KNIPEX Tools - Cobra Water Pump Pliers (8701125), 5-Inch,Red and Silver

Why did you pick this product vs others?:These pliers boast incredible durability, clearly standing out as well-forged tools built to last. Unlike cheaper cast metal alternatives, these pliers are solid, capable of handling heavy-duty tasks beyond their size. Their smart engineering allows for easy adjustment to different workpieces, with a user-friendly design that minimizes the need for a strong grip. Surprisingly light and slim, they can be conveniently carried even in the smallest pockets. I personally store mine in a compact organizer along with other essentials like a Swiss Army Knife and flashlight.These pliers have proven their worth in various situations, including assisting with tasks like removing a car battery. Despite regular exposure to water and sweat, they have shown no signs of rust thanks to simple maintenance routines. While the initial cost may seem high, the exceptional durability and quality craftsmanship make them a long-term investment without the need for frequent replacements.

I reach for this tool dozens of times a workday for almost 5 years now. Its so small I can't tell which pocket I left it in. I won't repeat all the positive remarks you can see in other reviews, but add one happy accident(?) in the design: I pair it with a quarter-inch drive socket extension piece, as the top of the "beak" fits perfectly in the square -- liberating me from carrying around a ratchet. One less tool in my tool bag! This means I am twisting the hell out of the knipex when I crank down a nut, and they have no damage not even a wiggle. The only damage after all these years of abuse is the thumb button nub came off recently, but that arguably improved the tool giving it a slimmer profile in those super awkward tight spaces. This is a must-own for any electrician, plumber, etc and a perfect gift for anybody in those trades. I'm going to try the 4" self-locking one next.

A tiny terror! Amazing how wide these jaws open and the tool itself is very high quality. I use it as part of a travel kit of small tools. You can carry it on your bag on a plane (TSA compliant) and be ready for anything needing a plier!

Incredible durability! You can easily tell that these pliers are forged and forged well. They certainly aren't cheap cast metal that will twist and fracture. These are solid and durable, capable of work far beyond what their size might suggest. The way they are engineered allows you to adjust them to the nut/bolt/pipe you are working on and then push using only the "top" handle. You don't need to squeeze hard to hold the grip, the design does that for you. Also, these pliers are lighter and slimmer than you might think. These are easily carried even in the 5th pocket of jeans. I carry them in a leather "front pocket organizer" along with a Swiss Army Knife and a small flashlight. They've come in handy many times, most recently when helping out someone with a dead car battery. They had no way to remove the dead battery to get it to the charger that was indoors. These pliers took care of that easily. I have not had any issues with rust on these even though they experience contact with water and sweat fairly often. I just try to wipe them off and maybe put some oil on them every so often to help prevent rust in the future. They did seem a bit expensive at first but I'm sure I'll never need to replace them since they are so durable and well-made.

I haven't used these an awful lot as they've been in a tool box that I have set up for taking to remote locations. I got in that habit several years ago when I had to do repairs to my parents' house after they passed but before we sold it. Anyway, after getting more and more frustrated with the pliers I do have -- everything from Channellock to Craftsman -- I got these to use when I need them. Boy, are they the ticket. Don't even buy the other brands, including Klein, unless you're need them for strictly electrical work.I can't speak to the durability of this tool -- you'll have to get that information elsewhere -- but they are far easier to use than the standard pair of pliers, including Channellock (which I have never understood the draw to; mine are borderline crap, but that's for another review). This morning I needed to tighten the faucet knobs on the washing machine water faucet due to getting a new washing machine. I initially couldn't do it by hand and the bigger pliers I first grabbed weren't working effectively. The only reason I didn't get these first is because I thought they were too small. Even if they were, they still worked, and they worked easily.I think the button push for the sizing is something to get used to, but I like it. In other tasks, it didn't slip when I set it, unlike other -- including supposedly high end -- pliers.Look, I get these cost a lot and that's why I've hesitated to get them. But it seems every time I invest in a quality tool, I'm glad I did. Between the lack of frustration to the (usual) durability, with tools, you almost always get what you pay for. I ordered the bigger size of these this morning to keep in my (regular) tool chest for adjustments I do on a (sometimes) weekly and all the time monthly basis. They'll be a welcome addition.

I recently purchased these 22-inch Cobras to test on hydraulic cylinders, and they have exceeded my expectations. They work wonders in removing gland nuts, far surpassing the effectiveness of a clunky pipe wrench. Despite their shorter length, I was pleasantly surprised by how securely they grip without any wobbling. I've already used them on a few cylinders, and they effortlessly loosen and tighten with minimal effort. These Cobras have truly made my work much easier and I highly recommend them for anyone working on cylinders.