Knipex Plier Wrench

Tom Munch · **on:** March 10, 2007, 08:19:58 PM

I finally received the 7" Knipex Plier Wrench. This is quite a tool. I'd like to use it a few days before I make a final judgment, but here is a quick posting of pictures & links.

Knipex site

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=559&no_cache=1&L=1

Pictures of using it on a bike

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=560&L=1

Animation of plier operation

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=451&L=1

Sears page

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Hand+Tools%2C+General+Purpose&pid=00945211000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Pliers&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

Tom Munch · **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2007, 08:20:45 PM

Tom Munch · **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2007, 08:23:14 PM

Tom Munch · **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2007, 08:23:52 PM

Smooth jaws have very good gripping strength - 10-to-1 gripping ratio.

Tom Munch · **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2007, 08:24:16 PM

Tom Munch · **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2007, 08:24:37 PM

Tom Munch · **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2007, 08:27:02 PM

First Impressions

It's easier to use than an adjustable wrench. It works surprisingly well as a pliers.

J-sews · **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2007, 10:53:00 PM

A very clever mechanism indeed.

Is it stainless steel? Or chrome or nickel plated?

Tom Munch · **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2007, 11:03:33 PM

It's painted silver just like the other plier pictured which is a Knipex that is branded Craftsman & painted black. It looks to be a very durable paint, as you would expect from a German tool company.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2007, 01:38:56 AM

Interesting how the jaws are smooth... I would have though there would at least be some kind of small teeth in there...

I am looking forward to hearing how this one works out for you once you've had a chance to put it through it's paces.

Def

Tom Munch · **Reply #10 on:** March 11, 2007, 06:08:16 AM

Quote from: Defender on March 11, 2007, 01:38:56 AM

Interesting how the jaws are smooth... I would have though there would at least be some kind of small teeth in there...

From the website - The smooth parallel jaws avoid damage to plated and soft fittings.

Because of the 10-1 ratio of the lever on the jaws it grips really well. I figure I'll create my own teeth in it just by grabbing rough objects & pitting the jaws. It's quite a nice piece.

I wonder if Knipex could be convinced to get into the multitool business.

J-sews · **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2007, 02:36:01 PM

It appears to come apart fairly easily too. Is that correct Tom? Just remove the one phillips screw from the spring plate?

That would make it handy for clean-ups and such after a messy job.

Tom Munch · **Reply #12 on:** March 11, 2007, 03:33:07 PM

I haven't tried it, but that looks right.

Tom Munch · **Reply #13 on:** March 15, 2007, 06:26:20 PM

I had a couple occasions to use the Plier Wrench a couple times now.

The first time was on a plumbing part after taking apart a drain yesterday. I had to loosen & tighten a round fitting with knurled finish. I didn't think the PW with smooth jaws would get enough grip on this fitting, but it worked fine after initially slipping when I adjusted it properly.

The second time was when opening a clamshell package that I needed to rip the middle of open. I figured I wouldn't get a grip on the slick plastic, but again it gripped fine & allowed me to rip the package apart quite authoritatively.

A couple more projects & I think it will have proved itself to me for general plier usage.

Tom

J-sews · **Reply #14 on:** March 16, 2007, 03:06:43 AM

I like the parallel jaw action on the tool when it is used as a plier. I have an old pair of Bernard pliers, and sometimes the parallel jaws come in quite handy.

mkphc · **Reply #15 on:** March 16, 2007, 05:30:17 AM

Great pics/review, I don't have that style yet, allthough i have a 7", 10", 12", 16" Cobra and a 12" Aligator Pliers
Being a Ph & C contractor i guess I would, but anyway i love 'em and swear by 'em.
Mike

Tom Munch · **Reply #16 on:** March 16, 2007, 05:36:49 AM

I'm surprised you don't have the auto adjusting model too & the narrow headed model of Cobra. Knipex really makes quality stuff.

mkphc · **Reply #17 on:** March 18, 2007, 04:28:58 AM

narrow headed cobra?
show me one please!

Tom Munch · **Reply #18 on:** March 18, 2007, 04:57:10 AM

mkphc · **Reply #19 on:** March 18, 2007, 07:13:03 AM

Thanks Tom!
looks like my next aquisition

Tom Munch · **Reply #20 on:** March 21, 2007, 03:57:43 PM

mkphc,

Did you get a narrow-jaw Cobra yet?

Tom

mkphc · **Reply #21 on:** June 26, 2007, 03:35:06 AM

no no more Knipex yet, Allthough I purchased a UEI combustion anaylizer-$1,300.00 (ouch)

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #22 on:** June 26, 2007, 03:39:32 AM

No wonder you haven't gotten the pliers yet- you're broke!

Def

mkphc · **Reply #23 on:** June 26, 2007, 05:47:10 AM

not to mention a Makita 18v li-ion 1/4 impact driver = $289

parnass · **Reply #24 on:** December 28, 2007, 02:37:58 AM

Any more comments on the Knipex Plier Wrench? How's it working out?

I see Knipex offers a version with "Ergo" handles which are heavily padded in 2-color plastic.

I asked Chad's Toolbox about the warranty and the reply was:

Quote