Knipex Cobra XS vs. PliersWrench XS! You can only choose ONE!

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Featured Tool
Knipex Pliers Wrench XS (86 04 100)
Knipex Cobra XS (87 00 100)

[@leealtmansr.3811]

I own both and tried to carry both. For me, the Cobras are still in my pocket. I agree on the versatility. Great video 👍

[@briang530]

Chose one for general EDC? Cobras. Cobra xs and a knife have replaced my multi tools for most applications. You get a much better knife and pliers. I did initially miss having a flat head screwdriver, but that was solved with about 3 minutes of file work on the bottom handle. If I had to choose one for my glovebox, I'd probably go pliers wrench. Really though in about the space that a Leatherman would take, I have a pouch on my go bag that has both items as well as a pair of the little knipex high leverage wire cutters.

[@fuloplehel]

Both tools are great but if I have to choose one, the cobras will be. The knipex cobra is the most popular knipex tool in every size. In emergency situations when we don't care for the surface finish or damaging a small part the cobra will be more versatile. But to avoid this, I always carry them both in a little pouch. Once I managed to repair a bike chain with the pliers wrench, it was the 125mm version but it was capable to press a pin in the chain and go home. They are excellent little tools. .

[@simonh6371]

I never though of that but yes I reckon I could fix a bike chain with the Cobra XS like you did! Thanks for the heads up.

[@fuloplehel]

@@simonh6371 The little pliers wrench is more suitable for pressing the pin in the chain, you have more leverage and the jaws stay parallel and you can center the pin better.

[@simonh6371]

@@fuloplehel Okay that makes sense, thanks for pointing that out. The pliers wrench has this amazing design that keeps the jaws parallel, unlike the Cobra. I know this from youtube vids, I have a Cobra XS but not the pliers wrench (yet). I guess this is why the pliers wrench is quite a bit more expensive than the Cobra XS. Still the Cobra XS is extremely versatile and still a lot better than needle-/bluntnose pliers for many tasks.

[@SurvivingtheDaily]

I just picked up a set of the Cobra XS and I am extremely happy with them. I don't know why I waited so long. Great video. Thank you for sharing.

[@ParklanCustom]

Glad I could help!

[@VTPSTTU]

Thanks for the comparison video. In terms of "car carry," the pliers wrench might be a better choice if one ends up doing little repairs frequently. As you said, they would allow one to make little fixes without leaving teeth marks on every fastener. In terms of daily carry, I can see where the Cobra is more versatile. On top of that, the additional spring mechanism needed to adjust the size of the pliers wrench is something else that might suffer from the dirt and moisture of daily carry. The dirt and moisture issue is another reason that people might prefer the Cobra for SHTF preparation. While both can do many things, the simpler mechanism of the Cobra means less vulnerability for a tool carried in adverse conditions. I like the additional leverage that the five or six inch versions of these tools might bring. That's particularly true for the pliers wrench. If I get a pliers wrench for my car, I'll probably go with the five or six inch version. For the Cobra, I'm not sure whether I'd rather have the four-inch or five-inch version.

[@axminsterz4151]

Throw a cased ratchet and socket set tool kit in the trunk or in the hatch, doubtful you could change a starter or alternator with those pliers, a lot less hassle than towing your vehicle to a shop while on vacation out of state.

[@Northanteus]

If you're not carrying it in your pocket daily, go for the larger pliers, imo. I am daily EDCing cobras, so I get the 4 inch (10 cm). You can obviously pocket the 5 or 6 inch as well, it'll just print a bit more, if you care about that. I like small tools because I am stuffing this in a pocket organizer that is also full of other tiny tools, so the smaller, the better for me. As I told someone else: Try getting two pieces of sheet metal and put them over the cobra jaws, that'll help to not bite into whatever you're grasping, if you want to prevent teeth marks. Versatility for cobra makes it the superior tool. Just gotta use your mind a bit more to use them unconventionally, then you'll love em.

[@unwrangler11]

I am always looking for tools to make life easier working on my Jeep and Bike. These two are going to be added to my tool box for sure. Thanks

[@walden6272]

I prefer the plier wrench. Much more useful for me. I can bend wires and metal without damaging it. And when you have to loosen bolts, it is much faster than the cobra.

[@Northanteus]

The cobras are far more versatile though. You can slide a piece of sheet metal on each of the jaws of the cobra to grasp onto items you don't want the teeth sinking into. You cannot give teeth to the wrench though. So if you had to choose ONE, would you really pick the wrench? I would not. To each their own. 😉 For rounded off, stripped bolts, the teeth in the cobra will bite into the bolt far better. The cobras are good for conventional and unconventional use. I always prefer superior versatility in any tool.

[@bruceli9094]

cant do round pipes.

[@victorrichard]

Thank you Parkland for this informative video. I work for Canada Post as a letter carrier and frequently run into situations where a tool like this would come in handy. Where a strong, durable tool that is also compact for getting into tight places is necessary. I had pretty much decided on the XS Cobras over the XS Wrench Pliers and the 5” Cobras. Your builder just validated my decision. Looking forward to using them in the field.

[@ParklanCustom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

When I am camping, hiking or hunting I carry the Knipex COBRA XS. When I am in town or the city I carry both.

[@username6265]

i just ordered the pliersWrench in 125mm as an addition to my EDC Letherman Wave. Thank you for this video

[@ParklanCustom]

anytime! :)

[@fredrikoscar4741]

They are both top of the line at what they are made for.

[@ironmikehallowween]

The little Cobras have come in handy for me countless times. Thanks for the video.

[@seanrobinson6407]

Love my mini cobras-never tried the smooth plier wrench. Got a set of twin grips and they are fantastic. Longer than the minis, but they are light, thin, pocketable and I have them on me always.

[@drmalenko]

The pliers wrench are a must have....They definitely have their place in this world. You will not be disappointed.

[@stevenarmstrong6622]

You're the first english speaking guy who pronounces Knipex the "right" way. :D

[@ParklanCustom]

I get plenty of grief for it too! Lol, but I am still going to pronounce correctly no matter what people say! :)

[@ArkamasRoss]

It’s mostly right but the “i” in German is pronounced “eeh”… “kah- neeh-pex. Put it in google translate and have the German translation pronounce it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnbPhZuoZayBmpY The comments in this video make interesting points, namely this: “Here’s the thing: If you played the correct pronunciation to native German speakers and asked them to spell the word, 9 out of 10 would write down “Kniepex”. Many - if not most - Germans say “K-nippex”, not “K-neepex”. This is partly a regional thing, but I suspect that many of us seem to assume that the company name is indeed derived from the word “knipsen” (to snap or clip), and that’s definitely pronounced “k-nippsun”, not “k-neepsun”. But obviously, if the Knipex people say “K-neepex”, then that’s what it is. Here’s another thing, though: take Tupperware for example, it’s a very well known brand in Germany - all reusable plastic containers are referred to as Tupperware. But virtually nobody will ever use the correct pronunciation: we say “Twopervahre”. Some people might point out to others that it’s acshually an American brand, but nobody uses the English pronunciation with a straight face, in conversation. Unlikely to change for another four or five generations.” So really it’s partially linguistic convenience like the comment also states, but I think based on all that, as long as it’s not “nigh-pex” or “nipex” you’re fine since some Germans also say “k-nippex.” You’re at least trying for one of the German pronunciations unlike trying to apply American grammar rules to a non-American word.

[@strickostricko]

It’s a German company 🙃

[@rsilvers129]

The Cobra is more versatile but it marks up bolt heads, so it comes down to if you want your bolt to be all hacked up or not. But if you pick the wrench one, you give up the pliers features.

[@Cedo86]

It's good but still sounds a little weird.

[@MrDkgio]

My edc consists of cobra xs, Victorinox bit wrench kit, Victorinox huntsman, lumitop edc01 flashlight, lighter with gorilla tape wrap, small pce of hot glue stick, prethreaded needle 🪡 Never a day goes by without it solving problems.

[@djfglobal3377]

What do you carry your threaded needle in? And the hot glue to use for? Cheers

[@MrDkgio]

@@djfglobal3377 I have one inside the Victorinox scale pin hole, hot glue stick is easy to use, not going to leak, uses? Pretty much anything you would need glue for. Recent example friends car mirror broken at Car park glued cover as a temporary fix until he could get a new part.

[@truthhurts2149]

Been carrying 125 pliers wrench for a while and they arw great but dont open enough sometimes. Just got the 7 inch ones for edc. I dont care about weight. The time saved is worth the extra weight as with all my edc carry items.

[@EvilSSP]

If you're only going to carry one I'd go with the regular Cobra because the toothed plier head will grip things that the smooth pliers-wrench jaws will not, but the pliers-wrench will be much gentler on nuts and such if that's something you encounter. The Cobras will also turn bolts but will also likely chew it up in the process. The big advantage that the pliers-wrench has is an enormous amount of clamping force because of the lever design of the pliers. I really wish they'd make a pliers-wrench/Cobra hybrid.

[@notaturkey2607]

I am a Husband and father of two little ones. The most common task's I do is opening toys, presents, and food packages that have tough plastic like from Costco. I do break down boxes all week long too.

[@ElTeerino]

If you can only have one, Cobra wins. I find I don’t need a mini pliers wrench as often, although I’m really glad I have it when I do need it. But ultimately the Cobra is more versatile. I carry both at the same time pretty often, but if I can only take one it’s always the Cobra. Both of these tools punch way over their weight.

[@DavesIneosGrenadier]

I have lost track of the number of times I have been out on the town and wished I had a pair of pliers!!!! Only because I have forgotten which number comes before 1

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Just bought the Cobra - very nicely made and design.Great edc. 60g 115x32x10mm - jaws width 3.5mm. Max. parallel opening 30mm! (Will open even wider)

[@James-ke5sx]

I'm a retired Carpenter and I would choose the knipex because you can grasp a round object.

[@GearDump187]

They are both made by KNIPEX one is a cobra jaw with teeth the other is a smooth jaw

[@jaredhunter3232]

The plier wrench with my multi-tool pliers is all I’d ever need for camping 🤔

[@stringlarson1247]

I was just listening to this from the other room, and was wondering when Nate Bargatzey started doing tool videos.

[@Inkling777]

Thanks for a most persuasive review. Since my needs are occasional, I'm waiting to catch the Cobra on sale. I do wish Knipex would add Swiss army knife like tweaks. A 1/4" opening for a screwdriver bit on the head or one handle would be handy and would also serve to hang the tool from a belt. An even easier mod would making one handle serve better as a pry bar for nails and staples.

[@Gator-357]

I have both of these and find that, for the most part, the Cobras find more application, for me anyway. The pliers wrench is a bit more limited in application with their narrower and smooth jaws. The Cobras have better grip with their toothed jaws and being a bit wider with the notches. I also added a piece of shrink tubing to each handle for a bit of cushion and grip with sweaty or wet hands.

[@DarylOster]

My preferred EDC is a 150mm PW. I often carry a 6" aluminum pipe nipple as a cheater. I had a 125, but the 150 is much more useful everyday. I have a cobra in the 250mm and use it a lot however my 250mm PW gets more use than it does. I am considering the new style 180 PW as an alternate EDC. Neither of the 100mm knipex appeal to me as an EDC.

[@G0ATHR0B]

I'm a cobra man as well. But where I differ is that the 125 is my edc. I ended up trading away my XS's for another set of 125's. One set for on the clock and another for off it.

[@ParklanCustom]

I like the 125s as well, but the XS cobras are growing on me.

[@MrZachzippo]

I agree, if I could only have one, I went with the cobra 5". The 4" is just too small for my hands, about the size of my thumb. I'v3e been trying to decide whether to add the 5" pliers wrench or a 6" crescent adjustable wrench to my setup. I suspect I'll end up with the Pliers Wrench.

[@knifetrain3118]

I agree;The cobra XS are definitely better for general plier use. If I’m going to have to work with bolts then the plier wrench is my choice.

[@ceerock8088]

Had the mini cobra for yrs and use them daily. The only flaw was it leaves marring. Just ordered the smooth jaw pliers.

[@MrDkgio]

The Cobra’s will undo any fastener that the plier wrench can and many more that the smooth jaws will not cope with. The smooth jaws will still Mar tight fasteners, so if it’s tight the only advantage disappears. Fasteners are generally cheap to replace if marring is an issue. If you just need to get it done, the cobra’s are better.

Love the analysis that makes sense 💪each one have its benefits and their strengths

[@ozyrob1]

Both handy tools but one size up is the smallest I like to go. These are just too small for many tasks and I prefer the dipped handles over bare.

[@samnass]

I used the plier wrench only once for a hard-to-reach nut and the cobras only as a bear bottle opener so far and I have had them for 2 years... I chose the cobras since I rarely have a bottle opener laying around...

[@ParklanCustom]

😂 as long as they get the job done!

[@groundup7839]

free help, All open end tool turn with way more grip when you turn with the open end of jaw toward the direction turning

[@mrbigberd]

Pliers Wrench 150 (6") in my small tool pouch and cobra 125 (5") in my pocket.

[@reedsponsler2563]

Need to watch the pliers wrench. They are Knuckle Busters.

[@FidelCashflow_YT]

Gotta go with the toothless version. Need it for bikes, cant be chewing up the steel. Small size is perfect for carrying with you. Just wish the 4 inch came in black.

[@PhreakDarkSoul]

I prefer my Leatherman Juice as EDC, but in my car I have all 3 all the time.

[@paulb4496]

The Doyle (cobra copy) 7" at harbor freight (about $18.00) are really good quality and the perfect size for me. These, a 6" crescent wrench and an Irwin 11 in 1 Screwdriver and I can do most minor repairs. (Repairman since 1973).

[@ParklanCustom]

The tool doesnt make the man, the man makes the tool!

[@RandoWisLuL]

Man the bigger Doyles rock though for sure. I love my big boy Doyles

[@EMFSafetyZone]

Excellent video. Helped me make my choice to get the Cobra XS for EDC.

[@ParklanCustom]

Good choice!

[@Dracomies]

For me, the cobras. It's the most versatile. The pliers wrench I only use on stuff I want to 'baby' and not scratch. But that's very rare. Otherwise cobra it and get er done.

[@unionse7en]

it seems like they could put toothed jaws on the camming pliers wrench mechanism, that mechanism does have less opening range at any given index, but it seems like it could be a nice option when you have to use pliers on a hex

[@chevy4x466]

I know what u mean. I think the industry just went to the inside pliers diamond shape for 3-4 points of contact. Very few bolts in the world are ever threaded multiple times. Most things u plug it together usually never take it apart. When u have to take something apart many times u don’t care if u round a nut or bolt a bit . If it is a bolt u thread often, then u get the proper wrench.

[@joshuaceniceros990]

Why didn’t they add a little grips

[@gonadiator]

i work on motorcycles and the pliers wrench is a must have. that being said i have both: 10" cobras and 7 1/4" pliers wrench. definitely planning on buying the smaller versions to carry with me on the bike but i cant decide between 4" and 5"

[@Sodablood]

I have the 6” and they are very compact, I wouldnt hesitate getting the biggest size you can pack

[@Flynn_Stones]

5" is worth it for the handles and locking button. 4" is only for the absolutely most minimalistic scenario possible, so if it's staying in your pockets 24/7 that's when they're maybe worth it.

[@Rickyrock13]

They do have slip joint pliers with the same heads called alligators

[@2fast2block]

I recently got the cobra. After using it I wonder how I did without it for so many years.

[@iNowHateAtSigns]

I want aware of the PliersWrench, thanks!

[@hiphopjewels]

Great comparison and review. Thanks.

[@ligitmuffin]

I prefer the cobras but if i could only have one, and never the other, ill go with the plier wrench. Its a great compliment to a multi tool, and it wont scratch surfaces like the cobras. Also 5 inch ftw 😂

[@KAM1138a]

I think the Cobra XS is the clear choice for general use/carry.

[@20cent]

These are two different tools, there's no "best one", they serve different purposes where one is more multifunctional and the other more specific but really good at it.

[@ozyrob1]

The best small size in both starts at 125. Better handle and a little more leverage

[@nordwestbeiwest1899]

The best is the "KnipexCobra XS " Made in Germany

[@maxlvledc]

Easiest choice ever, I have both and I've never been more disappointed in a pair of Plier Wrenches. They slip out of the locking position if you only slightly open it too wide. would NOT recommend. the 100 cobra is excellent.

[@danost5853]

The 5-inch gives so much more leverage than the 4-inch but is just as easy to carry in my pocket.

[@tommyg2660]

I have the 5” version and will be getting all of the sizes in both styles.

[@ozyrob1]

The 5" is a better size.

[@jeffwolf8018]

Why pick one when you can have both? They're quickly becoming my best new pliers. However since I just got the XL pliers wrench 16in and the double XL Cobra pliers at 22 in. Both of these things are some monsters. And it's hard to take which one's my favorite new one because the small ones get into places nothing else can get into in the big ones take nuts and bolts off that nothing else can take off.

[@drmalenko]

You nailed it. I was debating on which ones to get, I own both of the full size, these are THE best pliers on the planet. Your video will make several people happy for Christmas. Thank you and God Bless!!

[@ParklanCustom]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@rjskum688]

Are you really gonna spend 30-50 dollars on a tool that's gonna sit in a glove box or "edc" pouch probably 90 percent of the time? I'll never understand why someone would do that.

[@drmalenko]

@@rjskum688 Yup. Sure will. In fact I bought several to give away for Christmas.

[@muhammeddarawshi5296]

Both are great.. so just carry both !!!!!!!!!¡!!! Omg listen u guys dont choose one because for its size its really easy to have both of them and sometimes u need to hold a screw using one tool and spinning the nut with the other tool ... The cobras can open wider .. but the pliers wrench will not scratch cause its smooth .. both are so important ;)

[@FoolishImp]

I think the 6" cobra is the best for pocket carry. 4" and 5" handles are too short IMO

[@ParklanCustom]

I really like the 5”, and im getting used to the 4”. The best tool is the tool that works best for you!

[@simonh6371]

You'd be surprised, due to the ergonomics and also design which is optimum for transferring forces, you can get a very strong grip even with the 4in/100mm Cobra XS.

[@jschoenzy9416]

I work in a hospital OR and I constantly need to adjust or manipulate damaged surgical equipment and instruments. I can't have the equipment marred with scratches from the teeth. So I guess I should go for the pliers wrench?

[@ParklanCustom]

Sounds like the pliers wrench would work well for you!

[@nitrorc4life1]

Nice video friend. Knipex all the way 4" or 5" for edc

[@christopherjoneal2360]

Never leave home without some cobra xs

[@MyUnquenchableThirst]

I chose the Cobras but I can see how the pliers wrench would be good as well

[@james10739]

Ya so one of my pockets everyday have the 5 Inch knipex cobra and a Cresent wrench that's about the same size and a pen a sharpy and a precision screwdriver it's a kline one and a Leatherman squirt es4 with wire stripers and one of the smallest 21700 flashlight and my cellphone but i take it out often and the other pocket has a full size Leatherman I think the sidekick and a Milwaukee box cutter and a screwdriver it was the wera kraftform kompakt 25 but it broke but I think they are sending me a new one but a screwdriver and my keys

[@paulornascimento]

Great video! Cheers from Brazil!

[@ParklanCustom]

Thanks for watching!

[@ScorpionRegent]

It's a no brainer, absolutely the "5 Cobra. The Cobra is far more versatile than the PliersWrench. It's few and far between when I will need to sacrifice leverage for size. Besides you can always get or make soft jaw covers for the Cobra, You can't add teeth to the PlierWrench.

[@ParklanCustom]

Excellent Points!

[@flankman9385]

Love both but I feel like the Cobras are more versatile

[@johnelder4273]

You don't have to choose just one. I have both in the 125mm size and a reversible screwdriver and a large pocket knife and it's an easy edc.

[@ParklanCustom]

Touché

[@rsilvers129]

I am carrying both at the moment, but if I had to carry one, it would be Cobra.

[@ASGrevolution]

Thanks! well explained!

[@kuzinit2374]

I think the carbon steel ones would hold better and take more force

[@carrioncrow8191]

Been thinking of getting these for my car/office job. Do you think I should upgrade to the 5”? Something about those smaller ones though

[@ParklanCustom]

The XS's are fine, for EDC, they work!

[@ivankot3354]

Дякую. Ваше відео, і ваші роз'яснення допомогли з вибором. Вибераю кніпекс кобра 125 (5")

[@RafaelGonzalez.]

Which Milwaukee Fastback did you use?

[@ParklanCustom]

The one that has extra blade storage but not the screwdriver

[@RichMcCabe]

Good video but you are comparing a wrench to pliers. They are not the same tool. One is designed to be used on bolts and the other is designed to grab anything. If you can only have one the cobra is the way to go. But in the shop, I typically dont use pliers on bolts and nuts

[@kastapostgard5306]

I dont even need to watch to choose the cobra. I will watch, but I dont have to

[@thomasf.9869]

Can either of these cut cable?

[@FrugalShave]

Fug that! I carry both along with a bunch of other things in my sling.

[@aussiehardwood6196]

I wouldnt edc either tool, sure have them in my boat, camp or truck tool kit but I aint carrying them around just to look like a YT goose. But Cobra's are the most versatile, they can do the most in a pinch, that should be obvious to any tool minded person.

[@Mantis858585]

You care what some stranger thinks of you? I keep the cobra xs in my back pocket and as a handyman use it every day.

[@Metascetic]

Yes

[@StancePunk]

I feel like it's better to just have a Leatherman as a pocket tool

[@b.b.b81]

Wie viel kostet die Zange in den USA? In der Schweiz 47CHF !😮

[@nachobrigante6581]

Bei uns in DE 19 €.

[@b.b.b81]

@@nachobrigante6581 ja 19 Euro finde ich angemessen. Hab sie jetzt für 38CHF gesehen . . . . . Grüsse aus Zürich

[@nachobrigante6581]

@@b.b.b81 eben mal online den Währungsrechner besucht. Euro und Franken sind ja fast identisch. Also 38 € ist das Ding definitiv nicht wert.

[@johnhopkins6260]

You forgot Klein tools (a key, custom tool supplier for NASA)

[@rtz549]

$27 on Amazon

[@MrDkgio]

Cobra xs they are amazing, far more versatile overall.

[@MrDkgio]

Just as I posted you said xs more versatile 😂

[@jamesrodgers3132]

Really helpful video. Thanks.

[@dinsixiengmay9781]

No you don't have to choose one 😊 so I own both 👍👍

[@DISKRlM]

Cobra 150

[@xjeepmanx]

Cobra...carry them every day.

[@ParklanCustom]

Excellent choice, my friend!

[@yukin1990]

well i have choose both

[@yukin1990]

Knipex have a kit with Both Pliers

[@ParklanCustom]

Can't go wrong with that!

[@diogenesstudent5585]

Slip joint Klein pliers any good?

[@ParklanCustom]

I don’t use a lot of Klein pliers, I would imagine they are pretty solid. Probably better than channellock but not quite as good as Knipex.

[@renanlloren5766]

nice eval

[@CrimeVid]

Cobra.

[@stoatystoat174]

🐍

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

And the smaller one has less leverage.

[@bradl2636]

BOTH..! 😂

[@caramelzappa]

I use my mini pliers wrench so seldom that I stopped carrying them a month after I bought them. I use my cobra xs every single day. The cost of the pliers wrench xs is also just unreal, more than the full sized tools for no reason. I regret buying them.

[@ParklanCustom]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it may help someone decide which one to buy.

[@MadMax-tn3pu]

Beide!