Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Hand Tools). This thread is read-only.
Mondo was inquiring about the alligators vs the cobra pliers, being alligators are cheaper the main question was how different are they from the Cobras. The only different in terms of function is the way the adjustment works, the Cobras have a spring and they lock where the alligators have a groove. Alligators show a little more unpainted metal but the teeth are the same, I’ve used these alligators a bit so there is some metal shavings on them and debris from tearing off of what it was biting but you can see the teeth are the same. The jaws are the same too only difference with these is the adjustment as I said. Here are some pictures for you.
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Jimbo
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I personally really dislike the alligators. The way that the groove / post adjustment works, it is entirely possible to get the jaws stuck half way so that they don’t slip and don’t close. This usually happened to me when I was in a tight spot and the damned things would open up and then not close again. I’m probably not explaining myself particularly well, but the Knipex alligator pliers are the one tool from Knipex that just doesn’t work well for me.
It depends the Cobras definitely adjust better but if your on a budget the alligators will get the job done too. I
Jimbo
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Probably gonna get the craftsman rebrand ones that are Cobras for $45. Thanks Jimbo for the video and write up.
Can you show me some tools from Alligators?
The alligators is just a style of knipex pliers, very similar to the Cobras, another style, knipex is the brand.
Jimbo
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Yea right from the box the pier wrenches are the poster tools of beautiful but industrial German engineering.
Jimbo
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Love the Knipex Cobra! I don’t think I would spend the money on the alligator, personally, as I think it suffers from the same shortcomings as typical channellocks.