you do?
Nailed it here^
I’ll add the bolt cutters if you think you need a really heavy duty small cutter.
We in Europe usually start here: If you don't plan to work on electrical stuff get the standard grips (thin red coating) which is 30% cheaper. Then a 10" Cobra and a 10" pliers wrench.
Firebrick43
Well-known member
I imagine you have lots of scared fittings and bolts! Plier wrenches are great for fasteners, strain reliefs and such that you don't want to scar up like you would with channel locks/cobras and much better than adjustable wrenches. I rarely reach for a set of cobras except on black iron fittings, but carry a 6" set of plier wrenches at all times in my pocket.
I agree those and the pliers wrench and Cobra are pretty definitively the core set. I've found myself using the 180/7" pliers wrench more than my 250/10" or 150/6" pairs - It's probably 70/20/10 between the 180/250/150 for the home/auto DIY stuff I do.We in Europe usually start here: If you don't plan to work on electrical stuff get the standard grips (thin red coating) which is 30% cheaper. Then a 10" Cobra and a 10" pliers wrench.
anndel
Well-known member
Knipex makes good stuff, a notch above Channellocks. I don't care for the wrench pliers and prefer the Cobra pliers. If I needed something that the wrench pliers would do I just grab the Crescent wrenches. I particularly am not a fan of the locking device on those pliers. When wrenching on cars and if I had use use a pliers I always grab the Channellocks for the slip joint instead of messing with the lock. I do love their long nose, side cutters and bolt cutters.
OP asked where to start with Knipex. If he likes the cobras he’ll probably like other options.
richfinn
Well-known member
My favourite pair are the cobra style hose clip pliers, bought on a whim mostly out of frustration, use them all the time (on VW/Audis)
scooby074
Well-known member
Plierswrench 125/150 are the best place to start IMHO. Just the perfect size for household plumbing etc, plus they go surprisingly large for other fittings. Probably what I grab 90% of the time, even over "channelocks" or conventional wrenches.
2 Pc Mini Pliers Wrench Set : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement
2 Pc Mini Pliers Wrench Set : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement
www.amazon.ca