01:08. UK here. I can assure you that no UK electrician would strip a live cable, with that Knipex knife, or with any other strippers!! The insulation is for safety reasons, just in case. Electrician apprentices in the UK are taught in college to use the knife for cable-stripping, in order to practice hand skills and to get the feel of stripping wires carefully. The apprentices hate having to do this, but it is required whilst training.
There is much better knives for cable stripping. As for insulation I think it's more for the case of having 0 risk than stripping a live cable. However from what I see the tool he's using isn't made for the same things. I mean utility knife to replace a wire stripping knife ? What I don't like with his model of knife is the straight shape of the blade. I do like cable strippers but for this I get Jokari or something similar. It's just better for the task. Besides there is countries where utility knives are somewhat banned...
US Sparky here. It’s good that your schools teach the apprentices over there to do that. It took me a while to grasp it, and even now as a journeyman I still somewhat struggle with it and I could never find a knife liked that doing it with. Other than skill and practice doing it more, what knife would you recommend on splicing cable?
Live cables bring death. Under no circumstances you are allowed to do that. Stripping cables with knife is something I use to do in the distance past due to lack of proper tools or rather lack of money to buy proper tools.
AUS sparky here, I can assure you that no company does anything live and switched on bosses never let anyone use a box cutter. Knifes are for criminals. They are just NOT safe. After you see the blood from a work colleague you will agree.
Bro said “Expensive isn’t bad. We like expensive. You get what you pay for” facts. Gotta treat yourself. Being an electrician takes some skill worthy of having nice tools.
I believe Alligator pliers are preferred to Cobras by some people for outdoors work - they have fewer moving parts and are less prone to getting jammed up with dirt.
I installed fence and had cobras covered in mud ,I can assure you this is bs. I can't afford a Porsche, apparently they consider this to expensive without trying.
I work in landscaping and i always carry a small Cobra on me. I thought the pliers would make Problems cause of dirt and water exposure but they work like a charm.
An someone who owns the 12,10, and 7 inch alligators I can (maybe I am “old school” even tho I’m 20 XD) say that I just prefer the alligators for their simplicity more than anything else. Cleaning isn’t a hassle, and honestly just over all I feel the alligators grip better, I could be wrong but then again all tools are felt differently according to the user
I prefer the cobras and I work in the mud!!! Alligators are hard to control in my hand and jaws always slip down when I don't want to adjust- still have 2 pairs!
Sure, there's a high cost of entry with Knipex, but you get your money's worth over the long run compared to buying SnapOn or Milwaukee or Temu hand tools.
Think about the insulated knife being used in a panel that is live… adding a circuit and having to strip out the new cable. Not stripping out a live cable ..
The dismantling knife you've got to get the 98 55 one with the nub on the end that allows you to slice down a cable and take the jacket off of it. Better than a box cutter any day.
Knipex combination nose plier is one of my favorite and useful plier. I always grab first this from my tool bag even I have exact long nose plier in my bag. This combination nose plier has best gripping capacity than most usual pliers. It’s fit into my hands nicely and I have more confidence on this for any nose plier application
Same here. I have used the long nose pliers for decades but they easy slip off the wire and that can hurt sometimes. That needle nose combination pliers grips way better. I use it all the time. There is a bigger one now available(185). The 145 is a bit small sometimes. I wish they had a 160 like the standart sidecutters.
Actually I do have them in an EDC kit, the insulated handles makes up for safety. If you do a lot of work with pliers, yeah they aren't the best, however I only do from time to time electrical work. So that's fine.
I bought the blackout veto pro pac, knipex wire strippers, and so much more because of you this month. That being said, my bank account now hates you haha thanks for the content brotha!
The Strix is not used frequently, but when you find extremely short wires in a box and there’s only one chance to re-strip, it’s a nice tool to have. I don’t use a plunger that often but it’s kinda important.
I use the knipex 89-250(5 settings)as an electrician. Still self locks but easier to use one handed. Especially when I’m tightening couplings/connectors
I have that Fiskars knife and its the bomb. Super comfortable and opens and closes real smoothly. Thanks for the heads up about those cobalt cutters because I was leaning toward getting that pair, but you saved me some heartache and frustration on that one. 😂
I need to get one of those. I've been using Fiskars outdoor tools for decades as well as various scissors in the house and shop. They know their stuff when it comes to cutters/blades with just the perfect ergonomics.
I love those needle nose. The nose is really beefy and won’t flex as much as a longer pair, and it stays out of the way when you need to use the cutters. But yeah if you don’t use needle nose then there’s no need for those.
Firstly love your tool vids. But as a UK electrician just a FYI we dont HAVE to have VDE tools (unless specified by a employer etc) but I think most of us prefer VDE tools for the added safety factor (and personally for comfort). Regarding the alligator pliers though I have both types in my bag. The small dipped and the larger VDE. I find the larger set better for things like Conduit and SWA glands. But I prefer the smaller ones for tightening bushes etc.
Love the Fiskars but have you tried the Knipex Cutix? The snap off blade knife? I PL’d a pocket clip off eBay to it, it’s amazing - you have about 10-12 (iirc) blades in one, super sharp, flexible if you need to strip wire and follow the contour of the insulation and copper and has an optional rigid back you can slide out for more stable cuts…
Yeah so about the 22” Knipex Cobra. You might be looking at this wrong with all due respect. I’m a pipefitter and I don’t care how funny these people in facilities and maintenance departments at hospitals and chemical plants look at me for coming in with one of these and one 18” aluminum Rigid pipe wrench, they ain’t looking at me with that same skepticism when I leave in less time than it would have taken with two pipe wrenches. Nobody ever looks at a 2” pipe install and says oh we can’t run this here because we’ll need to leave 2’ clearance for service in the future and I don’t expect them to either. We all improvise. This Knipex gets every single angle the pipe wrench can’t get when up against obstacles. It’s the best purchase I’ve ever made. And for what it cost it was actually cheap as far as specialty tools go. This thing has bailed me out of more jams than I can count. And the messed up thing about this is you are the one getting paid to shit on this tool while I’m here defending it. So hey Knipex if you’re out there. Maybe your boyfriend here ain’t paying you attention like he used to. Come on over here sugar and I see about giving you some 8501250SBA love. Or some 8603250SBA love. Or something simple like some 9511165SBA love. All bought today. And I’m sure he’s got some big problem with all of em. 😆
I think he’s saying he likes the cobras but doesn’t care for the alligators but it’s honestly hard to tell what he is saying or what he doesn’t like about any of these tools. Whole video felt like him saying “I just don’t like ‘em”
The one knipex tool I regret buying is the 81 11 250 siphon pliers. As a plumber I thought they'd be great for the chrome plated bathroom siphons, which is what they're intended to be used on, but with the smooth jaw inserts I just couldn't get a grip, I kept slipping and the inwards curved handles kept pinching my hand HARD every time I slipped. They worked a bit better when I took out the jaw inserts, but then they would marr the surface, which defeated the purpose and I just could've used my cobras... total waste of money
I agree with most of what you said with one exception. I have comfort grip almost exclusively on my Knipex tools and love them. I have large hands and they feel more comfortable than the dipped handles.
There's plenty of super niche offerings from Knipex, stuff that works, but just doesn't work for me. I with you on that. I've got some Knipex pliers in my toolbag that I've used once and never again... Those Knipex combination needle nose pliers, personally, carry and use every single day. You are correct in your assessment that they are more of an EDC-type pliers. These are closer in functionality to the kind of pliers you might find on a Leatherman multi-tool, but better because the Knipex doesn't have to compromise on being a multi-tool.
I bought the Knipex stripping knife with the safety tip for stripping large feeder cable. It works best on softer sheathes cables but sucks on hard sheathed THHN cables. I rarely use it so it's just taking up space.
I like your's videos. I am not a electrician, but i use diagonal cutters for nails and thing like that. And i also use multi bits screwdrivers. Is good to see that's you helps other in they ideas to buy tools 🤙💯.
My perspective is that you don't need to buy the most expensive, highest quality stuff of every tool. I worked in construction, and what worked for me is that we bought better quality of those tools that needed to exert extreme force or cut hard materials. Like waterpump pliers, you can buy the middle-high quality, but the cheap extol will break even at first use. Quality bolt cutters (especially the small ones) make a lot of difference, or wire cutters for thick copper wires. However... for slicers / knives, you can buy the cheapest tool and buy 2 kinds of replaceable blade pack (soft, and hard black). If you need actual knives, you can get a Mora Robust for cheap... in my experience those small service knives are useless for electrician work anyway. You got a lot better tools for that. For crimping pliers, you just need a reasonable one, plastic ones are my favourite. Some of the very cheap ones are not properly adjusted, but mid-range is usually good. For regular pliers what you use for reaching for cables, holding nails... you really don't need any expensive one, just get the cheapest
Had the same experience with the Knipex cutters, when I cut some wood nails. Ordered the one you recommended and will try to resharpen the old ones, then just use them on zip ties and stuff.
I bought the Knipex Comfort Grip Diagonal Cutters 250 length to get the most leverage for ease of cutting and less finger fatigue over the years. They are pretty great and durable, but I tried a coworkers KLein cutters, which have thinner, sharper cutters and are slightly easier to use. Its like the difference between an axe and knife, where they both cut, a sharper knife cuts easier, while an axe is more durable for heavy, more forceful work but wouldn't be as easy to cut plastic and cardboard and wire stripping.
I do more than most. I am a service tech and it costs an insane amount to shut down panels in the factories i work at. I do carry insulated tools when just working though. Even if the circuits I’m working on are shut off it doesn’t mean I’m not working around other live circuits so it’s worth it for me to have the protection
The ones I don't care for are there I think 10 inch soft pipe grip Pliers. Those soft grips are junk. However if you unscrew them, the Pliers are extremely good..
I love my Comfort Grip 250 and 300 Cobras because I can put a lot of pressure into the handles to tighten and break loose black iron piping easily. As an electrician though I can see why the thinner handles would be more useful.
I mean I think you can put almost as much pressure on the dipped handles. I love their comfort grip for sure and I have them on my pliers wrench and it’s great
I bought a pair of alligators around 7-8 years ago and I really liked them. Last year I bought a pair of cobras because they were all that. I don't like using them at all. I feel like I have to fuss around to find the exact right setting to get them to grip on anything. The handles do not open very wide at all, I am constantly having to readjust to get them to fit. So that's just my perspective. I regret paying so much for the cobras - I would have been happier with another pair of alligators.
As far as for an electrician’s duties, I get it but for someone who works as an electrician but also has a tool addiction and hobbies outside of electrical work - all these tools are amazing. I restore told vintage tools and axes and most of these are perfect for many other tasks LOL😂
I bought the 24 inch cobra, i returned them 2 days later, they are way too heavy. Currently I'm thinking I'll get the 22 inch Crescent pliers, about 30% lighter, greater opening and half the price (55 dollars). FYI, i love the 180mm, 200mm and the 300mm cobra, they are the best. I have not tried the 400mm cobra yet
Hey Bro’, this is Oz(🇦🇺) calling. We suffer from exchange rates & “mark ups”…. If you check our prices, make sure your cardiac medication is up to date!
The 5in or 6in Cobras are great pliers however, the Milwaukee 5in or 6in tongue and grooves are easier to use and adjust one handed, they have the knockout ends on the handles, and have reaming edges on the jaws, not perfect but more useful and cheaper.
I love these wire strippers for delicate electronics. Small diameter wires, not for actual power wires. I have a set of the same diameter for wiring sensors to microcontrollers and they work very well in this application.
My absolute FAVORITE pliers are the 82 01 100 from Knipex. That jaw can hold on to anything. I had a 1/4" stud, broke off in the head, and was able to grip it with the tip of them, hold em shut with a C clamp, then use a wrench to turn it out. The Jaws are much the same as the Cobra's, smaller tho. They are push button slack jawed, and have grip striations in the jawn in multiple orientations. Take the Cobra jaw, notch it at the end in the middle, and add grooves the length of the jaw. Allows for holding head on. Also, the PERFECT size to crimp and uncrimp those crappy wire nuts used on LV installs.
I have and used thoes end strippers before and the price is crazy for how little they get used. 90% of the time I use felo dragon automatic strippers (or any other rebrand from Germany) as long as I have 1.5 in to get back there I'm good. Around 20us is helpful too 1/3 the price and though not rated vde there all plastic besides the teeth and me mechanism nothing exposed.
Unpopular opinion I'm sure, but I wasn't happy with the Knipex Lineman's Pliers. I bought a pair with the comfort grip and used them for about a year before I went back to my Klein's. The cross-hatched teeth wore down and the rivet wobbles. Granted, I did some work using them to pull nails. This may have contributed to the wear on the cross-hatching, but I didn't do that often and definitely not any more than the abuse I've put my Kleins through. I also suspect that the really small rivet that the Knipex has contributed to the wobble in the jaws. I recommend the HD2000 or D2000 Klein lineman's. I do love my Knipex Cobras. I feel like every tool manufacturer has their niche. Knipex's niche is pliers, but they need to go back to the drawing board on their Lineman's.
I picked up a Knipex diag and I need to hit them up with a file. Just not as sharp out of the box as some of their other pieces I have. Honing one's sharpening skills is important. (sorry, had to). Yes, the 8" stripper/plier is a great design.
I like the simplicity and thinness of the Alligator better than the Cobra, and the Cobra is very right-handed. No so great if you are a southpaw. I totally agree about dipped handles on these tools. Much more agile.
I got the XXXL Knipex Cobras on fb marketplace for $40. I agree about the dipped handles .. the only thing I like about the comfort grip handles is the color scheme!
I have the Fiskars knife. The handle is no good, it's better with just regular craft knife because you can get your fingers closer to the blade and it makes it easier to guide
Between the 2 strix you have, which would you choose if you could only keep 1? I'm wanting to get them for thermostat wire, set and forget size wize seems handy. And sometime they are extremely short. Was thinking vde just because of the chrome since they won't get used everyday. It's low voltage wiring ill ve using them on tho. I can already hear the comments from coworkers. I wish the strix came in dipped. Is the vde grip quite abit larger than the comfort grip?
Appreciate the video. I too have many Knipex pliers and they are my favorite. My absolute favorite "help me out of trouble" plier is the Twin Grip. Even bought a second so I always have one with me. Not that it means much because I buy what i need, but I don't have any of the tools he regrets buying. Interestingly, I do have his preferred bolt cutter. If I needed them, I would have no problem with those giant Knipex Cobras. I love the three sizes I have. I don't need it the large on because I have a monster Channellock that I inherited. Have yet to use it .
I am just a hobbyist and had no Knipeks tool until three months ago. I had however a very positive view of the brand. I bought a Knipex bolt cutter. I am satisfied and kept my good faith. But recently I watched a few tests done by Project Farm here on RUclips. Those Knipex pliers had a disappointing performance.
For all apprentices and Jmen out there. If you have a platt close to you they give a discount. It’s 15% over cost that’s included on their Milwaukee power tools and everything else
I like it on the pliers wrench but I prefer the smaller handles on my cobras. I know a lot of people that like the comfort grip tho. Can’t go wrong with cobras either way
I think the word value is the key. For some users like home owners, hobby mechanics etc there are tools to buy that are good enough to use. If you want to spend more money its up to you!
I love the angled dikes, it's great for prying on stuff and cutting. Although if im doing a lot of cutting im using my aviation snippers anyway so I don't need the extra leverage with the straight head.
Its funny, i bought a lot of the same tools. I bought the Knipex XL Cobras and they weigh 3 to 4 times more than the Channel Locks 460 Big Azz. The Big Azz no longer come in the curved jaw variant, whichbis one reason I bought the XL Cobras. The XL Cobras don't open as wide as the CL Big Azz.
Greetings from Greece.I will agree with the most you said...I am electrician and i have only VDE tools because we r working smt under power 220V.Knipex is a respectable company but I ll recommend you to check also Würth.
I was the same way with the 'End Style' KNIPEX strippers - bought them thinking I'd prefer them over traditional style strippers and both pairs are sitting in a drawer. Honestly never use them. I keep that adjustable on my van with all my insulated stuff JUST IN CASE I need to strip something super-short inside of a box or wall. The VDC pair just sits in my electric drawer at the house. My 'go-to' pair of strippers is the Klein 'All-Purpose' long-nose plier with the stripper/crimpers for HVAC Service.
You might have a tool buying problem 😂 I recently started using Alligators to replace the channellocks I've been using for 35 years and I really like them. For all other electrician pliers and screwdrivers, I'll stick with Kleins. Never had a reason to change.
Knipex and Regret are two words that should never be user around one another. Even if you dont use it often its better quality and will perform better than any other opposing brand
I have a soft spot for the alligators. They were the first style I got when I first started off as an apprentice, and grew to love them. And to this day they’re still my go-to style of pump pliers.
Alligators all day! I use them at work everyday the design is inherently more robust than the Cobras and once you get used to the tool can easily quickly adjust them in my opinion i just don't feel any urgency to get the Cobra's the alligators are just as good
As a person who had the big structured bag I really ouldnt find a redeeming quality in it and returned it even though I got it for 99 at the time. Long time user of tech mct and tech xl it held as many tools as mct but it's as big as the xl! Not that holding more tools is the end all but the m t did it better for less weight and size. The storage on the side of the bag wasn't nearly as useful as veto and worst of all the tool pocket loops on the isude felt cheap like the packout backpack. 270 for less quality thanks even 99 I'd rather get the veto.
@@MattHmm-rq6dn yeah I just got the Milwaukee Structured Bag I’m still able to return it but to be honest I might just return it and get me a Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac because I really do need a big bag
I just got my tech pack and I mostly Ike it so far. My tech xl wl hold more than the tech pack and I got the double pannels for my tech pack too. If you need to carry alot consider the xl for sure!
I have that giant cobra. I just prefer those over those pipe monkey wrenches. But yeah there lighter wrenches. But I have way more usage for those pliers. I also have the 400mm pliers wrench.
The Cobras are good. But for doing a lot of pipe work. Check out the Swedish pipe wrenches. They are way better then the classic monkey wrench and most brands that make them are lighter then them to.
The dull dismantling knife. Yeah keep that for when you go on a safety or no knives site! That's why that knife exists. You may want to be able to say oops grabbed wrong knife than plain get kicked off site.
I been looking at those angle Cobolts for awhile now I’m hella happy you said they weren’t the same strength as the normal ones because on all the websites they market them the same
01:08. UK here. I can assure you that no UK electrician would strip a live cable, with that Knipex knife, or with any other strippers!! The insulation is for safety reasons, just in case. Electrician apprentices in the UK are taught in college to use the knife for cable-stripping, in order to practice hand skills and to get the feel of stripping wires carefully. The apprentices hate having to do this, but it is required whilst training.
There is much better knives for cable stripping. As for insulation I think it's more for the case of having 0 risk than stripping a live cable. However from what I see the tool he's using isn't made for the same things. I mean utility knife to replace a wire stripping knife ?
What I don't like with his model of knife is the straight shape of the blade. I do like cable strippers but for this I get Jokari or something similar. It's just better for the task.
Besides there is countries where utility knives are somewhat banned...
US Sparky here. It’s good that your schools teach the apprentices over there to do that. It took me a while to grasp it, and even now as a journeyman I still somewhat struggle with it and I could never find a knife liked that doing it with. Other than skill and practice doing it more, what knife would you recommend on splicing cable?
Live cables bring death. Under no circumstances you are allowed to do that. Stripping cables with knife is something I use to do in the distance past due to lack of proper tools or rather lack of money to buy proper tools.
@@baronamru5893 wrong
AUS sparky here, I can assure you that no company does anything live and switched on bosses never let anyone use a box cutter. Knifes are for criminals. They are just NOT safe. After you see the blood from a work colleague you will agree.
Bro said “Expensive isn’t bad. We like expensive. You get what you pay for” facts. Gotta treat yourself. Being an electrician takes some skill worthy of having nice tools.
having shit tools takes more skill
@@macanjeezyou must have the most expensive tools 😎
@@macanjeez you don't need don't always need expensive tools but using the cheapest tools isn't the way either. You gotta find a mix
a $20 knife is still a $20 knife with a $15 handle
@@macanjeez That's the main reason I like my Skil impact
I believe Alligator pliers are preferred to Cobras by some people for outdoors work - they have fewer moving parts and are less prone to getting jammed up with dirt.
I installed fence and had cobras covered in mud ,I can assure you this is bs.
I can't afford a Porsche, apparently they consider this to expensive without trying.
I work in landscaping and i always carry a small Cobra on me. I thought the pliers would make Problems cause of dirt and water exposure but they work like a charm.
An someone who owns the 12,10, and 7 inch alligators I can (maybe I am “old school” even tho I’m 20 XD) say that I just prefer the alligators for their simplicity more than anything else. Cleaning isn’t a hassle, and honestly just over all I feel the alligators grip better, I could be wrong but then again all tools are felt differently according to the user
I prefer the cobras and I work in the mud!!! Alligators are hard to control in my hand and jaws always slip down when I don't want to adjust- still have 2 pairs!
Alligators for one handed adjustment
Sure, there's a high cost of entry with Knipex, but you get your money's worth over the long run compared to buying SnapOn or Milwaukee or Temu hand tools.
Think about the insulated knife being used in a panel that is live… adding a circuit and having to strip out the new cable. Not stripping out a live cable ..
The dismantling knife you've got to get the 98 55 one with the nub on the end that allows you to slice down a cable and take the jacket off of it. Better than a box cutter any day.
I work on automotive grade wiring and that 9855 is awesome for cutting open harness tape.
@@markm0000 I like the Singer Flip 'n Rip foldable seam ripper for harness tape.
Knipex combination nose plier is one of my favorite and useful plier. I always grab first this from my tool bag even I have exact long nose plier in my bag. This combination nose plier has best gripping capacity than most usual pliers. It’s fit into my hands nicely and I have more confidence on this for any nose plier application
Same here. I have used the long nose pliers for decades but they easy slip off the wire and that can hurt sometimes.
That needle nose combination pliers grips way better. I use it all the time. There is a bigger one now available(185).
The 145 is a bit small sometimes. I wish they had a 160 like the standart sidecutters.
The alligators are for rough working environments with lots of dirt because it’s way easier to clean. Cobra is for cleaner, indoor environments
That makes a ton of sense
Like the feel of insulated handles but prefer dipped un the field bc they're so much less bulky in a belt pouch. Easier in & out, too.
The needlenose you don't like might be more suitable for a technician; someone working with circuit boards with assorted connectors on them.
Actually I do have them in an EDC kit, the insulated handles makes up for safety. If you do a lot of work with pliers, yeah they aren't the best, however I only do from time to time electrical work. So that's fine.
I bought the blackout veto pro pac, knipex wire strippers, and so much more because of you this month. That being said, my bank account now hates you haha thanks for the content brotha!
Tools b like crack
The Strix is not used frequently, but when you find extremely short wires in a box and there’s only one chance to re-strip, it’s a nice tool to have. I don’t use a plunger that often but it’s kinda important.
Or just use a pair of bent nose strippers
The second item - that item is cutting busbar like butter!
The only thing I use it for
I use the offset Cobolt cutters in place of my diagonal cutters. I don't have much need for cutting heavy duty screws, though. So far so good for me.
Cobolt's rock. I just hung a plant pot by chain for the wife. You snip chain like you snip wire. one handed and effortless.
I use the knipex 89-250(5 settings)as an electrician. Still self locks but easier to use one handed. Especially when I’m tightening couplings/connectors
I have that Fiskars knife and its the bomb. Super comfortable and opens and closes real smoothly.
Thanks for the heads up about those cobalt cutters because I was leaning toward getting that pair, but you saved me some heartache and frustration on that one. 😂
I need to get one of those. I've been using Fiskars outdoor tools for decades as well as various scissors in the house and shop.
They know their stuff when it comes to cutters/blades with just the perfect ergonomics.
I love those needle nose. The nose is really beefy and won’t flex as much as a longer pair, and it stays out of the way when you need to use the cutters. But yeah if you don’t use needle nose then there’s no need for those.
Firstly love your tool vids.
But as a UK electrician just a FYI we dont HAVE to have VDE tools (unless specified by a employer etc) but I think most of us prefer VDE tools for the added safety factor (and personally for comfort).
Regarding the alligator pliers though I have both types in my bag.
The small dipped and the larger VDE.
I find the larger set better for things like Conduit and SWA glands.
But I prefer the smaller ones for tightening bushes etc.
Makes sense cuz if you touch 1 live wire you get 240v right? 120 hurts but it's not bad. I've heard 277 is pretty nasty, and 240 can't be much off.
@@yeeterooni7352 yeah we use 240v single phase as opposed to centre tapped over here.
@@yeeterooni7352240 V can easily kill you
Wish I saw this before grabbing the cobalt cutters, agreeded with everything you said about them.
Perhaps the KNIPEX Long Nose Angled Pliers instead of the long nose combo pliers.
Love the Fiskars but have you tried the Knipex Cutix? The snap off blade knife? I PL’d a pocket clip off eBay to it, it’s amazing - you have about 10-12 (iirc) blades in one, super sharp, flexible if you need to strip wire and follow the contour of the insulation and copper and has an optional rigid back you can slide out for more stable cuts…
Yeah so about the 22” Knipex Cobra. You might be looking at this wrong with all due respect. I’m a pipefitter and I don’t care how funny these people in facilities and maintenance departments at hospitals and chemical plants look at me for coming in with one of these and one 18” aluminum Rigid pipe wrench, they ain’t looking at me with that same skepticism when I leave in less time than it would have taken with two pipe wrenches. Nobody ever looks at a 2” pipe install and says oh we can’t run this here because we’ll need to leave 2’ clearance for service in the future and I don’t expect them to either. We all improvise. This Knipex gets every single angle the pipe wrench can’t get when up against obstacles. It’s the best purchase I’ve ever made. And for what it cost it was actually cheap as far as specialty tools go. This thing has bailed me out of more jams than I can count. And the messed up thing about this is you are the one getting paid to shit on this tool while I’m here defending it. So hey Knipex if you’re out there. Maybe your boyfriend here ain’t paying you attention like he used to. Come on over here sugar and I see about giving you some 8501250SBA love. Or some 8603250SBA love. Or something simple like some 9511165SBA love. All bought today. And I’m sure he’s got some big problem with all of em. 😆
I think he’s saying he likes the cobras but doesn’t care for the alligators but it’s honestly hard to tell what he is saying or what he doesn’t like about any of these tools. Whole video felt like him saying “I just don’t like ‘em”
The one knipex tool I regret buying is the 81 11 250 siphon pliers. As a plumber I thought they'd be great for the chrome plated bathroom siphons, which is what they're intended to be used on, but with the smooth jaw inserts I just couldn't get a grip, I kept slipping and the inwards curved handles kept pinching my hand HARD every time I slipped. They worked a bit better when I took out the jaw inserts, but then they would marr the surface, which defeated the purpose and I just could've used my cobras... total waste of money
Put them for sale online if you don’t want them.
I agree with most of what you said with one exception. I have comfort grip almost exclusively on my Knipex tools and love them. I have large hands and they feel more comfortable than the dipped handles.
See I have smaller sausage fingers and hands I like the dip versions because I can control them better
There's plenty of super niche offerings from Knipex, stuff that works, but just doesn't work for me. I with you on that. I've got some Knipex pliers in my toolbag that I've used once and never again...
Those Knipex combination needle nose pliers, personally, carry and use every single day. You are correct in your assessment that they are more of an EDC-type pliers. These are closer in functionality to the kind of pliers you might find on a Leatherman multi-tool, but better because the Knipex doesn't have to compromise on being a multi-tool.
I bought the Knipex stripping knife with the safety tip for stripping large feeder cable. It works best on softer sheathes cables but sucks on hard sheathed THHN cables. I rarely use it so it's just taking up space.
I like your's videos. I am not a electrician, but i use diagonal cutters for nails and thing like that. And i also use multi bits screwdrivers. Is good to see that's you helps other in they ideas to buy tools 🤙💯.
My perspective is that you don't need to buy the most expensive, highest quality stuff of every tool. I worked in construction, and what worked for me is that we bought better quality of those tools that needed to exert extreme force or cut hard materials. Like waterpump pliers, you can buy the middle-high quality, but the cheap extol will break even at first use. Quality bolt cutters (especially the small ones) make a lot of difference, or wire cutters for thick copper wires. However... for slicers / knives, you can buy the cheapest tool and buy 2 kinds of replaceable blade pack (soft, and hard black). If you need actual knives, you can get a Mora Robust for cheap... in my experience those small service knives are useless for electrician work anyway. You got a lot better tools for that. For crimping pliers, you just need a reasonable one, plastic ones are my favourite. Some of the very cheap ones are not properly adjusted, but mid-range is usually good. For regular pliers what you use for reaching for cables, holding nails... you really don't need any expensive one, just get the cheapest
Had the same experience with the Knipex cutters, when I cut some wood nails. Ordered the one you recommended and will try to resharpen the old ones, then just use them on zip ties and stuff.
I bought the Knipex Comfort Grip Diagonal Cutters 250 length to get the most leverage for ease of cutting and less finger fatigue over the years. They are pretty great and durable, but I tried a coworkers KLein cutters, which have thinner, sharper cutters and are slightly easier to use. Its like the difference between an axe and knife, where they both cut, a sharper knife cuts easier, while an axe is more durable for heavy, more forceful work but wouldn't be as easy to cut plastic and cardboard and wire stripping.
Wire stripers?
Weicon and Jokari or with skill - Engineer PK-50
A jokari is invaluable with yy or hi tuff cable.
I dont like the comfort grip bulges which make it harder to store in the tool pouch slots so I trimmed the nubs off.
What’s with all the insulated tools? How much hot work are you doing and why are you doing it hot?
I do more than most. I am a service tech and it costs an insane amount to shut down panels in the factories i work at. I do carry insulated tools when just working though. Even if the circuits I’m working on are shut off it doesn’t mean I’m not working around other live circuits so it’s worth it for me to have the protection
He sounds like a tool buyer junkie. Probably carries around a credit card looking for something with pretty colors to buy.
@@mikemakuh5319guilty
The ones I don't care for are there I think 10 inch soft pipe grip Pliers. Those soft grips are junk. However if you unscrew them, the Pliers are extremely good..
I love my Comfort Grip 250 and 300 Cobras because I can put a lot of pressure into the handles to tighten and break loose black iron piping easily. As an electrician though I can see why the thinner handles would be more useful.
I mean I think you can put almost as much pressure on the dipped handles. I love their comfort grip for sure and I have them on my pliers wrench and it’s great
I bought a pair of alligators around 7-8 years ago and I really liked them. Last year I bought a pair of cobras because they were all that. I don't like using them at all. I feel like I have to fuss around to find the exact right setting to get them to grip on anything. The handles do not open very wide at all, I am constantly having to readjust to get them to fit. So that's just my perspective. I regret paying so much for the cobras - I would have been happier with another pair of alligators.
The dipped handles are my favorite too, I like the more classic look and I am a man of boujee tools.
As far as for an electrician’s duties, I get it but for someone who works as an electrician but also has a tool addiction and hobbies outside of electrical work - all these tools are amazing.
I restore told vintage tools and axes and most of these are perfect for many other tasks LOL😂
I do the same. People give them to me or I grab them at local estate/garage sales.
Can't beat 50+ year old steel.
I bought the 24 inch cobra, i returned them 2 days later, they are way too heavy.
Currently I'm thinking I'll get the 22 inch Crescent pliers, about 30% lighter, greater opening and half the price (55 dollars).
FYI, i love the 180mm, 200mm and the 300mm cobra, they are the best. I have not tried the 400mm cobra yet
Yes I have those 24in, I got them for 40 bucks on fb marketplace. They are heavy tho!!
Hey Bro’, this is Oz(🇦🇺) calling. We suffer from exchange rates & “mark ups”…. If you check our prices, make sure your cardiac medication is up to date!
The 5in or 6in Cobras are great pliers however, the Milwaukee 5in or 6in tongue and grooves are easier to use and adjust one handed, they have the knockout ends on the handles, and have reaming edges on the jaws, not perfect but more useful and cheaper.
What’s the deal with the 200 vs 180 long pliers and side cutters? There’s a decent price difference. Will I regret the 180?
I love these wire strippers for delicate electronics. Small diameter wires, not for actual power wires. I have a set of the same diameter for wiring sensors to microcontrollers and they work very well in this application.
My absolute FAVORITE pliers are the 82 01 100 from Knipex. That jaw can hold on to anything. I had a 1/4" stud, broke off in the head, and was able to grip it with the tip of them, hold em shut with a C clamp, then use a wrench to turn it out. The Jaws are much the same as the Cobra's, smaller tho. They are push button slack jawed, and have grip striations in the jawn in multiple orientations. Take the Cobra jaw, notch it at the end in the middle, and add grooves the length of the jaw. Allows for holding head on. Also, the PERFECT size to crimp and uncrimp those crappy wire nuts used on LV installs.
You mean 82 01 200? There’s no such thing as 100. 150 just came out though last week
@@MrKlyde44 Yeah, that's it. I looked it when I typed it, but I often transpose numbers.. Good catch. Still recommend em lol.
@@TheDivergentDrummer yess im planning on getting the 150 version. I want a small 5” one
I have and used thoes end strippers before and the price is crazy for how little they get used. 90% of the time I use felo dragon automatic strippers (or any other rebrand from Germany) as long as I have 1.5 in to get back there I'm good. Around 20us is helpful too 1/3 the price and though not rated vde there all plastic besides the teeth and me mechanism nothing exposed.
in UK I use a set of smooth jaw Plier wrench 180mm, as a dumb plumber they are fantastic as an EDC in my pocket and they open up a fantastic size
Unpopular opinion I'm sure, but I wasn't happy with the Knipex Lineman's Pliers. I bought a pair with the comfort grip and used them for about a year before I went back to my Klein's. The cross-hatched teeth wore down and the rivet wobbles. Granted, I did some work using them to pull nails. This may have contributed to the wear on the cross-hatching, but I didn't do that often and definitely not any more than the abuse I've put my Kleins through. I also suspect that the really small rivet that the Knipex has contributed to the wobble in the jaws. I recommend the HD2000 or D2000 Klein lineman's. I do love my Knipex Cobras. I feel like every tool manufacturer has their niche. Knipex's niche is pliers, but they need to go back to the drawing board on their Lineman's.
I picked up a Knipex diag and I need to hit them up with a file. Just not as sharp out of the box as some of their other pieces I have.
Honing one's sharpening skills is important. (sorry, had to).
Yes, the 8" stripper/plier is a great design.
I like the simplicity and thinness of the Alligator better than the Cobra, and the Cobra is very right-handed. No so great if you are a southpaw. I totally agree about dipped handles on these tools. Much more agile.
Totally agree on the right-handedness, I didn't realize about it until I got a pair and well....
For cable stripping I prefer JOKARI. Check that brand out.
I got the XXXL Knipex Cobras on fb marketplace for $40. I agree about the dipped handles .. the only thing I like about the comfort grip handles is the color scheme!
I have the Fiskars knife. The handle is no good, it's better with just regular craft knife because you can get your fingers closer to the blade and it makes it easier to guide
I love the Fiskars handle. It's definitely just preference but I know some people prefer other styles
@americanelectrician hehe good, yeah I wanted to like it, but I have to be honest with myself. Still use it though just to feel the build quality xD
Between the 2 strix you have, which would you choose if you could only keep 1? I'm wanting to get them for thermostat wire, set and forget size wize seems handy. And sometime they are extremely short. Was thinking vde just because of the chrome since they won't get used everyday. It's low voltage wiring ill ve using them on tho. I can already hear the comments from coworkers. I wish the strix came in dipped. Is the vde grip quite abit larger than the comfort grip?
Appreciate the video. I too have many Knipex pliers and they are my favorite. My absolute favorite "help me out of trouble" plier is the Twin Grip. Even bought a second so I always have one with me. Not that it means much because I buy what i need, but I don't have any of the tools he regrets buying. Interestingly, I do have his preferred bolt cutter. If I needed them, I would have no problem with those giant Knipex Cobras. I love the three sizes I have. I don't need it the large on because I have a monster Channellock that I inherited. Have yet to use it .
Thanks for making the second half of the video the stuff you should get instead, that was helpful
Not totally sure but I think the knife is for cutting electrical tape off the heads without stripping the wires. Maybe I'm wrong though.
I am just a hobbyist and had no Knipeks tool until three months ago. I had however a very positive view of the brand. I bought a Knipex bolt cutter. I am satisfied and kept my good faith. But recently I watched a few tests done by Project Farm here on RUclips. Those Knipex pliers had a disappointing performance.
I dont own or even considered getting any of these. I love knipex though. Especially the automatic pump pliers and the stripper/lineman combo pliers.
For all apprentices and Jmen out there. If you have a platt close to you they give a discount. It’s 15% over cost that’s included on their Milwaukee power tools and everything else
Did you try sharpening the knife?
I retire my tool buying “mistakes” to my hobby mechanic box or home repair kit, and keep the good ones in the pro bag.
The replacement for the big cobras is a Ridged pipe wrench. Pliers should be a hand tool not an arm tool.
Hahahahaha this is great. Thanks for adding in man the arm tool thing is so true
@ Love my cobras and thought the big ones were cool till a customer let me try them… ended up going to the truck for my pipe wrench
Solid choice
Comfort grip on 7 inch cobras are great imo
I like it on the pliers wrench but I prefer the smaller handles on my cobras. I know a lot of people that like the comfort grip tho. Can’t go wrong with cobras either way
I think the word value is the key. For some users like home owners, hobby mechanics etc there are tools to buy that are good enough to use. If you want to spend more money its up to you!
I love the angled dikes, it's great for prying on stuff and cutting. Although if im doing a lot of cutting im using my aviation snippers anyway so I don't need the extra leverage with the straight head.
Just grind down the tips of the Knioex wire stripper pliers to a sharper needle nose point.
Its funny, i bought a lot of the same tools. I bought the Knipex XL Cobras and they weigh 3 to 4 times more than the Channel Locks 460 Big Azz. The Big Azz no longer come in the curved jaw variant, whichbis one reason I bought the XL Cobras. The XL Cobras don't open as wide as the CL Big Azz.
Please be specific about the Cobalt Cutters - imho you just talked without any real info or demonstration
Greetings from Greece.I will agree with the most you said...I am electrician and i have only VDE tools because we r working smt under power 220V.Knipex is a respectable company but I ll recommend you to check also Würth.
Phew, you didn't list any of the Knipex tools I just bought and are still shipping. I made some good choices apparently.
Hahahahaha that is terrifying
Thank you for this critical review / sharing
The 8" dikes that you showed here were a huge disappointment to me. The leverage is lackluster compares to 8" Kleins.
I was the same way with the 'End Style' KNIPEX strippers - bought them thinking I'd prefer them over traditional style strippers and both pairs are sitting in a drawer. Honestly never use them.
I keep that adjustable on my van with all my insulated stuff JUST IN CASE I need to strip something super-short inside of a box or wall. The VDC pair just sits in my electric drawer at the house.
My 'go-to' pair of strippers is the Klein 'All-Purpose' long-nose plier with the stripper/crimpers for HVAC Service.
You might have a tool buying problem 😂 I recently started using Alligators to replace the channellocks I've been using for 35 years and I really like them. For all other electrician pliers and screwdrivers, I'll stick with Kleins. Never had a reason to change.
Hahahaha I definitely do. A lot of it now is for the channel but when I first started out it was bad
I have those big pliers....they work awesome when needed....haven't failed me yet....👍
Bro sell me those diagonal cutters 😅
The knipex dismantling knife is pretty decent for the inner jscket of teck 90 cable. But agree not the sharpest
I love alligators, honestly don't much like using cobras.
Knipex and Regret are two words that should never be user around one another. Even if you dont use it often its better quality and will perform better than any other opposing brand
I also love my Fiskars cutter knife. Great tool.
It’s a great knife!
i do everything with the strix but we do the sparks way different than u guys over there can see why you got no use for it
They’re definitely great pliers they just don’t work over here
Knipex has a lot of tools, many are for specific or specialized use cases, you just need to research and know you are getting what you need.
Totally agree. The only one that isn’t quality is the knife. Love pretty much everything from Knipex
Fiskars are high quality like Knipex, although not made as durable, but have the best warranty service.
I have a soft spot for the alligators. They were the first style I got when I first started off as an apprentice, and grew to love them. And to this day they’re still my go-to style of pump pliers.
Not even the cobras? 👀 to each his own
Alligators all day! I use them at work everyday the design is inherently more robust than the Cobras and once you get used to the tool can easily quickly adjust them in my opinion i just don't feel any urgency to get the Cobra's the alligators are just as good
Hey, CAN YOU PLEASE DO A COMPARISON VIDEO ON, MILWAUKEE PACKOUT STRUCTURED TOOL BAG VS VETO PRO PAC TECH PAC
Please
As a person who had the big structured bag I really ouldnt find a redeeming quality in it and returned it even though I got it for 99 at the time. Long time user of tech mct and tech xl it held as many tools as mct but it's as big as the xl! Not that holding more tools is the end all but the m t did it better for less weight and size. The storage on the side of the bag wasn't nearly as useful as veto and worst of all the tool pocket loops on the isude felt cheap like the packout backpack. 270 for less quality thanks even 99 I'd rather get the veto.
@@MattHmm-rq6dngood info thanks
@@MattHmm-rq6dn yeah I just got the Milwaukee Structured Bag I’m still able to return it but to be honest I might just return it and get me a Veto Pro Pac Tech Pac because I really do need a big bag
I just got my tech pack and I mostly Ike it so far. My tech xl wl hold more than the tech pack and I got the double pannels for my tech pack too. If you need to carry alot consider the xl for sure!
Just get a veto bro. They're the real deal
I have that giant cobra. I just prefer those over those pipe monkey wrenches. But yeah there lighter wrenches. But I have way more usage for those pliers. I also have the 400mm pliers wrench.
The Cobras are good. But for doing a lot of pipe work. Check out the Swedish pipe wrenches. They are way better then the classic monkey wrench and most brands that make them are lighter then them to.
@@tylern666 I wanted to get one of those I just haven't bought them yet, knipex seems to have some of those too.
The alligators really are good for tight spots where the button gets in the way
The dull dismantling knife. Yeah keep that for when you go on a safety or no knives site! That's why that knife exists. You may want to be able to say oops grabbed wrong knife than plain get kicked off site.
Can you do a video on brands of screwdrivers to get?
I got you bro
Personally i really like wera, but there are a couple out there that are worth buying
DUDE. Love the video, but you don’t say WHY you don’t like the diagonal cutters….
I love them I just got different pairs till I found the right combo for me. 10” vde handles are my favorite
XXL cobras are an industrial maintainer life saver
Solid video man, thanks for the warnings
There is a saying about tools here in Germany: Having is better than needing. 😂
They aren’t wrong 😂
what kinda electrician needs them massive cobras
Electricians who install 4” EMT and 3” or 4” Rigid. There’s a lot more to electrical work than just pulling NM cable.
If you do only residential then probably you'll never need them, but commercial electrician use big pliers very often
@KOLD504 @alvila701 we can explain to him we use it to tighten or loosen a 1/2” lock ring specially when there is a p-ring on a finished wall 😉
A commercial one. Or an electrician that also loves tools and has many hobbies outside his job LOL.
emt rigid nm cable all jibberish to me
Every time I look at Knipex, there is a better choice
You mean from knipex?
I been looking at those angle Cobolts for awhile now I’m hella happy you said they weren’t the same strength as the normal ones because on all the websites they market them the same
Yeah man they say everything’s the same but they do not cut the same
Knipex Zangen sind großartig!
They absolutely are!
Knipex diagonal cutters aren't very good imo. Alligators over cobras too
It’s all personal preference. The quality is there and it really comes down to what you like and work flow
I prefer the alligator grip as well as the cobras, lose pishing around with them and half the price