Knipex 87 01 125 vs 87 01 150: Which One Should You Buy?
Two sizes of Knipex Cobra water pump pliers compared: jaw capacity, adjustment positions, size and warranty, with one example of each.
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Verdict: Choose the smaller Cobra pliers if you work in tight spaces and grip smaller pipes and nuts. Choose the larger Cobra pliers if you want more jaw capacity and more adjustment positions for bigger work.
A rounded slip nut on a drain trap, a hose clamp that will not budge, a pipe fitting in a corner where a wrench cannot swing: that is the job water pump pliers exist for. This comparison of knipex 87 01 125 vs 87 01 150 looks at two sizes of the same KNIPEX Cobra pliers, one compact and one larger, to see which fits your garage work.
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KNIPEX 87 01 150, 6 in. Cobra® Water Pump Pliers
A 6 in. Cobra water pump pliers with 16 adjustment positions, a 1-1/4 in. maximum jaw capacity and self-locking grip on pipes and nuts.
Pros
- 16 adjustment positions at the touch of a button
- 1-1/4 in. maximum jaw capacity for larger pipes and nuts
- Self-locking on pipes and nuts, so no slipping on the workpiece
- Gripping surfaces with special hardened teeth, 61 HRC
Cons
- Larger than the 87 01 125, so it needs more room in tight spots
- Lifetime warranty does not cover abuse
- Jaw capacity tops out at 1-1/4 in.
- Sold as a single pliers, with 1 item in the pack
KNIPEX 87 01 125, 5 in. Cobra® Water Pump Pliers
A 5 in. Cobra water pump pliers with 13 adjustment positions, a 1-1/16 in. maximum jaw capacity and self-locking grip on pipes and nuts.
Pros
- 13 adjustment positions at the touch of a button
- 1-1/16 in. maximum jaw capacity in a compact 5 in. body
- Self-locking on pipes and nuts, so no slipping on the workpiece
- Gripping surfaces with special hardened teeth, 61 HRC
Cons
- Smaller 1-1/16 in. jaw capacity than the 87 01 150
- 13 adjustment positions, fewer than the 16 on the 87 01 150
- Warranty description gives no term, only Original Manufacturer Warranty
- Spec table lists the model as 87 51 250, which does not match the 87 01 125 part number
Side by side
| Product | Length | Max jaw capacity | Adjustment positions | Grip teeth | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KNIPEX 87 01 125 | 5 in | 1-1/16 in | 13 | 61 HRC | Original Manufacturer Warranty |
| KNIPEX 87 01 150 | 6 in | 1-1/4 in | 16 | 61 HRC | Lifetime warranty does not cover abuse |
We copy each listing’s rated specs exactly as the manufacturer gives them; as of 13 November 2026.
Knipex 87 01 125 vs 87 01 150: how each pliers grips
Both pliers share the same Cobra design: a push-button adjustment that sets the size directly on the workpiece, a forged box-joint for stability, and gripping surfaces with special hardened teeth rated at 61 HRC. Both are self-locking on pipes and nuts, so neither slips on the workpiece, and both have a pinch guard that keeps fingers clear of the joint. The grip itself is the same on both sides; what changes is the size of the work each one takes on.
Size and reach
The 87 01 125 is the compact one, at 5 in. long with a maximum jaw capacity of 1-1/16 in. The 87 01 150 is the larger one, at 6 in. long with a maximum jaw capacity of 1-1/4 in. The extra capacity on the larger pliers suits bigger pipes and nuts, while the compact pliers fits where space is short.
Adjustment positions
The 87 01 125 offers 13 adjustment positions. The 87 01 150 offers 16 adjustment positions. The larger pliers also takes bigger work, with its 1-1/4 in. maximum jaw capacity against 1-1/16 in. on the smaller one. Both adjust at the touch of a button directly on the workpiece, so changing size mid-job is quick on either one.
Build and finish
Both pliers use the same forged box-joint design with a double guide, which the maker lists as the reason for their stability. The 87 01 125 lists a red finish, while the 87 01 150 lists black and red. Both are made in Germany, and both carry the same hardened teeth, so the build does not separate them; the size does.
Choose the 87 01 125 if
- You work in tight spaces and want the compact 5 in. pliers
- Your pipes and nuts fit within a 1-1/16 in. jaw capacity
- You want the lighter pliers of the two
- You want the simpler pick for smaller jobs
Choose the 87 01 150 if
- You grip larger pipes and nuts, up to a 1-1/4 in. capacity
- You want 16 adjustment positions instead of 13
- You want the lifetime warranty the listing states
- You have the room for the 6 in. pliers
Example pliers
For more choices, see the water pump pliers vs slip joint pliers comparison, and the adjustable vs locking pliers guide.
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Garage Fit Check
- Measure the largest pipe or nut you grip and match it to the jaw capacity: 1-1/16 in. on the 87 01 125, 1-1/4 in. on the 87 01 150.
- Check the space around the job: the 87 01 125 is the 5 in. pliers, the 87 01 150 is the 6 in. pliers.
- Count the sizes you work with: 13 adjustment positions on the smaller pliers, 16 on the larger one.
- Keep the pliers where the push-button adjustment stays clean and the teeth stay clear of grit.
FAQ: garage tools
Which Knipex Cobra size should I buy, the 87 01 125 or the 87 01 150?
Pick the 87 01 125 for tight spaces and smaller pipes and nuts, with its 1-1/16 in. jaw capacity and 13 adjustment positions. Pick the 87 01 150 for larger work, with its 1-1/4 in. capacity and 16 adjustment positions.
What is the jaw capacity of the Knipex 87 01 125?
The listing states a maximum jaw capacity of 1-1/16 in.
How many adjustment positions does the Knipex 87 01 150 have?
The listing states 16 adjustment positions, set at the touch of a button directly on the workpiece.
What warranty does the Knipex 87 01 150 carry?
The listing states a lifetime warranty that does not cover abuse. The 87 01 125 listing states an Original Manufacturer Warranty with no term given.
Are Knipex Cobra pliers self-locking?
Yes, both listings state the pliers are self-locking on pipes and nuts, with no slipping on the workpiece and low hand force required.
Related: the needle nose vs slip joint pliers comparison, the internal vs external snap ring pliers comparison, the pliers versus locking tools comparison and the best locking pliers under 30 guide.
