Pliers - Must Have Pliers & Brands?

[CC268]

Hey guys,

I've got some cheap Harbor Freight Pliers (Needle Nose, Cutting, Linesman, Tongue & Groove, and Slip Joint), but I'm slowly upgrading my tool collection to nicer stuff. I'm a typical home owner - not using any of these tools professionally.

I really like Channel Lock because it's USA made and reasonably priced. I know Knipex is the top dog, but I'm not sure I can justify the price. I do have a pair of Knipex Hook Cutters (for fishing) and they are definitely some high quality cutters!

To be honest, I don't think I've ever used the Linesman pliers or the Slip Joint pliers. I'm thinking maybe I could spring for Knipex if I just stuck with a good pair of needle nose, cutting, and maybe some Tongue and Groove pliers.

Questions:
1. What do you think are the must have pliers any home owner should have in their tool box?

2. What brand would you go for? Knipex or Channel Lock?

Thanks!

EDIT: Here is what I'm thinking of starting out with

 

[Brownsfan]

You can't go wrong with Channellock. Reasonable price and good quality. Also check out some USA made Ideal pliers at Lowe's in the electrical section. If not being used professionally Channellock is the best value. Even if being used professionally Channellock still is the best value.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

I'd say if price is a concern I'd go with channellock. Nothing in the world wrong with them. I have plenty of pairs. That being said I recently got a few pairs of the knipex and yes there is definitely a difference. The pliers wrench is my newest set and they are great.

 

[CC268]

I'd say if price is a concern I'd go with channellock. Nothing in the world wrong with them. I have plenty of pairs. That being said I recently got a few pairs of the knipex and yes there is definitely a difference. The pliers wrench is my newest set and they are great.

Yea I am thinking I will just go for Knipex. I was thinking of starting with their 10" Cobra, 10" Pliers Wrench, 8" Needle Nose, and 8" Cutters would be a good start.

 

[bscman]

My home box(es) is probably a little more robust than some...

But at the very least I'd need:
Slip joint
Needle nose in straight and angled
Diagonal cut pliers and flush cut pliers
Cable cutting pliers
Channelock would be fine for all those.

I'd also recommend you splurge and buy the Knipex cobra water pump pliers. Very worth the $ over the imitations, and much better than a channelock tongue and groove pliers that we're all so used to.

Hit harbor freight for a couple pairs of Bremen locking pliers. Probably 5" and 7" curved. Enter buy than the current Irwin china

I'd likely also find a double jointed long reach needle nose. Gearwrench or something similar would be fine.

That's the minimum of what I have in my home box, and cabin box.

PS im with you. I hardly every wipe the dust of my linesman pliers.

 

[Ton ton]

Definitely channel lock for pliers.

 

[SRSemenza]

The most recent (maybe five years ago) Channellock slip joint pliers (546,548, + another 6" model) that I bought have all had the teeth wear extremely fast. Just a few uses on something made of metal. But I think they are all now discontinued models.

For homeowner toolbox I think the must haves are -------------------------------- basic slip joint, needle nose, medium size (10 -12") adjustable. Some type of basic diagonal cutters.

My top picks would be ..............

For slip joint and tough use needle nose ------------- Snap On.

For precise needle nose ----------------- Knipex.

For adjustable joint --------------------- Knipex Cobra or Alligator.

Diagonal cutters --------------------- Knipex, Klein.

Or for a more economical way to go just about any basic good value set that can be replaced as needed without spending much.


Seth

 

[JradM]

Where sockets basically turn bolts whether they are branded Nepros or Husky (not to say there are no differences), cheap versus pro pliers makes a substantial and noticeable difference in my opinion. Good idea to have at least the basic styles in a quality brand name like Channellock or Knipex.

First, everyone needs to own a Knipex pliers wrench. 7.5" or 10". It works like an adjustable wrench, but is radically better. Also useful for squeezing, holding, pressing, etc. It can "ratchet" around fasteners and works well on damaged fasteners because of the squeezing action. It's hard to explain how good these are until you try them.

Otherwise, I'd go with Channellock for most regular pliers. Knipex and NWS are better in many categories, but not enough to justify spending twice the money. Channellock is legit pro-grade, just not luxury grade.

I'd get a pair of 6" or 8" needle nose pliers. Size depends on what type of work you typically use them for - probably 6" for most electrical work, 8" for automotive. That's just a general thought though. I personally love the 6" e326CB version with "Code Blue" comfort grips.

You also probably want some combination pliers. Maybe the e346CB? If you go with 8", I personally prefer the dipped handles in that size.

Channellock 420's are classics. For waterpump pliers I think Knipex Cobra's are better, but it all depends how much you want to spend. Also note Channellock has "speedgrip" push-button pliers now. I would check those out at least before deciding. Personally, I think the grips are a little funky, but they might work for you.

You will also want side cutters. I think Channellock, with their "knife and anvil" design are pretty good. If you want something very heavy duty there are some Kleins that are nice (I don't recall the model number though). Heavier duty still? Knipex cobolts. Otherwise Channellock does have some center cutting pliers for HD work, but for most tasks you'd want the 6" side cutters. The curved ones are nice (337 or 338 I think?). Go with NWS "fantastico" pliers if you've got the budget and want the best.

That's probably all you need in a basic kit.

Maybe grab some Channellock 909's if you've got any automotive wiring to do with crimp connectors. Klein "catapult" if you're doing a lot of wire stripping (I have the Knipex equivalent, but I think that's like 5x the price) -Klien Kurve if you want to do it manually.

 

[dacan23]

Yea I am thinking I will just go for Knipex. I was thinking of starting with their 10" Cobra, 10" Pliers Wrench, 8" Needle Nose, and 8" Cutters would be a good start.

Yeah the 10" (250) are the ones I most commonly grab, then its the 180 then 300.

Amazon.com

There are some Knipex sets which have cutters or needle nose out there, search on HD & amazon for Knipex sets.

I too ditched cheap pliers of all sorts a long time ago, Mine are now all Knipex and Milwaukee. I accumulated many Milwaukees on sale & deals.

Milwaukee Electrician's Pliers Hand Tool Set (5-Piece) 48-22-6331-48-22-6100-48-22-3079 - The Home Depot

Complete all your hardest work easily and quickly by selecting this wonderful Milwaukee Electrician's Pliers Hand Tool Set. Forged design for added strength.

www.homedepot.com

That's not a bad set, I really like the Milwaukee wire stripper pliers, have I think 3 versions, they are stashed everywhere.

 

[JradM]

BTW, I would skip slip-joint pliers entirely (unless maybe you're grabbing a pair of the new Knipex Twin Grips). I personally think that everything slip-joints do, another style of plier does better. I think the design is antiquated at this point - however, I acknowledge that some people seem to love them.

 

[Vwpower]

Get a pair of 10” knipex cobras

 

[Sumboodie]

I'm not a fan of Knipex.

I had a set of water pump pliers and gave them away. Couldn't put much force without the jaw adjuster jumping teeth.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Channellock 548 and needle nose of your choice in size will get you through 99% of tasks that require pliers. Not that I will give up any of my "extras" that make some jobs easier.

 

[lardy1]

I'm very impressed with a pair of NWS pliers I recently bought. I'll be buying more I'm sure.

 

[CC268]

Get a pair of 10” knipex cobras

I was thinking I would get the Knipex Cobras and the Knipex Pliers Wrench in the 7.25" and 10" sizes. I feel like that would cover me really well. Or is it better to get two 10" sizes for the Cobras and Pliers Wrench?

I guess I'm leaning towards the versatility of the 7.25" and 10" sizes

 

[JeepYJ]

Knipex are top notch. Channellock are usually more than adequate and available almost everywhere. Tekton has USA made pliers that are on par with Channellock.

 

[CC268]

Alright so here is what I'm thinking of starting out with.

 

[BigLeagueSmoes]

DIY'er here. The basics/essentials in my tool box that I would recommend to anyone else:

Water Pump: 10" is a good all around size, Knipex is the nicest, Channellock is excellent too. I would also highly recommend looking at Doyle brand at Harbor Freight, shockingly high quality teeth for the price.

Locking/"Vise Grip": There are so many different sizes and shapes and I find myself using them all quite equally. Curved, straight, and needle nose jaw are the three most useful, something like a 10" and 6" size is nice to have. The bigger ones don't always fit where you need them. I really like Irwin Vise Grip brand and Bremen brand from HF.

Diagonal cutters: I find these very useful, couldn't live without them. Knipex are premium, Klein Tools 8" are my personal favorite. I also have a Greenlee pair that can be purchased at Menards which are more affordable and they have taken a lot of abuse and have held up very well, I'm very pleased with them. I would buy them again if I ever needed another pair.

Flush cutters: If you do anything with zip ties then these are a must in my opinion. Much easier than using a knife to cut the extra off and you can get a more flush cut than with scissors or traditional diagonal cutters. And they work really well for cutting off already fastened zip ties too. I have the Klein Tools 5" only $10 and I might use them more regularly than any other pliers.

Linesman: Knipex and Klein Tools are very nice but expensive. I really like my Channellock brand linesman.

Needle Nose: I would recommend getting two sizes of needle nose. One that's about 8" and another that is closer to 4". Theres a big difference in functionality of the needle nose on these different size pliers. I have 8" Milwaukee and they're good but not worth the price in my opinion. I have 5" Klein Tools needle nose and they see regular use around the house. I also have a pair of 11" Shimano long handle and I use them quite a bit too.

Slip joint: I find these useful but not everyone else does. They're kinda like an extension of the hand and fingers. I think they're a good all around plier that doesn't cost much, probably one of the cheapest types of pliers you can buy. Good for picking up hot metal. I use them frequently when hobby welding if I need to pick up something hot that I just cut with an angle grinder or if I need to hold something small while I weld it. I would recommend Channellock, Crescent, and Doyle brand and something 6"-8" in length.

Wire strippers: These technically aren't "pliers" but they're a similar mechanism so I'll throw it in there. If you ever do any sort of wiring or electrical work you will obviously need them. I have a pair of Klein Tools and Blue Point and like them both. I like when they have multiple sizes of wire strippers, ridged teeth at the end for gripping, and a cutting mechanism by the pivot point. Simple but useful.

In general it seems like Knipex makes the highest quality pliers out there but of course that comes with a premium. Up to you if its worth it. I personally think it is if you use your pliers regularly. If you don't, probably not worth it. I have many Channellock pliers and I am very satisfied with them all.

Another note. If you're not pressed to get all of these pliers immediately I would say look around at pawn shops, garage sales, the classifieds on Garage Journal, etc. for good deals. Obviously you don't want to buy second hand junk but lightly used pliers can be great. Also, it's not very hard to "revive" a pair of pliers. A small triangle file and you can take dull teeth and make them sharp teeth in a few minutes. With a wire brush, steel wool, and WD40 you can clean rust up and get clean metal again. I have revived many pliers that I have picked up on the cheap and I now use them just as much as nicer ones I have bought new.

 

[BigLeagueSmoes]

Alright so here is what I'm thinking of starting out with.

That looks like an all-star lineup to me

 

[d.mcfarland]

Snap-On needle nose if you use them hard.

I've head the Knipex don't like being twisted. You'll get some separation/deflection at the jaws.

 

[Jtels85]

If Channellock isn’t an option for whatever reason, the dark green, dipped handle pliers in the Masterforce line at Menard’s are top notch! The prices are good for the excellent quality quality you’re receiving.

That is of course if you live near a Menards…

If you don’t mind spending a little more than Channellock, new-old-stock Craftsman USA pliers can be had on eBay. Western Forge made and excellent quality.

Whatever you do, stay away from the Currently Craftsman/Stanley pliers. They are garbage and absolutely infuriate me.

 

[Jeff]

I have a mix of pliers. Most have been acquired gradually as I waited for deals. I did, however, buy the NWS pliers at retail to start out my needs.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

OP for DIY home improvement and auto you would need all of the pliers you listed, locking pliers, and pipe wrenches, assuming you own a home. I don't have any Channel Locks nor Knipex. Fortunate to have purchase in 2005 Craftsman Professionals USA sets and recently upgraded to SO set of 4, 47ACF Combination Slip Joint Pliers, 91ACP Adjustable Joint Pliers, 96ACF Needle Nose Pliers and 87ACF Diagonal Cutters. SO may be overkill.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Yeah the 10" (250) are the ones I most commonly grab, then its the 180 then 300.

Amazon.com

There are some Knipex sets which have cutters or needle nose out there, search on HD & amazon for Knipex sets.

I too ditched cheap pliers of all sorts a long time ago, Mine are now all Knipex and Milwaukee. I accumulated many Milwaukees on sale & deals.

Milwaukee Electrician's Pliers Hand Tool Set (5-Piece) 48-22-6331-48-22-6100-48-22-3079 - The Home Depot

Complete all your hardest work easily and quickly by selecting this wonderful Milwaukee Electrician's Pliers Hand Tool Set. Forged design for added strength.

www.homedepot.com

That's not a bad set, I really like the Milwaukee wire stripper pliers, have I think 3 versions, they are stashed everywhere.

I also have that Milwaukee set and I can tell you that slip joint pair of pliers is terrible. I absolutely hate them. I don't know why Milwaukee chose to curve the ends of the handles in so far. The first time they slip off of something and you pinch your hand you'll known it. The rest of the set isn't bad though.

 

[CC268]

OP for DIY home improvement and auto you would need all of the pliers you listed, locking pliers, and pipe wrenches, assuming you own a home. I don't have any Channel Locks nor Knipex. Fortunate to have purchase in 2005 Craftsman Professionals USA sets and recently upgraded to SO set of 4, 47ACF Combination Slip Joint Pliers, 91ACP Adjustable Joint Pliers, 96ACF Needle Nose Pliers and 87ACF Diagonal Cutters. SO may be overkill.

Wouldn't the Knipex Cobras cover the function of a pipe wrench? For locking pliers I've heard good things about Grip On. That said, the Knipex Plier Wrenches would cover this too...

 

[Brownsfan]

Also don't overlook Klein for cutting pliers and needle nose pliers. Some of the best quality in these

 

[JradM]

Wouldn't the Knipex Cobras cover the function of a pipe wrench? For locking pliers I've heard good things about Grip On. That said, the Knipex Plier Wrenches would cover this too...

Yes. Unless you're a plumber, you probably don't need a pipe wrench.

I'm sure some will jump to the defense of the mighty pipe wrench. I'm not suggesting it has no function, just that you don't need one very often at all as a homeowner.

 

[CC268]

Yes. Unless you're a plumber, you probably don't need a pipe wrench.

I'm sure some will jump to the defense of the mighty pipe wrench. I'm not suggesting it has no function, just that you don't need one very often at all as a homeowner.

Thanks. I figure the photo I posted above would cover most my needs. If I add the 7.25” Cobra and Wrench Plier that would probably be icing on the cake.

 

[JradM]

I mean, if you have budget, Malco's eagle grips are the best locking pliers. All these different pliers add up though.

I don't think there's any advantage to Knipex over Grip-on. Grip-on seems like the next-best to Malco. However, even the lowly Irwins are pretty good.

 

[dacan23]

Alright so here is what I'm thinking of starting out with.

Amazon.com

I like the classic vs the comfort grip ones, sometimes same price except ones you picked $15 more on Amazon as I saw.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Yes. Unless you're a plumber, you probably don't need a pipe wrench.

I'm sure some will jump to the defense of the mighty pipe wrench. I'm not suggesting it has no function, just that you don't need one very often at all as a homeowner.

OP off topic since you are looking for pliers. However, for DIYer plumbing projects it was useful. Also makes a good tool at night if strange noises front or back door.

 

[dacan23]

I also have that Milwaukee set and I can tell you that slip joint pair of pliers is terrible. I absolutely hate them. I don't know why Milwaukee chose to curve the ends of the handles in so far. The first time they slip off of something and you pinch your hand you'll known it. The rest of the set isn't bad though.

Yeah true, but the handles are so long, depends on how much slip you left, they were probably over engineered in their logic. Bunch of my slip joints were free so they are also stashed everywhere, only use them for brute tasks where I dont care what damage I cause.

 

[dacan23]

OP off topic since you are looking for pliers. However, for DIYer plumbing projects it was useful. Also makes a good tool at night if strange noises front or back door.

LOL. Thing about a pipe wrench, if it isnt a good one its useless. Forgot the task but I needed one and grabbed the first one I could find, couldn't get the job done and before causing damage I spent the time to grab the good one and problem solved. Same goes for adjustable wrenches.

OP when you do buy your new pliers, take all the old junk and donate or throw in garbage, to prevent from ever using an inferior plier cause you're to lazy to find the good ones. I made many friends happy giving them piles of old tools and save myself from the mistake of using them.

 

[engineer2]

I buy Knipex when they are on sale at Menards. When they have their 15% off bag sale in January for instance.

 

[CC268]

I mean, if you have budget, Malco's eagle grips are the best locking pliers. All these different pliers add up though.

I don't think there's any advantage to Knipex over Grip-on. Grip-on seems like the next-best to Malco. However, even the lowly Irwins are pretty good.

I will probably hold off on locking pliers unless I find I specifically need them.

 

[CC268]

Amazon.com

I like the classic vs the comfort grip ones, sometimes same price except ones you picked $15 more on Amazon as I saw.

Honestly if I’m gonna pay for Knipex I’d rather just splurge on the comfort grips.

 

[CC268]

LOL. Thing about a pipe wrench, if it isnt a good one its useless. Forgot the task but I needed one and grabbed the first one I could find, couldn't get the job done and before causing damage I spent the time to grab the good one and problem solved. Same goes for adjustable wrenches.

OP when you do buy your new pliers, take all the old junk and donate or throw in garbage, to prevent from ever using an inferior plier cause you're to lazy to find the good ones. I made many friends happy giving them piles of old tools and save myself from the mistake of using them.

Oh yea I won’t be keeping my old stuff. It will all go to Goodwill haha

 

[RVAGuy]

I was going to get the new Knipex Twin Grip until several buyers on Amazon posted pics of defective ones that were improperly machined. The nose grip was not centered. Thick metal on one side and thin on the other. For about $50, you would think quality control would be better. Not buying one sight unseen.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Channel Lock makes good products and I like that they are made in the US. I don't see them as a huge step up over most other decent brands of the same style. I do like the CL's that I have.
Knipex on the other hand I see as a step up. The Cobra's being the starting point. I started with 7" and 10" Craftsman branded ones. I also like their 10" dykes for the extra leverage. I have other types of Knipex as well.

 

[Iridium rand]

I'm not a fan of Knipex.

I had a set of water pump pliers and gave them away. Couldn't put much force without the jaw adjuster jumping teeth.

Must have been defective if it was cobras, there’s no way in hell a human can even apply enough force to do that if it was working properly. Can’t speak for alligators though or any other style they might make