Knipex Mini-Pliers
Until this year I resisted the call of the Knipex. But after talking to Jason Thigpen of Texas Heritage at Handworks about his mini-pliers, his tone of voice was enough to convince me to give them a try.
The Knipex set of XS Pliers is not cheap, but the tools are head and shoulders above the stuff at the home center. I have ours hanging on the tool wall behind my bench and grab them constantly for dealing with stubborn fasteners or gripping something odd.
These mini-pliers have an enormous grip and grab really well. You won’t be sorry.
I my finally put together an emergency tool kit for my bicycle. Nice size and functionality.
I own some and endorse your endorsement
Awesome tools. Part of my truck tool kit. KC Tool is a US distributor with awesome customer service.
https://www.kctool.com/
What length did you settle on?
I use the 250 and 300mm Alligators. Ive worn out 2 pairs in the last 20 years, but I use them daily for work as pipe wrenches and general purpose pliers. The worn out ones I just sharpen with a saw file and they get used in the shop. They still work fine but don’t have the same “bite” the others have. Just need to squeeze them a bit more, but really just when using as a pipe wrench. The alligators can be adjusted one handed, I tried the Cobras and disliked them because they require two hands to adjust. The cobras however have more settings (every 1/8 or so) whereas the alligators have less (about every 1/4)
I echo your review. I am a tool nut…tools tend to be my drug. I too have resisted getting Knipex pliers until a few years ago, when I got the larger model of their “pliers wrench” as they call it. I got the smooth jaw version, to be a substitute for the “crescent” wrench. These things are great! They are high quality, though a little pricey. But when you get one, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get it sooner. I have since gotten the small pair too.
Fyi, Lowes had been clearancing out the 10”Cobras at a lot of locations for about $20. Hands down one of the most useful tools you can buy for $20. I have 2 sizes of cobras and pliers wrenches which can fix like 80+% of anything around my house ( i do my own plumbing and fix my own cars etc too)
Wiha is another excellent German brand that I’ve used for decades now – also top notch tools…
I think you show XS not mini. XS are ~4″ vs 7″ for mini. Can you confirm which size you are finding useful.
Apologies. You are correct. I bought the XS pliers.
Post has been updated with the correct model and a new link.