Knipex Cobras - MY #1 Reason they are the best "Channellocks" aka Tongue and Groove Pliers

I have mentioned in past videos how much I really like the Knipex Cobras so I thought I would share with you what I think sets them apart from the rest.
Hope this helps someone who may be on the fence wondering what makes them so special. Thanks for watching and make sure to leave your comments and questions below.
The following are Amazon AFFILIATE links for items shown in the video. I make a small commission if you make a purchase through following these links. Thanks for supporting the channel!
Knipex 10" Cobras - amzn.to/34LAaL8
Knipex Cobra Set (7",10",12") - amzn.to/3Iay321
#knipex #tools #electrical #maintenance #hvac

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

I have the exact same model of Knipex since 5 or 6 years. I use them mostly for plumbing and it's not a clean job. I let them rust, I used them as a hammer, I used them as a pry-bar. Never had to worry that the tool won't do the job. When these inside serrated edges got dull I just used angle grinder with thin cutting disc to sharpen them. EVERYTHING works like new. Worth every penny. I've even forgotten how bad the old style pliers are compared to Knipex. I have like four pairs of these in different sizes. The curse of this brand is that when you get one tool you want them all. Yet another good video. Carry on.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Yeah. These were my first and I have been all in in trying all their others. I have several sizes and have bought three pairs of these. Two that I use and one that I gave to a friend. Good advice on the sharpening and thanks for the comment as always.

[@lawdog516]

I just ordered a pair based on your recommendation, problem is if I stay subscribed to your channel I’ll be sleeping in the car at best!!! LOL 😂 thanks for your videos

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I have A LOT of friends that their wives don’t like me one bit…lol. I don’t think you will be disappointed. Just a few years ago I was the "they can’t be that different guy". As you use them you will find they just work better. Some of their tools aren’t crazy better…but these cobras are In my opinion. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@grumpyuncle.]

Knipex Cobra pliers and pliers wrenches have been two of my best tool purchases. 100% worth the extra cost. I use the 5-6" sizes mostly. The jaws open really wide for such a small plier.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I agree, on the two pliers and the size. I don’t have that small of ones but the 7 1/4's have been my go to. That’s the smallest I have. It isn’t that often I bring out the 10” unless it’s plumbing. I want to get the XS versions of both of them just because they are so darn cute😂

[@grumpyuncle.]

@@MORGANSMaintenance I feel the same about the XS models. Although I would have to put the XS on a key retractor, or I’d lose it.

[@KeystoneOutdoorsman]

Electrician here. I own 2 of these cobras for years theyre great. Recently bought some Channellocks for around the house and I really LIKE them especially at the price point for a USA made tool. I will say, the Knipex surge hasn't quite hit the commercial/industrial market where I am. Most still use the tried and true classic brands Ill hand them my Cobras & the look of bewilderment combined with " How the Hell do you work these?!" ..its always a good chuckle. I recommend trying Channellocks 410 or "Nutbuster" its an aggressive parrot nose plier like the raptor but better.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Channellocks are still good.. most brands now have “the button” but the Cobras tend to open wider and are a little slimmer than the other brands. I prefer them for those reasons. I may have to check out that pair of channellocks… I haven’t swayed away from Knipex to try others in awhile. The last set I had before them were Milwaukee, and I didn’t care for them. Appreciate the suggestion

[@jeffreywolf5235]

What I've known in the short few months of having now well over $500 worth of Knipex Pliers. The one thing I've noticed is they make all the jobs that used to be so difficult and hard Their pliers turn it into something almost easy to do.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

That has been my experience too… it’s just more enjoyable 👍

[@chrisfyfe1476]

Agreed , Knipex FTW ! Can save you a lot of irritation , not to mention pain !

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Cobras were the first Knipex tool I purchased…. After that I was hooked.

[@johnm9581]

I'm a plumber and I switched to the knipex I agree with everything you said they r great pliers! Great review and video

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Yeah appearance wise you would wonder what all the fuss is about, but once you use them I feel they are better. Appreciate your thoughts… as a plumber you probably use them more than anyone 👍

[@Bob-I-am]

I have the 125 mm and 150 mm Knipex Cobra pliers, although I am just a DIYer. The main advantage to me is the large jaw capacity for such a small overall size. I carry the 125 mm Cobra daily. Thanks for the video.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I carry and use the 180 (I think…it’s 7-1/4) the most. You are right, for as wide as they open you can get away with smaller pairs. Thanks for watching!

[@debbiemoorin1748]

Thank you for another great video. I use knipex pliers all the time every day. You are right they are better than the rest of them out there. They do cost more however they will out last all the rest of them. Maybe a life time Thank you.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Thanks for the compliment and for watching. I have not bought one thing of theirs yet that has disappointed me.

[@adamdover3868]

brother i have the milwauuke ones the amount of times the handles have crossed and squeezed the fuck out of my finger brusing like you showed at 4:45, sold me instantly lol

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

Yeah I’ve had a few pairs that have done that to me.. it’s a pain that you hope customers aren’t around while you experience it 😂

[@chrisfyfe9212]

Agreed !

[@sknight0391]

Great point! I love my Knipex Cobras. And I'm just like you. I've always called them channel locks. But I actually changes that just out of respect for how great the Knipex pliers are. I now refer to them as "Cobra pliers". Respect those German beauties. 😎👌

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

That may be true for everyone in a few years..A KZbin video in the future they will call some other brand Cobras 🐍 Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@thomasbrown9402]

A ways back Knipex made Cobras under the Craftsman brand and you could buy them cheaper than Knipex at Sears. Remember Sears? lol. I have no idea whether the metallurgy was different than "real" Knipex, but I still carry my large and small Craftsman Cobras; they work great!

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I never knew that. Craftsman used to be great. Especially since you could just walk in Sears and replace broken ones. Thanks for sharing.

[@j.gilman]

Very interesting. I carry mostly Knipex and never noticed this on other tongue and groove pliers. I have noticed they seem lighter which adds up when you have 3-4 in a Veto. I think Irwin used NWS to make their pliers for a little while.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I do love their weight and feel. Thanks for commenting!

[@MarkJones-no2zf]

I have been using them for 15+ years I have a range from 5" to 12" both the cobras and the alligator pliers they are the best

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I’ve been really impressed with them. Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@Jdavid1976]

I respectfully disagree and think the Knipex Alligator pliers are better. Same design as the Cobra except with a slip joint instead of the gimmicky button. I've used my same gators for 10 years in an industrial plant. They're bulletproof, thinner, easier to adjust, open MUCH wider, and less expensive. You should try them out.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I like those too. I have a pair of the 7-1/4”. I bought them after this video. I haven’t bought a pair of Knipex pliers that I haven’t thought were top notch. I like the button, but you are right… it does sometimes get in the way depending on how tight a spot you are getting into. Appreciate your opinion and glad you shared it. Helps others make a better decision 👍

[@contax50mm]

Honestly i like my irwin ones sometimes more. When i really gotta wrench on something they are more comfortable

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I’ve got those… that’s what I had before I tried Knipex. I get way more grip with my cobras than anything else, but I really like the 7-1/4” pair and how wide they open. I prefer that length handle for what I typically do over a 10” pair.

[@blaquejaque9702]

Not sure how many people know this, but Craftsman was the first to release the exact same water pump pliers as Knipex. They were called Cobra style too, and were fat cheaper than Knipex. If there is a Sears outlet near you, they could carry them. Kmart did also

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

All the Sears and Kmarts have closed down near me. Lowes is the only place that has Craftsmen but I haven’t seen any of those there.

[@blaquejaque9702]

@@MORGANSMaintenance yes the only thing we have left is the old Sears outlet which may have been converted to something else too since the pandemic. I know it's still an outlet, but whether it's owned by Sears still is unknown. It would be interesting to see how Lowe's would deal with the exchange of the Craftsman cobras. I believe home cheapo, whom i love BTW, just said get a replacement regardless of brand. At least that's been my experience so far

[@MrDkgio]

German design and engineering, it’s always the best choice.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I’ve bought many tools over the last few years that were unknown to me without KZbin (not sold locally). I have noticed that there are many tools out there I have been missing out on and really high quality ones. You are right, everything I own (I believe) that is made in Germany is top notch 👍

[@MrDkgio]

@@MORGANSMaintenance I carry the 4” xs ones everyday in my wallet, they are just amazing for the size.

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@MrDkgio yeah the 7-1/4 are the equivalent to 10” in most brands. They are what I use the most.

[@raulgamez5322]

10 inch cobra or 7 1/4???

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

I prefer the 7-1/4 and it works for me most of the time… IF I had it to do over I would buy a set of 7-1/4 and 12’s. I think that would be better than a 7-1/4 and 10’s

[@raulgamez5322]

@@MORGANSMaintenance do they have the 7 1/4 insulated ?? That be the best

[@MORGANSMaintenance]

@@raulgamez5322 I’m not sure.. I don’t have any insulated cobras… I have seen 10’s..

[@raulgamez5322]

@@MORGANSMaintenance they are the best tho