Testing the Knipex Cobras on Pipe and Fittings (87-01-180, 87-01-125, 87-01-250)
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- čas přidán 14. 03. 2021
- The knipex cobra pump pliers represent tools that offer high value to those looking for a dedicated tool for turning pipe and fittings. They are lightweight, affordable (~$26) and extremely capable. The 125mm pliers work on pipe up to 1" and fittings up to 3/4". 180mm works on pipe up to 1.5" and fittings with a nub to grab up to 2" but most effectively on 1.5" fittings. 250mm can do 2" pipe and fittings but not ideal on the straight pipe.
I recommend the 180mm as an all rounder for those turning lots of bolts and the 125mm as an EDC item to supplement or replace a Leatherman.
I like the way you give practical demonstrations unlike most reviews which just look at the tool without actually trying it out.
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words!
It really helps translate what the tool can accomplish. I suppose we could all look up the jaw opening size and then measure some fittings we come against regularly but isn't that what a review is for?!
This full hands on demonstration is super helpful, thanks.
You’re welcome! Glad you found it useful!
Great review on perspective of its real use, helped me on making before making a purchase
Thank you! I'm glad it helped you decide!
Great video demo !! 👍👍
Thanks man!
Useful demo, thank you
Appreciate the feedback!
cool thanks. I've never used mine on plastic pipe.
Thank you for watching! Hope it added some usefulness to the tools.
These knipex pliers are not designed for steel pipework but for multirole light use.
If you want steel pipe pliers try the Swedish style pipe wrenches who are the ultimate for that purpose.
I agree that leverage becomes an issue with the shown sizes. Even the 250s aren’t great for 1” Steel pipe. However they are definitely designed to be used on steel pipe and could be used as your dedicated tool.
@@EngineersPerspective701 Nope, they are not steel pipe wrenches. Far from it. No professional pipe fitter would even try using them to turn steel pipe. They are general purpose pliers. Very useful indeed but not for steel pipework. Apparently knipex does produce a 42'' Swedish style pipe wrench, with some modification on adjustment from the original design, so I guess this could be used for your review.
@@HarvestTheAngerOfIdiots It would be weird to me to see a pipe fitter using cobras but I don't think there is anything stopping them aside from leverage.
The 300mm and down are advertised as "water pump pliers" but the XL and XXL are marketed as "pipe wrench and water pump pliers". The only difference comes down to leverage and a little bit of jaw design due to the large opening jaws for larger pipe.
Personally the 300mm ones are required for working with 1" steel pipe (mostly XXS nipples) but works fine.
I prefer a 14" pipe wrench but the cobras are a lot more versatile. Just depends on the setting for what gets used.
Thank you!
You’re welcome! Appreciate the comment
Maybe you notice this when editing the video but, when you were trying to take apart the sch80 PVC, the larger pliers were slipping off the coupling because you were using them backwards. User error was causing more damage to the coupling. If you had been going in the correct direction, had the handles closer together, and had them positioned to where you were pushing them together instead of having the pliers pushing apart from each other, you probably wouldn't have needed to put the pipe in the vise.
Lol, that’s embarrassing! I didn’t notice but I guess in the moment I went full idiot. Agreed with your assessment
Awesome demo, keep up great content. Any thoughts on the Cobra XS vs 125mm?
I just received the XS 2 days ago and shot a video that will come out on the the 19th. My initial impressions are that the XS is more comfortable than I thought it would be which was my greatest concern (still not as comfy as the 125 though). Very capable for sure.
What I will say for now is that if you want it only as an EDC tool for occasional use then XS but for frequent daily use then 125mm for sure.
@@EngineersPerspective701 Thanks. Looking forward to the vid. 👍
2 inch pipe is actually bigger than the listed capacity for both the 250 (50mm max pipe) and the 180 (42mm max pipe). Now the 300, that has listed capacity of a whopping 70mm for pipes. Perhaps that's why the 180 and the 250 feel the same, only 8mm capacity difference and both are too small for that pipe.
At 20min I grab onto 2” pipe with the 250s. However I actually did misspeak for the 180s as shown just before the 250 demonstration.
Is rigid 110 work the best
If you're talking about the Ridgid E-110, then that thing looks awesome! A little less versatile looking though
Might have better luck with clamping plumbing bits in your vise with a pair of V-blocks, can craft basic ones using chunks of 2x4 timber and a few in-cuts.
(I did notice the vise built-in V-clamps, but you weren't running that head of the vise "up" for most of your demos)
I'd like to get/make a non-marking jaw cover one of these days. Don't use it for what would benefit from it much anymore though.
Learn something new every day! I've actually never really looked at the pipe vise end on before and sure enough there is a v-clamp. I did most of plumbing tightening and cutting "in field" so I never used it much.
100 for edc-no specific use-just incase. 180 for real tool-typical normal plier use-most 10” channel lock uses. 300 for the upper end of 10” channel lock uses and beyond.
125s are good for edc if you have a specific regular plier use but need them in your pocket…
150s are the upper end of an in pocket edc, but are a great tool belt or super lightweight tool bag option.
I know 10” channel locks are a common tool, but I feel like the 180s are so close to that same capability, and once you’re in that 10” tool range the jump to 12” is not a big deal and you get way more capability.
Larger than 300 you obviously have a very specific reason for it.