The right gripping tools can transform your toolkit, making every job safer, faster and more efficient, says David Barnes, Marketing Manager at KNIPEX.
Having reliable tools that grip effectively is essential for both efficiency, comfort and safety. Construction and plumbing work frequently involve handling materials such as pipes, rods, and fittings. These tasks are common in the trade but can be challenging, particularly when dealing with irregularly shaped surfaces or those slick with water, oil, or other residues. A secure grip allows tradespeople to exert the necessary force to tighten, loosen or adjust components without risking slippage, which can lead to wasted time or even injury.
Popular gripping tools include slip-joint pliers, needle-nose pliers and tongue-and-groove pliers. Slip-joint pliers, with their adjustable jaws, are good for gripping various sizes of nuts, bolts and pipes while needle-nose pliers, with their long, slender design, allow for precision in tight spaces. Tongue-and-groove pliers, also known as channel locks, are versatile and provide good grip on pipes and fixtures. These tools are essential for making reliable plumbing repairs and adjustments efficiently.
Another popular addition to a trades person’s toolkit is water pump pliers. These are so called because they were originally designed for gripping and turning pipes and fittings, making them indispensable for tasks involving water pumps.
Today these are versatile tools commonly used for rotating nuts and bolts, as well as gripping angular or irregular objects or securing parts like pipes, couplings, sheet metal or screws. They are used in many sectors not just plumbing, including sanitary and heating engineering or air-conditioning. In fact, if you need to loosen or tighten bolts, replace parts or generally work on pipes then you need water pump pliers in your toolbox.
Water pump pliers are incredibly practical and easy to use. They can be precisely adjusted so work perfectly for different workpieces, like pipes, so the job gets done quickly and efficiently. A self-locking mechanism keeps a secure grip on the workpiece and stops any slipping that could slow you down. On top of that, their ergonomic shape means they’re comfortable to use, reducing strain and making everyday tasks less tiring.
KNIPEX offers two flagship models of water pump pliers: the Alligator® and the Cobra®. The former has been a trusted tool since 1973, renowned for its reliable self-locking design and robust slip joint, making it a favourite among tradespeople who value proven performance. They have a high wear resistance and dirt doesn’t affect them, so they’re particularly useful for outdoor work.
Building on this legacy, the Cobra® series takes things further with a push-button adjustment system. This clever mechanism allows for quick and precise jaw sizing directly on the workpiece and as they are all self-clamping on pipes and nuts, they won’t slip. Using this tool is simple – press the button, open the joint, position the upper jaw on the workpiece and slide the lower jaw into place.
Both the Cobra and the Alligator have a choice of handles including non-slip plastic, comfortable multi component grip handles and multi component insulated handles that are VDE tested. Both models also have options which come with a tether attachment point to prevent the tools falling from height and causing issues or injuries and a pinch guard to protect the users’ fingers. Plastic protective jaw covers are also available for the Cobra®, designed to prevent damage to the workpiece by covering all the teeth on the tool.
Front and side-gripping pliers are another great tool for the trade. These pliers are both versatile and precise and ideal for tasks that standard pliers cannot handle. As the name suggests, these tools are designed to grip workpieces from both the front and the side, making them ideal for working in tight spaces or on awkwardly positioned components. Their ability to securely grip fasteners, nails or irregularly shaped materials from different angles eliminates the need for multiple tools and streamlines the job.
Front and side-gripping pliers also provide excellent control, allowing tradespeople to work with precision and avoid damaging the workpiece. By offering a practical solution for a range of gripping tasks, they save time and ensure tradespeople are prepared for unexpected challenges, such as loosening stripped screws, straightening bent nails or gripping hard-to-reach components.
The KNIPEX TwinGrip® pliers combine front and side grip functionality with a robust box joint and push-button adjustment, making them ideal for gripping, tightening and loosening screws, even with worn heads. Their high-grip front jaw, slim design and large gripping capacity makes them great to use in confined spaces. They have a seven-way adjustable slip joint, three-point gripping system for flat workpieces and a pinch stop for finger protection.
The TwinGrip® comes with a choice of handles: non-slip plastic, multicomponent handles and the new comfort handles for a really secure hold with a thumb recess for more control. These new handles can also be personalised with a dipped space for a name and incorporate KNIPEXtend so users can add in ColorCode Clips to make each tool easily identifiable and the anti-fall TetheredTool Clips.
Adding high-quality gripping tools to your toolkit lets you tackle tough jobs with confidence. Whether you’re tightening pipes, loosening worn screws or working in tight spaces, tools designed to grip effectively save time and reduce frustration. They’re essential for working with irregular shapes, worn fasteners or in confined areas where standard tools can’t reach. Investing in pliers with advanced features, like self-locking jaws, adjustable settings or dual front and side gripping, means you’re ready for whatever the job throws at you.
For more details on KNIPEX visit KNIPEX | The pliers brand | Home page.
