It is okay. I have owned the 10" and 12" versions for quite a while. Perhaps they raised my expectations too high. The action is not smooth and apparently one of both of the lobes has a high spot which I feel as I fully open /close the jaws. Does it actually affect the use of the tool? No.

The casting and finish are not as nice as my other two. The wrench definitely does not look as good as the sales pictures posted on Amazon. Does it actually affect the use of the tool? No.

Do either of these "flaws" matter? Yes.

When you pay a premium for a premium tool, you expect 5 star workmanship in all areas. Even more importantly it concerns me if Knipex is taking shortcuts with quality in order to increase productivity. We all have seen so many tool manufacturers go down that path and it is very disappointing when they do. I own many Knipex cutters, small pliers & large wrenches because I appreciate quality tools. I wish I could have given my most expensive Knipex hand tool 5 stars.

I don't know how I lived and worked without these. I now carry these in my pocket all day everyday and am simply amazed at the gripping power without damaging nuts and bolts. They are expensive but well worth it. I am a Refrigeration mechanic and often see old service valve stems that have been abused and a standard valve wrench will no longer fit. These will get it done. I have a grab bag of tools that I always carry when i get out of the truck just to go in and do a preliminary diagnosis and for quick repairs. I now carry less tools in that bag because these are so versatile. . Note: I bought 8603150's first and then I bought these, I will be ordering the 10 inch in the next week or so. I am a tool junkie and am not afraid to spend money on things that actually work as advertised and Knipex are the finest quality money can buy.

Tell your trusty thumb-detecting-nut-rounder to visit your grandpa in hell, and drop a chunk of your rent on these in a 10" and a 7".

You'll be the envy of your job site. Your ex girlfriend from high school will call you and tell you she messed up. Your mother might finally quit her drinking. Well, probably not, but she'll be mighty impressed with how quickly you fixed that plumbing under her sink.

Anyway, his is a beautiful and excessively useful wrench that has launched me into a lifelong relationship with Knipex. If I ever lost this tool, I'd replace it quicker than my tears would dry. It's that perfect.

The 12 inch pliers wrench is in a league of it's own! I am a plumber by trade, and hobbyist mechanic. I find the 10/1 leverage ratio to be extremely helpful, specifically when making connections on CSST gas lines which require an immense amount or torque. There's nothing quite like exerting as much torque as you're capable of knowing the jaws won't slip or mar the surface. Well worth the investment!

Think of this as a substitute for a Crescent-type adjustable wrench, only a much better design. The ratcheting adjustment system together with the ability to squeeze the handles together like pliers results in a rock-solid, slip-free hold on your bolt or fitting. No jaw slop when turning. Way more secure than any conventional adjustable wrench I have used. I can't find an easy way to adjust the opening one handed, but that's a small price to pay for such a solid grip.

In tight spots where you can only turn a few degrees, you don't have to repeatedly remove the wrench and put it back on the nut as with a conventional adjustable wrench. You simply let up on the handle pressure and turn in reverse. The jaws gently glide over the nut without rounding it, and you're set for another turn. Saves time.

The 7" version is good for 90% of household and automotive tasks. Length with jaws fully closed is 7 1/4 inches; with jaws open widest, 8 1/8 inches. Maximum jaw opening is 1 3/8 inches.

$44 for a hand tool? That's what I spend in one week on beer and smokes, and the wrench will last forever and not kill you.