This review is aimed at showing the best plier money can buy. Pliers are essential tools in any workshop, and the lack of good pliers can slow down the progress of a job. You should go through this review, to see the best pliers that’ll suit you best.
BUYER’S GUIDE
Size
The size of the pliers you intend to purchase is determined by the strength and effort required to have the task done. Keep in mind that different pliers are meant and suited for different kinds of tasks.
For instance, pliers with elongated handles, like wood-burning tools are perfect for working on confined and narrow spaces. On the other hand, smaller jaws pliers are great where accuracy matters in the project. As such, be sure to know the size of the pliers you need to narrow down to specific sizes.
Material
The type of materials used in the manufacture of pliers also matters and contributes to the overall performance. If tougher materials have been used, then the pliers become more brittle.
Pliers constructed from chromium and Vanadium are said to be efficient and sturdy. As a result, you might consider picking lineman’s pliers that are manufactured from these materials.
Design
The design of the plier may make it difficult for some beginners to use. Some pliers are made for fastening purposes, while some are just plain without any extra functions. It is necessary to consider the design of the slip joint you’ll need to give you the best plier out of the pack.
Setting
Some manufacturers balance their pliers with both ends equally while others move the edges one or several tips away from each other to provide better peeling ability. This upsets some customers and even causes a product return.
It is a plus for you to check the plier setting before making an order online or buying from a store, to save you and the seller the stress of a returned product.
Cutting Life
This is probably a priority when it comes to shopping for lineman’s pliers. A good tool ought to have cutting edges that are durable and delivers a small pinch on the tip trimmed wire, but not like the tips of artificial grass. Moreover, you require higher leveraged pliers to exert the minimum effort whenever cutting wires and other materials.
Ease of Use
Ergonomic and rubberized handles provide a comfortable and safe grip like a folding saw, which makes sure you carry out your tasks effectively without a hassle. Furthermore, the best pliers are cushioned to deter electrostatic discharge damage to crucial components and electronics.
Metal used
Manufacturers of pliers make use of high-density, heavy-duty metals to produce their pliers based on the job they will be used for. Some of these metals become rusty after a long time of use while others remain flush and clean through their residence in your toolbox, even that from metal cutting saws, and chainsaw sharper, if not maintained well.
This is a two-sided factor to consider and I’ll tell you why. For instance, you intend to use your new plier in a constantly wet environment, the chances that it’ll become rusty are high.
If you decide to maintain your plier regardless of the manufacturing material, you may be able to keep it from rust over a very long period. On the producers’ side, you should make a choice based on non-rust pliers you can get and you won’t be disappointed by the results you get.
Cost
Price is also an important factor to consider when you are buying a lineman’s pliers. Cheaper ones often have rougher jaw surfaces and are constructed from simple metal materials as well as handles.
As such, you may be required to use more effort while the handles feel uncomfortable as compared to high-end ones.
You need to understand, however, that an expensive plier is not necessarily the right one. You need to look for something within your financial reach but suitable for your needs.
BEST PLIERS
| NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
| Stanley 84-114 3 Piece Basic 6-Inch Slip Joint
|
Stanley four-piece pliers set with rubberized slip-resistant grips
Machined jaws help grip items securely Cutting pliers feature induction-hardened cutting edges for long life Includes 8-inch slip joint, 7-inch diagonal, .8-inch lineman, and 8-inch long nose Limited lifetime warranty |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Channellock 528 8-Inch Slip Joint Plier
|
Serrated Jaw for a firm grip
PermaLock fastener eliminates nut and bolt failure Plastic coated handles Wirecutter |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Wilde Tool G262FP Slip Joint Pliers
|
Well-machined, smooth plier
Stay flat design prevents rolling Hex screw allows for precise adjustment |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| IRWIN Tools 8-Inch Slip-Joint Pliers
|
Durable nickel chromium steel construction
ProTouch™ grips provide extra comfort and reduce hand fatigue Machined jaws for maximum gripping strength Induction hardened cutting edge stays sharper, longer |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| TEKTON 6-1/2-Inch Slip Joint Pliers
|
Universal 3-zone jaws grip multiple shapes and cleanly shear wire
Adjustable nut and bolt fastener can be set to desired tension Broad, rounded handle profile keeps your hand comfortable Stout build outperforms competitive models by reducing bending and twisting for a superior grip |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Klein Tools 6-Inch Slip-Joint Pliers
|
Shear-type cutter for precision wire cutting
Two versatile jaw positions for a wider range of openings Serrated jaws provide sure-gripping power Nickel-chrome plated for long life |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Craftsman Evolv 5 Piece Pliers Set, 9-10047
|
Set includes 6″ diagonal pliers, 6″ long-nosed pliers, 7″ lineman pliers, 6″ slip joint pliers and 8″ groove joint pliers
Made of rust-resistant durable metal Ergonomically engineered handles for a comfortable grip when cutting, bending and gripping The bright green coloring is easy to spot on a workbench or in your toolbox |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Stanley 84-096 5-Inch Needle Nose Plier
|
Long tempered jaws for working in hard to reach areas
Forged steel construction Rust-resistant finish Double dipped handle for comfort Meets or exceeds ANSI standards |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier 22-01471
|
The lightweight, open-frame design is ideal for everyday tasks
Convenient, easily accessible butterfly opening T.Plus locking knife and tools Ballistic nylon sheath included |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Stanley 84-034 8-Inch Bi-Material Groove Joint Pliers
|
3-Zone bi-material grips for comfort and control
Black oxide finish helps resist corrosion Drop-forged steel for strength and durability |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Stanley 84-114 3 Piece Basic 6-Inch Slip Joint
When talking about pliers which are durably made to last for a very long time and withstand even tough and vigorous use then this top-quality plier set form STANLEY is one that fits the description as it is made using high quality forged steel that ensures durability for long-lasting use and one feature that also makes this plier set stand out from the rest on the market is its resistance to rush finish which also helps in promoting protection as well as extending product life.
Maximum comfort is guaranteed when talking about this plier as it comes with a handle with a double-dipped design which makes using this plier quite comfortable and convenient and there is every assurance that this set of pliers would cut through any task thrown at it as it boasts of chrome-nickel steel combined with well-hardened cutting edges which helps in delivering superb cutting results.
| PROS | CONS |
| Solidly built set of pliers | Difficult to work with |
| Does the job | |
| Recommended for use in emergencies | |
| Great value product |
Channellock 528 8-Inch Slip Joint Plier
The Channellock 528 8-Inch Slip Joint Plier is versatile, easy to use, and comes with legendary strength and reliability.
| PROS | CONS |
| PermaLock feature for preventing bolt and nut failures | Slip joint may fail after long usage |
| Flush fastening feature |
Wilde Tool G262FP Slip Joint Pliers
The Flush Fastener Nut and Bolt System allow pliers to be completely flush at the surface of the application, especially on low-profile bolts. Adjustments can be made in the field with a hex key.
The Lobster Claw Teeth design on Wilde Combination Slip Joint Pliers provides two gripping sections, one extra wide and one small. The hardened, deep, sharply cut teeth provide greater grip and longer wear.
| PROS | CONS |
| Sharp shear cutter for wire peeling and cutting | Not available in larger sizes |
| Strong nut and bolts handling | |
| Very affordable | |
| Combined flush and fastener function |
IRWIN Tools 8-Inch Slip-Joint Pliers
Durable nickel chromium steel construction ProTouchª grips provide extra comfort and reduces hand fatigue Machined jaws for maximum gripping strength Induction hardened cutting edge stays sharper, longer Meets or exceeds ANSI specifications.
| PROS | CONS |
| Can cut through different types of metal wire | Some users do not like the protruding groove design |
| Induction-hardened grooves | |
| Retention of bolts and buts |
TEKTON 6-1/2-Inch Slip Joint Pliers
If you want a basic model of slip-joint pliers, you’re probably looking for an eight-inch set of pliers. That makes these TEKTONs less than optimal for anything except pretty specialized use.
Probably the biggest thing these pliers have going for them is their price. They are very affordable on every budget.
Beyond their price, however, you’re likely to be disappointed if you buy these as a general set of slip-joint pliers for your toolbox. It’s not their size, it’s also their design, which is kind of shoddy.
| PROS | CONS |
| Made of alloy steel | No chrome-plated finish |
| High-quality | complaints |
| Non-slip grip surface | Expensive |
| Three-zone jaws | |
| Adjustable nut and bolt fastener |
Klein Tools 6-Inch Slip-Joint Pliers
These slip joint pliers offered by Klein Tools are well-made, practical, effective, and comfortable to use. Users love the comfortable grip, but some do note that they are expensive. With a size of 6.5” x 2.2” x 0.5”, these slip jaw pliers have serrated jaws with two versatile jaw positions, a durable nickel-chrome finish, plastic dipped handles, a jaw thickness of 3/8″ and a jaw width of 1-3/16 inches.
They also have a weight of only 6 ounces and a shear-type cutter so you can snap any wire quickly and precisely. Overall, these pliers are a product of excellent quality and durable construction.
| PROS | CONS |
| Plastic dipped handles | Expensive |
| Compact | Made in Mexico |
| Nickel chrome finish | No PermaLock fastener |
| Light | |
| Serrated jaws |
Craftsman Evolv 5 Piece Pliers Set, 9-10047
The Right-Sized Tool When You Need It The Craftsman EVOLV 5-piece pliers set offers a range of tool sizes, so you’re prepared for any project and won’t lose valuable work time. The handles are designed with bright green coloring, so you’ll always be able to spot the pliers you need. Engineered with quality, these pliers are tough enough to give you the leverage you need.
| PROS | CONS |
| Can be used as a gift item | Not so durable as it rusts easily |
| Affordable | |
| Top-quality with great value | |
| A multi-purpose tool which gets several tasks done |
Stanley 84-096 5-Inch Needle Nose Plier
Whether it is for working with small objects or for bending wires, the Stanley 84-096 five-inch needle nose plier would get any of these tasks done thanks to i6s well tempered and long jaws.
Unlike some low-quality pliers available on the internet today, this top quality plier comes backed with a lifetime warranty as it is made using top quality materials which promotes durability for long-lasting use.
| PROS | CONS |
| Extremely comfortable | Handles are extremely short |
| Can be used as a gift item | Poorly packaging |
| Sturdy which makes it ideal for working jewelry | |
| Possesses a solid grip |
Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier 22-01471
A field-tested classic that never disappoints, the Suspension is the benchmark tool of convenience and durability. The easily accessed butterfly design features spring-loaded pliers and a lightweight frame for long days and tired hands. With 12 other tools, you’re always ready.
| PROS | CONS |
| Gets most tasks done | None |
| Comes with a perfect fit | |
| Compact | |
| A sturdy tool which works like a charm |
Stanley 84-034 8-Inch Bi-Material Groove Joint Pliers
The STANLEY® 8 in. Groove Joint Pliers have bi-material grips to help you grip the tool more comfortably. With tongue and groove design that helps preventing slipping and body made of drop-forged steel, this tool is indispensable for your toolbox, workbench, or tool belt.
| PROS | CONS |
| Gets the job done in no time | Not as durable as expected |
| Works great | |
| Solidly built | |
| Considered to be a functional wrench |
CONCLUSION
As important as pliers are, you can’t get the best out of them if you don’t get the best. These pliers reviewed above are the best, they promise to get your job done perfectly. You would not have any regrets if you invest in one of them.