Knipex Pliers Wrench 10" - Old vs New Version 

I'd say regardless of the larger capacity, the maintenance free nickel finish, thicker casting, and dipped handles make it my choice. I have a thing for top notch quality tools. Thanks to this videos Creator for explaining the differences so well. I am now a Suscriber. We all know how scarce intelligent people are getting nowadays ( obviously, smiles )

My 86 03 250 ( 1 week old) is the "dipped" handle style with the nickel finish in the new design. I believe the 86 is the tool #, the 03 is the finish #, and the 250 is the length in mm.

4:40 I’m not a engineer or anything but I would assume when you have it set to 32 that with the handles closed you would want it to be just smaller then 32 so that you not bottoming out the pliers so all the force goes into whatever your squeezing and not into the handles hitting each other

As of December 2020 I was still able to find the old-style version - a very well made tool and a good investment. Because the jaw faces remain parallel, I use it primarily for pressing in roll pins.

just bought 86 05 250T and absolutely pleased with them.

Great comparison. Glad i watched your video before buying the new ones. And I'm glad I've got three pair of the "old" style...

Definitely like using the older ones better because of the handles coming closer together but I like that they cut weight where they could

Excellent comparison. Thanks for posting this.

I've got a 3 piece set of these from approximately the time you would have posted this. I never paid that close attention to them. My set must have been right in the middle of the transition. My 12" appears to be the old style, but the 10" and 7-1/4" are new style (but still chrome, smooth plasti-dip-type handles). Thanks for the review, years later!

Having a mix of textured and smooth pliers, it is an easy way to feel which one im grabbing. So to tell the new one apart from cobras, I bought one with the two compound handles.

Also, the weight was never an issue to me. I suspect that this is a test to see if people prefer one color over another. I like dark colors too, but for this tool, I like the chrome look and the smooth handles. The pebbled grain does add texture, but it’s a lot easier to wipe down the smooth version. If the old version goes on sale, I would definitely stock up on some!

Really excellent review. Every other review I've seen says they are identical except for finish. I think I'm gonna get the 7.5" black oxide one and a 10" Cobra.

Glad I got a pretty complete set in the old style while I could.

Miss his great videos

GTR, I just got the new chrome 10" plier wrench today in the mail. Mine has the dipped handle covers. And yes I think I like the new grip profile. And you are correct the printed scale seems to be aimed at the wide open end of the handle stork , which I do not think I like, I think I would have aimed for the middle of the handle stork range. An yes by the way the jaw plastic protector do snap on the jaw, so that explains why the jaws have that pad shape on the sides.

Come back German Tool Reviews. We miss you.

I actually found the new version in a Home Depot and I gotta say I actually really like the feel of the new ones better. I guess it's cause my fingers are longer, so I assume the designers at knipex on average have long fingers too.

GTR, I ask two questions. One, so far I noticed that Knipex prefers to use the soft handle for the oxide finish and the other for chrome finish instead of giving the soft handle for new products. Can you confirm this? Second, if you set the size right, I believe you can use the tool by only pushing the moving jaw handle and not having to squeeze both. Did you try it? I'm curious what you think.

Love your videos and miss your contents man, when are you coming back?

I Love Love Love “over engineered” 😃 Great channel full of helpful analysis. I for one hope you can continue with these great detailed reviews 👍🏼

If it may be of service to anyone I believe the model with the bent handles (to allow one to get closer to walls without touching them) apparently uses the old model of the tool, no laser printing, extra meat in the places where it was removed and 46mm max opening :) thanks for pointing it out btw I am getting the bent handles model especially because of your video 👍

hmmm. I'd think I'd prefer the smaller handle on the old one.

i got the chrome 180m tonight. idk if im being picky but theres a ton of play in the lower jaw and when fully closed its offset from the top. also the lever seems to stick the more i open the jaws.

I noticed the red grips are backwards too. The top is longer on one, and on the other the bottom is longer. I also noticed on the Cobras, some have even length grips and some have a short bottom grip. Just an observation. Still love Knipex.

Now I’m confused on which ones to purchase I just ordered a set of the 7 inch plier wrench and cobras and I believe there the new black versions I hope there just as good as the old version????

I have small hands and already have trouble with some tool's handles. Looks like this is another tool that wouldn't work well for my hands. I just spent a bunch of money on other Christmas stuff and such so looks like I may not be getting a pliers wrench after all.

So after over a year use, which do you like now?

They are great wrenches. I’ll keep my original chrome ones though 😁

I have the newer black oxide version. I love them except for the now-increased handle grip gap (handles spread farther apart). This does not work well with my smaller hands. Cosmetically, I prefer the black oxide but, functionally, I wish Knipex would decrease the new grip gap to allow a more controlled "ratcheting action".

I think the old style is still available in all sizes, I don't think they are stopping production of the heavier, chromed version. I get the idea the black one is the budget version. I'm buying knipex because my arthritis has forced me to buy more ergonomic tools, and the wider handles on the new version is a no-no for me. Thanks for highlighting this in your review.

Just got a set in today. Also,checked on their site and it looks like that the 10in is only one that was updated, everything is the same......does anyone know why???

Man I really wish you would do a new comparison video on these. I'm fascinated and really want to get a pair, but I'm not sure what to get. Now they have comfort grips, and I'm under the impression they have 3 different finishes now. Chrome, black ox, and nickel?

Do they sell the Black Oxide version in a set like the chrome edition?

what is the purpose for red and blue handle??

is the cobra also getting a new version?

Bought the new version 10 inch but with the comfort handle and I like it. Model 86 05 250

How do you know Knipex will discontinue production of the old version?

Is there greater leeway jaw opening (for a given notch position) on the new ones compared to the old? This would allow for easier and quicker ratcheting. If you could measure for both the old and new, that'd be great. I think the new is 6mm, though that could be for the 7" version of the pliers. ***EDIT***: Found out that the new 7" pliers have almost a millimetre more travel for a given notch setting. That doesn't sound like a lot, but it makes ratcheting easier or even possible with bigger nuts.

Marketing, it’s all about the Marketing Department. People always need to have the latest and greatest so when sales of a particular product stagnates Marketing comes up with “a design change” to increase sales. Hopefully I’ll have the money soon to purchase the old style. The Wisemen (marketing) should of began pimping these in time for Christmas.

So I live in Oregon and prefer the chrome version of the pliers wrenches and also the cobras. Do you think it even matters with these new models and new production dated tools that appear to have a better bluing to them & you certain they will discontinue the chrome versions fully? That means 5-7 different sizes to make... Have you seen the 15 degree bent handle pliers wrenches? They Look like a great tool for being close to a surface. Thank you for the content, I just watched the re chroming video more videos like those would be GREAT! I watch A LOT of ScoutCrafter who is a great toolsmith, I think you two would be able to come up with some great content if you shared something with him and vice versa.

I dont know why vut i always enjoy slimer handls then thick but i love when they are closer one to the other

Used your link to buy the 86 01 250 ! Thank you for the detailed videos! I would have bought the old version somewhere else!

Man, I love Knipex but I feel this is a step backwards... Glad I already have duplicates of every size but 16", only one of them 😁👍

Hi , where can you get the dark colour please ????

Great comparison, by any have you reviewed any grip locking (Knipex/Gedore)pliers ?

I'm not liking the handles being farther apart either. That is almost a non-starter for me. I'll stick with the old ones I have.

Hi would you recommend them or the were joke wrenches?

Where can I find the older versions

The black oxide was probably used to save money. However black oxide adds only microns to final dimensions and is very predictable, predictably almost nothing, so it is easier to achieve closer tolerances if there were any close tolerance dimensions anywhere.

I noticed the handles on a replacement set I bought. Not a fan :(

Handles further apart to prevent pinching? I've crushed my hands numerous times using the old style one handed

There is at least 3 versions. As I own 3. The fit and finish on the 1st version is the best. Made around 2007 I believe.

Thanks, I‘ve been anticipating this :)

The 86 03 250 is the new version now too.

Probably wont get an answer here but worth trying, any car mechanics either professionally or on hobby basis who has any say about this tool? I'm thinking of getting one and I'm curious if I should look for the old/new one. :)

What do you oil your tools with?

Is the new fairer than the old?

I really hope they don’t drop the chrome version. I thought they were perfect the way they were without all the fancy lightening cuts and stuff.

I've watched this video a few times now on separate viewings and I kind of prefer the new ones now. The handles are further apart, but that's most evident at the widest jaw opening, which the older one cannot reach. At the more closed jaw positions the difference is negligible and I reckon IRL would not be too noticeable. Also, someone mentioned pinch-prevention. Hmm...

Which is better: chrome or black finished?

I ordered 4 of these and mine came in chrome. But has the new features. Did they make a chrome version too?

I bought a knipex plier wrench 180 on Amazon, but I didn't like the jaw slack, is this normal? greetings from Brazil.

Strange the etched marking aren't more accurate.

As soon as I saw those handles... I said the same thing. 1st bit of oil on those new handles will be there forever. Can't just wipe it off.

The chroming on the old model isn't that great. Some of it chipped off on mine. Offering a black finish option wouldn't be a bad thing. The same goes with adding size markings and making it lighter without sacrificing strength. That being said, the wider gap between the handles makes it harder to hold both handles in one hand like a standard adjustable wrench when the handles have to be partially open. That can get annoying and I might order some other sizes to supplement my 10" pliers wrench early to make sure I get the old style.

I'm not positive, but have heard the second & third digits of Knipex part/model numbers refer to the handle grip type. Don't have time to look it up now, but seem to recall that info buried deep within the Knipex website. For the record, I know a tool truck guy who prefers carrying the rough plastic Knipex grips... says they mitigate returns as the impossible to clean textured material rapidly becomes filthy & thus un-returnable with little if any use. Same deal with a lot of other soft handle & over-molded tools/products that are now so common. Also, assuredly the weight reduction has to do with money... less raw material per unit, probably easier/cheaper to forge & machine, reduced shipping costs and who knows what all else. No matter what they say, it's always about money.

Great pliers , even with the cut-down weight its still an over-engineered tool :)

What is the difference of exact same model numbers except having “SBA” at end

I love Knipex. I have to say though, based on what the changes to the handles seem to be, I don't think it's a very smart decision on their part. The grips are further apart and worst of all, the handles are thinner which is not a plus in my opinion when applying lots of squeezing force. If anyone is like me, when I really need to squeeze pliers, I want a thicker handle that wont dig into my hands.

Btw, Knipex must have two chrome sources because it has always bugged me that some of my pliers wrenches have a blue hue and others a gold hue. Why don't they work on that quality control aspect instead of ruining a perfect design?

I just bought this new version but it’s in chrome and has the slick handles.

I'm glad I picked up the old version for 30 bucks

Looks like the part number is different between the two...86-03-250 vs 86-01-250. Note the middle pair of digits is different between the two...

Do you have a Knipex pipe wrench?

For those of you old enough, take a step back to the 80s and imagine seeing a pair of pliers that looked like these. While aesthetics don't make for functionality, these things look like a prop out of a sci fi movie. I like the looks and concept of both, but the price is an inhibitor for me - not a mechanic, just a DIY with limited budget and a tried and true set of Channel Locks!

Very cool 😎 thx

hey. whats the difference between the cobra and the alligator? is there a comparison or are they two different tools? they appear similar to me.

If the part numbers are identical, then I would guess that they are mutually compatible.

I'm a DIYer. I like my gen 1 Knipex wrench pliers. My only complaint is no size markings. It's nice the gen 2 had this. These are great tools.

They are both still being sold. Not old vs new just the different version of the same tool 01 is the cheaper or budget one.

Put them to use in a video to see what they do.

I think they're making a chrome version of the new ones but they need to get rid of the old ones

I am stoked for your plierswrench comparison vid. I know this is GERMAN tool reviews, but it would be great if you could get a pair of the new irwin pliers wrenches to add to the mix.

I very much prefer the older version

those are not "new" and "old" versions, it's the 8601250 atramentized vresion and the 8603250 chrome plated first two characters define the tool type: 86 - plier type third character is the jaw type: 0 - straight jaw fourth is the finish: 3 - chrome plated / 1 - atramentized fitfth to seventh characters define the length: 250 - length in mm

I will stay with the chromed and thicker model. Personally that one has enough of flex. Can only imagine how much flex the new one has. Cost does not mean everything.

The chrome version is generally lighter than the black one.. I just checked the new version of both against each other.. the handle being the slick plastic might make a bit of a difference, but honestly don’t think so Difference of both 180 versions was ~30gram It might just be the chrome on the steel, or maybe they use different steel on the chrome in general

Knipex is the tool that the older the better~

Don't quite get why 🤔

More skookum, more comfortable, and easier to clean. Needless to say I’ll stick with my old ones.

i thing preaple got blister from the handels bing to close toghether and that is why they canged it. i like the change but i will allways buy chromed over everyting

The lower weight shows what modern engineering can do with computer simulations. I'm willing to bet they did FEA on the pliers to figure out where they could remove material without sacrificing any strength.

Dunno about you but I'm used to the wider grip.....😂

Kinda wish i would have watch this bro bought the new ones 😂

They made it black so the new and old dont get mixed But they will make it chrome later

why did they have to do this now, i'm strapped for cash and i want the old stock....

Love this tool, but please don’t over engineering in optimisation to reduce the weight!

It is thinner.

Dude, why you gotta' talk with your hands? I'm trying to look at the Pliers.

I stopped buying Knipex, had warranty problems...3 times, for me to much money, not enough back up.. warranty is useless, just my 2 cents, anybody else have this problem?