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ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > Pliers > New Teeny Tiny Knipex Cobra XS Pliers

New Teeny Tiny Knipex Cobra XS Pliers

Oct 2, 2020 Stuart 31 Comments

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Knipex Tiny Cobra Water Pump Pliers

Knipex has come out with new teeny tiny Cobra XS pliers in a 100 mm (4″) size (8700100).

I’m fond of Knipex Cobra adjustable water pump pliers, and tend to use my 7″ size most often. I also tried their 125mm (5″) model a while ago, and found it to be a great size for pocket-carry and stowing into small tool set pouches. It was small, but useful.

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The new 4″ Knipex Cobra XS pliers are even smaller.

Knipex Cobra XS shares most of the features common to other Cobra adjustable pliers. They’re self-locking on nuts and pipes and with a no-slip grip that requires minimal hand pressure.

I’m sure you noticed that the handles look a bit naked without a handle grip. According to Knipex’s product catalog this was done to keep the pliers as slim as possible. Texturing on the handle face helps to ensure that users can still expect a good grip.

Knipex Tiny Cobra Water Pump Pliers EDC in Pocket

Knipex product photos show the small Cobra pliers stashed into the watch pocket of jeans. Perhaps pocket-carry was also a factor in Knipex eschewing traditional Cobra handle grips on these new smaller sized pliers.

I’d say it also looks small enough that it should be able to fit into a multi-tool pouch (by itself), or other pouches or sheaths designed for compact EDC tools.

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Knipex Tiny Cobra XS Water Pump Pliers Jaws Closeup

Knipex shows off that, despite its size, these small Cobra pliers can still be used on larger fasteners. It has a max jaw opening width of 28 mm (~1.10″) and can fit hex-shaped nuts and bolt heads up to 24 mm.

As Knipex says, it’s only 100 mm in length [but] anything but a toy!

Knipex Tiny Cobra XS Water Pump Pliers V-Groove Jaws

The V-groove jaws allow for engagement of hex fasteners across their corners.

Knipex Tiny Cobra Water Pump Pliers Hand Grip

It does look to require modified hand positioning and grip due to the very small handle length.

Knipex Tiny Cobra Water Pump Pliers EDC in Pocket Used on Small Fasteners

The Cobra XS pliers have 11 adjustment positions and also feature a pinch guard to help protect operators’ fingers.

Price: $30

Buy Now via Amazon
Buy Now via KC Tool – use our KC Tool coupon code TOOLGUYD4LIFE for 10% off

Discussion

One of the things that always bugs me about Knipex’s smaller sized pliers is that they often cost more than the larger sizes.

How can a 4″ or 5″ tool cost more than a 7″ or even 10″ tool.

Well, they usually require just as much work to produce, and probably only marginally more (cost-wise) in the way of raw materials. Coupled with presumably less demand, and the result is comparative or sometimes even higher pricing.

The Knipex Cobra XS looks to have a different design than other Cobra pliers, even the 5″ model.

Knipex Cobra SX Adjustbale Pliers Size Comparison

These new Knipex pliers, 8700100, appears to have a different button adjustment, which means added time, effort, and tooling to design and engineer. This product image shows the Knipex Cobra in 4″, 5″, 6″, 7-1/4″, and 10″ sizes.

So, it always irks me that smaller pliers could cost more than larger ones, but if you want this smaller size, there’s no getting around the premium.

This seems more aimed at EDC use then tool kit inclusion, as pliers that one might carry for impromptu gripping, maintenance, or fastening tasks they might come across.

If you don’t already own any Knipex Cobra pliers, also consider the 7-1/4″ size. That size is slim and compact enough for back-pocket carry, and large enough for general purpose use on a wide variety of fasteners and materials.

See Also: 7″ Knipex Cobra via Amazon
See Also: 10″ Knipex Cobra via Amazon

The 5″ size is also a good compromise between compactness and usefulness.

See Also: 5″ Knipex Cobra via Amazon

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Sections: New Tools, Pliers More from: Knipex

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31 Comments

  1. Jared

    Oct 2, 2020

    Looks good! I might have to give these a try.

    I’ve got the 125mm Knipex pliers wrench and use it all the time. It’s surprisingly useful for the size. If they come out with a low-profile 100mm version of that, I’d probably buy it too.

    I’ve also got the 4″ Channellock, which are neat, but not as useful as I’d hoped. Are these still made? I was trying to find the model number and had trouble finding any listings.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Oct 2, 2020

      Channellock 4.5″ in chrome
      Channellock 4.5″ in black phosphate

      I also have an older USA-made Craftsman they I bought because the Channellock was too pricey, but eventually bought the Channellock. I found that the Channellock has a slimmer head. Yes, you lose on opening width a little, but that’s acceptable for such a small adjustable wrench.

      Reply
      • Brandon

        Oct 2, 2020

        Stuart, I bought one of those Channellock adjustable wrenches last year on your recommendation. It is the best adjustable wrench that I’ve ever used. I’ve used various US-made & China/Taiwan brands. Never used the pliers-wrench, though.

        Reply
        • Stuart

          Oct 3, 2020

          I’m glad it worked out well for you!

          I have tried more adjustable wrench brands than I care to admit, and Channellock’s are still my favorite.

          Reply
      • Jared

        Oct 2, 2020

        Actually the adjustable wrench isn’t what I was referring too (but I have that one too (I am a bit of a Channellock fanboy) and think it’s very well made – don’t use it much when I have the Knipex around though).

        I was thinking of the Channellock 424 tongue and groove pliers. At least in size, they seem like the closest competitor to these new Knipex pliers.

        I finally found the right search terms to locate a listing: https://www.amazon.ca/Channellock-424-2-Inch-Capacity-Tongue/dp/B00004SBCR

        The Channellocks aren’t bad, just not as awesome as the 125mm pliers wrench. Not the same price either. I just feel the pliers on my multitool can basically tackle the same stuff as the 424s.

        Reply
        • Stuart

          Oct 3, 2020

          Ah, I’m sorry for misunderstanding. I don’t think I’ve seen those before, but they do look convenient.

          Reply
          • fred

            Oct 3, 2020

            I’ve had a pair of the 424’s (as I noted below) since the 1980’s . They feel light in the hands – a little less heft than the typical Knipex – but work quite well

  2. David Zeller

    Oct 2, 2020

    Is it my imagination, or does the picture at the top of the post show a defect in the ratchet/gear teeth?

    The same weird tooth isn’t visible in other pictures, I don’t think.

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Oct 2, 2020

      Hmm, I see it too.

      Knipex has a defect-free image on their website, but side-profile that doesn’t show the texturing of the handle.

      Reply
  3. Wayne R.

    Oct 2, 2020

    It’s hard for me to imagine using such short pliers. Any hex that small would just get a wrench. Of course, as soon as I hit “Post” there will be a situation where it’s needed…

    Reply
  4. Reed Prince

    Oct 2, 2020

    I bought one of these a few months ago from a store in Germany. They are a nice addition to the Cobra family.

    Reply
  5. Tim D.

    Oct 2, 2020

    I like the 5″ pliers wrench and cobras. I can’t imagine going any smaller and being of much use though. Not for my hands at least.

    Reply
  6. Chris I

    Oct 2, 2020

    Perfect. Just like I use my 3″ hammer on the job site all the time

    Reply
    • Stuart

      Oct 3, 2020

      You joke, but… https://toolguyd.com/nupla-handi-hammer/

      Reply
      • fred

        Oct 4, 2020

        Or a fitter’s hammer:

        https://www.harryepstein.com/c-s-osborne-small-fitters-hammer-no-1999.html

        Reply
  7. William

    Oct 2, 2020

    Cute item, don’t really see the value in this personally, If I was assembling a small tool kit, I’d likely want a larger plier. To give more general utility.

    Maybe if I was an on-site tech, and needed something on my person, this would be an interesting choice.

    Reply
  8. fred

    Oct 2, 2020

    I bought a Proto ignition wrench set back in the 1960’s that came with their #235 (now J235) pliers that I found surprisingly handy for other things despite their 5 inch size. In the 1980’s I bought a Channlecck 424G that is 1/2 inch shorter – but works more smoothly. I’m not sure if I’ll buy any of these 100mm long ones to drop another 1/2 inch in length – although I do like the Cobras that I have better than Channellocks. These new ones do look like possible stocking stuffers.

    Reply
  9. AC

    Oct 2, 2020

    Never saw the point of the 5″ pliers wrench until I got one to carry in my bike bag. It’s pretty perfect in that application and super flexible to service the family fleet on the road.

    Wish they ungraded the smaller prliers wrenches to match the 7″ and 10″.

    Reply
    • L

      Oct 18, 2020

      As I was reading the reviews my thought was that would be a perfect fit for my bike bag. Thanks for the feedback……

      Reply
  10. RobL

    Oct 2, 2020

    https://countycomm.com/collections/view-all-tool-products/products/adjustable-wrench-titanium-4-inch-nsn-pending

    Reply
  11. Philip Proctor

    Oct 2, 2020

    I got these because I’ve been carrying a Leatherman Free K4 and didn’t want to be without pliers.

    Reply
    • Jared

      Oct 2, 2020

      That strikes me as an excellent use-case. E.g. If you’re carrying a knife instead of a multitool (albeit yours is a bit of both), these would be an excellent companion.

      Reply
  12. Joe H

    Oct 2, 2020

    This paired with a Swiss Army Farmer would make for an excellent EDC combo.

    Reply
  13. Bob

    Oct 2, 2020

    I bought a craftsman ignition set of wrenches and plyers years ago but A. I have never used them and B. What part of the ignition system in an internal combustion engine are these intended for? Usualy a straight blade screw driver will let you access the cover on the points. Only seen straight blade screws in these applications. No need for teeny weeny wrenches? Were they talking about rocket ignition systems? Lol

    I thought about tossing them but they are so diminutive they take up hardly any room. Plus the second I toss them you know I’ll need them.

    Reply
    • fred

      Oct 2, 2020

      Some old cars made up wire connections using brass nuts and screw posts – connecting components like coil, condenser and points. GM also seemed to favor hex (Allen) wrenches for points adjustment

      Reply
    • Joe

      Oct 3, 2020

      Ignition wrenches, i’v used 2 different sizes while changing a burner pilot on a steam boiler. There was no room to use an adjustable wrench or pliers.

      Reply
  14. Stacey Jones

    Oct 3, 2020

    I do not need these. I do not need these. I do not need these but I will probably buy these anyway 😂.

    Reply
  15. Steven

    Oct 3, 2020

    The 5” cobras have lived in my back pocket since 2014. They are fantastic and second to none in performance. They do exactly what the big boys do….on small scale and you can hardly feel them in your pocket(or maybe im so used to them)

    Uncoated handles are interesting….would i buy 4” over 6”? Prob not, but its an option for people.

    Reply
  16. Corey Moore

    Oct 4, 2020

    Got the 7.25, 10, 12, and 22’s, said I’d never need smaller than the 7’s lol Well played, Knipex. S’pose I’ll be picking these up at some point.

    Reply
  17. Chris Fyfe

    Oct 4, 2020

    I love mine , and carry them for both work and play . Fit ,finnish and action on mine are Superb . Hope they come out with a 100 mm Plierwrench .

    Reply
  18. Joe

    Oct 4, 2020

    P.S. ; this is what i did a while ago. I bought an extra pair of Channellock No. GL6 (that’s the Grip Lock variant of thei USA made tongue & Groove Pliers) and I modified (cut it down) with an angle grinder w/ a thin cutting wheel to about 5 inches long. I’m sure it can still be useful at 4 inches long.

    Reply

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