You dont adjust it to the size of the bolt and slip it on, you close it on the bolt and it cams into a super tight fit that will hold more torque than you could ever produce with that length handle.
Jamie Harris ever have a tie rod that’s seized and completely rounded off at the adjustment rod end... this tool is perfect for that. I see cars all week that have been to the “local tire shop” for a alignment only to wind up at our shop because the kid screwed up alignment. So to me this is the “correct tool” no need to bash my comment
barber8313 you must be a bundle of joy to work with. I guess joking is out of the question in your shop? Maybe also, Audi tie rod ends are made of cheese-I can’t remember the last time that I encountered a Honda one that was so chewed up that I couldn’t undo it by orthodox means. Or maybe most of our customers come back to us for alignments. Could it be that Audi service prices are extortionate? 😬
If you take a careful look at your non adjusting open end wrenches while applying pressure to a nut, you’ll see that the majority of the pressure is applied to only a small portion of the nuts flat face. The Knipex Raptor appears to apply pressure to the nut’s flat faces at a point further back from the corners. Understanding this helps us understand why it’s grip may be superior.
The Raptor pliers get tighter as you apply more force...as a mechanic for over 10 years I can say these are my go to now when doing alignments for the nuts on tie rods where every other plier slips...including the knipex water pump pliers...only other wrench that we use to loosen those tie rods are pipe wrenches...but they mar up the surface of the nuts and or tie rods...so now Raptor Pliers are first choice and the pipe wrenches are a last resort.
From knipex video commercial: "tool for gripping bolt and nuts that have rounded edges" "provides secure and tight grip on rusty or overly varnished fasteners"
I use the pliers wrench daily while removing 1-1/8" bolts from pressure hatches. The tool is very secure, and much faster than an adjustable wrench when tightening or loosening many bolts/nuts consecutively. The raptor is also a go-to in my box.
The pliers wrench will slip before the raptor, because the pliers wrench requires you to maintain solid squeeze on the handles, where the Raptor works kinda like the cobra, in that the grip on the nut gets stronger the more torque you put on the wrench. You can literally let go of the bottom handle while turning the Raptor, where the pliers wrench will not maintain grip if you let go of the bottom handle.
The raptor is made for screws or bolts that you can only get to with an open ended wrench. Its giving you more grip and power, especially for bolts that are rounded out.
Matt Sturgeon, there are some recessed bolts , that you will not reach with a plier-wrench. Working on old cars, there is always that one rusted to shit rounded out bolt that you somehow cannot grip.
@@TheMattSturgeon sure. The cobra pliers may be better at doing the job, but what if you're working on something that cannot be marred because it has a polished finish ? Then the cobra pliers are useless because the teeth will just destroy the finish .
Those Raptors look like smooth versions of "parrot jaw" pliers, which are more suited for rounded fasteners. People are saying that they would use water pump pliers for such a job, but we should remember that water pump pliers place most of their force on the corners of bolts... which would already be rounded. This is the specific use of "parrot jaws".
Really? You either haven’t used them correctly or in a way that really highlights their unique design. I find the to be far superior to flare wrenches for brakes and hydraulic fittings. These will grip so much better and will NOT strip where flare wrenches will.
Taking an informed guess, here. I think the Raptors are meant to work in a similar way as the Channellock 410 & 414, aka "parrot-nose" pliers. The 410 & 414 really have just one purpose, and that is to tightly grip into a stuck rounded bolt or nut in order to remove it.
I've used the Raptors for HVAC on inverted flare nuts so as not to damage the nuts. Unlike regular, parallel jaws. Similar to a flare nut wrench they have multiple contact points for more even distribution of torque, thus not squashing the nut out of shape. They really excell at this one job. Just like Knipex hose clamp pliars, they are made for a specific task and they do it very well.
I know it's been a long time, but as someone who just started in HVAC, these are awesome for mini-split installs. The bent nose gets in where the pliers wrench can't, they're way lighter, and they apply force from one side like the Cobras. Plus, they're way cheaper and work well with rounded fasteners. The plier's wrenches are fantastic for flattening copper pipe and bending sheet metal, so they still have their place.
I bought these out of curiosity with the intended use of loosening, tightening and adjusting tie rods on cars because I usually have problems with rounding the hex on the rod when using for example Knipex wrench pliers or a standard wrench. I can‘t say anything about different uses because that is the only task the are used for an in my opinion they are perfect for that.
I have some Knipex Raptor pliers in my diagnostic bag, they do a lot of job adequately but nothing exceptionally, but they do replace three or four individual tools so are useful in keeping the weight down in the tool bag.
So what is the difference in application for raptors vs the pliers wrench. I understand why one of these would be useful, but when would you use one over the other?
I love the Knipex plyers wrenches. Use mostly to start pins. In ar-15 builds. The parallel motion works great. Steady even pressure and it’s adjustable.
I think it’s kind of like those pArotnose vise grips which are some of my go to’s because they are good for pinching stuff really hard with out being able to slip off and bust a knuckle or round the nut because of the pressure geometry
If the raptor is slipping on you it probably isnt set right. I have had them in my box for 10years. They aren't as useful as I had hoped when I bought them but lately I moved them into my tool bag and they are as good addition because the have a large capacity with a low weight. Other tools will do the job better but I can do a large range with this one tool so it is a good option for a set of tools to take with you. When they were in my box I had access to tools that were better so I rarely used them. But in my bag they work well as a companion wrench i can use them to hold the nut while I tighten the bolt on the other side or for larger fittings/nuts.
Maybe the last wrench you showed is made for hydraulic flare fittings. They are made from real soft metal and file easily without a bird beak death grip. Vice grip has something like that which grips a death grip so no rounding of the hex part of the nut. Peace VF
I have the 10” ? Inch Raptor pliers. I find them useful for low torque electric and plumbing applications. The ratcheting action is why I like them for these tasks. That said, I may start with them, but if I want high torque, I go to my set of wrenches every time.
Knipex raptors are a play on old "parrot jaw pliers". Those had teeth though and would bite into the material much like a pipe wrench. I've used parrot jaw pliers and they work good.
Bought a pair of Raptors at a garage sale for $10. I never really use them. I either end up grabbing my pliers wrench or an adjustable wrench. I thought the Raptor would a good solution for line nuts like on automotive brakes lines. But I had exact same issue that you noted.
Mind me asking the brand of that sweer chunky boy of an adjustable wrench that you showed in the video? I know it is not the subject of the video but it looks like eye candy to me and I wouldn't mind picking one up 😁 Bahco maybe?
I haven't actually used my Raptors for anything yet. Knipex says they are good for hex sizes from 3/8 to 1-1/4, that would be a #10 screw up to 3/4" screw. If you ask me a 10" long wrench is way to small for a 3/4" screw. I don't think I would use them on anything larger than 1/2" which would be a hex of 3/4" Seems to me on smaller fasteners they would work well. I will have to get mine out and try them on some 5/16" bolts that could use some retorquing.
Th Raptors are for nuts that are already rounded, when you apply force to the raptors they get tighter. The water pump pliers are similar, however with enough force it will overcome your grip- strength and round the fastener. I've used the both pliers in the field with success, but only keep the water pump pliers in my tool bag. Due to the specialty nature of the raptors.
The raptor is not for hex nut/bolt, it's NOT a wrench. It's for irregular shape that a wrench won't work. The raptor exceed any similar tools in term of grip, for irregular shape that is. Keep your raptor dearly, you might need it when no other tools would work.
I don’t on the Raptors, but watching you use it I would assume you have the grips a little too close. That perhaps The thumb would align and grip a little better if you set it a bit larger with the grips more open?
it makes more sense to apply the turning pressure primarily on the fixed side of the tool? Same as how the standard adjustable wrench has a recommended direction, both these examples use the tool what i imagine as backwards,
Advantage these have over the pliers wrench is on smaller size bolts like 9/16 7 /16 3/4. These actually lock inn with one hand operation. I used these and they haven't slipped on me yet. Work very good but the pliers wrench has more uses of course
I have a few NWS pliers and cutters, and wanted some of the parallel jaw pliers... I just ordered Knipex ones. I noticed the adjustments on the NWS ones are not fine enough and the jaws don't stay parallel. Rubbish!
I've seen the raptor, but I can't figure out if there is a particular use for the small jaws either. If you have to think about how to use a tool... you don't need it. If you wished that there was a tool for "this particular job" then you have found your answer. Just going out on a limb, but I am thinking it's for one of these specialized uses for very specific situations that only specialists will encounter.
The raptor is helpful with odd angles like the Snap-On angle wrenches that have two angles that are different from a standard combination wrench. That said, the Knipex pliers wrench is, hands down, the most useful pair of pliers I have ever owned (Channellock is good for situations where teeth are needed
I think the raptors are Knipex's version of the parrot nose pliers. they have a slightly smaller head and work well on slightly rounded fasteners. I think the issue is they don't do anything better than a standard pair of alligators or cobras. i did have a tech once that liked them for rotating outer tie rod jam buts once they were loose.
Knipex raptors look like they were designed to compete with the Channellock 410 nutbuster. Unfortunately, it looks like they went with a smooth jaws and oddly shaped lower jaw...compromising its performance.
With my limited knowledge, I'd say get larger ones for larger bolts. I had the same trouble with the tiny cobra pliers. I got the 4 in. and switched to 6 inchers due to several fails.
You're not using the Raptor correct. The bottom jaw must be parallel to the nut/bolt. If it isn't, then the nut/bolt is too big. The design mimics the older clench wrench design. Yes the NWS generally sux. similarly jaws must be parallel as well and the pivot jaw is supposed to assist with speed when backing off and reapplying. What most people don;t understand is that smooth jaw pliers were primarily designed for fasteners in which you don;t want to damage with teeth marks. Example; exposed interior plumbing fittings, chromed fasteners on show car engines, and so on. Why you would be using them on a fence is beyond me.
Owned the Raptor for @ 3 years but i don"t think i"ve ever used it , but the pliers-wrench is invaluable plus a mini-cobra 125 makes a great EDC tool :]
I use the raptors for doing alignment/adjusting tie rods. They work pretty awesome for this because of the angle, that being said - the pliers wrench serves a similar purpose and is a better tool.
The Raptor Pliers apply more torque than most every other adjustable pliers without slipping...we've tried all pliers and the Raptors do the best...meant for high torque removal application...eg. alignments etc.
You are not adjusting em right. I use them and properly adjusted, they amount of clamping force I get is scary. I don’t waste my strength squeezing em cause once it clamps on all it takes to push one the handles.
I have never used the Raptors but have you tried 1 size smaller? Ot looked like you might just be 1 size to large. I agree that the other pair looks like junk. Thanks for these reviews as I am unaware of a lot of these tools.
The few times the Raptor came to use was to unseize a couple flarenut fittings that had rounded corners. I couldn't get them with standards flarenut wrenches so the raptor came out to the rescue. The Powermax is something I will never get. Thanks for the demo on that. Love their Quattrogrip pliers though!
I agree with you that the raptors under-perform compared to the pliers wrench. They tend to slip off fasteners and generally slow me down. Perhaps this is why raptors only come in one size: they're not selling? There may well be an ideal application but, like you, I've yet to find it. I've never tried the NWS PowerMax, and now I never will. Thanks-
Interesting. This reminded me I want a large Knipex plier wrench. I love my 125mm, so thinking of getting the 300mm to complement it. I can't find the Stabil one though. (EDIT: Stahlwille PowerGRIP, and looks like a rebranding is called the "Nerrad Tools Variable Bilateral Wrench". Looks like an identical copy, just uglier and more expensive. lol) I found a video on the Wiha but I definitely prefer the button adjustment on the Knipex.
@@lesliecraddock yup love my 300. I now want a 150mm as well. Some days the 125 just feels a little small. I considered the 400 but I think it's just overkill for me.
@Nitsan Simantov to be honest they were more of a want purchase for me than a need, but still love them! I’ve got the 180’s and they seem to be just about right, I’ve got the 300’s too and I think they’ll get way more use than the XL’s. I think I have a knipex addiction 😂
In Germany the Nws is called a Amaturenzange so a plierer to instal water fitings in bathroom . They dont destroy the nuts at all so the customer is happy to ... Here a brand tipp for you: its called Engelbert Strauss they produce the best work wear in Germany and also resell german made tool under there name like NWS, Gedore ... P.s. Sorry for my bad english
Was looking at different models today. These raptors are advertised as best suited for a good grab on rusted and bad condition nuts/bolts. Their shape is a little off from flat so they are not intended for gentle work like shower fixings. Haven't tried them myself, but it also looks like you're grabbing the sample quite gently.
The Raptor reminds me of a wrench/plier used in the 1920s - 1940s. It had a similar head grasping design and was considered the tool of choice for plumbing. Like your comments it too had a weak grip and limited "mouth". I have tried to find an article or picture of this tool to no avail. Good video though.
I would like to know why the knipex alligator when you have the cobra. It seems to me the cobra will do anything the alligator will plus more. Is it just a cheaper version as the alligator are cheaper or is there a specific job for them.
I think the alligators are more suited for shitty outdoor work as they’re a relatively open construction, compared to the cobras, so can be flushed out and cleaned easier, that’s my interpretation of them anyway...
i have both and i prefer the alligators..especially in the 180 mm size. Much more easier to adjust in tight places, slimmer construction and nothing that can break or get in your way like this silly cobra's button.. All the plumpers i know prefer the alligators too
In my opinion there's no substitute for channel lock brand pliers. I've tried tons and nothing comes close not even more expensive name brands. I've been using them for over 20 years and as a matter of fact I still have a couple pair older then that and still work like new. Those goofy new designs are more gimmick tools just designed to look fancy so you'll buy them and toss them in the bottom of a drawer never to be used or seen again lol. I have a big drawer in one of my boxes just for junk like that lol.
When I was buying pliers wrench I compared it to the Raptors and wondering which one I should buy. I went with the pliers wrench, because I didn't see why the raptors would be any way better. Seems like I made the right choice, very happy using pliers wrench.
The raptor isnt at all a new design. It looks a little different than others ive seen, but its just a version of what vice grip calls a nut buster. Very effective for that purpose. I think many companies make the pliers version.
for the love of tools channel has a vid ‘knipex cobra just how well do they grip’ on how to use the raptors to remove rounded bolts, watch how he puts them onto the bolt
Things like those pliers are great for guys that have to carry tools daily. Those are very handy for maintenance and engineer type people that can't have everything with them. The raptor is kinda dumb but I'll still try it eventually.
No I have a lot of other tools, mostly old ones that were USA made, Craftsman, JH Williams, Bonney, etc. Never could afford Snap-on when I was younger.
German Tool Reviews Right on I was just wondering. Ive bought several tools from kc tool based on your recommendation and am definitely happy with them. Check out my channel when you get a chance.
for the NWS I suspect it would be helpful to get the center axis of the nut/bolt on the inside of the top jaw's pivot point - which would preclude large sizes. I think this is because the tendency if outside the jaw's pivot is to pivot the jaw open and wedge/squeeze the bolt/nut out of the jaws - pretty much as you showed when the jaws were set too small.
Depends on the length, For 250 and 300mm length search for P/N 87 09 01. For 180mm length search for 87 09 180. Not sure if they sell them for the 150 and 125mm lengths.
People who call adjustable wrenches "nut rounders" are either too clumsy or lazy to fully tighten the thumb screw on each engagement, or use really really cheap $5 Dollar Store wrenches. I use QUALITY adjustable wrenches almost daily to make my livelihood and they are a very versatile and capable tool which actually, if used PROPERLY, has less potential to damage/round nuts than regular wrenches. You can dial in the clearance to almost nil. Yes, you have to readjust on EVERY engagement. This is a case where a tool has unfairly earned a negative reputation due to PEOPLE's stupidity/laziness.
I wouldn't call it stupidity but I would definitely say laziness or even more likely a time is money type thing where they need to turn as many nuts/bolts as possible. It takes a very long time to readjust each and every time especially when you are in a tight spot that you can only get a quarter of a turn before having to remove the wrench replace and get another quarter turn. It's just not possible to do it timely so they run them a little loose on and off on and off on and off. I totally agree if you take the time to adjust them correctly every reposition you have little to no chance of rounding off the heads.
As an HVAC technician, the only real use I've found for the Raptor pliers is as a backup wrench for flare, and other mechanical refrigerant connections, that tend to be made of soft metals, and are usually thin profiles in tight spots. The Raptor pliers are fantastic for it, so they earned a permanent spot in the tool bag I have set up for doing that sort of work, but there is literally nothing else I do that the Raptors would be my first or second choice for...
I've stayed away from the Raptor as my regular Knipex Cobras do what I need them to do. While I would love there to be more competition for the pliers wrench this video just reassures me that it is probably the most effective tool of its type if this is the best that NWS, a company that makes also specializes in plier type tools, can do.
The NWS is for people with huge hands? Their geometry is just wrong. Pay more attention to the space between their handle bars: it also looks like you're not getting that spacing right with the Raptors.
I brought the raptor into the shop several years ago, to get the other mechanics opinion and feed back. (I really don't care, I just like the banter because It's always clever, cruel, and sometimes even intelligent.The humor and inuendo along with poor taste are well, just how a shop should be. It's been called the parrot pliers ever since. Best use I've found for them, building and repairing industrial hoses i.e. sanitation, hydraulic and pneumatic.
You have to swear in German while using the Raptor -- then it works right: "Ich befehle dir, die Arbeit zu erledigen, du gottverdammter Schraubenschlüssel!" -- and the "verdammter Schraubenschlüssel" works like a "verdammter" charm.
@@Marcel_Germann Danke schon! I played that back in Google Translate, and even if I didn't understand the translation, the mere sound of "dann fliegst du aus dem Fenster du Scheißteil" would have made me work harder for the rest of the day...
@@Gruntled2001 The correct translation would be: "If you don't work properly, I'll put you through the fu**ing window you fu**ing thing!" If the tool, or part, is not working as intended and meaning that you'll get rid of it in that case. Some languages are using sexual based swearing. In german swearing is different, fecal instead of sexual.
@@Marcel_Germann While, arguably, Russian swearing is more colorful, German seems more persuasive! LOL Thank you for a crash course in German obscenities!
My grandpa use to say fishing lures are made to catch fishermen not fish. I think this falls into the same category. There is almost no instance where a simple combination wrench or ratchet won’t work and work better than any of the fancy do all pliers assuming he bolt/nut is not rounded, of course there are better options for rounded fasteners than pliers. I’m just as guilty like most of us I have plenty of very expensive seldom used fancy pliers that work best at looking good in my tool box.
You can't bring your entire tool box out in the field and this name has been around for 130 years. They make good stuff. All their tools with the exception of the cobras and their multi plier have very specific uses. This works great in confined spaces and on fasteners with finsh that can't be damaged. They also work great on round stuff that may or may not require not damaging the finish.
That's the catch, they're a market gauging tool to figure out the valuation of Knipex as a brand. People will buy the raptor cause "Knipex" and they'll never actually use them cause there's better tools.
You dont adjust it to the size of the bolt and slip it on, you close it on the bolt and it cams into a super tight fit that will hold more torque than you could ever produce with that length handle.
Im a audi mechanic and use the raptor pliers every day for adjusting tie-rod ends. Love them
barber8313 I’m a Honda mechanic and I use the correct wrench every day for adjusting tierod ends.....
Jamie Harris ever have a tie rod that’s seized and completely rounded off at the adjustment rod end... this tool is perfect for that. I see cars all week that have been to the “local tire shop” for a alignment only to wind up at our shop because the kid screwed up alignment. So to me this is the “correct tool” no need to bash my comment
barber8313 you must be a bundle of joy to work with. I guess joking is out of the question in your shop?
Maybe also, Audi tie rod ends are made of cheese-I can’t remember the last time that I encountered a Honda one that was so chewed up that I couldn’t undo it by orthodox means. Or maybe most of our customers come back to us for alignments. Could it be that Audi service prices are extortionate? 😬
Jamie Harris you couldn’t be any more right
You have to adapt your style of use to any new tool.Once you get it, they become valuable to you.
If you take a careful look at your non adjusting open end wrenches while applying pressure to a nut, you’ll see that the majority of the pressure is applied to only a small portion of the nuts flat face. The Knipex Raptor appears to apply pressure to the nut’s flat faces at a point further back from the corners. Understanding this helps us understand why it’s grip may be superior.
The Raptor pliers get tighter as you apply more force...as a mechanic for over 10 years I can say these are my go to now when doing alignments for the nuts on tie rods where every other plier slips...including the knipex water pump pliers...only other wrench that we use to loosen those tie rods are pipe wrenches...but they mar up the surface of the nuts and or tie rods...so now Raptor Pliers are first choice and the pipe wrenches are a last resort.
From knipex video commercial:
"tool for gripping bolt and nuts that have rounded edges"
"provides secure and tight grip on rusty or overly varnished fasteners"
I use the pliers wrench daily while removing 1-1/8" bolts from pressure hatches. The tool is very secure, and much faster than an adjustable wrench when tightening or loosening many bolts/nuts consecutively. The raptor is also a go-to in my box.
I think the raptor pliers are ment for rusty bolts an that little pointed part is supposed to grab on
The pliers wrench will slip before the raptor, because the pliers wrench requires you to maintain solid squeeze on the handles, where the Raptor works kinda like the cobra, in that the grip on the nut gets stronger the more torque you put on the wrench. You can literally let go of the bottom handle while turning the Raptor, where the pliers wrench will not maintain grip if you let go of the bottom handle.
The raptor is made for screws or bolts that you can only get to with an open ended wrench.
Its giving you more grip and power, especially for bolts that are rounded out.
Matt Sturgeon flare nuts.
Matt Sturgeon, there are some recessed bolts , that you will not reach with a plier-wrench. Working on old cars, there is always that one rusted to shit rounded out bolt that you somehow cannot grip.
Not to mention the pliers wrench being more expensive then the raptor
Collar bolts with a slightly conical head are impossible to grab with a cobra.
@@TheMattSturgeon sure. The cobra pliers may be better at doing the job, but what if you're working on something that cannot be marred because it has a polished finish ? Then the cobra pliers are useless because the teeth will just destroy the finish .
The Raptor creates more torque on the bolt than other pliers without marring up the bolts or nuts...we use them a lot when doing Alignments
Those Raptors look like smooth versions of "parrot jaw" pliers, which are more suited for rounded fasteners. People are saying that they would use water pump pliers for such a job, but we should remember that water pump pliers place most of their force on the corners of bolts... which would already be rounded. This is the specific use of "parrot jaws".
Really? You either haven’t used them correctly or in a way that really highlights their unique design.
I find the to be far superior to flare wrenches for brakes and hydraulic fittings. These will grip so much better and will NOT strip where flare wrenches will.
Taking an informed guess, here. I think the Raptors are meant to work in a similar way as the Channellock 410 & 414, aka "parrot-nose" pliers. The 410 & 414 really have just one purpose, and that is to tightly grip into a stuck rounded bolt or nut in order to remove it.
I've used the Raptors for HVAC on inverted flare nuts so as not to damage the nuts. Unlike regular, parallel jaws. Similar to a flare nut wrench they have multiple contact points for more even distribution of torque, thus not squashing the nut out of shape. They really excell at this one job. Just like Knipex hose clamp pliars, they are made for a specific task and they do it very well.
Yeah I'm sure there was something they would be good at, I just didn't run into it yet. Thanks for letting me know.
Yeap, they are great for all manner of mechanical connections for refrigerant lines and controls in HVAC.
Yup no teeth. Work good for round stuff also. First tool I bought that made me a life long fanboy today 👍😉
I know it's been a long time, but as someone who just started in HVAC, these are awesome for mini-split installs. The bent nose gets in where the pliers wrench can't, they're way lighter, and they apply force from one side like the Cobras. Plus, they're way cheaper and work well with rounded fasteners. The plier's wrenches are fantastic for flattening copper pipe and bending sheet metal, so they still have their place.
I bought these out of curiosity with the intended use of loosening, tightening and adjusting tie rods on cars because I usually have problems with rounding the hex on the rod when using for example Knipex wrench pliers or a standard wrench. I can‘t say anything about different uses because that is the only task the are used for an in my opinion they are perfect for that.
The Knipex Raptor is amazing tool. I have been using it for many years.
I have some Knipex Raptor pliers in my diagnostic bag, they do a lot of job adequately but nothing exceptionally, but they do replace three or four individual tools so are useful in keeping the weight down in the tool bag.
The NWS PowerMax is an Armaturenzange, made for kitchen or bathroom fittings, bathroom brassware and plastic screws.
Karl Napp they are met to be used by plumbers for finish work
Correct.
They could probably work, but only for very specific sizes
yes they are but they do it b
very well
So what is the difference in application for raptors vs the pliers wrench. I understand why one of these would be useful, but when would you use one over the other?
I love the Knipex plyers wrenches. Use mostly to start pins. In ar-15 builds. The parallel motion works great. Steady even pressure and it’s adjustable.
I think it’s kind of like those pArotnose vise grips which are some of my go to’s because they are good for pinching stuff really hard with out being able to slip off and bust a knuckle or round the nut because of the pressure geometry
If the raptor is slipping on you it probably isnt set right. I have had them in my box for 10years. They aren't as useful as I had hoped when I bought them but lately I moved them into my tool bag and they are as good addition because the have a large capacity with a low weight. Other tools will do the job better but I can do a large range with this one tool so it is a good option for a set of tools to take with you. When they were in my box I had access to tools that were better so I rarely used them. But in my bag they work well as a companion wrench i can use them to hold the nut while I tighten the bolt on the other side or for larger fittings/nuts.
Maybe the last wrench you showed is made for hydraulic flare fittings. They are made from real soft metal and file easily without a bird beak death grip. Vice grip has something like that which grips a death grip so no rounding of the hex part of the nut. Peace VF
The raptors are great for removing nuts on flared water lines. I use them in conjunction with the pliers wrench for that purpose.
I have the 10” ? Inch Raptor pliers. I find them useful for low torque electric and plumbing applications. The ratcheting action is why I like them for these tasks. That said, I may start with them, but if I want high torque, I go to my set of wrenches every time.
Knipex raptors are a play on old "parrot jaw pliers". Those had teeth though and would bite into the material much like a pipe wrench. I've used parrot jaw pliers and they work good.
I'm german and maybe in the us you don't have square nuts and only hexagonal ones?
The raptors shine when frozen bolts cannot be removed by the Cobra or plies wrench. I find them particularly great at doing plumbing repairs.
Bought a pair of Raptors at a garage sale for $10. I never really use them. I either end up grabbing my pliers wrench or an adjustable wrench. I thought the Raptor would a good solution for line nuts like on automotive brakes lines. But I had exact same issue that you noted.
Mind me asking the brand of that sweer chunky boy of an adjustable wrench that you showed in the video?
I know it is not the subject of the video but it looks like eye candy to me and I wouldn't mind picking one up 😁
Bahco maybe?
I haven't actually used my Raptors for anything yet. Knipex says they are good for hex sizes from 3/8 to 1-1/4, that would be a #10 screw up to 3/4" screw. If you ask me a 10" long wrench is way to small for a 3/4" screw. I don't think I would use them on anything larger than 1/2" which would be a hex of 3/4" Seems to me on smaller fasteners they would work well. I will have to get mine out and try them on some 5/16" bolts that could use some retorquing.
Th Raptors are for nuts that are already rounded, when you apply force to the raptors they get tighter. The water pump pliers are similar, however with enough force it will overcome your grip- strength and round the fastener. I've used the both pliers in the field with success, but only keep the water pump pliers in my tool bag. Due to the specialty nature of the raptors.
The raptor is not for hex nut/bolt, it's NOT a wrench. It's for irregular shape that a wrench won't work. The raptor exceed any similar tools in term of grip, for irregular shape that is. Keep your raptor dearly, you might need it when no other tools would work.
I don’t on the Raptors, but watching you use it I would assume you have the grips a little too close. That perhaps The thumb would align and grip a little better if you set it a bit larger with the grips more open?
The Raptor came before the pliers wrench
The pliers wrench is not a replacement for the Raptor though. The Raptor is great for demolition/rust/paint/roughing-in.
it makes more sense to apply the turning pressure primarily on the fixed side of the tool? Same as how the standard adjustable wrench has a recommended direction, both these examples use the tool what i imagine as backwards,
Advantage these have over the pliers wrench is on smaller size bolts like 9/16 7 /16 3/4. These actually lock inn with one hand operation. I used these and they haven't slipped on me yet. Work very good but the pliers wrench has more uses of course
Why the swivelled jaw on the NWS?
The raptor have an extreme griping force, but you need to close it correctly to work.
I have a few NWS pliers and cutters, and wanted some of the parallel jaw pliers... I just ordered Knipex ones. I noticed the adjustments on the NWS ones are not fine enough and the jaws don't stay parallel. Rubbish!
I've seen the raptor, but I can't figure out if there is a particular use for the small jaws either. If you have to think about how to use a tool... you don't need it. If you wished that there was a tool for "this particular job" then you have found your answer. Just going out on a limb, but I am thinking it's for one of these specialized uses for very specific situations that only specialists will encounter.
The raptor is helpful with odd angles like the Snap-On angle wrenches that have two angles that are different from a standard combination wrench. That said, the Knipex pliers wrench is, hands down, the most useful pair of pliers I have ever owned (Channellock is good for situations where teeth are needed
What part of 'Polly wants a damaged flare nut' don't you understand?
I think the raptors are Knipex's version of the parrot nose pliers. they have a slightly smaller head and work well on slightly rounded fasteners. I think the issue is they don't do anything better than a standard pair of alligators or cobras. i did have a tech once that liked them for rotating outer tie rod jam buts once they were loose.
Knipex raptors look like they were designed to compete with the Channellock 410 nutbuster. Unfortunately, it looks like they went with a smooth jaws and oddly shaped lower jaw...compromising its performance.
I guess the Raptors are a pricey, ineffective version of battery pliers?
With my limited knowledge, I'd say get larger ones for larger bolts. I had the same trouble with the tiny cobra pliers. I got the 4 in. and switched to 6 inchers due to several fails.
To me it looks like you had to move the Raptor lower jaw just about one click up, that will make it bite into a nut securely. Looks loose.
Isn’t the raptors used for rounded bolts and odd shaped nuts and bolts?
Those knipex raptors are amazing working with hydraulics must have
Looks like they would possibly dent/crush a ferrule nut or swivel nut. Has that been your experience?
I use the raptor pliers on hydraulic hoses that are purple loctited that I cant get a line wrench on. Its worth every penny and more!
You're not using the Raptor correct. The bottom jaw must be parallel to the nut/bolt. If it isn't, then the nut/bolt is too big. The design mimics the older clench wrench design.
Yes the NWS generally sux. similarly jaws must be parallel as well and the pivot jaw is supposed to assist with speed when backing off and reapplying.
What most people don;t understand is that smooth jaw pliers were primarily designed for fasteners in which you don;t want to damage with teeth marks. Example; exposed interior plumbing fittings, chromed fasteners on show car engines, and so on. Why you would be using them on a fence is beyond me.
Because fences use galvanized nuts
Owned the Raptor for @ 3 years but i don"t think i"ve ever used it , but the pliers-wrench is invaluable plus a mini-cobra 125 makes a great EDC tool :]
I use the mini-cobra frequently to open and unscrew pops.
I use the raptors for doing alignment/adjusting tie rods. They work pretty awesome for this because of the angle, that being said - the pliers wrench serves a similar purpose and is a better tool.
Tie rods are what the raptors excel at.
The Raptor Pliers apply more torque than most every other adjustable pliers without slipping...we've tried all pliers and the Raptors do the best...meant for high torque removal application...eg. alignments etc.
Bought the Raptor based on RUclips reviews. Tried them once and now the lay in a drawer.
Expensive lesson.
Peter J. van Haren I’ll take them off your hands
Pretty sure those raptors are not a new design by any means. I think they were called parrot head pliers or something to that extent
The first ones were for when bolts are close to a pipe or not alot of room
You are not adjusting em right. I use them and properly adjusted, they amount of clamping force I get is scary. I don’t waste my strength squeezing em cause once it clamps on all it takes to push one the handles.
Makes you wonder how the NWS Powermax ever made it to production...
I have never used the Raptors but have you tried 1 size smaller? Ot looked like you might just be 1 size to large. I agree that the other pair looks like junk. Thanks for these reviews as I am unaware of a lot of these tools.
The few times the Raptor came to use was to unseize a couple flarenut fittings that had rounded corners. I couldn't get them with standards flarenut wrenches so the raptor came out to the rescue.
The Powermax is something I will never get. Thanks for the demo on that. Love their Quattrogrip pliers though!
I agree with you that the raptors under-perform compared to the pliers wrench. They tend to slip off fasteners and generally slow me down. Perhaps this is why raptors only come in one size: they're not selling? There may well be an ideal application but, like you, I've yet to find it. I've never tried the NWS PowerMax, and now I never will. Thanks-
I hope they offer a bigger size! Love my raptors! I think they just aren’t for everyone. Took some getting used to.
Interesting. This reminded me I want a large Knipex plier wrench. I love my 125mm, so thinking of getting the 300mm to complement it.
I can't find the Stabil one though. (EDIT: Stahlwille PowerGRIP, and looks like a rebranding is called the "Nerrad Tools Variable Bilateral Wrench". Looks like an identical copy, just uglier and more expensive. lol)
I found a video on the Wiha but I definitely prefer the button adjustment on the Knipex.
Did you ever get the 300s? You should try the XL version (400) too, they’re monstrous!
@@lesliecraddock yup love my 300. I now want a 150mm as well. Some days the 125 just feels a little small.
I considered the 400 but I think it's just overkill for me.
@Nitsan Simantov to be honest they were more of a want purchase for me than a need, but still love them! I’ve got the 180’s and they seem to be just about right, I’ve got the 300’s too and I think they’ll get way more use than the XL’s. I think I have a knipex addiction 😂
@@lesliecraddock Yup me too. lol
BTW I now make cool pouches/wallets for them and other tools. Check out my recent vids. 🙂
In Germany the Nws is called a Amaturenzange so a plierer to instal water fitings in bathroom . They dont destroy the nuts at all so the customer is happy to ...
Here a brand tipp for you: its called Engelbert Strauss they produce the best work wear in Germany and also resell german made tool under there name like NWS, Gedore ...
P.s. Sorry for my bad english
Do u have a video on the gedore engineers hammers?
Was looking at different models today. These raptors are advertised as best suited for a good grab on rusted and bad condition nuts/bolts. Their shape is a little off from flat so they are not intended for gentle work like shower fixings. Haven't tried them myself, but it also looks like you're grabbing the sample quite gently.
The Raptor reminds me of a wrench/plier used in the 1920s - 1940s. It had a similar head grasping design and was considered the tool of choice for plumbing. Like your comments it too had a weak grip and limited "mouth". I have tried to find an article or picture of this tool to no avail. Good video though.
Really helpful, thanks for the demonstration
I would like to know why the knipex alligator when you have the cobra. It seems to me the cobra will do anything the alligator will plus more. Is it just a cheaper version as the alligator are cheaper or is there a specific job for them.
I think the alligators are more suited for shitty outdoor work as they’re a relatively open construction, compared to the cobras, so can be flushed out and cleaned easier, that’s my interpretation of them anyway...
i have both and i prefer the alligators..especially in the 180 mm size. Much more easier to adjust in tight places, slimmer construction and nothing that can break or get in your way like this silly cobra's button.. All the plumpers i know prefer the alligators too
The Raptor pliers look like they have an overbite.
Love your vids. Keep em coming. Thank you for your time
I bought a pair of raptors about a year ago, I use them a lot.
In my opinion there's no substitute for channel lock brand pliers. I've tried tons and nothing comes close not even more expensive name brands. I've been using them for over 20 years and as a matter of fact I still have a couple pair older then that and still work like new. Those goofy new designs are more gimmick tools just designed to look fancy so you'll buy them and toss them in the bottom of a drawer never to be used or seen again lol. I have a big drawer in one of my boxes just for junk like that lol.
When I was buying pliers wrench I compared it to the Raptors and wondering which one I should buy. I went with the pliers wrench, because I didn't see why the raptors would be any way better. Seems like I made the right choice, very happy using pliers wrench.
The raptor isnt at all a new design. It looks a little different than others ive seen, but its just a version of what vice grip calls a nut buster. Very effective for that purpose. I think many companies make the pliers version.
The raptor is shaped a lot like a battery terminal plier. Maybe thats its sweet spot?
Best use for the Raptor,
aka Parrot Pliers...
Building and repairing industrial hoses i.e.
Sanitation, hydraulic and pneumatic etc.
What about 1/2" gas pipe. For reconnecting gas pipe for a furnace swap out.
for the love of tools channel has a vid ‘knipex cobra just how well do they grip’ on how to use the raptors to remove rounded bolts, watch how he puts them onto the bolt
Things like those pliers are great for guys that have to carry tools daily. Those are very handy for maintenance and engineer type people that can't have everything with them. The raptor is kinda dumb but I'll still try it eventually.
Love your channel... I have a question tho Do you only buy german manufactured tools?
No I have a lot of other tools, mostly old ones that were USA made, Craftsman, JH Williams, Bonney, etc. Never could afford Snap-on when I was younger.
German Tool Reviews Right on I was just wondering. Ive bought several tools from kc tool based on your recommendation and am definitely happy with them. Check out my channel when you get a chance.
for the NWS I suspect it would be helpful to get the center axis of the nut/bolt on the inside of the top jaw's pivot point - which would preclude large sizes. I think this is because the tendency if outside the jaw's pivot is to pivot the jaw open and wedge/squeeze the bolt/nut out of the jaws - pretty much as you showed when the jaws were set too small.
GTR, screw on my spring fell out on my cobras where can i get replacement
Depends on the length, For 250 and 300mm length search for P/N 87 09 01. For 180mm length search for 87 09 180. Not sure if they sell them for the 150 and 125mm lengths.
People who call adjustable wrenches "nut rounders" are either too clumsy or lazy to fully tighten the thumb screw on each engagement, or use really really cheap $5 Dollar Store wrenches. I use QUALITY adjustable wrenches almost daily to make my livelihood and they are a very versatile and capable tool which actually, if used PROPERLY, has less potential to damage/round nuts than regular wrenches. You can dial in the clearance to almost nil. Yes, you have to readjust on EVERY engagement.
This is a case where a tool has unfairly earned a negative reputation due to PEOPLE's stupidity/laziness.
I wouldn't call it stupidity but I would definitely say laziness or even more likely a time is money type thing where they need to turn as many nuts/bolts as possible. It takes a very long time to readjust each and every time especially when you are in a tight spot that you can only get a quarter of a turn before having to remove the wrench replace and get another quarter turn. It's just not possible to do it timely so they run them a little loose on and off on and off on and off. I totally agree if you take the time to adjust them correctly every reposition you have little to no chance of rounding off the heads.
95% of the time: Pliers Wrench > Adjustable Wrench
see no problem here used raptors for along time I call them my nutt buster pliers. Not sure what your problem is mabe over thinking it
they kinda look like they are designed for a specific purpose.
If you are going to buy tools, learn how to properly use them.
As an HVAC technician, the only real use I've found for the Raptor pliers is as a backup wrench for flare, and other mechanical refrigerant connections, that tend to be made of soft metals, and are usually thin profiles in tight spots.
The Raptor pliers are fantastic for it, so they earned a permanent spot in the tool bag I have set up for doing that sort of work, but there is literally nothing else I do that the Raptors would be my first or second choice for...
What about for 1/2" gas pipe. For reconnecting gas line on a furnace swap out.
The raptor are perfect alignment pliers for quick adjustment
I purchased the RAPTOR pliers and though they look cool I hated them! And returned them. Don’t miss them a bit. Well built though!!
I've stayed away from the Raptor as my regular Knipex Cobras do what I need them to do. While I would love there to be more competition for the pliers wrench this video just reassures me that it is probably the most effective tool of its type if this is the best that NWS, a company that makes also specializes in plier type tools, can do.
The only problem with the Knipex pliers wrench is the price :-(
My raptor is my go-to tool hasn't failed me once.
The NWS is for people with huge hands? Their geometry is just wrong. Pay more attention to the space between their handle bars: it also looks like you're not getting that spacing right with the Raptors.
A lot of techs like the parrot style I have seen some vids on them
I brought the raptor into the shop several years ago,
to get the other mechanics opinion and feed back. (I really don't care, I just like the banter because It's always clever, cruel, and sometimes even
intelligent.The humor and inuendo along with poor taste are well, just how a shop should be.
It's been called the parrot pliers ever since.
Best use I've found for them, building and repairing industrial hoses i.e. sanitation, hydraulic and pneumatic.
I love the Raptors, the bottom jaw needs to bite into the nut. Short nuts especially rusted ones fond on bump equipment. Look at them like a peak.
You have to swear in German while using the Raptor -- then it works right: "Ich befehle dir, die Arbeit zu erledigen, du gottverdammter Schraubenschlüssel!" -- and the "verdammter Schraubenschlüssel" works like a "verdammter" charm.
Wenn du nicht funktionierst, dann fliegst du aus dem Fenster du Scheißteil! Will work much better, and is more authentic!
@@Marcel_Germann Danke schon! I played that back in Google Translate, and even if I didn't understand the translation, the mere sound of "dann fliegst du aus dem Fenster du Scheißteil" would have made me work harder for the rest of the day...
@@Gruntled2001
The correct translation would be: "If you don't work properly, I'll put you through the fu**ing window you fu**ing thing!"
If the tool, or part, is not working as intended and meaning that you'll get rid of it in that case.
Some languages are using sexual based swearing. In german swearing is different, fecal instead of sexual.
@@Marcel_Germann While, arguably, Russian swearing is more colorful, German seems more persuasive! LOL
Thank you for a crash course in German obscenities!
@@Gruntled2001 Almost forgot: You can also extend it with a "swabian salute"
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swabian_salute
You're squeezing them like channel locks, put the pressure on the top handle.
probably designed for smaller nuts n bolts.
My grandpa use to say fishing lures are made to catch fishermen not fish. I think this falls into the same category. There is almost no instance where a simple combination wrench or ratchet won’t work and work better than any of the fancy do all pliers assuming he bolt/nut is not rounded, of course there are better options for rounded fasteners than pliers. I’m just as guilty like most of us I have plenty of very expensive seldom used fancy pliers that work best at looking good in my tool box.
You can't bring your entire tool box out in the field and this name has been around for 130 years. They make good stuff. All their tools with the exception of the cobras and their multi plier have very specific uses. This works great in confined spaces and on fasteners with finsh that can't be damaged. They also work great on round stuff that may or may not require not damaging the finish.
That's the catch, they're a market gauging tool to figure out the valuation of Knipex as a brand. People will buy the raptor cause "Knipex" and they'll never actually use them cause there's better tools.