
Knipex Cobra 10-inch Red
Score: 92/100
Craftsman Linesman Plier 8-in
Score: 83/100Rankings

The Knipex 87 01 250 Cobra is a 10-inch high-tech water pump plier featuring 25 fine adjustment positions via a push-button mechanism for rapid adaptation on workpieces. It utilizes a self-locking jaw design with hardened teeth to provide superior grip on pipes up to 2 inches and nuts up to 46 mm with minimal hand force. Ideal for professional plumbers and mechanics needing versatile gripping in maintenance and automotive repair.

The Craftsman CMHT81648 is an 8 3/4-inch lineman's plier constructed from drop forged steel with a corrosion-resistant chrome finish. It features induction-hardened cutting edges for durability and multi-zone bi-material comfort grips for enhanced control during heavy-duty tasks. It is best suited for DIY enthusiasts and electricians performing non-live work.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
61 HRCbest | — | |
250 mmbest | 222 mm | |
50 mmbest | 38 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 335 gbest | 413 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Safety & Durability(1) | ||
Insulation Rating | Not Insulated | Non-insulated |
Jaw & Cutting Performance(4) | ||
Jaw Type | Serrated | Linesman |
Jaw Capacity (mm) | 50 mm | 38 mm |
Wire Cutter | false | true |
Finish | Polished/Atramentized | Chrome |
Handle & Ergonomics(1) | ||
Grip Type | Self-Locking | Multi-zone |
Core Specifications(5) | ||
Tool Type | Water Pump Pliers | Linesman Pliers |
Material | Chrome Vanadium Steel | Drop forged steel |
Overall Length (mm) | 250 mm | 222 mm |
Weight (g) | 335 g | 413 g |
Warranty | Lifetime | Full Lifetime Warranty |

Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).

Professional reviewers and editors highlight the Knipex 87 01 250 Cobra for its superior grip and efficiency, noting it offers 30% more gripping capacity than previous models.
Users frequently praise the lack of slipping and low hand force required, as well as the comfort during repetitive tasks like pipe turning.



Manufacturer and retailer descriptions emphasize strength, durability from drop forged steel, corrosion resistance, and sharpened cutting edges, positioning it as a reliable everyday tool for linemen and trades.
Product pages note general approval for the comfort grips and cutting performance, but no specific praise or complaints are quoted.