I just got the Cresent Z2 Auto - Bite pliers same thing used them on a hose coupling just slipped and became a pain to readjust. Had to get to old pipe wrenches loosen it up. May be good for something's not pipe, I will be returning mine. As far as the Knipex Im getting a little long in the tooth to justify the price, my old heavy tools will have to do. Nice video's 👍🏼
The Knipex are really expensive. I think they are quite a bit cheaper in overseas. It’s one of those brands that Americans have to pay more for, like they do Milwaukee etc. I have noticed some of their prices going down as more places are stocking them… but not these pliers. Appreciate your thoughts 👍👍
Have you heard about the Cobra quick set? They look like a old cobra but has the perimeter of the button painted in red. Basically it does the same than the Gear Wrench when used without the lever, allowing you to set them, from a wider position to a smaller one without pushing the button. In my opinion they are the perfect match to the SmartGrip Cobra.
It' s funny because I went the opposite route than you, started with 180 regular Cobra but after getting the smart grip I went in with the 250 quick set. I have made a quick check on amazon and looks like they are only offered in 250 and 300 sizes. I live in Spain, we have the full catalogue available so it looks like Knipex do not offers the quick set in 180mm. By the way great channel! Have a good one.
The 6 inch are $12 on Amazon and I ordered them right away after watching this video. They were closer to $20 when I looked up your video. $12 to try out a tool, heck yeah. I am going to EDC it, since my family never tells me that they are having a issue, and then I come over or get a ride over and then they ask if I can fix a water leak or something. I already started carrying a multitool with screwdriver bits and that's been saving me gas money to go back home to get my tools. I asked them all to please tell me before I come, so I can bring tools, but instead I come over to a bucket of water or wind damage outside that needs fixed. They said that they don't want to sound needy on the phone but that's frustrating to drive over, then go home for tools. I can't believe I am going to stuff my pockets full of tools, because of this. I only have a motorcycle and electric bike, since car insurance is so high and my truck I had was scrapped. I most of the time walk to work anyways, even when I had my truck, so it's not like I can keep tools in my vehicle like I used to do. I think this should save me some trips.
To open the Gearwrench plier back up in auto-adjust, can you press the bottom of the handle on a bench top to push the top jaw section upwards? Probably not explained that very well 😕😕 I have a set of Armeg auto-adjust pliers and they are similar to the Gearwrench that they close automatically but won't open automatically. To open them is sither the two handed approach you showed or I can hold in one hand and push the bottom of handle on the bench to open up the jaws.
Love the Knipex auto adjust, my go 2s for sure. Have you tried the Wera 32637 auto. I do use them. The locking mechanism hangs up every now and again. Really like Knipex, though...
They are good for the price for sure… I still think I prefer the Smart Grips, but then you get into the do I like them close to $50 more question. Even without the lever you can manually adjust these pretty easily without having to guess what size you need to be at, they are pretty smooth.
@@MORGANSMaintenance Apart from 12" size, the ability to turn the auto-adjustment off was a selling point for me. I do expect that it will be a tier lower than Knipex. Surely I will get another pair of Knipex as soon as they'll come in 12" and, hopefully, the off function. Not to mention that 12" would probably mean also 6" and 8" to match Cobra line.
@@Stefan_Kawalec True. I will still buy the smaller Smart Grips when/if they come out. These will do until then… that’s for me, but they are good enough to be somebody’s only set.
@@MORGANSMaintenance I just got mine. They definitely are not Knipex, but overall these are quite decent wrenches. ATM I will use 12" and 10" GearWrench as my main working wrenches for any rough work on pipes and fittings up to 3/4", delicate and non-marring jobs are for 10" Knipex pliers wrench or a regular adjustable wrench (crescent), anything above is for a pair of 16" Cobras. Knipex Auto Adjust stays in my basic non-plumbing toolbox paired with regular 10" Cobras. 6" and 8" Auto Bites stay as in house tools for now. Nonetheless GearWrench Auto-bite wrenches are not fully one-hand operated, so I am waiting for 12" Auto Adjust from Knipex. No matter the price.
Besides my trusty old OG Craftsman Robogrip pliers there are some knockoffs but none that really come to mind. Those Gearwrench look pretty promising, I might have to partake on some of this action…lol!
Their mechanism is fully attached to both sides as well. I don’t see it breaking or getting out of whack easily. Usually the old saying is true… you get what you pay for. The Gearwrench aren’t a bad option for the price.
Im not sure how a scaled down smart grip would preform. I would love a 300mm smart grip. But the 250mm smart grip jaw capacity is the same as a 180mm cobra. Would less capacity or 120mm chopped of the 250mm smartgrips' handles be better?
Some impressions after heavy usage of every of those GearWrench Pitbull Auto-Bite pliers. I used them in pairs 12"+10" and 8"+6". Bigger ones on some pressed PEX fittings and hot-fused PP fittings (two different jobs). Smaller ones on brass 3/4", 1" and 5/4" fittings and 6/4" (sic!) circulating pump (what a surprise to use pump pliers on a pump). AutoBite is a joke - when engaged, the handles are opened ridiculously wide and there's practically no useful gripping force on the jaws. It applies to all sizes from 6 to 12 inches. "Pinch-stop design prevents handle pinching palm or fingers" - my ass (quote is from their website). My fingers still hurt after pinching. Grip zone is pretty handy and it works - client asked me to tighten some fancy, high-end, chromed, polished and what-not round towel hooks/hangers. GearWrech pliers were the only tools I could use without marring the surface of those hooks/hangers. Button-free adjustment is awesome. The best feature in those pliers. When used like that the gripping force is awesome. 6" and 8" are much more capable than I thought. 12" are very uncomfortable - 16" Knipex Cobras are much easier to use. Overall - it's ok for the money, but I wonder if spending that $90 US (purchase plus relatively cheap shipping to Poland) on Knipex wouldn't be wiser.
I have noticed , like you said, you don’t get the extra squeeze on the auto bite, than when not using it. Makes a big difference in the grip. Appreciate the update. I’ve been laying tile floor, so I haven’t used mine much since getting them 👍
I haven’t had them long enough (and only use them sparingly) that I wouldn’t be able to really say yet…. But hopefully someone else might answer that’s had them longer. I will say that personally I don’t think for the price they are bad, but I’d step up to some better ones if I had the money. (Just fir feel an function) That’s just my opinion.
Buy the best quality you can find for your personal tool bag/box. Only buy cheaper tools for sacrificial situations or apprenticeship employees that don’t yet understand and/or appreciate Journeyman Tools
They are… a little more “clunky”. They are grips like many people like, but I’m a less is more on handle thickness. They are good for the price. If I never used a Smart Grip… I would think these are great. Since I have..I would say they are good, and then better than good for the price. (If you are looking for an auto adjust plier)
@@MORGANSMaintenanceI’ve been thinking about getting a pair of the Knipex auto adjust but I have all the sizes of the regular cobras (up to 12”). It would be a luxury item I suppose but I don’t think I need any pair enough to buy them I guess. Once I get in that spot one time where they would have worked better…that’s when I will probably buy them and then not use them 😎
Great video, possibly a cheaper alternative for those who can't justify buying Knipex. I appreciate your time in putting together these videos.
That’s what I feel about them… 👍👍
more toughbuilt stacktech landing in Lowes as we speak... "16 all new boxes, transportation options, and accessories now available!"
That means my Lowe’s will have them in 6 months 😂
👍👍
I just got the Cresent Z2 Auto - Bite pliers same thing used them on a hose coupling just slipped and became a pain to readjust. Had to get to old pipe wrenches loosen it up. May be good for something's not pipe, I will be returning mine. As far as the Knipex Im getting a little long in the tooth to justify the price, my old heavy tools will have to do. Nice video's 👍🏼
The Knipex are really expensive. I think they are quite a bit cheaper in overseas. It’s one of those brands that Americans have to pay more for, like they do Milwaukee etc.
I have noticed some of their prices going down as more places are stocking them… but not these pliers.
Appreciate your thoughts 👍👍
Have you heard about the Cobra quick set? They look like a old cobra but has the perimeter of the button painted in red. Basically it does the same than the Gear Wrench when used without the lever, allowing you to set them, from a wider position to a smaller one without pushing the button. In my opinion they are the perfect match to the SmartGrip Cobra.
I’ve seen them, but haven’t tried them. Do they sell them in the 7-1/4 (180) size?
It' s funny because I went the opposite route than you, started with 180 regular Cobra but after getting the smart grip I went in with the 250 quick set. I have made a quick check on amazon and looks like they are only offered in 250 and 300 sizes. I live in Spain, we have the full catalogue available so it looks like Knipex do not offers the quick set in 180mm. By the way great channel! Have a good one.
Should compare the Gearwrench to the Crescent Z2 Auto-Bite pliers. They look the exact same (both being Apex Tool brands).
I hadn’t seen those. They are probably identical, will have to look those up 👍
You don't exactly strike me as a guy who is hard to convince to go buy and try a new tool
It’s not too hard 😂…
If it’s something I can use, and not crazy expensive… I’m trying it.
The 6 inch are $12 on Amazon and I ordered them right away after watching this video. They were closer to $20 when I looked up your video. $12 to try out a tool, heck yeah. I am going to EDC it, since my family never tells me that they are having a issue, and then I come over or get a ride over and then they ask if I can fix a water leak or something. I already started carrying a multitool with screwdriver bits and that's been saving me gas money to go back home to get my tools. I asked them all to please tell me before I come, so I can bring tools, but instead I come over to a bucket of water or wind damage outside that needs fixed. They said that they don't want to sound needy on the phone but that's frustrating to drive over, then go home for tools. I can't believe I am going to stuff my pockets full of tools, because of this. I only have a motorcycle and electric bike, since car insurance is so high and my truck I had was scrapped. I most of the time walk to work anyways, even when I had my truck, so it's not like I can keep tools in my vehicle like I used to do. I think this should save me some trips.
👍👍…. Yeah that happens when you go to your families homes if you’re handy.
Thanksgiving and Christmas… might as well take your tool bag 😂
@MORGANSMaintenance yeah, I brought a backpack with some tools for Christmas and I ended up not needing it. 😆🤣😂🤣😅
To open the Gearwrench plier back up in auto-adjust, can you press the bottom of the handle on a bench top to push the top jaw section upwards? Probably not explained that very well 😕😕 I have a set of Armeg auto-adjust pliers and they are similar to the Gearwrench that they close automatically but won't open automatically. To open them is sither the two handed approach you showed or I can hold in one hand and push the bottom of handle on the bench to open up the jaws.
You can do what you said… that’s what I was actually doing with them yesterday when I was using them (not in the video)
They look identical to the crescent one. Also anybody wondering you can find 10 Inch cobras for 30-40 bucks.
I think they are… I’ve seen the Cresent in the store after picking these up
Good demo ... Thx for posting
Appreciate it 👍👍
Love the Knipex auto adjust, my go 2s for sure. Have you tried the Wera 32637 auto. I do use them. The locking mechanism hangs up every now and again. Really like Knipex, though...
I haven’t tried those… or seen those. Will have to take a look at them 👍
Mine should get here tomorrow or on Friday. While you wanted smaller ones, I would be happy if Knipex made 12".
These look like quite a decent tool.
They are good for the price for sure… I still think I prefer the Smart Grips, but then you get into the do I like them close to $50 more question.
Even without the lever you can manually adjust these pretty easily without having to guess what size you need to be at, they are pretty smooth.
@@MORGANSMaintenance Apart from 12" size, the ability to turn the auto-adjustment off was a selling point for me. I do expect that it will be a tier lower than Knipex. Surely I will get another pair of Knipex as soon as they'll come in 12" and, hopefully, the off function. Not to mention that 12" would probably mean also 6" and 8" to match Cobra line.
@@Stefan_Kawalec True. I will still buy the smaller Smart Grips when/if they come out. These will do until then… that’s for me, but they are good enough to be somebody’s only set.
@@MORGANSMaintenance I just got mine. They definitely are not Knipex, but overall these are quite decent wrenches. ATM I will use 12" and 10" GearWrench as my main working wrenches for any rough work on pipes and fittings up to 3/4", delicate and non-marring jobs are for 10" Knipex pliers wrench or a regular adjustable wrench (crescent), anything above is for a pair of 16" Cobras. Knipex Auto Adjust stays in my basic non-plumbing toolbox paired with regular 10" Cobras. 6" and 8" Auto Bites stay as in house tools for now.
Nonetheless GearWrench Auto-bite wrenches are not fully one-hand operated, so I am waiting for 12" Auto Adjust from Knipex. No matter the price.
@@Stefan_Kawalec I feel the exact same as you. They are a stop gap until Knipex makes some other sizes.
Besides my trusty old OG Craftsman Robogrip pliers there are some knockoffs but none that really come to mind. Those Gearwrench look pretty promising, I might have to partake on some of this action…lol!
They are ok for the price… they are not my Knipex… but I didn’t expect them to be.
@@MORGANSMaintenance those Gearwrench pliers also look identical to the Cresent V2 autobit pliers just a different color scheme!
@@txvet7738 I actually saw the Cresent in Home Depot today. I believe they are exactly the same.
Facom 485.17 is an excellent choice in the self adjusting style. Way better than the Knipex IMHO.
Will check those out.. appreciate it 👍👍
Wiha has a pair at lowes that open automatically as well. $29 here in az
Mine doesn’t carry them, but I have seen them online 👍
These are also branded by Crescent.
Yeah I saw those in the store since this video 👍
Have you seen the Wiha 10in ones? Lowe's have them for $30. I've been thinking about getting a pair to try.
I hadn’t seen them. My Lowe’s doesn’t have them in store (the only Wiha hand tool they have is a multi screwdriver), but I will look them up online.
Knipex is probably more durable because of the toughness/hardness (61 HRC) of the teeth; cheaper pliers have softer teeth that will wear/damage quick
Their mechanism is fully attached to both sides as well. I don’t see it breaking or getting out of whack easily.
Usually the old saying is true… you get what you pay for.
The Gearwrench aren’t a bad option for the price.
Im not sure how a scaled down smart grip would preform. I would love a 300mm smart grip. But the 250mm smart grip jaw capacity is the same as a 180mm cobra. Would less capacity or 120mm chopped of the 250mm smartgrips' handles be better?
You are right… I’d be curious how it would work, it might make them less useful. I like the 180’s for the length… but also the capacity.
Some impressions after heavy usage of every of those GearWrench Pitbull Auto-Bite pliers. I used them in pairs 12"+10" and 8"+6". Bigger ones on some pressed PEX fittings and hot-fused PP fittings (two different jobs). Smaller ones on brass 3/4", 1" and 5/4" fittings and 6/4" (sic!) circulating pump (what a surprise to use pump pliers on a pump).
AutoBite is a joke - when engaged, the handles are opened ridiculously wide and there's practically no useful gripping force on the jaws. It applies to all sizes from 6 to 12 inches.
"Pinch-stop design prevents handle pinching palm or fingers" - my ass (quote is from their website). My fingers still hurt after pinching.
Grip zone is pretty handy and it works - client asked me to tighten some fancy, high-end, chromed, polished and what-not round towel hooks/hangers. GearWrech pliers were the only tools I could use without marring the surface of those hooks/hangers.
Button-free adjustment is awesome. The best feature in those pliers. When used like that the gripping force is awesome.
6" and 8" are much more capable than I thought. 12" are very uncomfortable - 16" Knipex Cobras are much easier to use.
Overall - it's ok for the money, but I wonder if spending that $90 US (purchase plus relatively cheap shipping to Poland) on Knipex wouldn't be wiser.
I have noticed , like you said, you don’t get the extra squeeze on the auto bite, than when not using it. Makes a big difference in the grip.
Appreciate the update. I’ve been laying tile floor, so I haven’t used mine much since getting them 👍
FYI. There's a 4pc set available for $50.51 right now on Amazon.
👍👍
Does the metal last long on the gear wrench where the teeth are
I haven’t had them long enough (and only use them sparingly) that I wouldn’t be able to really say yet…. But hopefully someone else might answer that’s had them longer.
I will say that personally I don’t think for the price they are bad, but I’d step up to some better ones if I had the money. (Just fir feel an function) That’s just my opinion.
Buy the best quality you can find for your personal tool bag/box. Only buy cheaper tools for sacrificial situations or apprenticeship employees that don’t yet understand and/or appreciate Journeyman Tools
Agree 👍 👍
The gearwrench just seems more bulky overall. Might not be a big issue and maybe it just seems that way on video versus in hand feel
They are… a little more “clunky”. They are grips like many people like, but I’m a less is more on handle thickness.
They are good for the price. If I never used a Smart Grip… I would think these are great. Since I have..I would say they are good, and then better than good for the price. (If you are looking for an auto adjust plier)
@@MORGANSMaintenanceI’ve been thinking about getting a pair of the Knipex auto adjust but I have all the sizes of the regular cobras (up to 12”). It would be a luxury item I suppose but I don’t think I need any pair enough to buy them I guess. Once I get in that spot one time where they would have worked better…that’s when I will probably buy them and then not use them 😎
@@nachoisme It is a luxury item… it’s only a savings of very little time 95% of the time.
😎⚒️😎⚒️😎
👍👍👍
"Thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life." -A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
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