Knipex
Knipex 87 01 400 SBA 16 in water pump pliers
Adjustable water-pump pliers with 27 push-button jaw positions, box-joint design and 61 HRC hardened teeth grip up to 3 1/2 in
- TypePliers
- MaterialChrome vanadium steel
- Color/FinishPolished
- Box-joint design keeps jaws aligned under heavy load
- Push-button adjustment selects one of 27 positions quickly
- Chrome vanadium steel jaws hardened to 61 HRC grip securely
- Pinch guard protects fingers during high-force work
- 16 in length provides maximum jaw opening of 3 1/2 in
Knipex 16 in Water Pump Pliers
The Knipex 87 01 400 SBA is a 16 in water pump plier built from chrome vanadium steel with a polished finish. Its box-joint design and double guide deliver stable jaw alignment for professional tradespeople and serious DIY users who need reliable gripping power on pipes, nuts and large fasteners.
Upgrade from Slip-Joint Pliers
The push-button adjustment provides 27 precise jaw positions up to a 3 1/2 in maximum opening, removing the trial-and-error of traditional slip-joint tools. Self-locking action and a pinch guard reduce hand fatigue during repetitive tasks, making the step up worthwhile when work demands frequent, one-handed size changes on varied diameters.
Limits of Push-Button Box-Joint Design
The fine-adjustment mechanism excels on parallel and V-shaped surfaces but cannot match the sheer leverage of a dedicated pipe wrench on seized heavy-wall pipe. Jaws hardened to approximately 61 HRC resist wear yet remain non-insulated and non-sparking, so they are unsuitable for live electrical work or hazardous atmospheres.
Highlights
- Box-joint design keeps jaws aligned under heavy load
- Push-button adjustment selects one of 27 positions quickly
- Chrome vanadium steel jaws hardened to 61 HRC grip securely
- Pinch guard protects fingers during high-force work
- 16 in length provides maximum jaw opening of 3 1/2 in
Specifications
| Brand | Knipex |
|---|---|
| Model | 87 01 400 SBA |
| Type | Pliers |
| Material | Chrome vanadium steel |
| Color/Finish | Polished |
Questions about this item
What overall length and maximum jaw opening should I check before buying the 16 in pliers?
The overall length is 16 in and the maximum jaw opening is 3 1/2 in, so verify your workspace and pipe diameter fit those dimensions.
How does the push-button adjustment work on the 87 01 400 SBA, and what step do people miss?
Press the button to slide the joint into one of 27 positions, then release; the step often missed is confirming the button fully pops back out to lock the jaw.
When will the serrated jaws at 61 HRC need replacement on the Knipex water pump pliers?
The gripping teeth are hardened to approximately 61 HRC; replace the pliers when the serrations no longer bite securely on pipe or fittings.
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