Knipex Cobra XS Pump Pliers (EDC Plier Perfection 87-00-100)

[@GNX157]

Great to see how much emphasis and value you placed on it because of how it fit in your pocket. Top notch review criteria.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

It’s definitely the defining criteria over the 125mms otherwise it doesn’t really make sense to choose. Unless you need the thinner jaws and the rare occasion that it will fit where the 125mm will not

[@Gogogordy1]

i made a small leather slip-cover for these really makes them even MORE pocketable because they can't open up in your pocket. Good review, great tool.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Nice! I’ve been using a pocket slip for a bit to carry my pioneer x, light and pen. It makes a huge difference for sure. Also I’ve been concerned with the sharp jaw tip wearing a hole in my pocket. Haven’t noticed any issues yet but that slip would take care of that!

[@clickyghostbones-journal9661]

This answered my questions about the sizes and use comparisons, even against multitool options I considered. I don't have many tools and mostly use a multitool but I've wanted to upgrade to some small quality pieces. The fact the Knipex beats out the Surge was a huge selling point for me, thanks.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Glad you found it useful! It packs a heck of a punch into a tiny little package!

[@homeslicesharpening]

Got my wife the 125mm cobras for her tool box - we LOVE them. Thanks for the tip!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Solid choice! Cobras are my go to pliers!

[@Maixo]

I carry one in my Leatherman pouch with the charge tti. I have found it extremely useful and have even used it as a tweezers to remove a steel sliver from my finger. Like the multi tool, it gets you out of a spot. Any prolonged use and you're gonna go get the right tool for the job.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

They are a life saver for sure! I’ve been carrying one with just a Victorinox compact for a month or so and I love them. I even changed out a toilet fill valve with the XS.

[@aaronmcclain1279]

I agree , my kit is includeds knipex XS , Milwaukee 5-1 razor knife with a small snuff tin with various 1/4 bits including Milwaukee hex mm Allen bits torx 15-20 and extensions 3/16 flat head bit number 3 Phillips bit number one Phillips number one number two Robinson and a quarter inch drive to 3/8 adapter. Streamlight stylus pro LED flashlight Kershaw blur for other things other than cutting boxes and tape.

[@aaronmcclain1279]

because I'm a maintenance machinist so we doing metric Alan's all the time and torx 15 torx 20 in our machine shop so I just readily have them available on me when I can't carry a bunch of tools.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@aaronmcclain1279 Very covered on your drivers for sure! How do you like having the Milwaukee as your dedicated driver?

[@aaronmcclain1279]

@@EngineersPerspective701 I like it alot. Sometimes I carry a Craftsman 1/4 bit ratch with me aswell .

[@redteamla]

You sound like a young man. Please heed a tip from somebody older than you: don't sit on stuff in your pocket. Remove your wallet or other items from your back pocket before sitting. Sitting on these items will mess up your lower back over time.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Appreciate the advise! I switched to a very minimal wallet and take it for long drives because I’ve heard of bad issues but I haven’t built in the habit for sitting at the desk yet!

[@redteamla]

@@EngineersPerspective701 Man, even a minimal wallet can contribute to an unhealthy sitting position over time. I recommend taking everything out of your back pockets before sitting. Don't wait until your back goes bad and then think of things you should have done differently. Ugh ... like me :|

[@caramelzappa]

I switched to a front pocket wallet this year and I'm already noticing huge reductions in back pain. It really can't be understated.

[@nikolasbbq]

That’s why I only wear cargo pants. Only thing in my back pocket is a Kleenex

[@redteamla]

@@nikolasbbq Dude Kleenex related chronic injuri... naw man just kidding. Keep on Kleenexing

[@jack.charlesc4750]

Great and honest review specially talking about leatherman surge pliers and difference between 100 mm and 125 mm 👍👏😉

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Glad you liked it!

[@BestToolReviews]

Was considering ordering the xs cobra for work but I already have 125 so I may order the xs just for outside of work but appreciate your video it has helped a lot.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Appreciate the comment!

[@ChargedPulsar]

This was very helpful thank you! I have 125 for edc bag and I wanted to know the difference between 100. Because anything smaller is better for EDC. However, 125 seems still very good adding the fact that button locks it, thus makes it better as strong tweezers. Kind of, still. Both tools are awesome gems.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Love em both! The bigger size and wider jaws of the 125mm can be super nice for daily use but the XS still packs a heck of a punch

[@simonh6371]

My XS is just a pocket tool as an alternative to a keychain mini multitool like the Leatherman Squirt, which most would carry as a standalone EDC anyway. Carry mine often with a SAK like the Climber or Farmer X. Also if I want to go a bit more lightweight with a Spyderco Urban, and a Wera 813 bit holder handle which is about the size of a Bic lighter, 2 bits and small extender...same toolset as a Skeletool, 1 oz heavier but more capable and higher quality imo. If I want heavy duty I have a honking great 8 inch West German OG waterpump pliers in my toolbox.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

The XS with an SAK is such a powerful and lightweight combo. I've been running it with a Compact and Pioneer X for over a year

[@hammurambi]

For me the 150mm Pliers Wrench is the best EDC companion to my Leatherman Surge. I would carry the 125mm Cobra as well but I risk the Bat-Belt look if I go that far.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I feel that! Even in a tool heavy environment I feel like it can get out of hand with tools all over me.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Problem exists in Batman haters exclusively. Tools on belts look better than wallets on chains. Olights everywhere !✌

[@nutzboltztoolz2734]

Those XS cobras are nice, just picked them up and can’t believe how much I use them 🤘

[@EngineersPerspective701]

The capability for the size is unreal!

[@joeydelage4117]

@@EngineersPerspective701 Why don’t u just use Plasti Dip that’s what it’s for love the stuff I use it on everything.

[@thomaszinecker1785]

Do you still use them or would you EDC a 5" pair?

[@Davidg368]

You could also check out plasti dip for handles. If you do go with the original dip instead of spray for tools

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Would I send it out to get dipped?

[@Davidg368]

@@EngineersPerspective701 its at an home thing ..lowes carries it not sure where else..the some KZbin videos on it ..I believe its the same stuff tool companies use.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3incpZulM1mrLc

[@rtz549]

@@EngineersPerspective701buy a can off the shelf at harbor freight and dip them.

[@dimatha7]

I was thinking of ordering the lever gear card to have with me on holidays too, can't carry SAK on handbags, but after I thought that this pliers can really do anything the card does and even more

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I actually bring a Victorinox Swiss card in my luggage when I travel but usually also bring a knife, SAK and Leatherman too. I honestly don’t use the card much but have had the Leatherman save the day several times. I am interested in the lever gear bit vault. Although it’s similar functionally to a Leatherman bit kit but a little more convenient

[@dimatha7]

@@EngineersPerspective701 I saw the price of bit vault and faded, I am now trying to recover.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@dimatha7 😂

[@dimatha7]

@@EngineersPerspective701 it's not funny, my wife had to resuscitate me, she is anesthesiologist.

[@nandayane]

Thanks for reviewing! I needed a set of pliers

[@EngineersPerspective701]

They are little beasts! Not the same as a pair of inline needle nose but amazing for gripping onto stuff and turning things

[@euphoria_7477]

Really wanna pick some up, but I'm waiting and hoping they put some grips on them. Hopefully the nice orange ones, but at least the red and blue ones!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Realistically you can only get so much torque on these small handles so it isn’t as terrible as I thought it would be. If I was relying on it as a daily work tool and was pushing its limit then it would need me though. Maybe just go to the 125mms though?

[@dirtyjobs3995]

I use my 4” cobra’s nearly every, just ordered the 5” and hoping they will be small enough for an EDC

[@EngineersPerspective701]

They’re an asset to have in the pocket. I used to EDC the 5” and it’s not bad at all.

[@FahimibnDawud]

Waiting on mine to arrive tomorrow! I'm going to put about 4 or 5 layers on plasti-dip on the handles and take care of the handle issue. I have xl-xxl sized hands and need the grip tbh. Btw, I'm not worried about printing.. I carry an M&P 40 everyday, so that's a moot point. Also, I wouldn't carry anything in my back pocket if I were you. You'll wish you didn't in your later years!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Big hands, little tool, what a combo! So many have recommended the dip so I definitely will be doing mine as well one of these days.

[@grumpyoldphart7325]

Ordered them for EDC. Thank you!

[@EngineersPerspective701]

No doubt you'll love 'em! Glad it helped.

[@FancyPrimate]

I want the little one because I love baby tools but I think I'd get more use out of the 125. Probably need both lol

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Both is always the right answer!

[@dimatha7]

Ordered it as soon I saw the review, arriving tomorrow

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Glad to hear it! You won’t be disappointed with it!

[@dimatha7]

@@EngineersPerspective701 it arrived, is amazing, thanks

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@dimatha7 now put it to work!

[@dimatha7]

@@EngineersPerspective701 that one I bought it for carrying it with me on holidays ;) I already have bigger ones home. Most times we fly only with handbags and I can't take no SAK with me, so this might come handy sometimes.

[@dimatha7]

@@EngineersPerspective701 do you have an Instagram account?

[@nickgoogle4525]

100, 180 + 300 is a set which covers almost everything

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Totally agree. Although I will say the 250 is really the sweet spot for me as an everyday plier for getting serious jobs done. But as a whole set that’s everything you need for any job

[@Vickz818]

Would you say these come close to abilities of the 125 cobras? Or do these come close enough that you're okay with carrying them.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Close enough that I’m okay with the XS. Unless you’re using it multiple times a day I’d say the XS is the way to go for an every day piece of kit

[@lawdog516]

How about shrink tubing on the handles?? Just a thought

[@EngineersPerspective701]

The ones I got from Home Depot, I believe they were Ideal, did not work great at all. I used a lighter so maybe a good heat gun or different tubing would work better but IDK. I think just buying the dip kit is the best route if someone really wanted some more comfort.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Had to go to Amazon a scoop a pair of the 125's. New sub blaming you for enabling my habit! ✌

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Lol, we’re all a bunch of enablers in here! Glad to have you around!

[@leealtmansr.3811]

Love mine. Been carrying daily for months now.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Little guy can put in some good work!

[@2371Anita]

I carry a 125 inside my edc pouch. It's unnoticeable when my pouch lays on the table.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

The 125s are really great and are seriously hard hitting for their size!

[@RizaGunturPrakoso]

I want to buy for my home needs and my car, which size is more suitable for me? I need it to tighten bolts and plumbing

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Probably a 180 plier wrench and 250 cobra for round pipe. If you’re planning on working on any big drains larger than 2” you’ll probably be best getting a pipe wrench instead of the cobra. If you only want 1 tool and everything is 1-1/2” pipe or less then just get the 180 cobra. Here is a video comparison. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHzYlaqGmJqqeLc

[@RizaGunturPrakoso]

@@EngineersPerspective701 everything here is less than 1 inch

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@RizaGunturPrakoso 180s all day my friend

[@RizaGunturPrakoso]

@@EngineersPerspective701 thank you sir

[@TheGaurangga]

XS, 150 wrench and 250 cobra. My best combination.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Almost nothing you can’t turn with that setup!

[@TheGaurangga]

@@EngineersPerspective701 and cobolt for cutting.

[@vicpetrishak7705]

Is that a law enforcement ankle monitor on your wrist? 2/33

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Yeah Garmin and my local PD got together for a collab. The worst version is much more comfortable than the old school ankle ones

[@TruthSeekerAi]

i so want the 86 04 100 - KNIPEX Piers Wrench XS

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Do it! Totally worth the purchase!

[@demazy]

What is your take on the version with more ergonomic handles ? (86-09-180)

[@EngineersPerspective701]

You mean the 87-02-180 with comfort grip handles? I can bare down incredibly hard without pain on the 180mm dip handles, 87-01-180. In very repetitive tasks like pulling up 100s of staples it wears on my uncallused hands so I actually picked up the comfort grips. When my hands were tougher I could work it all day though

[@From_the_mil]

If you have to own only one cobra, what size would you choose?

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Short answer is the 180mm. Long answer: The 250s for a tool bag are definitely the most versatile. But if I’m moving around a lot on a project, ladders, etc the 180s are my absolute go to. For edc go straight to the 100/XS because of the compact size and good capability.

[@charcomojado]

Thank you for this informative video.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

You’re welcome! Glad it helped!

[@adamgrimes820]

Great review

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Thank you!

[@BassMaster.454]

These are so much better for getting to bolts than the pliers on a multitool. Nothing wrong with those combination tools, they do what they are meant to, just not as good.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Agreed, the handles stay in a handy position and the jaws bite in so hard it takes barely any strength to hold on

[@garypotter5569]

Leatherman buster. I don't need a Leatherman tool that won't do much more for me at 12.5 oz, when I can have this and a good Swiss army knife now.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

100%, I carried the XS and a Swiss army knife for almost a year before going back to the leatherman arc

[@zeviosupovici4158]

Great review! I just got the XS and while it is a marvel of engineering the thin and roughly textured handles are a big let down. Especially compared to the Leatherman squirt, which has even shorter handles but feels much more ergonomic. I'm thinking about swapping for the 125's even though they are more of a challenge for EDC. Can you advise on the thickness measurement of the 125's handles? Have you found a good/cheap sheath? Keep up the great work. 👍

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Thank you! Below are some thickness measurements on the 125mm Cobra: 0.454" on the handle 0.490" at the button 0.25" at the jaws The XS handles are definitely a compromise compared to the bigger tools but I think it's a well thought out and nicely executed for the intended use. I haven't found a sheath but TX Toolcrib did a video on one for the 180mm plier wrench I believe. Possibly found on etsy but I haven't looked personally because I'm not looking to beef up my batman utility belt any more!

[@zeviosupovici4158]

​@@EngineersPerspective701 Thanks for the quick response, really appreciate your efforts. 😁

[@EngineersPerspective701]

@@zeviosupovici4158 No problem!

[@simonh6371]

Seriously you find the Squirt more ergonomical than the Cobra XS???

[@newrunner91]

Good video. Subbed

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Appreciate it

[@Volkmannx]

👍

[@EngineersPerspective701]

😁

[@johnossendorf9979]

It would be great if Knipex would make 5 inch Alligators. I'm not a fan of the button on the Cobras.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Wonder how many adjustment points it would have in that size. I think the finer adjustments with the button are really ideal for the smaller sizes

[@johnossendorf9979]

@@EngineersPerspective701 Good point. Maybe a 5 inch with the same or a similar no button adjustment system as the 4 inch.

[@dcamnc1]

Think I'll go with the 125's. These look too small.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

The extra size of the 125mm is a nice improvement if you’re using them a lot

[@bobbygarrett9588]

Cool review, tools are tools, they are not really designed for comfort. If they hurt your hands during use, wear gloves. Just Saying. I obviously have mitts like tree bark. Thanks for the review.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Yeah I definitely disagree very strongly with the idea that they aren’t designed for comfort. It’s a major consideration for all notable tool companies. Agree about wearing gloves if needed. These days my hands are office worker soft so that doesn’t help my case for sure.

[@MB-jg4tr]

These 100mm rust very easily. Go for the chrome 125mm EDC

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Honestly haven’t had any issues with them in my sweaty pocket for months and doing jobs like toilet fill Vance replacement and messing with garden hoses.

[@beardedtoolreviews7185]

You should plasti dip your handles on the xs pliers

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I've heard that before. Definitely tempting but they aren't awful as they come either so the motivation isn't quite there yet

[@beardedtoolreviews7185]

@@EngineersPerspective701 oh nice. Can’t wait to order a pair.

[@Robbie.V]

Great video! Told you that you would love them :D

[@EngineersPerspective701]

They're so well executed for their purpose, I can't help but to enjoy them (no surprise there coming from Knipex)

[@urjnlegend]

If these had a push button, perfect

[@EngineersPerspective701]

I’m divided on the push button. It can be faster to get this adjusted just right with the ratchet action. Also on rare occasions the button gets in my way when snug up against something. That said the button keeps it from wandering notches in extended/repeated use. Both have pros and cons for me!

[@dmam412]

What kind of engineer are you?

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Degree in chemical engineering and am currently a process engineer in the oil & gas industry.

[@CharlesLe-thephotographer]

You can dip it yourself. They sell jars of rubber dip.

[@EngineersPerspective701]

Will one day! Have heard a lot of positive comments on it

[@adamgrimes820]

Knipex should send you some free stuff. I know you are making them some money

[@EngineersPerspective701]

That would be great but I'm sure the real professionals could make a lot better use of them! Although I let me son "use" my XS Cobras while I was up on a ladder working on the gutters. Came down and he'd used it to gather up a big pile of rocks! That definitely dulled the teeth a bit so now it's about 70% as effective as it was before. Still works fine but I think Knipex will be getting more of my $$s soon for anther cobra!

[@sumanmondalsuman7635]

Indian ma marketing ha a tools

[@RajbirSingh-wg9pf]

Yes it is with Goodwill enterprises Bangalore.