My new pliers won't grip - help!

Hey guys, just got a pair of Knipex cobra pliers and they're slipping like crazy on pipes. Tried adjusting the button but still no grip. Any ideas? Did I get a dud?

Check the jaw inserts - sometimes they have a protective coating or oil from manufacturing. Clean em with brake cleaner and scuff lightly with sandpaper. Also make sure you're engaging the self-locking mechanism properly - push the button and slide the jaw to the right size before clamping.

I had the same issue with my channellocks. Turned out I was using them on chrome pipes that were too smooth. Try a little rosin or even a small patch of rubber between the jaws.

Thanks for the tips. I cleaned them and scuffed the jaws - worked like a charm on copper pipe. Guess they were just slick out of the box. Much appreciated!