Pliers for home auto work

[weerez935]

I know you guys have some really nice plier collections and I'm going to upgrade from my assortment of Stanley/ kobalt pliers. I'm curious what you guys use them for. I use vise grips and needle nose quite often to get at things I can reach. I also use crimpers & cutters a lot but as I start to build my assortment I'm curious what types of pliers you reccomend and what you use them for.


Thanks,
Tyler


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[shawhite]

At work all my pliers are Klein's (lineman, diagonal, needle nose, cable cutters etc.). I like Klein pliers only thing that I find comes close is knipex.

 

[weerez935]

Thanks. I've been looking at knipex or channellock. I'll check out kleins as well.


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[sonvolt]

Channelock, Klein, Knipex, and Craftsman USA can't go wrong

 

[Brownsfan]

Klein for sure. USA made and great quality. The needle nose are better than most. Their crimpers are awesome as well. Most of my pliers are Klein and Snap on. For home use snap on may be a little over priced. The 2000 series cutting pliers will cut just about anything. The Journeyman series have really comfortable handles. For slip joint pliers I use Channellock and Knipex. No one brand makes the best of everything.

 

[Travisnd]

Channellock all the way!

 

[Aaroncl]

Most of mine are channellock. Some of the best pliers made for 10-30 bucks. You can pick them up almost anywhere, great warranty.

 

[Audiocrazy28]

I use almost all klein at work. They are very durable. At home I use craftsman and sk. I say all 3 brands are good quality and made in the USA.

 

[jim1987]

Channel lock can't be beat for the price.

 

[SMKS]

Don't forget Wilde. Made in the USA and the OEM for brands like Proto.

I especially like the new flush fit pliers. They have several varieties.
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/GrooveJoint/G271FP.NP.html

 

[jakemac]

I prefer vintage Utica's for their narrow noses (and because that's what I grew up with), but Channellocks have a similar profile.

 

[southalabama]

I've got craftsman USA, Klein in an electrical and data toolbox, Knipex -thanks to the great lowes blowout, channelocks cause I like the big blue, vice grips USA. I just recently got a Wilde battery plier. Looks good gonna pick up more Wilde pliers. I've also got a few s-k from their facom days. Lest I forget older nos Utica cutters. Cause dad used them at ma bell along with kleins.

Then I have my beaters, kobalt, stanley china, dollar tree, hf. I've got them because sometimes in the mud or rain or in a tackle box you don't want to use premium tools.

 

[chris142]

i carry the black handled craftsman ones in my cars. they work well

 

[pauls_workshop]

I've got at least a couple of each of the above mentioned and they are all great! You can't go wrong with old USA or new USA either where you can find it still. - Paul

 

[Askme42]

Building a nice little channellock collection as we speak.

 

[weerez935]

Wow! Thanks guys that's quite a lot of advice.

I'll list what I have so you can suggest what might be a good next step.

Tongue & Groove: husky- forgot why I bought these but I only used them once.

Cable cutters: kobalt- these are the huge ones. I got these originally to cut coax in a house but absolutely hate their comfort grips.

Diagonal cutters: Stanley- use these a lot and they show it

Needle nose: Stanley- I use them to pick stuff up but they slip and the jaws don't match up right

Long needle nose: kobalt comfort grips- these grips are so bad I have pretty much decided my purchases will be dipped handles.

Slip joint: Stanley- never really used these. Tell me what I'm missing out on

Locking: vise grips- love these things. I only have one hand and these are great for a holding stuff I can't.

Crimpers, strippers, and cutters: I ordered some from mcmastercarr that were recommended from a friend. They are made in USA by Ideal I believe. I'll report back on quality.

So I'm thinking about:
Blackhawk vise grip set

Knipex mechanics needlenose set

General big set from channellock or small set of knipex

Oil filter wrench channellock

Possibly plier wrenches and klein cutters.

I'm curious what you guys use most on your trucks.

Also what do you use slipjoints and linesman for? Specifically on auto work.

Do you guys use snap rings much? And if so what is a decent set? There seem to be tons of variations even among the same brand.

Thanks for the advice! It will take me a while to purchase these so I'm trying to buy them in a sensible order.

 

[stovebolt6]

Mine are all Channellock with the exception of Knipex Cobras and two really long pairs of Stanley & Mastercraft needlenose.

You can definitely feel the difference in high quality pliers.

 

[bcradio]

NWS

 

[zkling]

Knipex, snap on or euro brand if $$$
Channellock or Klein $$
Craftsman USA/Wilde $

I prefer vintage Utica's for their narrow noses (and because that's what I grew up with), but Channellocks have a similar profile.

Jake's vintage!!!

Agree all the way with jake though!! Utica and Kraeuter made some really nice pliers and if not worn out are a good bet.

 

[IFMJohn]

I absolutely LOVE my snap-on Locking Pliers. They are rebranded grip-on.

 

[mailpup]

I recommend hose removal pliers like these: http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-82107.aspx

There are several other brands and the link is just for illustration. These types of pliers are very handy when removing various hoses. They have a nice long reach and provide plenty of leverage for both twisting and pulling. The Gearwrench in the link above has a compound pivot design but I've used regular single pivot pliers for years. I bought mine years ago from Mac Tools but most tool brands have them now.

 

[aaronrkelly]

I few different sizes of Channelocks -I have a super big pair that I use the **** out of.....then about 3 other sizes in the "normal" range. Very useful..

I have a pair of Channelock 909 Crimpers.....these are the bees knees. They make beautiful and strong crimps, every time.

I have a few different sizes of the Irwin Groovelock pliers....cheaper option to the Knipexs.

Then I have about 8 to 10 different pairs of Crafstman pliers - duckbill, diagonal, linesman etc....

....and I have one each of these 3 different Wilde pliers with the flush fasteners....REALLY nice pliers.

......and then alot more odds and ends. I have to many pliers honestly....

 

[weerez935]

I recommend hose removal pliers like these: http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-82107.aspx

There are several other brands and the link is just for illustration. These types of pliers are very handy when removing various hoses. They have a nice long reach and provide plenty of leverage for both twisting and pulling. The Gearwrench in the link above has a compound pivot design but I've used regular single pivot pliers for years. I bought mine years ago from Mac Tools but most tool brands have them now.

Thanks those look handy!

I few different sizes of Channelocks -I have a super big pair that I use the **** out of.....then about 3 other sizes in the "normal" range. Very useful..

I have a pair of Channelock 909 Crimpers.....these are the bees knees. They make beautiful and strong crimps, every time.

I have a few different sizes of the Irwin Groovelock pliers....cheaper option to the Knipexs.

Then I have about 8 to 10 different pairs of Crafstman pliers - duckbill, diagonal, linesman etc....

....and I have one each of these 3 different Wilde pliers with the flush fasteners....REALLY nice pliers.

......and then alot more odds and ends. I have to many pliers honestly....

That is exactly what I was looking for. I'm really digging the blue channellocks especially the crimpers. I keep imagining one of those plier racks in the same color full of them haha.

Seems like a good place to start would be a channellock general set and the crimpers above (mainly to use on insulated connectors as my others are for non insulated).


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[nicksnothereman]

I know you guys have some really nice plier collections and I'm going to upgrade from my assortment of Stanley/ kobalt pliers. I'm curious what you guys use them for. I use vise grips and needle nose quite often to get at things I can reach. I also use crimpers & cutters a lot but as I start to build my assortment I'm curious what types of pliers you reccomend and what you use them for.


Thanks,
Tyler


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For a car?

Just needlenose for factory clamps or possibly grove joint (depends on the clamp). What you got is probably fine for 99.9% of what you're going to use them for. I wouldn't use pliers on a bolt or fitting...no f-ing way man unless you're replacing it.

 

[KamiCrit]

NWS

YEP! Can't go wrong with em.

 

[SASORacing]

I try not to spend too much on a second set of tools. For pliers its whatever I got for free or cheap, and its just a couple. My real tools are at work which I can carry back and forth.

 

[Adam.C]

For automotive, I like old fashioned slip joint (snap on 46ACP)
Duck bill pliers for grabbing and twisting (SO 61ACP or KNIPEX)
Various needle nose and cutters

 

[weerez935]

For a car?



Just needlenose for factory clamps or possibly grove joint (depends on the clamp). What you got is probably fine for 99.9% of what you're going to use them for. I wouldn't use pliers on a bolt or fitting...no f-ing way man unless you're replacing it.

I was kind of thinking this but noticed so many on here had huge assortments of pliers. I figured they used them for something haha. All the clamps on my truck, at least when I changed the timing belt, were the metal ones with the flat head screw holding them in. I thought the same about bolts/ fittings but figured I'd ask.

Thanks!

Your the first person on here trying to get me to save money haha!


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[Ohmthis]

You said you have some pliers that you've only used a few times or never. Why spend more money on tools you don't know if you'll use. I know we all want more tools that should be legally allowed, but being young, buy the tools you need and use the money left over to educate yourself. IE pay for ASE classes or factory certs. You want to walk into a job interview with your guns loaded. Good luck! BTW, some of us have lots and lots of plies because we do more than just automotive. I'm an electrician and HVAC tech. I have almost two dozen pliers just for those trades. You count those and what I have for other jobs I probably have 60-70 pairs of pliers. I started off with 3, a craftsman set with needlenose, slip joint, and tounge and groove. I got the rest as I needed.

 

[aaronrkelly]

Thanks those look handy!






That is exactly what I was looking for. I'm really digging the blue channellocks especially the crimpers. I keep imagining one of those plier racks in the same color full of them haha.

Seems like a good place to start would be a channellock general set and the crimpers above (mainly to use on insulated connectors as my others are for non insulated).


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No ****.....those 909 Crimpers changed my life.

They are THAT effective.

 

[Hinez Wengler]

Don't forget Wilde. Made in the USA and the OEM for brands like Proto.

I especially like the new flush fit pliers. They have several varieties.
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/GrooveJoint/G271FP.NP.html

Harry has great things.

 

[Zeroek]

I recently bought a 3 piece set of Snap on Pliers but if I would had kept my main 3 channellock pliers at work I'd be happy. I took them home since I didn't have any good pliers at home. All my slipjoint pliers are channellock at work and it's hard to beat how nice they are. And the price is awesome.

 

[BK13]

First thing I would do is replace the pliers you use but don't like with something better, like your needle nose. Get some Klein, Channellock, or Snap On.

Second, take a look at he new Milwaukee locking pliers at HD, all that I have played with blow Irwins out of the water.

 

[nanofrog]

Knipex
NWS
Channelock
Wilde (Harry J. Epstein's carries them at very good prices)

Lobster and Engineer brands from Japan might be of interest as well (Amazon and Rakuten sell them for example).

Anything specific regarding type/use and budget?

 

[weerez935]

Knipex

NWS

Channelock

Wilde (Harry J. Epstein's carries them at very good prices)



Lobster and Engineer brands from Japan might be of interest as well (Amazon and Rakuten sell them for example).



Anything specific regarding type/use and budget?

Budget isn't a huge concern but obviously the less I spend on pliers the more I can spend on other stuff.

I really like locking pliers because I have one hand and they are great for holding stuff I can't. I mainly use needlenose to route wires under the dash etc where it's hard to reach. Some times I pick up stuff I dropped in the engine bay lol.

For cutting I use stanley diagonals or kobalt cable cutters when they fit. The biggest I've cut is coax. Most cuts are 18 gauge awg.

I got these in today for a project on my truck:
Ratcheting crimper from mcmastercarr (ideal)


Strippers mcmastercarr (definitely ideal)


Strippers/ cutters mcmastercarr (looks klein)



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[rick carpenter]

Channel lock can't be beat for the price.

Which is why I just bought a pair of Channellock linesman pliers for ~$10 less than Klein. I have some Klein stuff too and I like it.

 

[nanofrog]

Budget isn't a huge concern but obviously the less I spend on pliers the more I can spend on other stuff.

What particular types do you still want to replace/upgrade?

For example, Schmitz would be worth a serious look for small electrical work IMHO (designed for electronics). Best value out there I'm aware of (absolute top quality, yet half the cost or less than brands such as Erem and Lindstrom). The get rebranded a lot (i.e. CK Tools and NWS).

To give you an idea of cost, the pliers I ordered came out to ~$28 per after everything, and shipping took ~11 days. Independent review that might be of interest (by another member).

I really like locking pliers because I have one hand and they are great for holding stuff I can't. I mainly use needlenose to route wires under the dash etc where it's hard to reach. Some times I pick up stuff I dropped in the engine bay lol.

Hemostats would also satisfy your desire for locking pliers that work great for electronics/small electrical work. Inexpensive too.

They can be modded, such as grinding out a hole in the jaw faces to prevent wire insulation damage (example).

Couple of other items that might be of interest:
Lister Bandage Scissor (useful for removing sheathing/heat shrink around bundled wire)
Mayo Scissor (great at prepping wire <incl. stripping small gauges, just like datacom scissors>, heat shrink, mesh sheathing, ...).
Alligator Hemostat (amazing for fishing lost screws).

For cutting I use stanley diagonals or kobalt cable cutters when they fit. The biggest I've cut is coax. Most cuts are 18 gauge awg.

Knipex and NWS make some cable shears that cut like a hot knife through butter, and leave clean flush cuts (if you use them often enough to justify the extra cost). Suspect they'd be better and more comfortable than the Kobalts, especially handy if you do a lot of this.

Japanese equivalents are excellent as well, and worth checking out (better value if the prices are still cheaper than the EU brands).

I got these in today for a project on my truck:
Ratcheting crimper from mcmastercarr (ideal)


Strippers mcmastercarr (definitely ideal)


Strippers/ cutters mcmastercarr (looks klein)

When you're ready to toss those crimpers , check out Pressmaster. They make some of the best crimp and strip tools out there (also get rebranded a lot, by both other tool makers such as Wiha and Xcelite, as well as terminal manufacturers, such as Thomas&Betts, Molex, ...).

 

[weerez935]

What particular types do you still want to replace/upgrade?



For example, Schmitz would be worth a serious look for small electrical work IMHO (designed for electronics). Best value out there I'm aware of (absolute top quality, yet half the cost or less than brands such as Erem and Lindstrom). The get rebranded a lot (i.e. CK Tools and NWS).



To give you an idea of cost, the pliers I ordered came out to ~$28 per after everything, and shipping took ~11 days. Independent review that might be of interest (by another member).





Hemostats would also satisfy your desire for locking pliers that work great for electronics/small electrical work. Inexpensive too.



They can be modded, such as grinding out a hole in the jaw faces to prevent wire insulation damage (example).



Couple of other items that might be of interest:

Lister Bandage Scissor (useful for removing sheathing/heat shrink around bundled wire)

Mayo Scissor (great at prepping wire <incl. stripping small gauges, just like datacom scissors>, heat shrink, mesh sheathing, ...).

Alligator Hemostat (amazing for fishing lost screws).





Knipex and NWS make some cable shears that cut like a hot knife through butter, and leave clean flush cuts (if you use them often enough to justify the extra cost). Suspect they'd be better and more comfortable than the Kobalts, especially handy if you do a lot of this.



Japanese equivalents are excellent as well, and worth checking out (better value if the prices are still cheaper than the EU brands).





When you're ready to toss those crimpers , check out Pressmaster. They make some of the best crimp and strip tools out there (also get rebranded a lot, by both other tool makers such as Wiha and Xcelite, as well as terminal manufacturers, such as Thomas&Betts, Molex, ...).

I would have never thought of filing hemostat a but that is a great idea. Where exactly do you go to purchase Schmitz? Those press masters look nice as well but these crimps seem pretty decent. I got them for **** splices. I was planning on getting the weatherpack one as well but I'll look into pressmaster.


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[nanofrog]

I would have never thought of filing hemostat a but that is a great idea.

Same guy came up with another version that works better for soldering (here). Lot of potential IMHO with a little imagination, and best yet, it's inexpensive to try.

Where exactly do you go to purchase Schmitz?

That link was directly to their store (Schmitz). Click a category, and it shows what they sell with prices in EUR. So if you select Cutters for example, you'll see say the 3122HS22 cutter sells for 32.50EUR (~44USD).

When you enter in your country in the Address section, VAT will vanish, and you'll see what the final price is in EUR. PayPal will do the currency conversion for you, and the fee is no more than ~4% (using a CC), and less if you set the payment source as your checking account (~2.2% when I did it), so the fee is quite small.

They do offer more styles (a LOT more actually if you look in the catalog), but there is a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ = 6). Not high, but not convenient if you mean to buy 1 and sell off the others (could take way too long to recover your funds).

Those press masters look nice as well but these crimps seem pretty decent. I got them for **** splices. I was planning on getting the weatherpack one as well but I'll look into pressmaster.

For field work, an interchangeable die system seems by far the most economic way to go and get proper crimps IMHO, particularly when the dedicated models can go for $300 - 500 each for good ones.

If you decide to get them, check out Waytek, as it's the least expensive source for both the tool and dies they offer (they don't offer all that Pressmaster does, as they focus on wire harness work, not IT and such).

Wirecare.com is another source (link is for the MCT & dies), particularly if you need one that Waytek doesn't offer.

 

[cgv69]

I have pliers from Snap On, Mac, Knipex, Channellock, Wilde, Klein, Craftsman and probably some others I can't think of right now. The Knipex (and probably the NWS) are in another class but their prices reflect that. Still the Knipex Pliers Wrench is really unique design and worth the price IMO. I also really like their Cobra Water pump pliers.

All of the American brands I mentioned make quality tools as well and I doubt you could go wrong with any of them but the brand that really stands out to me and that I recommend the most is Channellock. Not because they are necessarily the "best" (although I do think they hold their own with any of the other US brands) but it amazes me that a US company in this day and age can still make such a high quality and affordable product right here in the US. Their ratio of quality/price is unreal and unbeatable. For that reason alone I am a big fan of their products and try to support them (with my wallet) as much as possible.

I have to admit though that ironically, their "original", tongue & groove pliers, the ones that they are most known for and synonymous with their name, are my least favorite tool that they make (stateside anyway). Go figure right?