Most Versatile Cobra/Plier Wrench Size

[Zinc2005]

So I am going to be picking up a pair of Knipex Cobras and a Knipex Plier Wrench. I would like just get one of each. What sizes have the most utility overall?

 

[BirdMobile]

I use my 10" Cobras and 7" Pliers Wrench the most. I have all "non-humongous" sizes up to 12" in both types.

Oh... and I REALLY, REALLY loves me some comfort grips on those Pliers Wrenches!

 

[Zinc2005]

How wide can the 7" Pliers Wrench open up? I am hoping to replace my Chanellocks 6" Wide Azz adjustable wrench which opens to 1.5"

 

[BirdMobile]

The 7" goes up to 1-3/8".

10" will do 1-3/4".

I'd still stick with the 7" and lose the extra 1/8" of range (of the pliers you're replacing)... the 7" are just the right size to fit almost everywhere.

P.S. If you've never owned a Pliers Wrench, you're going to LOVE them! One of my favorite tools ever.

 

[Kaane]

I have the 6inch plier wrench and it's a bit small for some jobs. Just ordered the 10inch. and the 10inch Cobra.

 

[1950mercury]

7 inch

 

[sam.coll]

Use my 10in cobras the most, a really good general size

 

[alan camby]

You can get the 7" and 10" branded as Craftsman for about $45.
I have 2 sets of them. They are the Cobra model in black.

 

[alan camby]

Just bough them at Sears 2 days ago with my Sears Christmas gift card. For some reason Amazon is $10 more.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007KHG64K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[txdude87]

When I'm ready to purchase some for my home box I'll probably just buy 3 of each. Will always have the size I need then.

 

[FMC1959]

If you go on Knipex's site and check their section on Pipe Wrenches & Water Pump Pliers, you will see they have many models of Cobras, Cobras ES, Cobra Quick Set, Pliers wrench, Alligators, Raptors and so on. The main stream Cobra offers the widest selection of sizes, others like the Raptors, Quick Set, Auto Adjust & ES only come in one size, 10" (250mm). This alone would tell you that 10" is probably the best all around size. If you don't go 10, then 7 would be the other size I would consider.

The Craftsman mentioned by previous poster is a great deal, on sale you can find them in the low $30 range for made in Germany, Craftsman branded Knipex Cobras.

 

[Andy8430]

The craftsman set is great for the cobra style at a cheap price. I also like the plier wrench style (not available from cman). Which won't round off nut/bolt heads as easy. 7" of either style is what I usually carry because they fit in my pocket easier.

 

[Andy8430]

A couple more things I forgot to mention. The week point of the styles you mention is the button used to adjust. I've seen several broken after a fall to the ground. You may want to look at the alligator style which doesn't have this week point or keep in mind you may need to warranty these (which may affect where you want to buy). The lowest prices I've found are at chads toolbox online, but I don't know how a warranty claim would be handled when buying from them.
Mac tools rebrands these tools and offers a warranty, but the increased price is only beneficial if you have a tool true stop by.

 

[Canyon56]

Thanks for all the great information here! I just purchased a 10 inch Knipex Cobra and 10 inch Knipex Plier Wrench from Crawfords. I am looking forward to using this combo. I grabbed my first Wera ratcheting screwdriver as well...this forum is going to be expensive!

 

[FMC1959]

Crawford is pretty good, they carry a very good selection and have one of the better prices around. If you are interested in other Knipex in the future and in no hurry, keep an eye on the ** Hot Deals ** thread, they often find crazy deals on Amazon, Woot and other places.

... The week point of the styles you mention is the button used to adjust. I've seen several broken after a fall to the ground. You may want to look at the alligator style which doesn't have this week point or keep in mind you may need to warranty these (which may affect where you want to buy). .

I have tons of plier including Channelocks, Irwin, NWS and other lesser name brands. I have not experienced this problem with the button breaking or heard others mention this. Of all the pliers I would fear breaking from a fall or other manner, the Knipex would be the least I would worry about.

I have over 20 different Knipex pliers/wrenches including some Alligators. I like them, they are very good, but nowhere as convenient as Cobras. When you get the hang of the Alligators, you can 1-hand adjust them and some prefer them, but most people prefer the Cobras (threads about it on GJ)

 

[Monte]

10" seems to be most common here

 

[bob from indiana]

I have Cobras in 10" , 5" and the 7" Craftsman. the 7" is my most used. I would like to get a set of 6". The 5" are neat but a bit to small for my big hands.

 

[pozidriv]

Was just asking myself the same question as the OP and here I already have the answer, without even asking. 250 mm it is!
This place is great!

 

[geojag]

I have a 10" Pliers wrench, it is very versatile although I don't have anything to compare it to. I just picked up the 2-pack of craftsman adjustable pliers that are made my Knipex and are just different colored cobras. There are 7 and 10 inch pliers in the pack, it is yet to be determined which is more versatile on those. I am sure they will both be useful.

 

[General Geoff]

Be aware that the Craftsman rebranded Cobras are the *old* style which has a shorter, straight adjustment track, and the jaws do not open as wide as the newer style Knipex Cobras (1-1/2" vs 2", for the 10 inch models). Unless the actual models have been updated and the online photos are old stock photos.

 

[lwlobo]

I use my 10 inch pliers wrench constantly, more than the 12 or 7. I also use and like the 10" Cobra but if I could only get one size of Cobra it would be the 12 inch, it covers harder jobs, plumbing fittings, etc better.

 

[sonvolt]

I use the 10" daily, great tool def a keeper

 

[decaf]

Was just asking myself the same question as the OP and here I already have the answer, without even asking. 250 mm it is!
This place is great!

Let me correct you, this place is expensive

 

[geojag]

Be aware that the Craftsman rebranded Cobras are the *old* style which has a shorter, straight adjustment track, and the jaws do not open as wide as the newer style Knipex Cobras (1-1/2" vs 2", for the 10 inch models). Unless the actual models have been updated and the online photos are old stock photos.

Adjustment track is curved, 10" open to 2-1/8" and 7" open to 1-1/2". Must be the new design.