Knipex 87 01 125 SBA 5 in. Cobra Water Pump Pliers is a compact pair of adjustable water pump pliers built for gripping pipes, nuts, fittings, and small hardware where a full-size pair is overkill. This is a tongue-and-groove pliers tool designed for gripping and turning small workpieces in tight spaces. Model Number: 87 01 125 SBA. If you want real holding power in a pocket-size tool, this is the one a lot of pros end up carrying all the time.

The big story here is control. The push-button adjustment gives you 13 positions, so you can dial the jaw opening right to the size of the workpiece instead of settling for a loose fit. On the job, that means better contact on small nuts, fittings, and round stock, plus less chance of chewing up the part because the pliers are not rocking around under load. Knipex lists maximum capacity up to 1-1/16 inches, which is a lot of range for a 5 inch tool.

The jaw design matters too. These pliers are self-locking on pipes and nuts, so once they bite, they stay planted with less squeeze from your hand. That is a real advantage when you are breaking loose stubborn hardware, holding a fitting while starting another connection, or working in an awkward position where grip strength drops off fast. The special hardened teeth are rated around 61 HRC, which is why these keep grabbing reliably instead of rounding over quickly.

Knipex builds this model from chrome vanadium electric steel, forged and multi-stage oil-hardened. In plain terms, that gives you the strength and wear resistance you want in a pliers that may be small but still gets used hard. The box-joint design adds stability because the joint is guided on both sides, which helps keep the tool feeling tight and precise instead of sloppy. That is a big reason these feel more solid than a lot of bargain compact pliers.

Jobsite practicality is where the 87 01 125 SBA earns its keep. At about 3.2 ounces, it is light enough to disappear into a pouch or pocket, but it is not a novelty tool. The slim head helps get into places a larger pair cannot reach, and the pinch guard is a small detail that makes repeated adjustments less annoying. The plastic-coated, non-slip handles keep the grip straightforward and comfortable without adding bulk.

This Knipex Cobra is especially useful for service techs, electricians, plumbers, HVAC installers, mechanics, and anyone doing small assembly or repair work. It also makes sense for furniture hardware, fittings, light-duty shop work, and precision-oriented tasks where you need a controlled grip more than raw leverage. If your normal full-size water pump pliers stay in the truck because they are too bulky for everyday carry, this is the compact backup that actually gets used.

One more thing worth knowing: this is not trying to replace a larger 10 inch pair when you are leaning hard on big pipe. What it does better is give you fast access, precise adjustment, and a dependable bite on smaller work. For technicians and serious DIY users, that combination is exactly why the Knipex Cobra line has such a strong reputation.

The little Cobra that earns pocket space

The Knipex 87 01 125 SBA 5 in. Cobra Water Pump Pliers gives you real gripping performance in a size you will actually carry.

• Who it's for: Techs, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and serious DIY users who need a compact pliers for service calls, small fittings, and everyday kit carry.
• Why it stands out: The push-button adjustment is quick, the box-joint build stays tight, and the hardened self-locking jaws grab far better than most small pliers in this size class.
• Worth knowing: It is a compact specialty size, not a replacement for a larger pair when you need maximum leverage on big pipe or stubborn large fasteners.

• What type of tool is this? This is a compact pair of water pump pliers, also known as tongue-and-groove pliers, designed for gripping pipes, nuts, and small fittings.
• What is the maximum capacity? The jaws open up to 1-1/16 inches, or 27 mm.
• How many adjustment positions does it have? This model has 13 adjustment positions for a closer fit on different workpiece sizes.
• What is it made from? It is made from forged chrome vanadium electric steel and uses special hardened gripping teeth rated around 61 HRC.
• Where is it made? This model is made in Germany.