Tag Archives | Knipex

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various everyday carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or everyday carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

If you have been following The EDC Tool Roll for a while, you’ll know that I am a big fan of the Knipex Pliers Wrench. They might be my favorite tool. I’ve used the 5″ version as part of my EDC and range bag toolkit for years. Several months ago, I picked up the new 4″ version for testing as well. Since that time, the 86 04 100 Pliers Wrench has lived in my fifth pocket.

The new 4″ version is focused on the EDC market much like the 4″ version of the Cobra Pliers that Knipex rolled out earlier. They offer several key differences from their larger counterparts in addition to their smaller size. They lack the iconic red rubber grips on the handle which makes taking them in and out of a pocket easier. They also have slightly slimmer jaws and a sliding mechanism that does not require a button press to adjust the opening of the jaws. All of these changes are well-suited for a smaller overall tool meant to be easy to carry.

Speaking of adjusting the opening of the jaws… Like all other Pliers Wrench iterations, these things offer a massive range of adjustment allowing them to be used on larger fasteners than you might expect – up to a 3/4″ nut comfortably (or even just a bit larger if you push your luck).

Size and features aside, these are basically as functional as their larger counterparts. They offer a tight grip on the fastener that only gets tighter as you pull the tool through the arc of its motion. The faux ratcheting effect that makes these so darn handy is also intact making these a reasonable replacement for a ratchet set in some cases.

At this point, you may be wondering what you are giving up with this new smaller version. They definitely lack a bit of leverage compared to larger versions and the checkered handle, while grippy, is not as comfortable to use as the red rubber-dipped larger variants. For those reasons, I definitely prefer this in a pocket-carry role. If you are going to carry them in an EDC Bag or Range Bag, go with the 5″ version.

Where to Buy:

I don’t have a source for Knipex Tools locally (and probably never will) so I buy all of mine online, usually from Amazon: Knipex Pliers Wrench 86 04 100 on Amazon

Previously Reviewed Alternatives:

1. Channellock 804 4.5″ Adjustable Wrench
2. Knipex Pliers Wrench (86 03 125)
3. Lobster UM24SS Shorty Adjustable Wrench

See all the reviews for previous tools: The EDC Tool Roll

Do you have a tool recommendation that fits The EDC Tool Roll? Tell us about it in the comments below or drop us a line on the Contact page.

The above URLs may be affiliate links.

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

The Knipex Cobra Pliers 87 01 125 are one of my all-time favorite tools, one of the reasons I started writing The EDC Tool Roll series, and the most viewed review in this series. I am certainly not the only one who took notice of these handy little pliers. Knipex has certainly taken note of the attention that the everyday carry community has given to the 87 01 125 because they have launched an addition to the Cobra line that is actually aimed directly at the EDC market.

The new Cobra Plier 87 00 100 follows the Knipex Cobra pattern with its large jaw opening, excellent hardened teeth, and easy adjustment. It is also an inch shorter in overall length than the already fairly compact 87 01 125. However, this isn’t just a smaller version of an existing product. It actually brings a number of thoughtful features that fit it’s intended purpose as an everyday carry item.

There are two changes that make these new, smaller Cobra Pliers more EDC-friendly. The first is the lack of a rubberized grip. The grip on the Cobra 87 01 125 is comfortable and useable but it adds thickness and can make the pliers stick in your pocket a bit. The new 87 00 100 has well-shaped, bare steel handles with checkering for grip. These bare grips make the pliers slide in and out of the pocket with ease.

The second EDC update is the use of a detent adjustment instead of a button lock. This allows the user to adjust the size of the pliers with one hand as there is no button to press. It also streamlines the pliers significantly and removes sport for lint to accumulate.

I should also note that the new 87 00 100 has slimmer jaws. I am not sure that this change makes them any more EDC-friendly but it does make them great for getting into tight places and reduces the weight. One of the main selling points of Knipex pliers is always the jaws and they always seem to get them right.

The 87 00 100’s jaws open wide to about 1.1″ which means you can do real work with these diminutive pliers. Speaking of diminutive, they are just under 4″ long and weigh in at a scant 2.18 ounces. They fit easily into the coin pocket on most jeans with just a bit of the handle sticking out.

Unless you need the larger size of the 87 01 125, the new 87 00 100 is a no-brainer for EDC. The slim and slick design, one-handed adjustment, and lightweight make it a joy to carry. They may be small but still outwork the marginal pliers found on most multitools.

Where to Buy:

I don’t have a source for Knipex Tools locally so I buy all of mine online, usually from Amazon: Knipex Cobra Pliers 87 00 100 on Amazon

Previously Reviewed Alternatives:

• Knipex Cobra 125
• Channellock 424 and Tekton 37521

See all the reviews for previous tools: The EDC Tool Roll

Do you have a tool recommendation that fits The EDC Tool Roll? Tell us about it in the comments below or drop us a line on the Contact page.

The above URLs may be affiliate links.