Knipex Cobra XS Pump Plier Initial Impressions (87-00-100)

Initial impressions of the XS Cobras are that they are extremely small and light. 1" shorter than the 125mm shown and 66% of the weight. It's actually more comfortable to use than I was expecting so I'm pretty stoked about this little guy for EDC. Still need to decided if I like the buttonless format though. Knipex did a great job minimizing weight and turning out a tiny tool that looks like will still be a heavy hitter like its bigger brothers.

[@richh5392]

Thanks for actually using the pliers on pipes and fittings instead of just talking!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

You’re welcome! Glad it was useful!

[@Pavleone]

I am Mechanical engineer, i don't really use tools like this on my job, but I love them, new inovations are incredible.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Gotta love these German engineered tools!

[@drmouton]

Thanks for the demo. I can see they are very useful.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Thanks for the watch! Definitely a worthwhile tool!

[@mhsvz6735]

Looks good… combined with a Swiss Army knife and you’ve got a great EDC kit.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Totally! Love it with the Pioneer X. It's a go to when I want some discreet firepower!

[@Maixo]

Definitely worth having and extremely useful. I carry mine in my Leatherman pouch with my charge tti. A lot of capability in a small package 👍

[@EngineersPerspective701]

So much capability! I’ve been rocking it with a Victorinox in my front left pocket for a few months and adore that setup. Changed out a toilet fill valve at the in-laws with just that a couple weeks ago.

[@fritzfromswitzerland]

Best review on youtube so far

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Appreciate it man

[@ricosuave9848]

I just got mine today , Love it .

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Solid, they’re pretty freakin amazing!

[@knipsi22]

They are fricking nuts man. I love the retro looking handles haha. The second I had them I wanted a second pair to put in my car or whatever.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

They’re tiny little pliers but amazing tiny little pliers at that!

[@spr00sem00se]

I've been using cobras for years at work. They grip amazingly well. So much better than other similarly priced ones. I've got the 125s and just got the 100s to consider EDC in my European man bag. Combined with a sak I think I ha e a Leatherman beating combination.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I’ve been rocking the 100s with either a compact or pioneer x for a long time and rarely miss my Leatherman. Such a great combination!

[@spr00sem00se]

@@EngineersPerspective701 i weighed my leatherman rev last night , i can carry my climber, the 100mm and a topeak wratchet. im just trying out a small purse to keep them in, i cut a pattenr last night to stich up a pouch for them and realised what i was making is basically a cheap coin purse, so that is what I will use.

[@Semeion7]

A must have EDC tool.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It’s in my pocket most days. Would really like to get a slim sheath for it but haven’t seen any I really like. Honestly no issues with holes in pocket or anything though

[@tomvana4270]

Holy shit! I think that’s the first vice I’ve ever seen anchored to a bench on youtube.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Thanks?! What else should it be anchored to?

[@tomvana4270]

@@EngineersPerspective701 Just saying I’ve seen more videos of people using vices that aren’t attached to anything.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@tomvana4270 Gotta be an indicator of people that don't use their vices! Honestly this wood bench is a bit light for a solid anchor, I've thrown it around a bit trying to break things free 😂!

[@zeviosupovici4158]

Those look very sweet. Thanks for the video and I'm looking forward to your full review. Do you think heat-shrink tubing could make the grips more comfortable without sacrificing the ability to easily slip out of your pocket?

[@EngineersPerspective701]

That is a really good idea! Although it may be a touch slick but it's been a long time since I messed with heat-shrink tubing so I don't exactly remember the texture. Currently have athletic tape on mine just to try it out.

[@zeviosupovici4158]

How is the tape working for you? I was thinking one advantage to the bare handles would be you could use a short cheater bar...

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@zeviosupovici4158 It doesn’t really do much for me. It helps so that the checkering doesn’t dig into my hands as much but that wasn’t a big deal to start with. Also it’s not that grippy so it still tips in my pocket. Not nearly as big of a deal though for the XS compared to the 125mm due to the the XS being so slim.

[@charperw]

Hockey Tape???? I’m totally guessing on ways to make a more comfortable handle.

[@shanecreel6684]

Awesome video. Thanks!!! Just subscribed!!! Do you think they can handle or have you used them on anything larger than a 1/2” they say they open to 1”?

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It depends on what exactly you’re doing. If you’re using them to change out a toilet fill valve it can disconnect the line and get the plastic nut off. But no way in hell will you be tightening a 1" nipple and expect it not to leak. Overall it is able to grab onto a lot of 3/4 fittings so if they don't need to be too tight then it will work.

[@Agent_G_33]

I wish Harbor Freight would add a 5" model to their lineup of Doyle knock-offs. But, since not, guess I'll be giving Knipex about $30...

[@EngineersPerspective701]

A worthwhile payment I'd say!

[@reddyuda]

Getting one of these, and a leather slip pouch for it off Etsy. Probably going to carry it most days but I can't decide between the Pliers Wrench and the Cobra ones... I think the Cobra is more versatile but I am usually unscrewing actual bolts and not pipe fitting so IDK

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I really enjoy the plier-wrenches but in this size get the cobra. It's pretty difficult to get the gripping leverage on the 125mm plier-wrench whereas the Cobras help you by biting in, making it WAY easier to stay gripped onto the workpiece. Not a major factor in the bigger sizes but definitely at the 125mm.

[@Sat1PM]

좋은 정보 감사합니다.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Appreciate the comment!

[@dmam412]

I prefer the 125s tried the 100 but anything over 75 inch pounds just hurts. The 6.1 inch pliers wrench and 125 Cobras are good enough for me and my tasks. Btw I am an engineer in the defense industry and work with oodles of bolts, fasteners, etc.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

For EDC I like the XS cobras but I’m in the same boat. I’ll use the XS past the point of pain to get it done but I find that for work I’m doing it a lot and it’s just not worth it. I’m and engineer in O&G with a lot of unconventional wells. So there are hundreds of locations that I’ll randomly visit when I need info. Run into 1/4” to 1” where the 180mm and the 250mm really excel

[@F1fan007]

How are the 100’s for carrying in your bac pocket? Are they just as comfortable and less noticeable than the 125 mm? You also mentioned that the 125’s felt more secure in your pocket. How did the 100’s do after carrying them for a while? Until you mentioned it, I had never thought of carrying a tool in my left back pocket (which has always been empty). Now I’m convinced I have a place to carry small pliers!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Very comfortable except they like to turn and lay horizontally in my pocket. Doesn’t work for sitting on hard surfaces and just not ideal. Having some grippier tape on the handles helps a lot but honestly I have been keeping in my front left pocket mostly these days.

[@F1fan007]

@@EngineersPerspective701 great review by the way. Just subscribed! Are the 125’s comfortable enough to carry in the back pocket or do they have the same issues?

[@EngineersPerspective701]

They’re comfortable enough and hold they’re place better because of the dipper handles. However you feel it when you sit on them when it’s a hard surface! I definitely prefer the XS for EDC personally

[@F1fan007]

@@EngineersPerspective701 awesome, thank you for the feedback. That helped me decide to go with the 100 that I was originally wanting to get

[@dougdroen7519]

Just got a pair of the xs yesterday i love em so far... How do u like em 2 years later

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I still really enjoy them and carry 4 out of 7days a week at least but I use them a lot less than I used to despite that. I normally need them when I’m at home or work and I tend to just grab a full size plier in those cases now that my tool setups are more efficient and easy to access in those areas.

[@Inkling777]

A small silicon pad of the sort people use in kitchens to hold hot items should make using it more comfortable.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Very important for a very tight fit so it doesn’t slip off. Any ideas for getting pieces like that? The self dip kits are probably the best best in my mind

[@lidor2856]

I'm really debating between xs and 5 inches

[@EngineersPerspective701]

If you’re using them everyday then the 125mms. If it’s occasional or pocket EDC then XS

[@jurj97]

Kuh-nipex

[@Hevgen]

it is usefull. At least you show work with real 1/2" tube and not not just small nuts :)

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Glad it helped!

[@geraldhickey7781]

Maybe add shrink wrap on the handles

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I ended up getting a second pair and doing the shrink wrap. Still prefer the athletic tape honestly, the shrink is a bit slippery

[@comepuchas990]

11.29.21 ws c13 hood gls nk guerra

[@alanmoberly64]

Dip the handles in Plasti Dip

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Heard that a lot, will do one day!