Dont know enough to get in much detail, but i have had a one channel graphing meter forever and think it was kind of a waste. Good for telling if something is working or not working at all, but thats about it. Can do the same with a standard meter. Recently got a Fluke 97 2 channel scopemeter...
I generally use side cutters (i know bad for spring worse for pliers), or needle nose.
i did see a guy take a pair on needle nose in a nostil pulling a brake shoe spring. a TON of blood
i have broken matco and blackhawk.(small too like 10, 12, 14MM)
Yet to break a gearwrench.
i dont like levers, if im using a gear wrench its a tight spot.