1. Introduction
This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and effective use, maintenance, and care of your KNIPEX 87 11 250 Cobra-Matic Water Pump Pliers. Please read this manual thoroughly before first use and keep it for future reference.
The KNIPEX Cobra-Matic 87 11 250 is a high-quality water pump plier designed for various gripping applications. It features automatic adjustment at the touch of a button directly on the workpiece and a sheltered spring mechanism that ensures the pliers close automatically once the push-button is activated.
Image 1.1: Overview of the KNIPEX 87 11 250 Cobra-Matic Water Pump Pliers. The pliers feature black jaws and handles with red plastic grips, and a visible push-button adjustment mechanism.
2. Safety Instructions
Always observe the following safety precautions when using the pliers:
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, to protect against flying debris.
- Ensure the pliers are clean and free from grease or oil before use to maintain a secure grip.
- Do not use pliers for purposes other than those for which they are designed. Avoid using them as a hammer or pry bar.
- Do not extend the handle length with pipes or other objects, as this can damage the tool or cause injury.
- Inspect the pliers for any damage before each use. Do not use damaged tools.
- Keep hands and fingers clear of the jaws during adjustment and operation to prevent pinching.
- Store pliers in a dry place, out of reach of children.
3. Setup and Adjustment
The KNIPEX Cobra-Matic pliers feature a unique push-button adjustment mechanism for quick and precise sizing.
- Initial Grip: Position the pliers jaws around the workpiece you intend to grip.
- Press the Push-Button: While holding the pliers, press the "PUSH" button located on the pivot joint. This releases the locking mechanism.
- Adjust Jaws: With the button pressed, slide the upper jaw along the lower jaw until it firmly contacts the workpiece.
- Release Button: Release the push-button. The pliers will automatically lock into the adjusted position, ensuring a secure grip. The sheltered spring mechanism assists in this automatic closing action.
Image 3.1: Detail of the "PUSH" button on the pivot joint, used for adjusting the jaw opening.
Image 3.2: View of the internal sheltered spring, which facilitates the automatic closing and adjustment of the pliers.
4. Operating Instructions
The KNIPEX Cobra-Matic pliers are designed for gripping, holding, pressing, and bending various workpieces, including pipes, nuts, and flat materials.
- Secure Grip: After adjusting the jaws to the workpiece size (as described in Section 3), firmly squeeze the handles together. The unique jaw geometry and self-locking feature on pipes and nuts ensure a strong, non-slip grip, requiring less hand force.
- Application: Apply force as needed for the task (e.g., tightening, loosening, holding). The pliers' design allows for high gripping force with minimal effort.
- Release: To release the grip, simply open the handles. If readjustment is needed, press the push-button again.
Image 4.1: The pliers securely gripping a hexagonal pipe fitting, demonstrating their application in plumbing tasks.
Image 4.2: The pliers gripping a round red pipe, illustrating their versatility for different shapes and materials.
5. Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your KNIPEX pliers.
- Cleaning: After each use, wipe the pliers clean with a dry cloth to remove dirt, dust, and debris. For stubborn grime, a mild solvent can be used, followed by thorough drying.
- Lubrication: Periodically apply a small amount of light machine oil to the pivot joint and adjustment mechanism to ensure smooth operation. Wipe off any excess oil.
- Storage: Store the pliers in a dry environment to prevent rust. Avoid storing them in damp or corrosive conditions.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect the jaws for wear or damage. Ensure the push-button mechanism operates freely.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your pliers, consider the following common solutions:
- Pliers not gripping securely:
- Ensure the jaws are correctly adjusted to the workpiece size using the push-button.
- Check for excessive wear on the jaw teeth. If severely worn, the pliers may need replacement.
- Clean any grease or debris from the jaws that might be reducing friction.
- Push-button mechanism is stiff or stuck:
- Clean the pivot area and push-button thoroughly to remove any accumulated dirt or rust.
- Apply a small amount of light machine oil to the mechanism and work it in by repeatedly pressing the button.
- Pliers feel loose or wobbly:
- This is typically a sign of significant wear. If the pliers cannot maintain a secure grip, they should be replaced.
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | KNIPEX |
| Model Number | 87 11 250 |
| Product Dimensions | 24 x 4.8 x 1.4 cm (9.45 x 1.89 x 0.55 inches) |
| Item Weight | 314 g (0.69 lbs) |
| Material | Metal (Pliers Body), Plastic (Handle) |
| Colour | Grey (Pliers Body), Red (Handle) |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Certification | DIN ISO 8976 |
| Measurement System | Metric |
8. Warranty and Support
Specific warranty details for the KNIPEX 87 11 250 Cobra-Matic Water Pump Pliers are not provided in this document. For comprehensive warranty information, product support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official KNIPEX website or contact your authorized KNIPEX dealer.
You can visit the official KNIPEX website for further assistance: www.knipex.com
