Description:

Key Features

Push-Button AdjustmentSet the jaws right on the workpiece with the push-button joint. That makes sizing faster when you are moving between different pipe and nut sizes.Self-Locking BiteThese Knipex Cobra water pump pliers grip pipes and nuts without wanting to walk off the workpiece. That means less hand effort and more control when space is tight.Built to LastForged chrome vanadium electric steel, oil-hardened teeth, and a box-joint design give this small plier the kind of durability pros expect from a daily-carry hand tool.

Overview

Knipex 87 01 150 Cobra Water Pump Pliers is a compact 6 inch gripping tool built for turning pipes, nuts, and fittings where a bigger plier is just in the way. This is a pair of water pump pliers designed for gripping and turning round and hex workpieces in tight spaces. Model number 87 01 150. If you want pocket-size reach without giving up real holding power, this is the one a lot of pros keep close.

The big selling point here is how quickly it adjusts. Knipex uses a push-button mechanism so you can size the jaws directly on the workpiece instead of hunting for the right setting first. Combined with fine adjustment, that gives you a more secure fit across a range of pipe and nut sizes and helps keep the handle opening comfortable in your hand.

What matters on the job is that the pliers are self-locking on pipes and nuts. In plain terms, once the jaws bite, they stay put better and require less squeezing force from you. That reduces hand fatigue and makes small service work less annoying, especially when you are working one-handed or reaching into a cabinet, mechanical room, or behind installed fixtures.

Knipex also builds these with a box-joint design for added stability. That double-guide joint helps the pliers stay aligned under load, which is a big reason Cobra pliers feel more solid than bargain versions that get sloppy fast. There is also a reliable hinge-bolt catch to help prevent unintentional shifting during use.

The gripping teeth are specially hardened to about 61 HRC, so they hold their bite and resist wear over time. That matters if you are regularly grabbing metal pipe, stubborn fittings, or corroded hardware. The polished jaws and grey atramentized finish round out a tool that is built for real work, not just light-duty drawer duty.

At only about 0.31 to 0.32 lbs and with an overall length of 6 in., this plier is easy to carry all day. It still offers up to 1-1/4 in. capacity on round pipe and up to 1-3/16 in. on hex material, which is a strong amount of capability for a tool this small. The non-slip plastic handles keep it simple and practical for everyday service use.

This tool makes the most sense for plumbers, HVAC techs, maintenance crews, mechanics, installers, and serious DIY users who need a dependable compact plier for service work. It is especially useful when a full-size tongue-and-groove plier feels bulky, but you still need a secure bite. If your work regularly happens in cramped spots, this size earns its keep fast.

Fast Adjustment at the Workpiece

The push-button setup is one of the main reasons people buy Cobra pliers instead of basic groove-joint pliers. You can dial the jaws in right where you are working, which saves time and helps you get a tighter, more confident grip.

• Designed for direct adjustment on the workpiece
• Fine adjustment helps fit different pipe and nut sizes more precisely

Small Size, Real Gripping Capacity

A lot of compact pliers are easy to carry but short on bite. This one is different. The 150 mm size rides easily in a pouch or pocket, yet still covers common pipe and fastener work that shows up in maintenance, plumbing, and mechanical service.

• Overall length: 6 in. / 150 mm
• Round pipe capacity: up to 1-1/4 in.

Built for Long-Term Shop and Field Use

This is where Knipex earns its reputation. The forged chrome vanadium electric steel body, oil-hardened construction, and hardened teeth are all there for one reason: the tool keeps working after cheaper pliers start slipping, twisting, or wearing out.

• Teeth hardness approximately 61 HRC for wear resistance and reliable grip
• Box-joint design adds stability through the joint under load

Key Specifications

Built For

PlumbingHVACMaintenanceMechanical ServiceAssembly WorkConstructionWorkshop UseDIY / Hobbyist

Pro Tip

Set the jaws so they just clear the workpiece before you squeeze down. On a compact plier like this, that lets the self-locking teeth do the work and gives you a stronger hold with less hand effort.

Warranty & Support

Lifetime warranty against manufacturer's defects.

Tool Nut's Take

Tool Nut's Take

Why the Knipex 87 01 150 Cobra Water Pump Pliers Punch Above Their Size

This is one of those small hand tools that ends up doing way more work than you expected because it is easy to carry, fast to adjust, and genuinely grips hard.

• Who it's for: Techs, plumbers, mechanics, and homeowners who need a compact plier that still handles real pipe and fitting work.
• Why it stands out: The push-button adjustment, self-locking bite, and box-joint stability make it feel more controlled and more durable than typical small groove-joint pliers.
• Worth knowing: This is a 6 inch tool, so it is built for access and carry, not replacing a larger plier when you need extra leverage.

Common Questions

• What is the maximum pipe capacity? The Knipex 87 01 150 Cobra Water Pump Pliers handle round pipe up to 1-1/4 in.
• What are these pliers made from? They are made from chrome vanadium electric steel and are forged and multi-stage oil-hardened.
• Are these made in Germany? Yes. The country of origin is Germany.
• What kind of handle do they use? They use non-slip plastic handles for everyday grip and control.