Pliers are a must if want to build the best tool collection possible. Along with the hammer and the cross-head screwdriver, they complete a trio of essentials every good toolbox must contain – whether for trimming wires, tightening nuts or retrieving fallen bolts from the darkest crevasses of an engine bay, the scope of their practical application is near endless.
Like screwdrivers, pliers come in all shapes and sizes, each suited to different needs based on their design. They are usually cheap but can creep up in price depending on the quality of the item, the intricacy of the design or the materials used.
So, which set of pliers is right for you? Here’s a guide to some of the most popular models to get you started.
Combination Pliers
These are the classics. Combination pliers – also known as Kleins and linesman pliers – are designed for multipurpose use, with thick jaws and wire cutters both in one frame. The strength of these pliers makes them useful for gripping, bending or twisting material, while the wire cutting edges can fill their purpose without the need for an extra tool. If you only have the budget for one set of pliers, pick up one of these.
For comfort, this set of pliers features a Bi-material ergonomic grip with a cross-hatch tooth design to keep them in the palm of your hand. Once you’re done with these pliers, they can be locked to keep the profile small for storage.
Pros
- Induction-hardened steel provides 70% more cutting power than standard cutting pliers
- Ergonomic grip for comfort in the hand
Cons
- None
Pros
- Quality item from a trusted manufacturer
- Great price
Cons
- None
Needle Nose Plyers
Long nose or needle nose pliers are characterised by longer and thinner tips in comparison to most pliers. The benefit is they make it easier for dealing with more intricate operations.
For tinkering on cars, they’re a must. Today, modern cars contain enough wiring to pave the Barents Sea, much of which can be near impossible to access without the appropriate equipment. A decent set of needle nose pliers will allow you to pull, trim or manipulate such wiring from the car’s deepest chasm.
We like these pliers for their simple design and reasonable price tag – a set that would make a great addition to your toolbox.
Pros
- Strong and durable for a great price
Cons
- None
Pros
- Thin frame for accessing the tightest areas
Cons
- The nose won’t be as strong as other, wider pliers
They are quite expensive for their type, but with these pliers, strength and quality are assured from a reliable brand name.
Pros
- Excellent product from a quality supplier
Cons
- Cheaper options out there
Slip Joint Pliers
Slip joint pliers have an adjustable fulcrum, allowing operators to increase the size range of the jaws. To keep the jaw distance locked in place, slip joint pliers have set positions allowing the pivot to move yet remain firmly secured. With their wide, heavy-duty jaws and thick teeth, slip joint pliers are perfect for gripping or bending materials, as well as tightening larger nuts should they be required. Considering their adjustability and application scope – from plumbing to wheel nuts – they’re a great all-around set to have in the toolbox.
Pros
- Wide size range with seven locking positions
Cons
- Large profile not suited to more intricate operations
Pros
- Ratchet-type looking system grants better adjustability
Cons
- More affordable options
Cutting Pliers
If you need to snip or trim the plastic coating from a wire, these are the pliers for the job. They feature sharp-edged jaws that bite into the wire surface, removing the plastic and exposing the wire with a sharp pull.
Cutting wires have two different designs: diagonal cutting pliers that cut in the same motion as scissors do or end cutters with a flat end (optimal for stripping).
Pros
- Light but strong
- Very reasonable price
Cons
- Not as good at stripping wire plastic as end cutters
Pros
- Better technology to aid in the cutting process
Cons
- Flat head cutting pliers aren’t as streamlined – harder to reach remote areas
Locking Pliers
Locking pliers are best for gripping larger materials or bolts – usually for the extra leverage or when the surface might be too hot to touch. As the name would suggest, locking pliers can be locked in position for an unyielding grip. The heavy-duty frame makes these pliers durable and dependable without the risk of breaking under heavy strain.
Pros
- Intelligent design
Cons
- Large piece – suited mostly to larger nuts and bolts
FAQs
What does this hand tool do?
A set of pliers are primarily designed to grip an object, with this grip then being used to twist, fasten, loosen, or even cut the object.
Which pliers should I buy first?
There may be other pliers on the market suited to your specific job, but as an all-rounder, we recommend picking up a set of combination pliers first. Not only are they strong, durable and fit to tack most jobs, but they usually also feature wire cutters and other extras to turn them into multi-use tools.
What should I look for in my first set of pliers?
Pliers manufactured from quality materials may be a little more expensive, but they’re built to last. We recommend investing in a quality first pair as you may never need to buy a second. Keep an eye out for strong steel bodies and ergonomic padded grips to keep hand fatigue at bay.
Why do you need one?
A top set of pliers will make fiddly work so much easier, whether you’re working with wires or nails. While there are a lot of different variations for the plier, you probably won’t be needing anything too fancy in your toolkit, a set of combination pliers will probably suffice if you’re a beginner.
The best hand tool brands for pliers
The go-to brand for any type of plier has to be Knipex. No matter what type of plier you’re in need of, Knipex will do the best version of that plier. The Ergo range of pliers from Bahco are also exceptionally nice to use. More affordable picks include Bosch, DeWalt and Stanley.
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