The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

You by far have the best tool reviews on KZfaq. Informative, to the point, well shot, good audio quality, no significant bad points. Well done and thanks!

The steel and how it's forged is what really puts the Knipex as the best pliers in the world. I've had a 3 foot breaker bar on the handle lifting with all my strength to take apart a 50+ year old hydraulic fitting. That handle was bending almost a full inch. The teeth didn't slip and after the fitting broke loose the pliers bounced back. There's no pipe wrench or pliers that could have accomplished this task. A wrench would've rounded the nut and a pipe wrench wouldn't have kept it's grip. 16" Cobra pliers = best $75 spent on a hand tool.

While I wouldn't consider these to be "fake" since they don't actually say "Knipex" on them, I would classify them more as a clone or knock-off. Since the patent for the Cobra joint design expired in 2014 (DE 202004012362), other companies are legally allowed to copy and reproduce the design. One important thing I think you missed is the curvature of the sliding joint, which always seems to be straight on the knockoffs but has a definite curve on the Knipex, which allows it to open wider. I'm not sure if Knipex has another patent on this design which is preventing other companies from making that joint curved. I plan on doing a showdown in the future of several German-brand knockoffs of the cobras to see if I can quantify the differences (Gedore, Hazet, Stahlwille, NWS), . Good video, keep it up!

Nothing compares to Knipex quality. My wallet wishes I never found that brand though.

I was a channel lock guy for 30yrs until I got my knipex, now that's ALL I use !

probably one of the greatest hand tools ever made!

It was something I learned some time ago, when it comes to purchasing name brand items. Tools are something that it is often better to purchase the name brand rather than the generic.

I love using the knipex at the shop. Man it seems like you can get anything off with those. Rounded bolts? No problem. Stud broke off and you barely have anything to grip? Not a problem. Hands down the best pliers I have ever used

been using my Sears bought ROBOGRIP pliers for over a decade and they still work fine.

Your pronunciation of Knipex is now spot on! Well done comparison. It will be interesting to see how long until they come out with a knock off of the Knipex push button smooth jaw pliers wrench...

I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for. I have used many knockoff tools and some have had devastating results. It like buying a Ford Pinto and expecting Lincoln quality. You always get what you pay for. Great video.

Very informative video, keep up the great work.

Damn dude, awesome review! Subscribed, thanks for posting. I'll be picking up some Kuh-nip-ex Cobras asap

The TSC pliers are shockingly good for the price. Been using them for over 3 years and still going strong. I have the Knipex as well and use them on cleaner projects.

Bought a pair of Knipex (kni-pex) a few years ago after seeing a demo. They are by far the best pliers I own. I accidentally used them on a few items with out thinking about the marring, which means for clean work and assembly I use some cheapies or smooth jaw. If I have something stuck and really need grip, love the cobras!

I have both the TS knockoff and Knipex. They serve a different purpose. Happy with both.

I pronounce Knipex the same as you... I found my set locked in the trunk of a BMW E30 my friend had purchased, i called dibs if i got it open, then dibs on 2 things after several hours, i get a ton of use out of both the 1500W power inverter and the Knipex pliers that were in there!

A really informative video as always! I was wondering if you had plans on reviewing Ryobi's new(er) p261 1/2in impact wrench. For a lot of weekend warriors (like myself) the price point being half of someone like Milwaukee makes it very interesting! Thanks again for all the great content!.

I was introduced to Knipex by my son who's an aircraft mechanic, these are great tools, we now have some for our home garage. I call them "Neepex", I'm sure its wrong LOL. Good video

and I have 2 pair of the Knipex, they really are amazing. I used to have 3 pairs until 1 walked off

A gripping comparison, indeed.

I've been using the Knipex brand pliers for a few years now and I love them. When after a year I lost my first pair, I didn't hesitate to replace them with another Knipex pliers. I will not buy anything else. they are the most expensive, and best quality pliers I have ever owned.

You beat me too it. I was going to do a video on these. I was getting propane last week and saw them at tractor supply and picked up a set to play with.

Great comparison. I appreciate the information.

I use Knipex 10" diagonal cutters at work for doing 4 wheel alignments on the armored vehicles we build. They are used to cut fairly heavy cotter pins for the rear tie rods. By far the best cutters I've ever used. They seem to never wear out. List price is like $82.00. Our price from Grainger. Our price is about $44.00. WELL WORTH the price if you have the money.

Great video. There are some tools that are just worth the extra cash layout. The teeth comparison is the telling point

I've been a marine diesel mechanic for12 years I've had the tractor supply ones with not one problem but I always buy the cheap tools & have few issues out of them

Im gonna buy my first "Nipex" pronounced set of pliers & I NEED your advice on which ones to buy? Should I buy the self adjusting buttonless, or the red button quick set or the regular cobra's??? Also when I buy the Nipex pliers wrench after that should I buy the odler chrome looking ones or the new black ones??? and WHY?

well i have a pair of robo grips and they are self adjusting so did they copy someone because my pair is old

you should do a review on WILDE 11" notched nose water pump pliars. I have used them for years and they never disappoint. Easy to adjust, versatile, not too expensive, and very well made.

huge NipEx fan here ;) they do say KahNipEx so we will presume that's how it's pronounced but IMO once it sails across the ocean they are NipEx 😂

Bought the standard cobras after your other review. I prefer to support original makers when i can. Picked up a 18v fein super cut. That one left a mark after seeing a cordless dewalt kit for 200 bucks.

Well, the Knipex warranty is GREAT! I had an automatic wire stripper by Knipex, the blades of which got dull. I send it back to the Knipex manufacturing plant in Wuppertal with a letter describing the problem and instead of telling me that it was not a manufacture defect, they send me the original wire stripper refurbished and a spare one so I do not have to wait should the other one have any problems again!

Nie-pex is how I say it. I am a full time industrial mechanic. I have been using these pliers for many of years now. I have a ton of their assortment, including three sizes of the Cobras. They are IMO the best pliers that have ever been produced. I am going on 15+ years with them and have never seen a single hint at a failure. I will always have these in my work box, as well as my home box. From the looks of it so far you only need to buy them once, they will outlive that lifetime warranty that they have on them.

If your tools make you money it makes sense to buy the Knipex. Sitting down to do your business expenses at the end of the year is definitely eye popping, but you would buy one pair of Knipex, for every 3 of a knockoff brand. Best to just buy the best in the beginning, it actually both saves, and makes you more money. Great video!

Great tool reviews. Surprised subscribers isn't higher.

Are those Tractor Supply knock-offs good enough for an occasional home/garden plumbing use?

FANTASTIC! Right off the bat you may be the ONLY ONE on planet Earth that knows how to pronounce KNIPEX!!! That earns you an immediate thumbs up without hesitation from me! You're a hero, and you don't even know it! :-)

I saw a few models of Knipex tools at Sears recently. Is this the same quality of tool or a lower grade? I know some manufacturers will make a lower grade of their product for box stores to sell.

I thought the letter "K" was silent. Much like the "P" in "Toilet " lol

Hi there, nice test. I have used Knipex for the last 15years, never had any isues. Here we are calling it "nipex" with a slight K in front :) Its like you are preparing to say K in front but continue with N. :)

Great review. I'd by the original German pliers. I try to buy things Made in USA, if possible, but none of the knockoffs is made here. Your review demonstrates the clear difference in quality, though, and is the reason I would go with the original Knipex Cobras. Also, I pronounce it "Nipex" with a silent K, like Knockoff.

Nice video. The price is often a preliminary indicator of quality. Trying to copy single characteristics is often not enough to get comparable copy that could compete with the genuine tool. Because it's more than just the obvious design: understanding all features, the manufacturing process and the grades of used materials also make a distinction.

Hey, great job, I do one on A vise, looks like you have a nice one in your shop

Thanks for the review. In this case, I think it is easy. If you make your living with tools the Knipex is a no-brainer, however, for us average home do it your selfers the others are a good alternative. As far as warranties, I think we often over value them - again, the average do it your selfer is probably fine buying a second pair if they do ever have an issue and I am sure, that would be many years down the line, if ever.

Another great comparison, Thanks

touche sir,keep up the great videos.

Great review/comparison!

You were saying it right! I have the 16in knipex cobra thay are beautiful in every way thay work grate it's my new vice grip !

Knipex. I have been switching my collection out pair by pair for Knipex since I used my first pair of Cobras.

Hi, like you I pronounce it KNIP EX and yes unless there were an emergency where those other two brands were the only two available I would always purchase the Knipex. I have had my finger smashed more that once on cheap slip joint pliers and the pain still reminds me of the wisdom of buying good tools ONCE!

What do the knipex cost for comparison?

I pronounce the “K”. Every English speaking video where there is a Knipex company representative speaking, pronounces the “K”. So I figure that’s the way I’ll pronounce it.

The husky version doesn't even look that close. It has very small similarities, but that's a stretch to say it's a clone or knockoff. The tractor supply however definitely has a similar look and design, so would be a much easier claim as a knockoff.

Say it the same way as you & that's the way it is pronounced by Knipex on all their videos. Knipex IMO are the best engineered & manufactured pliers on the planet and after using them for years with my Snap-on & ChannelLock pliers I am still convinced of that.

I have Knipex needle nose pliers, end nippers, and the 9" cobra pliers in my bag always, all of them are them are the best versions of the tool I have ever used. I say "Nipex", don't know if that's right but it has a better ring to it.

I have the $9 tractor supply ones and they are good for $9

I went crazy buying Knipex at Lowe's a few years ago when they were phasing the brand out there in favor of Greenlee and they were all on steep clearance. I have absolutely abused my Knipex needle nose and wire cutters and they still work great. The absolute highest quality stuff you can buy. I try to buy Channellock for my other pliers, excellent quality and USA made, at a more palatable price point.

Hard K nipex. If there were a TSC near me, I'd try a set of those knockoffs. I have the Milwaukee version.

I have knipex 8" and 10" cobras and i love them. I never purchase any tools from box stores unless I plan on basically throwing them away after I'm done with them. I have always said knipex with a silent k myself. So just nipex. Not sure if that's really right tho

I used both the knipex and TSC pliers, so far the TSC teeth do wear out faster but grip power is the same. I fix the Teeth of the TSC with a file when it wears down, but use the knipex to grab onto badly worn out bolts or larger bolts. So far i have not broken one yet.

you guys should review some higher end drills and impact drivers such as triton, panasonic, hilti, Ingersoll Rand and Chicago Pneumatic. it would be nice to see what the extra buck would get you

Great info. Thanks

I live next to Germany so I pronounce it the way they do. There are also loads of words borrowed from German in Hungary due to our long-time alliance with Austria. But I accept the Nee-pex pronounciation because some languages don't work with others, and for example we have our own name for Paris that differs from every other language (also nobody wants to pronounce it Paree like the French do). As for the pliers, I definitely would not purchase anything else aside from the Knipex and NWS pliers, but I do have a Channellock Speedgrip on my wishlist due to its unique features. I like the cross-hatched teeth, the tongue-and-groove solution seems sturdier and really love the US flag on the button. It looks like the big uncle of Knipex used for more demanding situations while the Knipex is more sophisticated in nature. So yeah I will have both once I can afford shipment from USA to Europe.

Can you make a video on the ingersoll rand 35max and aircat 1056-xl?

you're pronouncing it correctly. The company's own promotional videos on their products pronounce it the same way. I have owned a 10" cobra for 7 years now. I have bought a new set because eventually used daily the teeth will wear out. I just bring those home and buy the new for use at work. I will never purchase a different adjustable plier. It has been hands down the best I have ever owned. Every knockoff I see guys bring into work have definitely been substandard in some way, size weight breakage features....something. A life lesson here. When companies are copying another product....purchase the original, there's a reason they're copying it. I have now purchsed the 10" angle cutters (sometimes referred to as dykes) and the adjustable plier wrench (the one that closes parallel and has no teeth) and a miniature set of angle cutters for electronics. I'm sold.

Ch hanson lockjaw auto grip pliers are a good buy if you cant afford knipex cobra. You should do a review on them. That would be awesome to see what you think.

I say it with a silent "k" so it's nipex. I own several side cutters and pliers, which I've had for over twenty years, they are still used to this day with out any issues. but then I do take care of my tools.

Thanks for the review, once again the original is a better tool.

love your knipex reviews. I have 6 pair of the cobras and love them. I pronounce it nipex. I hear the German knipex salesmen say Ka-nipex, but I'm not for sure if that's a language barrier or how it's "actually" pronounced.

Is the K silent like knife?

The prounouncing of Knipex, makes me think of the old Ray Stevens song "Eric the Awful", "as the nordic viking ships cut like Kuh-nives through the foggy fuh-jord"

Everyone I've ever heard has pronounced the name "Nie-pex" When I first started watching this channel and heard him pronounce it I literally laughed out loud. Then I Goggled it and found out I (and everyone else I'd heard) was wrong lol

This Ka-nockoff review of the Ka-nipex pliers was good. It had me on my Ka-nees laughing! I wonder if it was filmed in Ka-noxville, TN.?

Good stuff. Thanks.

I love knipex(nipex) and would stay loyal to them for the brand and they are easier for me to obtain and warranty in my area than the other pliers

Yeah i though the k was silent too. do all versions of the knipex lock like that? i didnt even know that was possible.

I think between me and my dad we own almost all the sizes. Very awesome tools. I pernounce it Nipex, where the K in knipex is silent. Kahnipex :-)

I bought the HD ones and I like them. I'm only a DIY'er with these.

I'm sure the Knipe also uses a much stronger grade of steel with better heat treat. Hard to test at home, though.

Recently bought the 10" Knipex at Canadian Tire. They had them locked in a cabinet and the employee brought it to the checkout where I got it.

Excellent!

I don't have the knock-offs, so I am not sure, but it looks like the knock off handles are made out of smooth plastic, while the Knipex have some texture to them. Since I work in the automotive industry I think that the knock offs are getting slippery very quickly, when just a bit of oil is on the handle?

Channellock has an adjustable wrench they call a nut buster. That plier is the only thing I have found that rivals a knipex. I have used the cobra and I find the nut buster puts more pressure and bites harder than the cobra. They only make them in two sizes and that limits them to some degree. I like the small pliers that knipex offers and I find they are a very useful tool and their compactness lends well to tight situations. If channellock offered some shorter nut busters, they would definitely be known. The key is that lower jaw on the nut buster. It rocks into the fastener and can only get tighter with any added pressure. I was able to move an impossible fastener without having to drill it out. That made that pliers worth their weight in gold. They saved me a good amount of time.

Looked it up... K-Nip-Ex Great job on the comparison.

Very well presented, but as a Brit I do chuckle at the pronunciation of KNIPEX. We here in the UK drop the K and say NIPEX as it is with the word KNIFE. The complexity of the spoken word I wouldn't want it any other way, it would be such dull planet without.

I would buy the knipex after watching this video like all your video always a great video and you do get the point of it all, and the jaws on the knipex looks like they would last forever.

I have the Husky pair and it works pretty good actually. For the price it's a good deal. I wouldn't pay that much for pliers. I don't even buy Channellock because they're too expensive

thanks for sharing

ny pex my oldest pair are over 30 years still tight no jaw wear with these grips and pliers, thats because they rarely slip. Feel that slight flex as you tighten your grip, im sure that is designed in to improve grip.and cutting. sometimes it doesn't pay to buy cheap

The original one is definitely designed better in material, function details and cost more. For the price of one can buy more than one or more as a back up really comes handy. Especially it's nice to have 1 in different storage places, as a missing back up tool, or simply for the extra helpers doing the work.

I say kNI-PEX, like Knife and PEX tubing combined. My father was an Aircraft Mechanic and always called them that, seems like the shop called them that too.

I have the Craftsman version that Knipex makes for them. They're made in,Germany and they're great quality.

I work in maintenance at a paper mill, and I got the same set from TSC an I use them almost everyday. They my be knock off’s but for the price I have no complaints about them

Great review

I got my first pair of Knipex pliers today I’ll be honest with you I have some Crescent pliers and was comparing the two used both of them and there really isn’t much difference between the two I still had to apply the same amount of pressure with the Knipex as I do with my Crescents whenever I tried removing a few bolts was it worth the money I don’t know I really doubt that they will be able to remove a stuck rusted bolt regular vise grips still have them beat whenever it comes to removing a stuck rusted bolt the only way the Knipex pliers will work with removing a stuck rusted bolt is if you have a really strong grip.

What is the cost of the Knipex Cobra's?

My philosophy is buy the best you can afford as well as how often you use a particular tool. In general, I'd rather spend a little extra and value the performance.

Why is that whenever there's a review of a Knipex tool in the comments there's always a debate of whether or not to pronounce the "K"? The brand is German, and they pronounce it. @ Real Tool Reviews - Nice job, mate!