Knipex Cobra XS water pump pliers. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I’ve spent a lot of money on multitools over the years. Partly that’s because I like the idea of a single tool that performs many functions, and partly because no one tool is ideal. Also, I can’t lie, there’s a little part of me that loves new and shiny things.
But in the end, multitools all fail in one way or another.
Too bulky. Too uncomfortable to use. Too big. Too small.
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Oh, and there’s usually a large lockable blade that’s largely useless. It’s a no-no here in the UK, and also something that will result in confiscation of the tool if I accidentally try to take it on a plane.
So that got me thinking. What do I really expect from a multitool?
The answer: a decent pair of pliers that grip very well and can squeeze with great force.
Everything else – screwdrivers, can opener, knife, awl, thing for removing stones from horses hooves – either I have as part of my EDC (everyday carry) or I don’t really need them.
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I want a pair of pliers that are compact enough to fit discreetly in a pocket, but strong enough to, well, do what I expect pliers to do.
And I found what I needed.
Knipex Cobra XS water pump pliers.
First of all, these are tiny. Measuring 4.02 x 1.18 x 0.39 inches (10.21 x 2.99 x 0.99 cm) and weighing 2.19 oz (62 g), they can slip into a pocket or bag with ease. discretion.
These fit perfectly in the hand.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
But don’t let their small size fool you.
These have 11 adjustment positions and can open far enough to grip a 1 inch (24mm) binding. I’ve used them for simple plumbing, changing a car battery, and even changing an alternator.
They are also ideal for disconnecting cable connectors in larger electronic devices, such as PCs, washing machines, cars, etc. They deliver better drip than your fingers can ever reach, but not so much that they destroy things.
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And they really grip, with precision-machined teeth that really bite.
A huge bite for such a small size. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Initially, I had concerns about the handles.
They look uncomfortable, especially since they aren’t coated in anything rubbery. But after using them a lot, I can say that’s not a problem. The handles are comfortable, even when the pliers are used forcefully.
Precision ground jaws can also grip small fasteners or those flush to the surface.
Grab a clip that’s flush with the surface (and look how good those jaws look, even after a lot of use) Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Oh, and here’s another feature I love.
I don’t know if you’ve ever pinched your fingers between the handles of a pair of pliers, but I do, and I can tell you it’s like stepping on a Lego or hitting your shin on a table. low when it comes to pain. So many multitools allow you to do this, and because they’re something you might only use once in a while, it may surprise you (in a bad way).
Well, good news. These Knipex pliers won’t.
They are also very resistant to corrosion. The ones I own have been in my pocket for weeks, used outdoors, and even in the water, and they’re still nearly like new.
And all this for less than $30. These Knipex Cobra XS water pump pliers are simply brilliant.
Combine these multi-purpose pliers with, for example, a Wera screwdriver set, and you’ll be able to do 90% of the tasks a multi-tool can do, and do it better and more efficiently.
Need something bigger? No problem.
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You can get the Cobra water pump pliers in sizes ranging from 4 inches to a huge 22 inches.