Clamp an artery….I didn’t see that coming!

A good EDC carry is going to depend on what your everyday routine is likely to involve. Plenty of people can go for days, months or years without ever needing to turn a bolt, others do it all day long, every single day. For all-round versatility, a good Leatherman tool is hard to beat. When I'm in the workshop, I usually have the 125mm Knipex Cobras on me, along with various small screwdrivers, pens, flashlight, scriber, magnetic pick-up tool etc, but I wouldn't want to carry that lot around all the time.

I dont know if Leatherman still makes the Crunch but I find it very handy when I need a small locking pliers. The locking feature really locks tight onto whatever you're trying to grab with much more force than you can generate with just your grip strength. The whole package is much smaller than any locking pliers on the market and thus a truly pocketable edc tool.

watching you handle these smoothly over and over is oddly satisfying...

My EDC: Victorinox Swiss Champ that I have pocket carried since I bought it new in 1985, Geber Gator in 154CM and Olight S1R Baton II. Considering carrying 4 or 5 inch Knipex cobras, currently leaning towards 5 inch because my Champ has tweezers, small pliers and all the other tools that have saved my bacon many many times over the last 37 years. I will never give up my Swiss Champ.

Adding length adds leverage greater then 1:1. A 33% longer handle will yield higher than 33% increase in strength because leverage multiplies power.

I carry my cobra XS every single day and I love them. Always find a great use for them and they disapear in my pocket when I'm not using them.

It’s a Leatherman and a Fast-back for me. The Knipex are awesome, I may switch it up here and there. Thx Doc.

I carry a leatherman surge and the cobra XS fits nicely in the leatherman holster, also carry a Milwaukee penlight and an extendable retrieving magnet, very handy when working on limited access machinery and dropping bolts or tools. All very compact in the belt holster, I could be laying on my side and nothing is in my way

I carried a 4" adjustable wrench in my motorcycle jacket pocket. Very handy for adjusting some mirrors and windshield settings. It became a habit, and I'm surprised how often the little 4" wrench comes in handy.

Excellent video Doc, the 125mm Cobras I think the most versatile if you plan to use your EDC!

Great commentary. Thanks.. I have found the slightly larger Knipex #2 be the first one I grab when I to walk all the way down the yard to the lower shop. Need to check out your #1.. did not know it existed.

Edc on the plantation ranges from hooking up a hose to a bib,to removing battery from a tractor. Knipex wrench/cobra set for me!

For a small toolkit needle nose vice grips are very useful. I use them to grip wires to solder in the field etc. I have the large cobra which I use all the time for a lot! An adjustable wrench is pretty useful if you don't want to chew up the bolt with the cobra. Electricians scissors and a small wratchet set. Gets me through almost everything I know how to do. I may get that small knipex for manbag based on how much I use the big one.

Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. BTW - my favorite EDC item from your video was the Sea-Dweller!! Very nice 👍

I always like some small vice grips for essentially being an extra hand for holding things in a pinch, but my mind is always a little bit blown by how much use I get out of the 125mm knipex water pump pliers. I'll be in a random junk yard fighting a hard-to-reach bolt, remember I have the knipex pliers in my backpack, and then suddenly my problem is solved. Huge jaw capability in a small package. I also have the 125 knipex plier wrench, but it's double the price of the water pump pliers. I don't think you can beat the value

I’ve found at work the 7” cobra is great to keep in your back pocket with an 8” shifter. I’m waiting on my 7” pliers wrench. Been running the 10” for a while but they didn’t do well on small bolts done up tight. I’ll run into every thing from m6/8m bolts all the way up to m30 bolts with 46mm nuts and the 10” go great from m16 up

Leatherman skeletool. Best EDC hands down. Knife pliers screwdriver(Phillips and flat). Keep the flat tip in and use that as the pry bar so don’t ruin the factory super sharp blade. And of course it has a bottle opener;). The screwdriver tip change is its week point but design keeps it pocket friendly. Have to admit I also have a Milwaukee fastback with screwdriver that I use for cutting at work so my skeletool blade does not get abused while working but when not at work the skeletool is very comfortable in the pocket

For me, the best EDC tool is a Victorinox Cyber Tool. While it doesn’t have the size and strength of something slightly bigger like my various Leatherman tools, the bit driver is far superior, the knife and pliers minimally adequate for small tasks, and the other tools are versatile. I also hate working on things like nuts, or larger screws with appropriate basic tools. It’s a recipe for damaging both the tool and the fixing. The Wera Tool Check Plus stays in the car for the next size up, plus an inexpensive Gerber multitool

I carry a Leatherman Wave and an Olight Warrior Mini and will soon get that small pair of Knipex Cobra pliers and I'm set. I am an engineer at a regional hospital and agree completely with you Doc

Use my little 100 cobras all the time. They are with me all the time as I carry them tucked into the molle on my police armor carrier...right behind my bleeder/blowout kit. It has replaced my Leatherman that I carried for 10+ years

The knipex cobra XS has pulled more than one fish hook out of a largemouth bass, while it's certainly not the primary function I'm glad I had it with me

what's that adjustable wrench you say is fun to play around with? Looks very intriguing!

I carry the XS cobras with me all the time. I use my bikes to go everywhere and it saved me few times on the road. I've used it on my bikes to open stuck presta valves, crimp cable ends and pull derailleur cable when I forgot to tighten the pinch bolt propperly and the cable slipped on a ride. Great pliers. I'm thinking about getting the XS pliers wrench as a seccond edc pliers but it's so damn expensive here in Iceland.

Crescent 4-1/2 in. Mini Straight Jaw Black Oxide Tongue and Groove Dipped Grip Pliers about 10 buck on home depot web site. For the size and weight they are better than I expected, not heavy duty but a solid little tool.

Terrific and thorough discussion, thanks! I always found the Knipex to be a little pricey; but, any EDC discussion really depends on what one's needs are in their daily life (repairman vs office worker). I'm wondering what drives the plethora of EDC videos that seem to have exploded on KZfaq...is it due to COVID or just a man's love for gadgets? I was a Boy Scout and I'm still not much of a prepper; but, these comparisons and discussions of tool nuances really fascinate me. When it comes to guns or any tool, the best one is the one you will have with you every day, not the one left setting at home. Anything is better than nothing and remember backups, because "one is none and two is one"!

I still gotta have a 4" adjustable wrench, I've carried my MAC AW4 every day for the past decade and can't leave it behind. I pair it with pliers though because I prefer a combo to one tool that tries to do both. My pliers of choice is a Sebertool m2 multitool, because it has the driver heads on the ends of the handles. When I carried regular pliers ( I'm I'm talking not at work ) it was a pair of mini slipjoint pliers, my choice was the Channellock 524 but I may look into trying those Snapons.

I've carried the snap on pliers and a Swiss army knife for 50 years. I tried the knipex pliers, both sizes, I just never got comfortable with it and have gone back to my snap on. Of the knipex pliers, I would agree that the smallest one is the handiest for EDC.

Hey Doc, I recently found your channel. And I've really been enjoying it. Also I'm a Knipex fan, for sure. However I only currently have, one of there tools. Anyhow I digress. After watching this video. I found myself wandering, any chance you'd do a video. And just show what edc you carry. And what you've used those items for in the past? Anyhow I just thought I'd be really cool. Thanks for another great video. Take care.

I recently bought the knipex 87-100 pliers, they are a little difficult to use on a nut, but if you concentrate you can do it. I have had a lot of use from a pair of needle nose vice grips 6” long, too big for pocket carry but surprisingly useful.

Related... I remember once reading where NASA sent up a pair of (7" curved jaw wire cutting) Vise Grips on some flights; for no other reason than them being so useful should 'improvisation' ever become necessary. For the record, for decades I've kept a pair of the same (Only in 10") in the bottom of my glove compartment... that have proven handy on a few occasions.

The 4" knipex channels as they lock and will grip up to 1-1/2", a good straight blade knife and a streamlight flashlight with a hat clip and you are set for just about everytging. These have gotten me home a few times breaking down in the woods.

I pulled a spliter out of my thumb which was loged between the nail and the flesh with a Knipex Cobra XS. It only took two tries. It was better than a tweezers that I tried with multiple times yet failed.

My go to is the knipex XS cobra which is just about the handiest thing ever but a bit rough on the hands.

Thanks for the video! SO has a small slip joint like the small cobra..buy what you can find easiest in your world!

Hi Doc, excellent collection you have there. Being a technical person, I would include a small tape measure. Would you agree?

I've been carrying a pair of the 125mm cobras for going on a couple of years or so now. I find that I'm using them even more than my leatherman pliers. I'm thinking about adding a 125mm pliers wrench too.

I 'EDC' the KNIPEX 87-01-150 when working. (and a Proto 1/4"x5/16" double box end ratcheting wrench). If I'm going somewhere OFF WORK I'll stick the 100mm Cobra(and sometimes the 100mm Plier wrench) in the coin pocket of my jeans - very handy if you're just hanging out with friends or family at a kids birthday party or something like that. The Milwaukee Utility knife is my go to 'pocket knife' which also happens to have the Phillips and Slotted driver built-in. Between THAT and the Cobras you can handle some quick tasks - if it requires more than THAT - the fun stops and you're better off just going and getting the correct tool(s) IHMO.

I like to carry a Victorinox Swisstool X. The pliers are very sturdy (they rival a knipex) and with a pocket clip its quite managable. Still tinking about getting a small cobra.

Absolutely! Only i went with the Knipex 125 /5 inch rather than the ultra small 100mm . I paired it with the victorinox Angler (which has the mini precision pliers), along with my screwdriver mod , which gives me 6mm flat ,2.5mm flat / Phillips ,2 blades ,2 pliers 5 inch and a mini precision, fish scaler/ scraper all in 2 small tools . Usually with a leatherman squirt on car/house keys which adds a excellent file . The 100mm Knipex is more compact but less capable, we have to weigh up what takes priority i went with 125mm Knipex! My thinking is if for some reason i think the Knipex is not needed i still will have the victorinox Angler , with a mini pliers. But the Knipex 125 is very powerful, so it pretty much lives in my pocket .

Good video, would like to see more discussion about the ZT knife.

yeah, looking at the XS Knipex Pliers Amazon still has the set but the Knipex site does not I do small stuff so these would be great I have a large set of the Knipex Pliers & Wrench but just don't use them much and bicycling weather is here...

I edc Knipex XS series for a while now, plus the SnapOn slip-joint plier (44acf) with talon grip. And honestly, I cannot choice my favorite one between those 3.

Is that a zero tolerance knife? If it is, it’s my favorite edc blade. The 20cv steel has been phenomenal.

I love my 100mm cobras. Use em all the time for all kinds of things

Doc… I have a lot of tools too. How do you store and group all your items??

I used to EDC a Wave in a RAE gear sheath. Been about 6 months since i switched to carring the 125 or 100mm Knipex Cobras. Tip: Get a Recycled Firefighter Sergant. They fit vertically with my Victorinox Pioneer X. Together they make a little tool wallet more capable than my Wave. Most of the time I carry the 125s just because the way i carry, them i dont notice the size difference before they two. Before the tool wallet, i exclusively carried the XS100s. Great, great plier. If i had to choose one, it would be that one. The XS100 is incredibly effective for its size, an engineering marvel, and puts any multitool to shame in use and build quality. I also carry a Spyderco Paramilitarty (favorite one handed folder) and my current light is the Olight Warrior Mini 2. Im a student finishing up my Civil Engineering degree that has been in and out of the field working on heavy highway projects. My Cobras have the jaw width to do more than turn bolts. Fittings on the propane tanks for moisure tests, the stuck valves on concrete air meters, DCP tip stuck on due to prior incompetence... if you cant fix something with a set of mini Cobras and a SAK, then you need to step up to your truck set of tools.

outstanding video and help me decide on edc

The small slipjoit pliers do have small cable/wire shears. The pliers wrench can flatten a wire to the point of cuttin through it.

You gotta try some manly pliers, absolute goat edc pliers. Mechanically, there parallel pinching, super efficient way to grip. And they fit perfectly in your side pocket. And, Bonus wire and line cutter.

What is the model number for the those small Snap-On pliers? Thanks!

I carry my Knipex cobra 87-100 along with my Olight i3t on my Hide & Drink zippered front pocket wallet. The pliers are a natural fit. I don't even realize I have them on me.

Maybe the xs is a good choice. I know it’s a little tricky to operate the button on a cobra. You sometimes have to completely stop what you’re doing to adjust it.

Knipex xs tools are with me every day, in a little pouch, and with a little swiss multitool and a flashlight.

They all did pretty decent on the paper test but you could still get a feel for they operate by doing that.

Right up my alley. I get teased sometimes for always carrying pliers. I carry the regular straight slip joint pliers because of the added ability to cut wire. Not fishing for views but I do have a similar video on my channel. Leo

i’m happy with my 4 edc right now.knipex cobra 125, knipex cobra xs, leatherman skeletool rx and widgy 3inch pry bar and i’m not leaving my house without my edc.

I have been going with the 5" over the 4" knipex cobras. The 4" seem to open on my pocket and are harder to get out. The 5" never open and if you open them a click or two the become very thin.

My choice for an EDC plier would be "This", followed by "This" & "This". Did I miss the part where the brand and model number was shared so the public could make a similar purchase?

Use the xs knipex daily, used them that much the black coating has started to come off. Those with the stubby wera screw driver gets me out of most situations where I would have to go back to my van and get my tool bag.

Personally, I have been very impressed with the Gerber Dual Force. Fills a lot of rolls.

great review video and in depth explanation of each tool and their benefits vs undesirables. very much appreciate your content! just found you and I subscribed after the first video I watched. very easy to understand and well spoken, great angle and extremely useful information. THANK YOU AND KEEP UP THE TRULY USEFUL CONTENT!!

Recently switched my mp400, wave,mp600 with Knipex cobra 5" and a victorinox after decades,wish I did long ago

The top two, thks.

Love my mini cobras. Knipex twin grip is my next purchase

I carry the 5 inch pliers wrench and a Leatherman Daily

Great video! What kind of knife is the one you have on the table? I'm referring to the small gray one on the right. What model is it? Thanks

I'm with you 100% Doc. The Knipex XS Cobras are the best. Add in a Milwaukee Fastback 3 and you're golden

Since my work pants have a pliers pocket, my EDC tool is an 8" slip-joint pliers with fattened plastic handles . It's not modern and cool, but it's danged handy. It's a gripper, wirecutter, pry bar, reach-extender, and a bad hammer. I do like having it to beat on stuff with. I admit that the Knipex Cobra looks like a very good tool to EDC. It also looks like a very, very poor hammer, and has no option to cut wire.

I edc the knipex cobra 180 mm they are about the perfect size in my opinion. Then again I made my own leather belt sheath for it so take that with a grain of salt haha

Who makes the small screwdriver in this video? I love your videos keep it up.

I love my knipex cobra xs. I carry it everyday for work

Predictable result, but very good choice, i really want a knipex now. Kinda amazing that after more than 2 centuries of toolmaking, its about the only tool of its kind out there. Interesting how many millions of people have been carrying leatherman tools for decades, that are pretty useless despite their size and weight for turning a bolt

I carry a Leatherman a Milwaukie box cutter and a screwdriver currently a wera but it's kind big so I may change that one and my other pocket has one of those small crescent wrenchs and the red handle cobras a 21700 flashlight and a precision screwdriver and an squirt es4 Leatherman they are a small Leatherman with wire strippers

Ooooop I see the little zt back there! How do you like that little guy?

I wonder if someone could design a couple of purpose built cheater bars for the little Knipex Cobra? That would make those things hella versatile! With some bungees, the cheater bars would even subsume vice grip functionality.

My every day carry is still the Classic SD swiss army knife. I found even the leatherman micra to big. I need a knife much more often than pliers.

if only everyone gave the answer for the video RIGHT IN THE DESCRIPTION like this guy, that'd be great.

New subscriber here. I recommend if you pick up a random tool in your video to make a point that you briefly tell us what brand and model it is in case we’re interested. I was interested in that small knife (2:14) you picked up a couple of times but you never mentioned what brand and model it was. Thanks

Usually i EDC a 125mm Cobra flashlight knife but If its a rlly Bad Day i start to EDC the 300 Wrench Plier

Knipex cobra xs lives in my pocket. I have the 125mm plier wrench, but it's a bit too large for riding in my pocket. I'm toying with the idea of the cobra 125mm because of the locking button feature. I might be able to live with extra bulk for the locking button tradeoff. Those cobras are danged handy. The 100mm pliers wrench (Knipex 86 04 100) are comically priced and hard to find in the US these days. Their main status is "out of stock".

I need to pick up a little Knipex XS Cobra.

I think I’m going with the 5” cobras in my back pocket with my handkerchief.

the 150mm cobra it's a good middle ground, portable but capable

What model is it?

I'm making an EDC to a small pouch with 125mm cobras, pliers wrench and Wera bitcheck Zyklop.

I agree that the Cobra XS is most often the best choice amongst the lot, Furthermore ... 1. If you think the single most important feature of a Leatherman-like multi-tool is the pliers, think about the XS instead. 2. If you must carry a multi-tool, consider a Cobra XS in addition, since (a) it works better on nuts, (b) it opens wider, and (c) many manipulations require two pliers. Aside: For pliers lovers, I recommend the SOG design, which has double the mechanical advantage. The SOG's compromise (narrower working range) is overcome by the Cobra XS.

Hey Doc what’s the model# of the small slip joint snap-on pliers? Those look awesome

The vise grips are the most versatile ya herd me

With the baby Cobra xs , I slide a short piece of 3/8” pex on the back handle .

I carry a small Spyderco, an Olight i5R, and my wallet in the left front pocket. Phone in the right front pocket. Often some cash along with it. For me, anything else weighs too much. If I could ditch the wallet and especially the phone, I would in a heartbeat.

If you have the little knipex plier wrench need to watch for is they are knuckle busters you bet. Must be the short handles.

I used to carry a Gerber Fit which has now seen better days.

Maybe knipex will come out with a mini version of their slipjoint pliers.

Knipex pliers are now sold in Northern Tool stores.

still want you to look at the 08 05 110 from knipex, pls

Ace slip joints! Ace is the place!

Is that a Raichle Swiss army knife?? Do you ski

I don’t know of any one tool that replaces all tools, but I am the tool that misplaces all tools! I can never find the tool I need at the time I need it!

lol i just have a full size set orf hand tools in my truck so i ca just go to my truck and use tools that fit my hands not matter where i am.