Must have knipex for mechanic?

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. At work I'm only allowed to use the bosses tools (basically shop box) due to shop space issues. I'm trying to build up my home box and realize I need some better pliers than I have. Can you all recommend me individual or sets of knipex pliers geared towards a mechanic? I looked on their website and see so many different kinds. I have barely any experience with knipex but the experience I do have is overall good. Cutters, needle nose, etc. Thanks!

 

[crewchief888]

i have a pair of knipex dykes. they are by far the best pair i've owned.

for nearly every other type of pliers, channelock has served me well for 30 years.

do kinda like the pair of milwaukee wire strippers i have

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I have Milwaukee wire strippers as well. The needle nose/stripper ones. They're awesome.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Yep, their dykes and a set of Cobra's.

 

[cheechi]

Pliers wrench
Cobras
Mini bolt cutters

 

[BFHtime]

Pliers wrench is the must have Knipex tool, if there is one. I have a nice wire cutter that looks like a small cable cutter, with pliers handles. I use it for medium to large size wire 8 AWG and up to 0AWG with care.

I find knipex lighter, but not as rigid. That is a trade off that, I do not like.

 

[Davefr]

Get Cobras. (multiple sizes). Knipex cutters are good but avoid their needle nose. Plier wrenches look impressive but in real life aren't that useful.

 

[SASORacing]

When you are ready for locking pliers/ vise grips, check out Grip-on. Get the orange 10" to start out with.

 

[shockwave]

The small pliers wrench
Best to hold nut on caliper bolts that spin while tightening

And there circling pliers are the best

 

[BirdMobile]

The small pliers wrench
Best to hold nut on caliper bolts that spin while tightening

And there circling pliers are the best

Do you mean their circlip retainer ring pliers, or their hose circling/pulling pliers?

 

[Dave455]

European companies tend not to offer quite as many 'sets' as US companies. The assumption is that you buy what you want, and there are just so many combinations!

Start by thinking about what finish you want. Knipex offer black and polished which they call 'black atramatised', or chrome plated. Both are good.

Then think about which grips. They offer the red dip coated, red and blue comfort grips, insulated, or even plain steel on some models. The comfort grips are better than many as they are not too soft, so again all options work!

Finally, choose what pliers you want, and in what length!

I'd start with a pair of combination pliers. I'd add a pair of snipe nose and some cutters before bothering about things like cobras or pliers wrench, but have to admit that the latter are well useful tools!

 

[FMC1959]

Hey guys. .... Can you all recommend me individual or sets of knipex pliers geared towards a mechanic? ..... Thanks!

Some of their speciality tools like snap ring or the hose clamp pliers would be aimed more at mechanics. Maybe the Pliers Wrench? I don't think much of the main Knipex line is aimed right at the mechanic (auto), more for plumbers & electricians. But it is all personal preferences.

Some mechanics are more into ratchets, others wrenches, and others use impacts for everything. Any of the answers other members responded are right and also carry that persons personal preference. If your often reaching for Channelocks, then sure, check out some Cobras.

The Pliers Wrench is a very particular tool. At first I got it because I thought it was so cool looking, but never got the hang of using it. Lately I am reaching for it more and more. It is much better than any adjustable wrench, it can be a hand vise, it can straighten kinks in metal, amazing gripping/clamping force. I can see this being a real love or hate tool.

 

[shockwave]

These would be the retaining ring pliers I like the precision line the best

 

[Fcvapor05]

Knipex makes, in my opinion, the best cutters, (twinforce are EXCELLENT, as are the cobolt) and water pump pliers (cobra/alligator depending on your preference) in the industry. Their snap-ring pliers are also excellent- Knipex and Snap-On are in a first place tie on that one in my opinion.

For needle nose, Snap-On are the best, hands down. For linesman, if you want one for doing wiring and whatnot, Klein or Knipex. Slip-joint pliers, you want Snap-On for sure.

 

[bcradio]

Get Cobras. (multiple sizes). Knipex cutters are good but avoid their needle nose. Plier wrenches look impressive but in real life aren't that useful.

VERY useful in real life actually

 

[FMC1959]

I agree, when you get used to them, they actually replace many pliers & wrenches. The are a very innovative tool.

 

[Harrison2]

side cutters are the most efficient ive come across. on a par with snap on.

 

[Monte]

Knipex Cobra - the universal pliers
Knipex pliers wrench - the better adjustable wrench
Knipex Cobolt - simply awesome cutter
Knipex spark plug pliers - grab spark plug boots, hoses and other round things
Knipex precision circlip pliers - probably the best
Knipex locking pliers - exceed Vise Grip quality

 

[BirdMobile]

Knipex Cobra - the universal pliers
Knipex pliers wrench - the better adjustable wrench
Knipex Cobolt - simply awesome cutter
Knipex spark plug pliers - grab spark plug boots, hoses and other round things
Knipex precision circlip pliers - probably the best
Knipex locking pliers - exceed Vise Grip quality

Amazing! Add the dolphin nose (double-bent) mechanics pliers, and you've pretty much posted my Knipex shopping list!

 

[SASORacing]

Get Cobras. (multiple sizes). Knipex cutters are good but avoid their needle nose. Plier wrenches look impressive but in real life aren't that useful.

Knipex comfort grip are my favorite pair of needle/ long nose. I have the 8 inch version.

 

[Motor-Mechanic]

Knipex pliers i currently use at work:

Engineers/combination pliers
Side cutters
Long nose pliers
Long nose pliers 45 degree angled

Size and handle type are personal preference.

 

[bahcoswed]

Some of my knipex tools( hose plier is stahlwille)! They are expensive, but, you get what you pay for! Anyway, monte has the complete list[emoji1] I would start with cobra,pliers wrench and cobolt!

 

[SASORacing]

getting the comfort grip is always worth it for me. It's usually only an extra $5 to $8 on a $40 pair of pliers. The comfort grip material is more durable and doesn't slide off or wear down as quick as the standard type. Not to mention the comfort grip is much more comfortable and makes work more efficient and maybe even increases leverage.

 

[Hyster Gareth]

I would recommend Knipex circlip pliers.