Noob Knipex Q
- Thread starter BK13
- Start date
Toolhorder
Well-known member
The difference is the cobra pliers have a button you press to adjust the jaws and the alligator style has no button just slip lock style. I think you get more adjustment increments with the cobra (I think)
The alligator style was first if I remember correctly then the cobras came along.
Have both styles in my box and I think the alligator are more what I reach for. Not sure why. Either styles are good.
The alligator style was first if I remember correctly then the cobras came along.
Have both styles in my box and I think the alligator are more what I reach for. Not sure why. Either styles are good.
I prefer the cobra style by a large margin, but they are more expensive. The button adjustment makes it easy to adjust the plier size with just my thumb whereas with the alligator style I need to brace the pliers against something near me or against my own body to adjust them one handed while working on something.
I have lots of Channellock pliers and even with the arc joint they are still very easy to adjust one handed whereas the alligator seem relatively awkward to me at times. The circular positioning holes on the alligator pliers I have bind a little bit when trying to change adjustments if I don't center the pin within the circle perfectly before trying to close the handles. It can be annoying when I am holding something heavy with my other hand and I am trying to get the pliers adjusted quickly.
It is just personal preference though, functionally they both work about the same. I also like how with the cobra there are more adjustments so you can fine tune the plier jaw position better for different tasks, and you can set a specific adjustment for a repetitive task and they will stay that way even if set down, dropped, bumped, handles opened up too far, etc.
I have lots of Channellock pliers and even with the arc joint they are still very easy to adjust one handed whereas the alligator seem relatively awkward to me at times. The circular positioning holes on the alligator pliers I have bind a little bit when trying to change adjustments if I don't center the pin within the circle perfectly before trying to close the handles. It can be annoying when I am holding something heavy with my other hand and I am trying to get the pliers adjusted quickly.
It is just personal preference though, functionally they both work about the same. I also like how with the cobra there are more adjustments so you can fine tune the plier jaw position better for different tasks, and you can set a specific adjustment for a repetitive task and they will stay that way even if set down, dropped, bumped, handles opened up too far, etc.
lwlobo
Well-known member
The difference is basically the pivot positioning mechanism. The alligator is simpler and cheaper, and may be faster to adjust, but there are three drawbacks: 1) not as many positions to choose from, 2) easy to change notches during a job inadvertently, and 3) there is an intermediate point in which flat on the pivot pin will lock in the groove, and you have to open the pliers to get it to move. With the push button system on the cobra's, all these issue are solved, but the adjustment isn't quite as quick and the pliers cost more. I strongly prefer the Cobra's, but even the alligators are a big improvement on most tongue and groove pliers (channelocks).
MattPersman
Well-known member
The adjustment mechanism on the alligators is super crappy IMO and you will wonder what the hype of knipex is all about if you buy them first the cobras are light years ahead and really unsure why they still make the alligator version. They should just supersede to cobra
agree. the aligator adjustment is not smooth at all. i would rather have channellocks instead of aligators. cobras are nice and worth it
nowlan
Well-known member
What about the flat/smooth jaw Pliers Wrenches ?
86 03 150 / 86 05 150
86 03 150 / 86 05 150
blackz26
Banned
From the screen shot of the video, And the description of the wp pliers, they are the same thing as my Irwin channel locks. They are very nice with the piano button adjustment. And not slipping to a bigger size till you push the button.
Best water pump type pliers I've ever used and I've worn out many, many pairs over the years
the pliers wrench is a very nice tool i have teh 7 inch and 10 inch. they are great for me as a bicycle mechanic. they are high leverage pliers so the smooth jaws grip hard on surfaces you don't want to mess up too much. i also use them as a mini press sometimes due to their parallel action
cburnscrx
Well-known member
Actually if you want the Cobra's, don't get the Knipex. Get the Craftsman version (ie rebranded Knipex). They're much cheaper and the same thing.
Right now they're $36 for a 10" and a 7"
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-pc...p-00945433000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
Right now they're $36 for a 10" and a 7"
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2-pc...p-00945433000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
Attachments
Last edited:
blackz26
Banned
Fwiw op, Irwin's are $20 for both pair, all the time at lowes. Don't know what you want or how much you wanna spend. But it's a comparison point
wafrederick
Well-known member
There is a new pair of cobra pliers made for Matco already out.The button is blue and all you do is slide it up.I have a pair and like it.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/PCQ10/10-QUICK-SET-COBRA-PLIERS/
Knipex is even a very great company,I recieved promo items from them a couple weeks ago.I suggested they visit my Matco tool dealer whom talks customers into buying Knipex.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/PCQ10/10-QUICK-SET-COBRA-PLIERS/
Knipex is even a very great company,I recieved promo items from them a couple weeks ago.I suggested they visit my Matco tool dealer whom talks customers into buying Knipex.
Last edited:
jjjrmx5
Well-known member
The Irwins are a far inferior product to the Knipex Cobras.
Far inferior.
I have both brands and the poor Irwinds have sat unused in my box for 2 years.
Meanwhile the Cobras get used weekly if not daily.
If me and assuming you already have a arc joing tounge in groove pliers, I'd get the Cobras first, then a 10" plier-wrench and then if you have the cash get a pair of alligators to compare to what you have.
You can find used or cheap new C'man tounge in groove pliers all day long at flea markets or swap meets.
Cobras not so much.
Obviously you've never used a set of Cobra's before.
They are far from bieng the same as Irwin ChannelLocks if you are using the std. blue handles ChannelLock slip joint pliers. If you mean the blue and yellow handled Irwin version of the Cobra, see my statement above.
Different beasts. You really need both tongue and grooves and Cobras if you wrench a lot.
Last edited:
HubbaBubba
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 20, 2011
- Messages
- 256
I prefer the Alligator style. The button for adjustment gets in the way for close work or when you are using two. Also, I can adjust the size with one hand using the Alligator style. I have tossed the cobras and have been buying the alligator style when I see them. The newer Alligator 10" has been modifyed to open as big as my old 12"
If I know myself at all, I'm going to end up with at least four of each anyway...
But Cobras will likely be next...Interesting. Cool pliers, even if the video is a little cheesy. I always appreciate somebody else navigating Matco's website... Every time I go there, like when I was looking at boxes, I end up giving up before I find what I want, out of fear I'm going to throw my iPad in frustration.
cburnscrx
Well-known member
Can somebody explain to me why you'd buy the Matco version of the Knipex vs actual Knipex or even the Craftsman? Just wondering as the Matco's are the most expensive of the group.
kiatech
Well-known member
because it says Matco
jjjrmx5
Well-known member
As for Matco's, if you have a weekly Matco driver that shows up and you have a truck account that allows you to stretch interest free pmts out to pay for them, that is a plus to many. Price is close to buying the std. Knipex and if warranty issues matco driver will warranty them. Like Snap-On you are paying for convience, gasoline and extened payments for the extra cost.
Buying Knipex directly can be trublesome for some due to access. Lowes carries them as does Sears , my Snap-On driver and even my local mom-n-pop hdwre store stocks them or can order in what I want.
Warranty if needed can be a little work but worth the cost if no Matco driver , which I do not have. (But my Snappy guy will warranty Knipex products all day long). If bought at sears the warranty is quite hassle free if you have your receipt.
The craftsmans cobras are identical to the red Knipex's with the exception of a black dipped handle. Cost is lower and they are made by knipex and stamped made in Germany.
Very good price for an identical product but drawback is they only are offed at the store in two sizes (7" and 10"--the 12" can be had at sears online) and if like many GJ OCD members , the black handles will not match the rest of any red or red/blue Knipex products you buy in the future.
Me, I don't care. many here do.
That's my two cents.
Last edited:
Toolhorder
Well-known member
I'm pretty sure the C-man versions are NOT the same in adjustment increments. Look for yourself next time you're at Sears. They usually sell both C-man and Knipex next to each other. Different.
jjjrmx5
Well-known member
Nope. Not possible.
Sears does NOT sell the Knipex red handles Cobras in stores.
They only offer teh Black handled C'man version.
Check the Sears in store Knipex Sears only offerings. It's a phamphlet in the Knipex section.
No Cobra listed.
Sears does sell the Knipex red handled Plier wrench, Alligators (which are NOT Cobras) along with many cutters, mini bolt cutters and nippers in stores . Sears online sells the red handled Cobra's but they are dropped shipped through their 3rd party warehouse system. Not an in-store buy tho.
I;m sure it's a contractural agreement since Knipex is already making the Cobra's under the C'man name.
I have the Cobras in both brands and they are identical. I guess I;l have to count the f&^*ing teeth to make you happy tho.
Toolhorder
Well-known member
Nope. Not possible.
Sears does NOT sell the Knipex red handles Cobras in stores.
They only offer teh Black handled C'man version.
Check the Sears in store Knipex Sears only offerings. It's a phamphlet in the Knipex section.
No Cobra listed.
Sears does sell the Knipex red handled Plier wrench, Alligators (which are NOT Cobras) along with many cutters, mini bolt cutters and nippers in stores . Sears online sells the red handled Cobra's but they are dropped shipped through their 3rd party warehouse system. Not an in-store buy tho.
I;m sure it's a contractural agreement since Knipex is already making the Cobra's under the C'man name.
I have the Cobras in both brands and they are identical. I guess I;l have to count the f&^*ing teeth to make you happy tho.
Could have been alligators, could have been cobras I don't remember but I looked at them side by side and the C-man had less adjustment. I was on board with just buying the C-man rebrands until I noticed it. Still good pliers either way. I own a couple of rebrands. Matco and Snap on rebrands I believe.
TJx
Well-known member
Knipex 7" Alligators are down to $18 at Lowe's.
Combination pliers are also down to $18.
Combination pliers are also down to $18.
mashguy4077
Well-known member
As for Matco's, if you have a weekly Matco driver that shows up and you have a truck account that allows you to stretch interest free pmts out to pay for them, that is a plus to many. Price is close to buying the std. Knipex and if warranty issues matco driver will warranty them. Like Snap-On you are paying for convience, gasoline and extened payments for the extra cost.
Buying Knipex directly can be trublesome for some due to access. Lowes carries them as does Sears , my Snap-On driver and even my local mom-n-pop hdwre store stocks them or can order in what I want.
Warranty if needed can be a little work but worth the cost if no Matco driver , which I do not have. (But my Snappy guy will warranty Knipex products all day long). If bought at sears the warranty is quite hassle free if you have your receipt.
The craftsmans cobras are identical to the red Knipex's with the exception of a black dipped handle. Cost is lower and they are made by knipex and stamped made in Germany.
Very good price for an identical product but drawback is they only are offed at the store in two sizes (7" and 10"--the 12" can be had at sears online) and if like many GJ OCD members , the black handles will not match the rest of any red or red/blue Knipex products you buy in the future.
Me, I don't care. many here do.
That's my two cents.
Im sorry but I beg to differ on the prices. Matco is not very close on Price.
Matco 3 piece Knipex Cobra is $176.40. Chads Tool Box has the same exact set for $80.63.
Thats quite a difference.
fatfillup
Well-known member
I have owned both alligator and cobra pliers for years and like Walrus, have worn out many pairs. Love both kinds. I tend to prefer the Cobra's because of the more positions and easier to adjust. The alligator's jaws open further which has come in handy from time to time. As I work on a lot of 1/4 to 3/4 iron pipe fittings everyday, they (Knipex pliers) are my most used tool.
No comparison to Irwins, not even close. Knipex is head and shoulders above Irwins, not to mention Channelock.
No comparison to Irwins, not even close. Knipex is head and shoulders above Irwins, not to mention Channelock.
jjjrmx5
Well-known member
I was trying to keep it fair to a point.
Again, Matco does have it's privledges if buying from a truck seller just like snap-on . Which is the way that system works.
Brick and mortar for the real Knipex Cobra's are at least $130 to $140 at Lowes or my local lookup for all 3.
Online is cheaper. What? Hu8h? That's news to me. LOLOLOLZZZZZZZZZZZ.
But it does not fit all cases and this is one.
Apples and oranges for Matco. Just like online snap-on purchases.
But you knew that I;m sure.