Knipex 87 01 250 vs 87 01 300: Which One Should You Buy?
The Knipex 87 01 250 and 87 01 300 are the same Cobra water pump pliers in different sizes, and the choice comes down to jaw capacity, adjustment positions and weight.
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Verdict: Choose the KNIPEX 87 01 250 for everyday pipe and nut work where a lighter pair and a stated lifetime warranty suit the job. Choose the KNIPEX 87 01 300 where the work needs the larger jaw capacity and the extra adjustment positions.
A rounded slip nut under a sink or a hose clamp that will not budge calls for pliers that grip and hold without slipping. This comparison of knipex 87 01 250 vs 87 01 300 looks at the same Cobra water pump pliers in the smaller and the larger size, with the listings as the source for every figure that follows. Both pairs share the push-button adjustment, the forged box-joint design and the self-locking grip, so the choice turns on size, capacity and weight.
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KNIPEX 87 01 250, 10 in. Cobra® Water Pump Pliers
A 10 in Cobra water pump pliers with 25 adjustment positions, a 2 in jaw capacity and a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- 25 adjustment positions at the touch of a button
- Self-locking on pipes and nuts, with low hand force required
- Pinch guard keeps fingers clear of the joint
- Lifetime warranty that does not cover abuse
Cons
- 2 in maximum jaw capacity is smaller than the 87 01 300
- 25 adjustment positions are fewer than the 30 on the 87 01 300
- 10 in length is shorter than the 12 in pair
- Serrated teeth can mark soft finishes
KNIPEX 87 01 300, 12 in. Cobra® Water Pump Pliers
A 12 in Cobra water pump pliers with 30 adjustment positions and a 2-3/4 in jaw capacity.
Pros
- 30 adjustment positions at the touch of a button
- 2-3/4 in maximum jaw capacity for larger pipes and nuts
- Self-locking on pipes and nuts, with low hand force required
- Pinch guard keeps fingers clear of the joint
Cons
- No warranty term is stated in the listing
- 1.215 lb weight is heavier than the 87 01 250
- Spec table lists the model as 8701250, which matches the smaller model
- Title calls it 12 in while the dimensions list 11.9 in
Side by side
| KNIPEX 87 01 250 | KNIPEX 87 01 300 | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 10 in | 12 in | The 300 is the longer pair |
| Maximum jaw capacity | 2 in | 2-3/4 in | The 300 opens wider |
| Adjustment positions | 25 | 30 | The 300 offers more settings |
| Weight | 0.745 lb | 1.215 lb | The 250 is the lighter pair |
| Gripping surface | Serrated, special hardened teeth (61 HRC) | Serrated, special hardened teeth (61 HRC) | Same stated tooth hardness |
| Joint | Forged box-joint, double guide | Forged box-joint, double guide | Same stated design |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty does not cover abuse | Not stated | Only the 250 states a warranty term |
These numbers are the tool makers’ rated figures, as their listings print them on 13 November 2026.
Knipex 87 01 250 vs 87 01 300: size, capacity and grip
Both pairs are Cobra water pump pliers with serrated gripping surfaces and special hardened teeth rated at 61 HRC. Both are self-locking on pipes and nuts, so the grip holds without slipping on the workpiece and with low hand force required. The forged box-joint design gives high stability because of the double guide, and a pinch guard keeps fingers clear of the joint.
Adjustment positions and jaw capacity
The 87 01 250 lists 25 adjustment positions and a maximum jaw capacity of 2 in. The 87 01 300 lists 30 adjustment positions and a maximum jaw capacity of 2-3/4 in. Adjustment on both is by push-button directly on the workpiece, so the setting changes at the touch of a button without moving the pliers away from the job. The larger pair covers a wider range of shapes and sizes, while the smaller pair covers pipes and nuts up to its 2 in jaw capacity.
Size and weight
The 87 01 250 measures 10.0 x 1.95 x 0.1 in and weighs 0.745 lb. The 87 01 300 measures 11.9 x 2.2 x 0.7 in and weighs 1.215 lb. The smaller pair is the lighter pair to carry in a tool roll or apron pocket, while the larger pair’s 2-3/4 in jaw capacity covers wider pipes and nuts. Both pairs are listed in red.
Build and finish
Both pairs share the same stated build: forged box-joint design, serrated gripping surface, special hardened teeth at 61 HRC and a pinch guard. Both are made in Germany and listed in red. The listing for the 87 01 250 states a lifetime warranty that does not cover abuse. The listing for the 87 01 300 states no warranty term, so the warranty is not stated for that pair.
Choose the 87 01 250 if
- Pipe and nut work fits a 2 in jaw capacity
- A lighter pair suits the job at 0.745 lb
- 25 adjustment positions cover the work
- A stated lifetime warranty matters to you
Choose the 87 01 300 if
- The job needs a 2-3/4 in jaw capacity
- 30 adjustment positions suit the work
- A 12 in pair fits the space around the job
- The larger size suits bigger pipes and nuts
Example pliers
For more pliers comparisons, see water pump pliers vs slip joint pliers and needle nose vs slip joint pliers.
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Garage Fit Check
- Check the jaw capacity against the pipes and nuts on the job: 2 in on the 87 01 250 and 2-3/4 in on the 87 01 300
- Check the length against the space around the job: 10 in on the smaller pair and 12 in on the larger pair
- Check the weight before a long job overhead: 0.745 lb on the 87 01 250 and 1.215 lb on the 87 01 300
- Store the pliers with the jaws closed and the push-button clear of other tools in the drawer
- Confirm the warranty term before buying: lifetime on the 87 01 250, not stated on the 87 01 300
FAQ: garage tools
Which Knipex Cobra size should I buy, the 87 01 250 or the 87 01 300?
Pick the 87 01 250 for everyday pipe and nut work where a lighter pair and a 2 in jaw capacity cover the job. Pick the 87 01 300 where the work needs a 2-3/4 in jaw capacity and 30 adjustment positions.
How does the push-button adjustment work?
The listings state 25 adjustment positions on the 87 01 250 and 30 on the 87 01 300, set at the touch of a button directly on the workpiece.
Do Cobra pliers lock on pipes and nuts?
The listings state both pairs are self-locking on pipes and nuts, with no slipping on the workpiece and low hand force required.
What warranty do these pliers carry?
The 87 01 250 listing states a lifetime warranty that does not cover abuse. The 87 01 300 listing states no warranty term.
Related: the water pump pliers vs slip joint pliers, the needle nose vs slip joint pliers, the adjustable vs locking pliers and the pliers versus locking tools.
