Questions About Knipex

[BlindFarmer]

Hello all you wonderful folks. Help me understand, why is Knipex so hot right now? What is the hype all about? I ask because I am use the Irwin Vise Grip, Genuine Chanelock, heck when my cousin upgraded his tools he gave me his Mac Tools plier set. What makes Knipex so special? Is it simply the latest fad, like the Leatherman Arc? Explain Knipex to me.

[Vidar]

Knipex has lots of different pliers. Any in particular which need explanation?

If it is more about the brand in general I can only speak about my own experience with them for the last 20-30 years or so. Knipex generally make good pliers, and you get what you pay for. I certainly can't say that for all other brands I've tried. They also have some models that most other manufacturers don't have like plier wrenches.

There are certainly other high quality brands out there too. The prices tend to be similar though.
 

[powernoodle]

Not a fad.  The Pliers Wrench is like having a full imperial/metric wrench set in your pocket.  The smooth jaws remain parallel at all positions, don't chew up your fastener, and the ratcheting action (for lack of a better term) allows you to loosen/tighten without having to constantly remove/replace the wrench.  The Cobras are super grippy/bitey for round stock.

You make make it through the day just fine without a Knipex.  But they do have a lot going for them.  They are well-made and a somewhat on the spendy side.

[BlindFarmer]

Thank you everyone for the explanation. I am simply out of the loop. I did not realize Knipex had been around as long as it has. I see now they are a premium brand tool. Thank you for the help.

[Aloha]

The EDC community becomes familiar with a tool or item then thru social media it becomes a thing to a wider audience.  Great for the company who will now sell their tools to people who wouldn't normally buy them.  Those who have used the tools for decades were always in the know.

 

[BlindFarmer]

The EDC community becomes familiar with a tool or item then thru social media it becomes a thing to a wider audience.  Great for the company who will now sell their tools to people who wouldn't normally buy them.  Those who have used the tools for decades were always in the know.

 

Ok, I get it now. Great tools that people have known about for years. I never heard of them. Now I get it, social media spread the word. Makes sense now. Thank you.

[Blunt Object]

I knew Knipex exists, but I have tons of pliers, both good and bad, so I didn't see the point in getting another pair, as I'm not a tool pro. Until I saw videos of people building EDC kits around them, and realized how handy a very small pair could be. After trying out the Cobra XS I was sold. The grippiest, most precise pliers I have ever had. I like working with 2x4s, slabs if concrete, axes and angle grinders, so I don't even have many precision tools. Definitely getting the wrench pliers as well.

[powernoodle]

I just used a large Cobra and a large Pliers Wrench to assist in a drain cleanout.  Used the Cobra to grab and turn slip joint nuts under my kitchen sink (that were beyond finger tight), and the Pliers Wrench to open an access point in sub-level 1 (a.k.a. the basement) to get a snake in there.  Just when I thought I would have to call a plumber on Saturday, I hit the jackpot and everything opened up.  That's a good feeling.

Yeah, I could have used a Channellock and adjustable wrench, but I just dig the Knipex brand.   

[Murphy Slaw]

What would I know?

I carry an Arc...

[ToolJoe]

I only have 4' Knipex pliers wrench, Cobra pliers and combo pliers but they are rock solid when I've had to use them. Only small issue I've had with them was a tiny amount of rust on one. A little mineral oil took care of that spot. 

[CarbideCruzer]

I've carried the multi component variation of the pliers wrench for years and I cannot speak highly enough of them.  Once you used them you might consider (as I have) trying other brands but nothing is even remotely comparable.  I've tried other brands and variations of smooth jaw pliers; either there is play within the jaws, the handles aren't comfortable, issues with steel quality and warranty concerns as well. 

Yes there are social media influenecers that promote this brand; yet serious personals and those that understand quality have been using Knipex for decades.  They aren't cheap and aren't made to be that way either.   Would highly advise against buying any Knipex tools from Amazon as both the warranty process and legitimate issue of authentic Knipex tools is a concern.   

That said it's entirely your choice.