Can Pliers Beat a Wrench? Knipex Pliers Wrench vs Cobra & Amazon Basics Clone

It's our 2nd look at hand tools here on Torque Test Channel, an d we're taking a look at pliers. Specifically ones suggested to us in our last testing of flarenut wrenches: Knipex Cobra and Knipex Pliers Wrenches to see how they compare to actual wrenches and Amazon Basics clones, because why not?
~We earn from qualifying purchases when using the Amazon affiliate links here~
Torque of TTC is working for Astro Tools who also make impact wrenches (air). TTC is not the only testing out there, always consider multiple sources when looking at a tool!

[TorqueTestChannel]

Torque who started TTC is working for Astro Tools in product development, which includes flarenut tools. Always consider multiple sources when looking at a tool!

[cordcd]

We all know that soul crushing feeling of the pliers letting go no matter how tight you squeeze the handles.

[AustinRoepke]

The note on the Knipex flat edge wrench possibly needing compression on both handles is accurate—and possibly why it shows lower ratings here. The jaw system is a four bar linkage, which only locks at one point and isn’t effective at clamp loading with force on one handle alone. The four bar linkage design is to allow for the flats remain parallel and reduces the probability of rounding off a bolt head, compared to the cobra pliers.

[ionstorm]

I have the opposite luck with Knipex pliers wrench. The only time they have slipped was when I stripped out the locking button. I have stood on the handles of my 7 inch pair, and im 275 pounds. They will literally put new flats on rounded nuts if you squeeze hard enough.

I always clamp or zip tie the handles before using a cheater on them though.

[jameskyser]

The knipex plier wrenches are my daily go to. I do plant maintenance style work and the 5" is my "pocket wrench" I carry at all times. Extremely useful plus they have a ratcheting effect once you get use to them.

[billymanilli]

I absolutely LOVE, and regularly depend on, knipex pliers. The way the design "bites" harder as you push (kinda like a pipe wrench) is just awesome. You could literally break head bolts loose with a nice new pair of the "cobra" style ones!

[mikenormandy]

I am an electrical apprentice into my third year now, but I have been using Knipex brand pliers and hand tools way before this when doing plumbing, auto maint, sprinkler installation, etc...And I am ALWAYS recommending new tools to guys on the job, esp when they ask to borrow a pair of cobras or linesman, and are surprised how AMAZING they feel and work! - But, it is HILARIOUS how many brands have now adapted the 'cobra' locking water pump plier mechanism...Snap-on/Mac Have STRAIGHT UP borrowed the blueprint...Luckily, Knipex did NOT patent it, or maybe they did and they are making a killing! Even US brands like Channellock and Irwin are now doing the same!

[grantsoderstrom]

You can't put it on the dino, but it would be really fun to test which is the stronger fan base Knipex or Milwaukee...

[johncarrig]

I have several sizes of Knipex pliers wrench tools and have found that maximum gripping force is only achieved by correctly adjusting the jaw opening. The sliding jaw should be adjusted so that the handles are close together when the jaws are gripping the workpiece. If the handles are too far apart, the cam part of the sliding jaw is much more easily deflected away from the workpiece. Much more clamping force is developed with less effort at the handles when adjusted properly.

[atmacm]

The pliers wrench work off the handles creating a 10X increase in jaw clamp force based off the cam design. Since you’re not squeezing the handles this is affecting the teeth not grabbing. Also, on the cobras on many occasions you didn’t apply the fastener correctly in the pliers, which causes them to slip. Like at 8:37. You had the flat on the flat of the jaw and not in the V notch.

[Bearcats]

i can honestly say the knipex are some of the best hand tools ive ever used. Now i carry a 7 1/4pliers wrench and the 7 1/4 cobra as a side carry every day

[shallmaneser]

As far as I understand, for the Knipex plier-wrench, you should start with a perfect fit against the nut and then squeeze??? (not squeezing in order to make it a perfect fit)!!!

[boosted._sky]

If they're not being squeezed the way a person would squeeze them ( and use them in service)..then the data is flawed... sorry
That one handle is a marketing Ploy it's not the way that they're expected to be used... not really

[CrookedSkew]

Love seeing this with hand tools. This channel and Project Farm gives me the warm and cuddlies! :D

[Frank-pvhp]

I'd like to see a comparison of open end wrenches. I sprang for the the Snap-On flank drive plus many years ago and I still love them. They have saved my bacon (and a couple of other guys at the shop) quite a few times over the years.

[orijimi]

I was hoping for a comparison between pliers wrenches and adjustable wrenches. And squeezing pliers wrenches during use has always been a necessity to use them correctly. Gedore's design makes that especially obvious.

[Jay_Ira]

You guys are quickly becoming the industry testing standard for various tools we didn't know how to compare. I love this addition to the channel. Now we might as well test the other knock off pliers wrenches like Capri and Icon. I do like that Capri has a thick grip but my gripe is they're a knock off that is not that much cheaper than a Knipex. They have no history of well made pliers like Knipex so for a knock off brand you'd hope they would be significantly cheaper. It would be well worth finding out through your testing if they're worth it.

[pakiw]

As plumber, I use rothenberger 1" pipe wrench and knipex cobra 300, makes perfect pair for wrenching steel and cast iron. Round things is their case. They wear out in a year from day to day use. But it is a case when you're okay to destroy look of things. Otherwise knipex flat jaws. It's very rare when I use standard wrenches, occasionally, when something is gona be visible afterwards and cannot be chewed by teeth of cobra or pipe wrench. Usually all pipe fittings are weird size, somewhere in between sizes 22.5 mm or 23mm, or 24 as example. Often casting of fittings is very rough and nothing fits except pipe wrenches.

[tjboylan]

I would love a TTC hand ratchet test. There’s tons of other channels that have done it but they’re not as accurate as this channel. This channel and Project Farm are the most professional channels and I trust them the most. Love the videos guys keep it up!

[rafbuelens]

I carry a the knipex mini pliers 86 03 125 in my pocket all the time at work. It's tiny but it can reliably grip up to 23mm (7/8 inch). Absolutely love this tiny tool.