Knipex Pliers Wrench

[elfick]

I'm looking to replace my crappy general-use adjustable wrench. Does anyone have any experience and/or recommendations for or against the Knipex Pliers Wrench?

 

[RKA]

I have the set but don't use them very often.  I like them when I need to work a nut in or out of place, because it's easy to release by grip and allow the pliers to expand around the nut as I reposition and clamp down again.  Like a poor mans ratcheting wrench.  But it takes a few extra seconds to get the jaw spacing adjusted properly.  Usually I'll make 3 adjustments before I get it exactly where I want it.  With a regular adjustable, you can reach it into a space, flick your thumb a few times and it's snugged down.  But of course, repositioning an adjustable wrench is a pain, if you need to turn a bolt 10 turns. 

So, in most cases I'll reach for a channellock wide mouth adjustable to crack the nut loose, then spin it loose by hand or grab a ratcheting wrench if it's too tight to spin loose by hand.  The knipex is a nice design and well made, but that initial adjustment is a little fussy.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Knipex is very good but you can buy a locking adjustable wrench.
.There are various forms old and new.
I have an old Williams tool so I can't comment on the newer designs.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I also have one of these, and basically it's a nice wrench, very well made. It is not for the nuts that are really tight, but works fine for most. But I find I use the normal adjustable wrench a lot more.  

 

[Len Coleman]

strangly enough I just the same thing, order it from KC tools but it is a little cheaper at amazon and probably chads toolbox place.
http://www.amazon.com/Knipex-8605250-10-Inch-Pliers-Wrench/dp/B000X4J2EI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1401905228&sr=8-2&keywords=Knipex+86-05-250

Seems very nice and used it today working on the well.

 

[waho6o9]

http://chadstoolbox.com/3x8603knipex3pcplierwrenchset710and12.aspx

Here's some prices for comparison. They look like high quality pliers.

 

[Roseland]

I bought one last month, and it's one of the best hand tools I've ever bought.

The mechanical advantage is about 12:1, compared to about 3:1 for regular pliers, so it grips fiercely.  As a result, it's less likely to slip than a regular spanner.  And because the jaws stay parallel it causes much less damage on soft materials.  It's the best tool ever for pulling dominos out of trial assemblies.

It fits in a pocket and has 27mm jaws.  What more do you need to know?

Andrew 

 

[Laminator]

RKA and Alex summed it up very well.  The best use I've found for it is as a back up for plumbing fittings and valves found under most kitchen sinks where being able to hold (grip) something is a big advantage, especially something you don't want visegrip teeth marks on.

 

[elfick]

It fits in a pocket and has 27mm jaws.  What more do you need to know?

Which size did you purchase? I believe they are available in 6", 7", 10", and 12".

 

[Laminator]

I have the 6" only.

 

[Roseland]

I got the 6" (150mm).  In April they launched a 5" (125mm) but that would be too small for anything but appliance repairs, I think.

Andrew

 

[Colonel Panic]

Knipex is very good but you can buy a locking adjustable wrench.
.There are various forms old and new.
I have an old Williams tool so I can't comment on the newer designs.

Boy, a bunch of those tools look like solutions in search of a problem!  [blink]

 

[greg mann]

Andrew is right about pulling Dominos with them. I had a pair for quite awhile and felt i probably had bought a "solution looking for a problem.". Then i discovered how well theynpulled Dominos. That was the problem that needed solving. [doh]