Knipex Cobra XS ZDNET's key takeaways This small-sized water pump plier can accomplish several DIY tasks.
It's accessibly priced at around $30.
They're designed to be pinch-proof to prevent squeezing your fingers. $31.79 at Amazon
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I've spent a lot of money on multitools over the years. That's because I like the idea of a single tool that serves many functions, and partly because no single tool is ideal. Furthermore, there's a small bit of me that just loves new, shiny things.
But ultimately, multitools all fall short in one way or another.
Also: This $7 cable is secretly the most useful thing in my tech bag
Too bulky. Too uncomfortable to use. Too big. Too small.
Oh, and there's usually a big, locking blade that's largely unnecessary. This is a no-no here in the UK, and it's also going to result in the tool being confiscated if I accidentally try to take it on a plane. So, it got me thinking. What do I really want from a multitool?
The answer: A decent pair of pliers that grip really well and can clamp down with a strong force.
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