The KNIPEX Tools Universal Grip Pliers, No. 40 14 250, feature a bottom jaw that pivots automatically to adjust to whatever the user is gripping - including round, square, hex or flat materials. This tool features a toggle lever action that applies high clamping pressure for a more secure grip. Made of forged chrome vanadium electric steel for heavy duty durability, the Universal Grip Pliers allow for one-handed operation and are designed for everyday use.
The Review
For a relatively common tool such as gripping pliers, small features can go a long way in making the job easier. That’s what Lou Fort, lead technician at K.A.R.S Inc. in Huntingburg, Indiana, found to be the case with the KNIPEX Universal Grip Pliers.
“The top feature found on the KNIPEX Gripping Pliers has to be the pivoting lower jaw,” Fort says. “This very unique jaw allows [the] pliers to work with a much wider range of shapes. Personally, I am also a fan of the pull-to-release lever over the more traditional push style. At times I have had to use a second tool on push types to get them to release. I have not had that problem with the KNIPEX pliers.”
The only setup needed to use the tool is the same as any other gripping pliers, he says. Turning the force screw to set a desired range is all that is required.
Fort found it useful that the pliers can be used with flat, curved, round, oblong, hex and a variety of other surfaces. He has used them to adjust tie rods during alignments and to hold round stock to flat stock while drilling through both.
“The pivoting jaw also let me use them as hose pinchers without having to grab a dedicated tool for the job,” he adds.
The only difficulty Fort has encountered with the pliers was when the pivoting jaw swung back, binding with the upper jaw when closing.
He adds that perhaps “a small bevel on the very front of the jaw [might] prevent that from happening.”
Overall, Fort was impressed with the pliers.
“They are well built, have a wide range of uses and are easy to use,” he says.
