Knipex Swedish Style (S-Type) Pipe Wrench! Compared to Traditional Pipe Wrench

[@heritagejonery3879]

The first Patent was taken out by Daniel Stillson in 1869 (U.S. patent #95,744) and that's why we call them "Stillson's" The Swedish style was invented by Johan Johansson in 1888 (Swedish Patent SE5639)

[@ParklanCustom]

I’m referring to the earliest version of the adjustable screw wrench (monkey wrench) not the modern version we see today. US Patent # 2.054. Great info though!

[@heritagejonery3879]

@@ParklanCustom both the US and Swedish patents above where screw adjustable. The US patent directing relating the the 1870 British Patent #187001227 also taken out but Daniel Stillson, to be manufactured by Record who later became Irwin. They are still manufactured by the same company to an almost entirely unchanged design, the handle being the only significant change as the originals had wooden grips. I have not looked into it perhaps the man you refer too came up with cheaper the cast handle? This would make sence as it was a popular time for soming up with cheaper and faster manufacturing techniques. These are very rare where I come from and tend to only be budges tools that go for that style. I realise that many good manufacturers do make them cast but I belive that is mostly for the North American market, I have know idea why.

[@ParklanCustom]

You sound like someone that enjoys history! I do as well. All of the information your a sharing is great stuff, thank you!

[@heritagejonery3879]

@@ParklanCustom probably get a little carried away sorry I would for a museum in the team them looks at " Transport and Industry" so get payed to look at such thinks. I was mostly interested in the knipex set you have not seen them before they look pretty cool but I have a draw full of old sets in every size you could think of so not sure I can justify it and not really sure they look up to the life I would give them, when the bolt your undoing has be done up a couple of hundred years they are often a little tight 😬 I am obviously very curious about this 1940 patent but don't seem to be able to find it

[@ParklanCustom]

No worries, I appreciate you sharing you knowledge, that’s what this community is about, the patent was filed 1841, April. Losing Coes is who filed the patent under method of constructing screw-wrench. Patent # US2054A

[@rocketstar9067]

I have both, use each depending on what I have to do.

[@andrewyoussef2267]

Ridgid makes the best pipe wrenches. Been around for 100 years and made here in the USA.

[@informedcitizen8687]

The traditional style pipe wrench can be used with a length of pipe slipped over the handle to increase torque. That's a big selling point for me.

[@ParklanCustom]

That’s very true, I thought about that after I made the video and forgot to mention that. Thank you for pointing that out, I think that’s an important feature as well!

[@reubenreid7375]

You can do that with the knipex too.

[@informedcitizen8687]

@@reubenreid7375 The handle on a pipe wrench is much heavier and can withstand substantially more torque than the knipex. That only matters in the most extreme cases and the Knipex are a great tool that can handle 99% of the jobs its used for.

[@kencolon1870]

I’ve put a cheater bar on my cobras many times thinking u can do save with these

[@dtom420]

That’s the thing I was wondering. I’m sure you could slip a cheater pipe over one of the handles (since only one handle is truly necessary on the Knipex) but I don’t think the metal/handle could handle the same extreme pressure as a traditional pipe wrench. I’m coming at it from an oilfield perspective but I’ll bet this is pretty awesome for a homeowner or residential worker.

[@ThomasShue]

Just so you know, once any channel lock style of pliers is biting, only the top handle needs pressure, you don’t have to squeeze anymore

[@lennykelly9952]

Well I have a lightweight aluminium Stilson over 40 years their great on gun barrel and that’s their purpose,not keen on grips see a lot of plumbers using them but they churn the brass nuts leaving sharp swarf which can be painful if you put your hands on a fitting maybe one that someone else has installed I stick with spanner’s as much as I can.But everything helps.

[@Defcon2000]

I'm sure that both types are perfectly fine for pipes. One thing I like about the Swedish style pipe wrenches is that you can use them like a huge pair of pliers. By that I mean that you can just squeeze both handles together and grab something other than a pipe firmly and for example pull it directly towards you without a twisting/turning motion. I've never held a US style pipe wrench in my hand, but I guess the teeth are not permanently attached to the whole tool but can be changed if they are worn out? That's nice, I've never seen a Swedish style pipe wrench with changeable teeth. (Although they're usually hardened and shouldn't wear out easily when used with normal materials: copper pipes, non-hardened steel etc.)

[@ParklanCustom]

The teeth on the American style are permanently fixed to the tool, the upper jaw may be able to be replaced but I’ve never seen anyone do that, mostly if something is wrong with the teeth or they are worn out, you just go get a new tool.

[@Defcon2000]

Thanks, I see! In your video it looks to me like the lower teeth are in a steel plate and the steel plate is fixed to the aluminum tool with a black pin (a little bit to the top left of the Irwin logo). I assumed that you therefore could change the lower jaw at least (and maybe the upper as well, wasn't sure). But yeah, maybe it's not practical to get spare parts for a simple pipe wrench. Here in Germany we basically only have the Swedish style pipe wrenches, and it's the same thing: If the teeth are worn out you just go and buy a new tool. (I assume. I never had to buy a replacement so far, the teeth seem to be quite durable.)

[@MichaelM-to4sg]

@@Defcon2000 The teeth on the American pipe wrench, aka Stillson wrench, are hardened steel. The video is a bit misleading, referring to it as an “aluminium pipe wrench”, only the handle section is cast aluminum. The lower jaw is pressed into the handle and secured by a roll pin. The collar nut is steel as is the 1-piece upper jaw. Since the pipe this wrench is used on is commonly soft mild steel, cast iron or copper, the jaws rarely have substantial wear impacting its performance.

[@emmber19]

@@ParklanCustom you can replace the heel on a pipe wrench. Nobody ever does because it pretty much never needs to be done, but sometimes they chip.

[@GedeonDillon]

Thanks for making a video on these. I’ve been interested in them but there’s not enough information and hardly any videos on this. I think I’m going to order two of these on my next KC tool haul.

[@ParklanCustom]

My pleasure! I can say they are very solid and well built!

[@rawbacon]

The traditional pipe wrench is pretty much perfected and that's why they're still used after all these years. They tend to be inexpensive and incredibly robust, you drop one 30 feet onto the concrete and chances are 99%+ that it will be fine.....Most of my plumbing work has been commercial and you pretty much need a 2 to 3 foot wrench for that. The Knipex is probably fine for most home plumbing but I'm not really sure there's a great advantage........Of course today threaded gas pipes are generally the only threaded metal pipe used in a home, not a lot of people using it for water anymore.

[@ParklanCustom]

I think mostly it’s preference, Europeans tend to use the Swedish style more, and of course Americans prefer the American style, can’t fault either.

[@plsreleasethekraken]

head size is important. sometimes the swedish ones are easier to get into tight spots for the head. with enough clearance, I prefer stillson.

[@turnerstoyotas7704]

For a lot of industrial refrigeration/water system applications the knipex shine based on the fact their profile is thinner ive been in tons of situations where the traditional pipe wrench mechanism is too thick to fit in between fittings or spaces to secure a proper lock up

[@brertt8350]

I doubt the knipex will break from 100 feet even they're so much lighter and still fairly robust. Quite thinner too so they probably do better in tight places.

[@rubenmadrid3154]

Just got my own place and are learning about tools. This video was just awesome 👏🏻 sir thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@ParklanCustom]

I am glad you liked it. Feel free to browse the channel. Congrats on the new home! and new journey!

[@dossreviews]

That kuh-nip-x looks quite useful

[@flmnkoh]

I have that swedish-style pipe wrench, although from the Rennsteig brand, german made of as good quality as Knipex and identical in design. -When I saw it in the ads and in some promotional videos, it caught my attention and I decided to buy it, expecting a lot from this tool. -I ordered this quick adjust model as an upgraded version of the traditional adjust nut system. -When I received it, I really liked its appearance and manufacturing quality. -When using it, it was a disappointment because I found it uncomfortable to use; short-handled for leverage and hurts the palm of the hand when pressed hard. -The S-shaped jaw has an excellent grip, but I did not like the tool when using it and I have it in the box of forgotten tools practically new. -The traditional version with nut adjustment like the Bahco wrench, looks simpler in its design, but it is very strong; great grip and noticeably more comfortable when using it and applying strong leverage. - The traditional Stilson wrench is more friendly and comfortable to use although it is heavier and cumbersome in some situations, and despite that, it is much more popular than the swedish pattern wrench.

[@wagneralencar]

I didn't use this Knipex version but it looks closer to the Push-Lock Plier than the Pipe Wrench.

[@paedahe4975]

I have been looking into this S jaw wrench. This video helps. Thanks.

[@ParklanCustom]

I’m glad it helped! Thank you for stopping by!

[@Spiegelradtransformation]

I looked Vid in 100sec. What’s better on Knipex ?

[@Jerm0915]

Knipex will also lock on so you only need to push one handle

[@Alucard-gt1zf]

So what's the difference between these and the cobras knipex make? Seem to do the same job

[@ParklanCustom]

The pipe wrenches are going to bite on copper and soft metal pipes much better that the cobras, the cobras are better for hex fittings, but the pipe wrench is going to be better for round pipe.

[@vitaliyzakharov6708]

The traditional wrench is such a perfect tool. I don’t think I've ever had a situation where I thought it was inadequate(or more like anything less than perfect at its purpose) I have some Knppex wrenches and they are great all purpose tools, but I think Ridgid wrenches are superior for any pipework

[@plsreleasethekraken]

Challenging to get the head into some spots. With enough clearance, I prefer the Stillson, but it's not always the case.

[@vitaliyzakharov6708]

@@plsreleasethekraken ridgid makes all different kind of wrenches like offset, straight, etc. Those wok well

[@plsreleasethekraken]

@@vitaliyzakharov6708 they do, but generally only affects the angle. Sometimes it really does just come down to the dimensuons of the head. Swedish pattern has more in common with a channel lock/cobra or vise grip for its head. That makes it smaller up top but requires more clearance on the bottom for the handles. Stillson has its adjustment mechanism near the head and opens vertically rather than on a pivot. There are times where the swedish pattern is much easier to use. Honestly I run into it very frequently and while I own a 45 and 90 offset in the stillson for the most common size wrench, it's nice to not have to have an entirely different one just for that. If I have clearance, I opt for the stillson, but sometimes I don't have it.

[@vitaliyzakharov6708]

@@plsreleasethekraken interesting! I suppose its all about the kind of work you do. I mostly work on steam pipes so clearance is not typically an issue

[@brandongregg4287]

Would the larger cobras work just as well as the Knipex Swedish pipe wrench?

[@ParklanCustom]

Im sure they could, a little different ergonomics and the teeth are as aggressive, so you might have a harder time with gripping certain materials.

[@Bankss999]

everyone saying the wrench wouldnt be able to be used with a cheater bar is wrong IMO he is simply using the tool wrong, you adjust the pipe wrench FULLY CLOSED on the pipe so that you can literally just push the wrench without have to also squeeze the wrench. i do not own one nor have used one but that is my siple observation off of 2 videos watched and makes sense to me

[@kaylamarie8309]

I tend to believe that there's credibility in the story that the name of the wrench came from Mr. Coes only because I've seen the name Coes stamped on a pipe wrench. Anyway, this Knipex wrench is awesome and I will be getting one ASAP! Great video.👍

[@matthewwilliams6596]

I can see the knipex ones being greate for plumbing up to 2inch. However doing largeer pipe or industrial piping i want a normal wrench. Id had to open up piping that has been heated to 550°f for years. Had to get a 36" and 48" to bust it loose. Its nice to be able to put a chain hoist on the eye of the handle to pull on it more than you can by hand

[@ParklanCustom]

I can agree with that, one good advantage to the American style pipe wrench is the ability to put a breaker bar on it if need be.

[@gigostackkfmawi9263]

I noticed that as well for any pipe larger it appeared he'd have the two handle ends spread too far apart to be a comfortable turn imo

[@watermonsterable]

The proper way to fit a pipe wrench up is to seat the pipe all the way into the jaws so there are three points in contact with the tool. Otherwise (with only two points of contact) you can ruin the pipe by taking it out of round when torquing on the wrench. Granted this is only an issue if the pipe is threaded on tight as hell.

[@Chris-bz3iy]

Untrue hack lore

[@rjskum688]

@@Chris-bz3iy it's not untrue lol. He's right, it's so you don't egg out the pipe and fittings.

[@vitaliyzakharov6708]

I keep hearing people say this, but i do not see how it makes any sense. What does the smooth part of the jaw touching the pipe even accomplish? If the jawed part is slipping, the smooth part won’t make anything better. I never had any issue with my ridgid wrenches slipping anyways

[@rjskum688]

@@vitaliyzakharov6708 I believe it's to allow both jaws to grip equally and at an equal depth. Like an adjustable wrench in plumbing the idea is to not make a round fitting oval shaped. In other words you don't want to use more force than necessary to tighten or loosen fittings. Like maybe on sinks and toilets.

[@vitaliyzakharov6708]

@@rjskum688 the thing is, the wrench jaws make the best contact with the pipe in a different position. I have dozens of ridgid wrenches, from 8” to 48”. I just tried a bunch on different pipe sizes and having the back contact the pipe is just not how those wrenches work. Maybe there used to be something different about the actual stilson wrenches, and thats how that “wisdom” was born, but it didnt carry over to ridgid ones

[@doylefrazier9551]

Kuh-nip-x! Thank you for this informative video. I will own this on soon.

[@ParklanCustom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darrylglover4069]

Knipex, I’ll likely buy that one if I don’t win. Looks great

[@JohnSmith-cw3tp]

Lighter, fits in your bag easier, better quality, looks better. I could justify paying twice as much.

[@jakelasley1815]

I could be wrong, but wouldn't "monkey" wrench perhaps reference the fact that primates are the only species other than humans that have opposable thumbs that could use the thumb head-tilt feature of the stillson?

[@ParklanCustom]

I've never heard that, but who knows, apparently its an unsolved mystery.

[@KevinSinclair-ys2yo]

You are incorrect about american style wrenches the jaws are not fixed for Ridgid tools. I changed the jaws on my 18 inch Ridgid wrenches the other week! That cheap Irwin I dont know about.

[@michaeltb1358]

One strange feature of Knipex is the relatively thin plastic sleeving on the handles. Ok for some tools, but not all.

[@ParklanCustom]

It hasn't bothered me any using them. The handle has a bulge, making it comfortable when pushing down hard.

[@rdarr40]

I always thought a monkey wrench has smooth parallel jaws (e.g. a 90° adjustable wrench).

[@ParklanCustom]

Maybe it depends on what part of the country your from

[@bobcougar77]

I'm having a hard time seeing how the Kinpex is an improvement.... You don't pull out a pipe wrench for a delicate operation. It's something the pipe just can't say no to. If it still doesn't listen you slip a cheater over the end of the wrench and the pipe either moves or breaks. Either way you are in a different place. I don't see that happening with the fancy push button two handle wrench.

[@davidmcgee2126]

Kuh-Nip-X I like the quick adjust

[@mikezeke7041]

The knipex grips better in most instances

[@AK-IT]

Informative comparisons

[@WiltonSilveira]

Saudações. Aqui no Brasil, essa chave tradicional é mais conhecida como chave de grifo ou chave Stillson, dentre outros nomes. O termo "chave inglesa" é geralmente usado para outra chave, específica para parafusos e porcas. Já o da Knipex é do tipo aqui conhecido como "alicate de bomba d'água".

[@jzrgrmm]

Negativo, ambos são chaves grifo, o da Knipex é do tipo sueco. Alicate bomba d'água é outra coisa.

[@davehaggerty3405]

I always considered another wrench a monkey wrench. It has smooth jaws for mechanics. The jaws were at 90* to the handle. The lower jaw was adjustable with a thumbwheel like a Crescent adjustable wrench. It was a poor design. The jaws would spread busting your knuckles. They called it a monkey wrench because you used it to monkey around with something. Few survive. I’ve thrown a couple away myself.

[@ParklanCustom]

I know the wrench your referring to, old design, I think that particular tool faded away and what lived on we call the monkey wrench.

[@tomstutz2645]

Thats a ford wrench

[@wotan_nightshade]

Crescent has one for sale called a mechanics wrench. To me looked handy mainly due to the 90 degree angle

[@smitty_1]

The original were smooth jaw to use on finished surfaces, ie: chrome ect

[@johnnyspaceman1]

I would like a set of thise

[@ivanermakov3896]

Stillson-type the best!

[@axeliosstonewall6235]

Those knipex just need to be pushed down on. They require no squeezing at all to use. It's the reason women and small men can skip channellocks and buy cobras. The bite needs no squeezing.

[@Söderlund11]

Both invented in Sweden

[@jaywanSi23]

Hands-down Knipex for the win

[@ptstouring49]

I have the 560mm one, I was able to sheer a tie rod end that was rusted in. :-) Kuh-nip-X I still say Kah-nee-pex

[@gigostackkfmawi9263]

Heheh I used my stilson style pipe wrench to back an OEM inner/outer tie rod end off as well

[@AF-O6]

With due respect, a monkey wrench is smooth jaw right angle adjustable mechanic’s wrench, not a pipe wrench. But thank you for introducing me to the Swedish pipe wrench.

[@ParklanCustom]

not where im from, we call the American style pipe wrench a monkey wrench.

[@em0_tion]

A politician inventing a wrench is tough to believe. 😆

[@ParklanCustom]

Excellent point 😂

[@retroghost2293]

Stillson Wrench

[@render8]

I'm pretty sure it's called a Stillson wrench... For the original patent holder... As for the monkey wrench moniker... If you knew the plumbers I know, it would be self explanatory...🤣 Bahco makes the more traditional style swedish wench, in fact I think Snap-on has them rebranded from Bahco

[@ParklanCustom]

😂😂

[@jarrheadja1522]

Hey you forgot the pipe dope and teflon tape 😂

[@cooperrumph6868]

I always thought it was knipex was pronounced NY PEX. Like knife.

[@beurky]

I always assumed they were called monkey wrenches because of the top jaw looked like a monkey paw swinging on a branch (the pipe). I got this image from college when my pipe fitter prof would be dangling off an overhead sprinkler pipe using a "monkey wrench" as a grip, and using then another wrench in the other hand to tighten the next length. Once again, I am wrong. Lol Pipe wrench it is.

[@JEBell79]

If you want a pliers wrench, get the Snap-On's. I'm no fanboy, but the ones they make are unbeatable.

[@user-et5mz5ex9s]

6:33 I have never "pushed down" on any part of a pipe wrench to loosen it. If you have it adjusted correctly and have experience with these wrenches, you can just turn it in reverse and it should come off. If you get good at it, you can just leave the wrench on a pipe without touching anything but the handle to tighten or loosen. I have honestly never seen the "push down on this" method outside of this video Edit: you are also severely limiting the amount of torque which could be exerted on the wrench if you constantly choke up on it to do the "push down" method. With all this "push down" talk it feels like I'm back in gym class doing the pushup test lol

[@ParklanCustom]

That's actually a feature of the North American style pipe wrench that's why its spring loaded so you can push down on the back of the wrench head and it will loosen its grip, its not a secret feature, anyone who has ever worked with a pipe wrench knows that.

[@user-et5mz5ex9s]

@@ParklanCustom ok, but I have those same style wrenches for HVAC/R and I've never seen them with a "spring". They just have that much tolerance so that you can use it as I described, but if you prefer to use that as a "spring", then that's fine. Could just be another way of loosening the grip which may work better for other people than what I mentioned. I've just never thought to loosen it that way because my way which I mentioned is what works best for me and is also the only way I've seen others do it. It all just comes down to preference

[@Ham68229]

Honestly, never heard a pipe wrench be called a "monkey wrench". A "monkey wrench" and square jaws much like a "Cresent" or adjustable wrench. Everyone has their own definition though.

[@clevc112]

The monkey wrench has its name from having the grip strength of a monkey. You're welcome.

[@ParklanCustom]

That’s sounds like the simplest and best explanation there could possibly be! 🎉🥳

[@platoscavealum902]

👍ℹ️

[@BarukHabaBShemYahuah]

Sprinkler fitter for 20 years and I have to say I would never use that Knipex style wrench

[@samuelw.3992]

I freaking hate my knipex Swedish pipe wrench.. idk man I think I’ll stick to a reg pipe wrench.

[@carlweathers2387]

It’s called an “S” style pipe wrench because it’s a Swedish pattern pipe wrench.

[@ParklanCustom]

That’s not correct, the “S” is for the jaw shape

[@pfausette4405]

Monkey and or a Ford wrench is a different tool.

[@ParklanCustom]

Nope

[@socal_expat1856]

I’ll take a Swedish style anytime, vs. Chinesium junk. I’ve never broken a Swedish style steel wrench, but I have broken brand name Chinese junk.

[@m1pete]

K in the name is silent, pronounced Nipex.

[@dusanmilojevic3017]

I use Knipex cobra and old Ridgid wrench from my grandfather.For heavy duty work Ridgid is my choice,better than Knipex.I don’t use Swedish style wrench,don’t like them.

[@ParklanCustom]

Ridged has always been a staple of the plumbing trade, a lot of people don’t know Ridged is a plumbing brand way before cordless tool brand.

[@Jrr1976]

Monkey wrenches don't have teeth. You have a pipe wrench 🔧

[@CJ-lp8hk]

Is it pronounced ni-pex ?.. when you say knight or knee you don't say ka-night or ka-nee

[@ParklanCustom]

It’s German so it doesn’t follow that same principle, it is indeed pronounced Kuh-Nip-X

[@cng7005]

KUH NI PEX

[@cameronr7223]

Not a monkey wrench, that’s a different tool. This is known as pipe wrench or stillson

[@ParklanCustom]

Not where I'm from.

[@davidinchcliff4560]

A pipe wrench is stronger. Talking about dragging a video out

[@ParklanCustom]

Which pipe wrench? They are both pipe wrenches… 🤦‍♂️😂

[@justCarner]

It’s called a monkey wrench because the jaws of the wrench take on the same shape as a monkeys mouth.

[@ParklanCustom]

I have never heard that, I’m not seeing the resemblance.. lol

[@mightymeat]

That looks fantastic, I hate traditional pipe wrenches, that would help so very much in my tool box

[@elijahrebello1]

Monkey bars… monkey wrench… I think it’s due to the nature of the job, not race.

[@tomthompson7400]

after watching you pfafing about trying to get the size right , in plenty of space , with great access and better visibility ,,, Im out .

[@ParklanCustom]

✌️

[@mikezeke7041]

Not really fair to compare those garbage Lowe’s ones to the state of the art Germans 🤣 If you are using a better one you don’t have to use the thumb.

[@ParklanCustom]

I love those Irwin pipe wrenches!

[@kimberHD45]

Wow…it only took six and a half minutes of meaningless talk to get to the substantive part…good job

[@propane1777]

Knipex have absolutely no advantage over Irwin or Draper, but is 2-3 times the price

[@ParklanCustom]

That push button on the Swedish style make them pretty quick to change sizes.

[@nucleus691]

swedish style wrenches can be used to just grab things or even squeeze/crush something. The locking system on them also never moves unless you want it to, unlike the american style wrench which has a simple thread and nut which can move ever so slightly from movement and vibrations.

[@franktechmaniac7488]

The Knipex is a "pipe pliers", that's the exakt translation it original name "Rohrzange". Pipe wrenches are almost unknown in Germany maybe also in central Europe. Since decades Swedish pipe pliers were the standard tool. Your monkey wrench is an oddity to America.

[@beaniebobby4875]

They aren’t almost unknown, we use rigid all the time here for gas piping…

[@ingith123]

BS it’s all automatic.

[@ParklanCustom]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@2point..0]

That's the Wrench 86 61 010 that I said in a previous video that I would love to WIN one and I would buy a second one, so I would have a pair of them :) Liked #2 and subbed!!! Kuh- Nip -X !!!

[@ParklanCustom]

We will be doing many more giveaways!

[@2point..0]

@@ParklanCustom Well, I will watch MANY video's ha ha ha!!! I really want to start my Electrical pouch right from the get-go with Kuh- Nip -X tools!!!!

[@talmageclements3390]

Monkey wrenches have no teeth and are used for nuts and bolts.

[@ParklanCustom]

Where I’m from they do

[@negorez1972]

по усилию не сравнимые ключи.