Time is of the essence for technicians, so when a tool has an easy quick-change mechanism it can instantly become a preferred tool in the shop. The reviewer of the KNIPEX Pipe Wrench S-Type, No. 83 61 015, found this feature to be a plus and said it offers many time-saving opportunities.
“The quick-change mechanism design of the wrench allows for split second resizing of the pliers,” says Lou Fort, lead technician of K.A.R.S Inc. in Huntingburg, Indiana.
Fort used the pipe wrench on a variety of jobs, from adjusting steering wheel centering on a late model Dodge Ram to grabbing a rear toe buckle on a Buick Lacrosse that didn’t want to move, to holding a lower threaded portion of a cab mount on a 2000 F-250. He said the cab mount was just over three inches in diameter, outside the working range for pliers, but by using the pipe wrench he was able to secure a great grip.
The pipe wrench arrived at a perfect time for Fort. Among vehicle maintenance, he was able to use the tool around his shop, which at the time was undergoing updates, such as filling in their old alignment pit. These updates involved removal of drainpipes, electrical conduit, and more. Fort noted the pipe wrench came in handy and sped up work in the shop.
Noting the KNIPEX 83 61 015 is the easiest pipe wrench he has used, Fort said he liked being able to change from a 2-1/4” grip to a 1” grip quickly and safely. Also, he didn’t have to worry about getting his fingers pinched thanks to the tool’s guards.
“Outside of alignments I don’t see much of a call for pipe wrenches in my day-to-day challenges,” Fort says. “I am confident that when I do [see a need], reaching for this S-type pipe wrench won’t leave me wanting more.”
As for setup, Fort says it’s just a matter of pushing a button and slipping the arm up or down.
Fort said he has used other quick adjustment pipe wrenches before, but the different adjustment types that they offer don’t allow for as fast of a change.
The S-type jaws are Fort’s favorite of all the different jaw designs, and the [KNIPEX Pipe Wrench S-Type] jaws provide a grip that is designed to limit slippage – another feature that he says saves time on a job.
In addition to the push-button quick adjust mechanism and the guard to prevent accidental finger pinching, Fort also liked powder coating to keep the tool from rusting and that the jaws are all teeth with no skips or omissions.
The handles are dipped in vinyl coating, a feature that Fort was not fond of. He would prefer powder coated steel for a less of a chance of losing his grip with wet hands.
Overall, Fort enjoyed the KNIPEX Pipe Wrench S-Type, No. 83 61 015, noting it’s a “very high-quality tool.”
