The Knipex Pliers Wrench is an amazingly versatile tool that is unlike any other pliers or adjustable wrenches currently on the market. Although it is mentioned in our Ultimate Tool Gift Guide and on occasion in comments, I am surprised that I hadn’t actually posted about the Pliers Wrench before.
I have been using these excellent pliers for nearly 5 years now, and there really is no substitute.
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The Pliers Wrench’s main advantage is its compound leverage jaw mechanism, which can deliver a great deal of pressure through the parallel jaws.
They are easily adjusted with a push-button quick adjust mechanism. Although each step only covers a small range of sizes, the pliers aren’t any less convenient or versatile to use. It just means that adjustment requires a somewhat trial-and-error operation until you find the right setting for the application.
Pliers Wrenches are great for working on plumbing fittings and other types of materials where you want a secure grip without sharp teeth or grooves digging into soft, delicate, or chrome-finished surfaces.
Some users use the Pliers Wrench almost like a ratcheting adjustable wrench, spreading the jaws slightly when rotating the pliers to a new position and then clamping down when turning.
Others use it for bending and twisting applications.
There are times when the Pliers Wrench can be used for press-fit operations, and it works well for this, thanks to the parallel non-marring jaws. The Pliers Wrench isn’t a substitute for a true press, but it’s quicker and easier to use than a vise when light to medium pressure is required.
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Pliers Wrenches are available in 6″, 7″, 10″, 12″, and 16″ sizes. 7″, 10″, and 12″ sizes are most common. They’re available with plain dipped grips, and molded comfort-grip handles. I never found the simpler grips to be lacking.
My Knipex Pliers Wrenches are among my most valued tools. They really are as functional and practical as everyone raves.
The only downside is the steep pricing, with prices starting at $45 for the 7″ size. But to be fair, Pliers Wrenches do the job of an adjustable wrenches and water pump-style adjustable pliers.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Here’s a Knipex video that shows how they work:
I ordered my 7″ Pliers Wrench from Amazon, and a 10″ one from someplace else, and tend to use both sizes with the same frequency.
Kyle
Right on with this post. I’ve also loved these pliers for years and more people should know about them! The engineering behind them and the quality of their build is really top notch (like pretty much all Knipex pliers).
I’m glad you called out all the unique features – mechanical advantage with the cam/lever, the non-marring faces, the parallel jaw action, the ability to “ratchet” them. These things really set them apart from most other pliers, even high-end ones. I’ve found all three available sizes useful – especially on fittings as you say. Also good for auto enthusiasts who use anodized aluminum plumbing fittings (AN fittings on braided stainless hoses etc.).
Jordan
Knipex recently introduced a 5″ (125mm) version as well with a 7/8″ jaw capacity:
http://www.kctoolco.com/Knipex-5-Pliers-Wrench-Plastic-Grip-p/8603125.htm
fred
Try Chads Toolbox for price comparison:
http://chadstoolbox.com/search.aspx?find=86-03-125
about $15 cheaper on this one
fred
We discovered these in 2001 – bought a few to try out – then a bunch in different sizes for each truck. Our only regret was that we had not found them sooner.
Senorpablo
These are fantastic for straightening bends or ripples on edges of sheet metal. The smooth, parallel jaws are perfect for that purpose.
Jim
How do they differ from the ordinary slip joint pliers ? I can see they have a
push button adjustment which is easier than the slip joint. Anything else ?
The other features in the video seems pretty similar to what a slip joint plier
does. What am i missing ?
Seth
Arc-joint and slip joint pliers do not close their jaws parallel – these do. It provides a much better hold on flat sided fasteners.
Jim
Ok, not much of a useful difference in my experience but I’ll concede they are more parallel. I sometime put pieces
of wood between my slip joint pliers & that helps with the
uniform grip & protection. Any other advantages of these
pliers ?
Stuart
Compound leverage.
Little force on handles lead to big forces between jaws.
KenZ
It’s the combination of the force multiplier and the smooth, parallel jaws, and the easy button to adjust offset. Each in its own would be nice, but together it’s the killer combo. It’s just the best damn set of pliers, ever.
Will Dougherty
They are parallel. There’s no more or less parallel. Slip joint pliers used on nuts and bolts are knuckle-busters, also perfect for rounding a hex head bolt.
When ‘wood’ is mentioned, I know we’re on different topics.
Farmall 1066
Got 3 of these, and love them for a multitude of tasks.
Lost track of how many coworkers have bought them, after using mine.
Easily one of my favorites.
Nothing is new under the sun though. A quick Google search of Eiffel Plyerwrench will show this concept is not new, but that the Knipex is the best rendition to date.
Thanks for the review!
AJ from AZO
Bought mine at Sears. I highly recomend the Pliers Wrench
T
I use these regularly. Clamping, bending, counter hold, very useful. A bit heavy and bulky with a tad of unbalance, but no biggie. These are second only to Facom’s 180.te pliers in terms of utilitarian value, imo. If someone can only purchase a limited number of tools but must cover many needs, these knipex should be on the short list. I bought these years ago when starting out, I subscribed to the “Im too poor to be cheap” philosophy and picked carefully. I have no regrets.
Chris
I’m a big fan of these and was really happy to see the 16″ model released. I use that one at work quite frequently. I do agree that they are somewhat expensive, however they are worth it.
Phil
I have the 7″, 10″ and 12″ versions and I can’t say enough good thing about them. No other pliers in my boxes are nearly as versatile. The larger ones help me with bodywork and fabricating as well as many tasks I would normally use wrenches on, especially if I need to minimize fastener damage. They are my go-to tools for assembling air systems, gripping filter and regulator bodies as well as machined brass or steel fittings can’t be done better with any other tool. The smallest set get used in my electronics lab mostly, I have a block of wood with a hole drilled to hole one handle upright at an angle, the other handle is free to close the jaws by its weight. This makes for a perfect “extra hand” that can securely grip wires, modules, small PC boards and components while inspecting or soldering, and it is almost effortless to lift the free handle to change or reorient the workpiece. If a bit more grip is needed, I put a rubber band or two around the handles. I want to get a second small set to make a second “gripper” for bigger work or to hold wo pieces while joining, etc.
16 inchers? Must. Resist. Urges.
Jerry
Best darn adjustable wrench/pliers I ever used, period.
Chris Fyfe
They’ve put my adjustable wrenches out to pasture!
Chris