Knipex Pliers Wrenches: the race mechanic’s favourite tool

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With Chipps and Dave busy assembling ‘Guide’ packs ready for their Level 2 Mountain Bike Leader assessment they’ve been searching for versatile trailside repair tools, and while in Finale we were tipped off to these beauties…

Fix everything
Fix everything

As recommended by Trek Factory Enduro Racing’s James Richards, Knipex Pliers Wrenches combine the best of two tools into one that will help fix almost anything, anywhere.

With a very subtly fine range of adjustment they can be used for gripping broken bolts, straightening bent discs and generally bodging repairs either out on the trail or in the workshop. They’re so versatile that Tracy Moseley keeps the 125mm mini pliers version in her race pack for mid race repairs.

Here’s their strengths according to Knipex:

  • replaces the need for sets of metric and imperial spanners
  • smooth jaws for damage free installation of plated fittings – working directly on chrome!
  • adjustable tightening tool
  • also excellent for gripping, holding, pressing and bending workpieces
  • zero backlash jaw pressure prevents damage to edges of sensitive components
  • push the button for adjustment on the workpiece
  • parallel jaws give a more solid grip; its design allows flexible adjustment of all widths up to the specified maximum size
  • reliable catching of the hinge bolt: no unintentional shifting
  • the ratchet type principle allows quick and easy tightening and release of all bolted connections
  • lever transmission greater than 10 : 1 for strong gripping power
  • Chrome vanadium electric steel, forged, oil-hardened

The only question now is how many sizes to buy…

Knipex.com

Available from RS

 


Comments (7)

    Brilliant tool those we have several sets 😀

    My mum just asked me what I want for Christmas… sorted!

    Looks well handy

    what does zero backlash jaw pressure mean?

    It means that the jaws don’t open up slightly, so the pressure goes on the flats of what you are gripping and is less likely to (for instance) round of nuts.
    Although looking at these I can only assume that will depend on how tightly you hold them closed – not seen them in the flesh so hard to say for certain.

    If you use them in the correct direction they hold themselves shut tightly so you can really lean on them.
    Buck & Hickman seem to be cheapest for them ATM but think you need a trade account with them to buy 😉

    Would be lost without these things and other high quality Knipex pliers, they do 3 sizes so be sure you get the right product code (86 05 150) on the handle if your buying them, and 2 handle options, this is the comfort handle and they only weigh 196 grams on my accurate kitchen scales!!
    “rubbing my hands together” TOOLS!!!!

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