Tool Review: KNIPEX 3-pc TwinGrip Pliers Set, No. 00 20 06 US4
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Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?
A: These are now some of my favorite pliers. They are very versatile. Being able to use these pliers in a wide variety of scenarios makes my job easier. Think about any time that you’ve had to remove or turn a fastener that had a rounded head, was too tight for an open-end wrench, and a boxed end wrench was not an option. In those situations, maybe you used some kind of extracting tool, maybe a vise grip or pipe wrench. Extracting tools are an option but are time-consuming. We generally wait to use extracting tools as a last resort.
Choosing the right adjustment on a vise grip can be time-consuming and frustrating. Vise grips can also pose an access problem. You can only access the fastener from one single angle. Pipe wrenches can be helpful but offer the same frustrations of the vise grip, only amplified. These pliers make quick work of those scenarios most of the time and with less frustration.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?
A: The versatility of these pliers makes quick work of some frustrating situations. Decreasing those frustrating moments means increased production and increased profitability.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: There’s no setup needed. Just open the package, familiarize yourself with the adjustment, adjustment locking, and grip features, and get to work.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: Nerd Warning: Using these pliers is a nearly effortless adventure. The adjustment process does take some getting used to. The adjustment has an automated locking feature that requires the user to push a detent mechanism in while moving the pliers to the desired opening width. The detent must be pushed all the way in before the adjustment can be made. At times, a user could get frustrated when the plier opening won’t adjust because they haven't pushed the locking release detent enough. This is a necessary frustration. If the adjustment was any easier, I believe that the pliers would move too freely away from the desired plier opening.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: The pliers came in a plastic blister package. You know, the super frustrating plastic packaging that will withstand a nuclear apocalyptic event. The set includes three different size pliers: 6”, 8”, and 10”. There are no accessories included with this set.
Q: What features did you like?
A: I like that this set includes three different sizes. I like that the pliers are straight and adjustable -- similar to slip-joint pliers but way better. The jaws have some very cool features that allow the user to have a fantastic grip on any fastener in almost any position, especially worn fasteners.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
I’m reaching for something at this point. The only thing that I can think of is the indestructible plastic packaging. I’d love it if this plier set had packaging that was easier to open. Obviously, this is not a deal breaker for me and shouldn’t be for anyone.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: I used these pliers for holding brake caliper sliding pins while removing the caliper bolts, wheel alignment adjustments, and any time I came across any worn fastener.
Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you’ve used like it?
A: The closest thing I can compare these pliers to are slip-joint pliers. These offer the same benefits that traditional slip-joint pliers do but also include an amazing adjustment lock feature. They also feature some really cool grip features that traditional slip-joint pliers do not. These are way better. I will probably store my old traditional slip-joint pliers in the “not to be accessed frequently drawer."
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: I rate these pliers a ten. These should take the place of all traditional slip-joint pliers and will likely be used in lieu of vise grips in most cases.
