Best All-Around Pliers?

[AFR]

We've all seen pliers in many shapes and sizes, for dozens and dozens of different applications.

Which brand/company is your favorite and why?

Many people like Knipex, though some find it hard to shell out $80+ for a single pair of pliers. Though on the other end of the spectrum, we have the $15-25 range from your local hardware store..which aren't always 'jaw-dropping' when it comes to performance. I suppose you get what you pay for.

I read about another somewhat high-end set on another forum - "Vampliers - by Vampire Tools", which actually have specific features (serrations on jaws for screw extraction) that set them apart as more than 'just' another brand. Some people don't like the Made in Japan concept, but I have plenty of knives (folding, outdoor, tactical) made from Japanese steel - which I have found to be very high quality.

I found it interesting because aside from 'quality' or 'brand name', these Vampliers actually did something unique to stand out. I haven't brought myself to purchase a pair yet but I've seen some pretty awesome reviews highlighting the main features and benefits.

In short, what makes a "good" pair of pliers (in whichever application, relative to others in the same umbrella from different companies)..and what is your go-to brand? Thanks!

 

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

I like Harbor Freight, except for the vise grips. For those I buy the brand name Vise Grips.

 

[Davefr]

We've all seen pliers in many shapes and sizes, for dozens and dozens of different applications.

Which brand/company is your favorite and why?

There are a gazillion different styles of pliers and for each specific style there's a favorite brand. However for me, there's no favorite brand for all pliers.

For example, it's kind of hard to beat Knipex Cobras for adjustables but their needle nose are ****. For needle nose, SO Talon Grips are fantastic. Then there's precision where Tronex/Swanstrom/Lindstrom are great. For locking grip pliers you can't beat old Peterson Vise Grips.

 

[DadsTools]

Must confess my best pliers are the vintage USA I pick up at sales and markets. You'll find a number of styles that work just right for certain applications too but are no longer made (perhaps because the style didn't have wide enough appeal to justify it). Can't beat the price either.

The small precision stuff is different. Harder to find vintage in these. I've purchased the cheaper imports mainly because of the price and availability. Since they're not used in heavy-work applications, they do alright. Can't say I'm tickled with any of them, but I've only thrown a few away.

 

[exmaxima1]

Depends on the application. When I'm working on electronics, I like precision tools like Lindstrom (Swiss and Spain) as already noted. I also like Utica (Swiss), Vigor (Swiss), Muromoto Merry (Japan w/the springs on the bottoms), and even US models by Diamond and Channelock.

For electrical power wiring, I like Ideal (if it is already broken in), Snap On, vintage Kraeter, and Klein. Automotive work will usually be something I don't mind getting dirty/lost/beat up.

In other words, there is no such thing as the "best all-around" to me.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

There are a gazillion different styles of pliers and for each specific style there's a favorite brand. However for me, there's no favorite brand for all pliers.

For example, it's kind of hard to beat Knipex Cobras for adjustables but their needle nose are ****. For needle nose, SO Talon Grips are fantastic. Then there's precision where Tronex/Swanstrom/Lindstrom are great. For locking grip pliers you can't beat old Peterson Vise Grips.

+1

Talon grips from Snap-On... but I really like most of their pliers
Knipex Cobras, Pliers Wrench and diagonal cutters
NWS needlenose, combination pliers
Swanstrom/Lindstrom for electronics pliers and precision cutters
Peterson, Grip-On for vise-grips

Next on my list will be to try some Japanese pliers, like 3peaks (Vamplier or Engineer) screw-extraction and Keiba pliers.

 

[rlitman]

If you saw my workbench, you'd know that while I like pliers, I'm completely unqualified to answer the question of "best overall pliers". Pliers are not a one-size-fits-all tool, and the ones that try to be, I generally don't care for. That's probably why I own at least a hundred.

I think I'd have an easier time choosing a best movie than a best pair of pliers, but if I had to take a stab at it, I'd say the Eifel Plier Wrench would be the closest pick to a single tool you could put in a toolbox and use for the largest number of tasks where pliers would be appropriate.

As for best brand, while I give honorable mentions to Lindstrom, Snap On and Knipex, my favorite are the beautifully box jointed German ones from the Damascus brand. But I also regularly use some from Boker, Utica, Klein, Diamond, Pexto (and all the variations on their name), Proto, USMC, Craftsman (some of the WF made ones), Vigor, Arrow, Dixon, Swanstrom, Sargent, Vaco, Bernard, Channellock (though I prefer the Klein groove joint pliers, Channellock makes other good stuff), Grobet, and I KNOW I'm missing a bunch here.

Edit: Kraeuter. How could I forget them.

 

[DadsTools]

Depends on the application. When I'm working on electronics, I like precision tools like Lindstrom as already noted. For electrical power wiring, I like Ideal (if it is already broken in), Snap On, vintage Kraeter, and Klein. Automotive work will usually be something I don't mind getting dirty/lost/beat up.

In other words, there is no such thing as the "best all-around" to me.

Hmmm...maybe I'll have to look at those Lindstroms. The precision stuff I have is meh. Get's the job done but there's no pleasure in using them at all.

BTW, in speaking about vintage pliers, I'll stick my neck out on this (please, no rioting, just my personal opinion): I think the older "second generation" 1953-1964 Channellocks are better than the ones they make today, although the modern blue handles are a nice addition.

DISCLAIMER: I am not trying to hijack this thread with a Channellock slugfest! There's a C-lock thread out there that got pretty ****** for awhile. Please. Just responding to the OP's question with my own personal opinion. Thank you.

 

[rossomania]

Hadn't really thought about it but, yeah, I pretty much use my c-locks exclusively for oily and dirty jobs and plumbing.

For fabrication and electrical, I like to keep my Klein and Proto pliers nice and clean.

I have absolutely nothing against Channel-lock but that's just how things worked out in my garage.

 

[ItsNemo]

I have a mix of Channellock, Knipex, Gearwrench, Vise Grips, and Mastercraft. Day to day use I generally grab the Channellock ones since I have them in most sizes/shapes and they're fairly good build quality without being too expenisve. Knipex I only have a couple pairs (like pliers wrench) that are specific uses, too expensive to really buy to use all the time and I couldn't justify the price difference over Channellock given they aren't *that* much better. Gearwrench I have some Double-X and Pivot Force specialty pliers, when I need those styles they're super handy. Vise Grips are vise grips, pretty self explanatory. Mastercraft is my entire old set that you can buy several complete sets for one Knipex plier, have a few smaller sizes that I still use often in those but otherwise generally grab them when I know I'm about to beat the things up lol

 

[Wamsutta]

Pliers are very application specific. You can't expect one brand to have all the pliers you like. You gotta go plier by plier.

 

[Specs]

I want those knipex Adjustible pliers that form 2/3 of the hex on a nut or bolt... without chewing up anything... i still love my snap on ACP series and chanellock 4 pack from home depot

 

[AmishFury]

there's no one brand to rule them all... there will always be some item in the product line that someone else does better

any of the well established brands will be decent across the board though... if you're looking for reasonbly priced and good channel lock is a decent choice... though i will say right off i had one pair of their 8" needle noise bend on me while trying to bend a cotter pin... i've put my 6" through heavier abuse so i'd be willing to bet it was just a bad pair that i still haven't gotten around to using that warranty on

 

[General Geoff]

Can't really make a judgment on "All-Around" pliers, but I will say that The Knipex Cobras and Pliers-Wrench are two of my favorite pliers that I use all the time. I also have Knipex needle nose and linesman pliers, but to be honest, they're not so amazing that I'd buy them again at a premium in cost over the newer "premium" pliers at Harbor Freight, which work just fine.

 

[JBH]

We've all seen pliers in many shapes and sizes, for dozens and dozens of different applications.

Which brand/company is your favorite and why?

Many people like Knipex, though some find it hard to shell out $80+ for a single pair of pliers.

You seriously overstate the cost of Knipex pliers. I have never paid $80+ for a Knipex-branded product. That includes 250mm Pliers Wrenches and 300mm Cobras.

For that matter, I think my only $80+ pliers from anyone are a pair of 250mm Stahlwille VDE sidecutters. The Knipex equivalent is well under $80 from US suppliers.

Go-tos: Knipex/Rennsteig/Orbis, Stahlwille/VBW, Gedore, NWS/Felo/Irwin. Probably in that order: I often like Stahlwille pliers better, but Knipex almost always offers better value.

Add Grip On specifically for locking pliers; Knipex/Rennsteig, Wezag, and Pressmaster for crimping pliers.

The Vampliers are interesting. The screw extractor section seems intuitively useful. I ordered a set of similar Japanese pliers, "Engineer Neijisaurus," on eBay not too long ago from a Japanese seller. They seem to be similar to the Vampliers on paper, but they cost roughly half as much. I have not received them yet.

 

[Bryanthegreat]

I have a little bit of everything. I have mostly channellock they are a good value. I have knipex for my side cutters and mini bolt cutters and now only buy them for that. Based on my experience with the cutters I wouldn't hesitate to buy any of their other stuff. I also have some Xcelite flush cutters and they are nice too.

 

[Tonyuk]

Every day pliers - tekton slip joints or knipex combo pliers.

Waterpump pliers - knipex alligators (or cobras)

Side cutters - NWS long extra leverage pliers, rebranded by Irwin to be a bit cheaper.

Locking pliers - facom, Milwaukee, Irwin or Grip on. If getting grip on then if probably recommend going for either bahco or channellock as they're rebrands. The bahco would be my choice as their all chromed except the screw. The rest are coated with some kind of paint.

Needle nose - knipex or nws. The nws ergo needle nose are great.

Hose pliers - facom but tekton do an okay pair for about £10. Channellock end cutters make great hose clamp pliers. A good set of nws metal shears for cutting thick hose.

Electrical pliers and crimpers- I like knipex and channellock as well as nws. Get the ones with the interchangeable jaws for different crimps. Also invest in an auto wire stripper, Irwin do a good one but I have one by knipex, I wouldn't buy it from them unless on a decent sale.

Snap ring pliers - facom, knipex, Sykes pickervent

Big pair of channellocks are handy and cheap enough.

Those are the brands and types i couldn't work without, plenty of others though. Alot depends on if yoyr making money with them or not, the German brands are a good bit cheaper than here I'm not sure I would pay the prices for knipex etc.. in the USA for basic pliers.

 

[Yarpo]

As someone else mentioned, 80 dollars is insane for Knipex pliers. You can buy them for 20-40 dollars a pair on amazon, sears, or ebay.

On the topic of the best all around pliers I can't say. I must not use my pliers enough because I'm using a cheap 20 dollar (5?) piece set I got from Northern tool, made in China, and they've not let me down. Cheap but they work, even tho I keep buying newer marginally nicer pliers (Channellock/Blackhawk/Wilde) I keep picking these things up at home without complaint lol. At work I have Greenlee, Snap on, Channel Lock, Craftsman, they all have been fine for me.

Found the set even

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200627753_200627753

 

[zktk01]

If I can find Utica needle nose I pick them up any chance I get. Cripedistributing is a good place for pliers. I like Channellocks for anything else. I think the new HF Brenan grip pliers are as good as the newer made vise grips and cheaper.

 

[Specs]

Milwaukee makes cobras now apparently...
They’re called HEX jaws... V jaw pliers

48-22-6208....

Also: dollar tree sells these TEENY AF locking pliers i use for battery jumps, i dremel the teeth flat... cause sometimes the manufacturer did not provide a ground and negative recessed away and my parrot clamp wont fit... one engine mount bolt later.... vroom vroom lol

 

[mudflap]

It's Channellock for me..always has been since my first day on the job 25yrs ago... I have some other odball ones, a pair of robo-grips, a pair of the yellow and blue Irwin push button groove joints..recently a pair of Carlyle needle nose that the Napa guy had a special on which are pretty nice...but never liked the fat handled pliers.. just good old fashioned made in USA Blue handles ....

 

[anndel]

Old USA-made Craftsman, Channellock, Knipex, Klein, Snap On....I like them all and use what ever is closest to me when I need them.

 

[speed bump]

We've all seen pliers in many shapes and sizes, for dozens and dozens of different applications.

Which brand/company is your favorite and why?

Many people like Knipex, though some find it hard to shell out $80+ for a single pair of pliers. Though on the other end of the spectrum, we have the $15-25 range from your local hardware store..which aren't always 'jaw-dropping' when it comes to performance. I suppose you get what you pay for.

I read about another somewhat high-end set on another forum - "Vampliers - by Vampire Tools", which actually have specific features (serrations on jaws for screw extraction) that set them apart as more than 'just' another brand. Some people don't like the Made in Japan concept, but I have plenty of knives (folding, outdoor, tactical) made from Japanese steel - which I have found to be very high quality.

I found it interesting because aside from 'quality' or 'brand name', these Vampliers actually did something unique to stand out. I haven't brought myself to purchase a pair yet but I've seen some pretty awesome reviews highlighting the main features and benefits.

In short, what makes a "good" pair of pliers (in whichever application, relative to others in the same umbrella from different companies)..and what is your go-to brand? Thanks!

Out of 4 posts, two of yours are directly about these pliers (including your only non-thread starting post) and at least 1 of the other 2 was leading toward these Vampliers. If you aren't a paid spokesperson, I would tell you to buy a set and let us know how awesome they are. If you are a paid spokesperson, let the discount code fly and somebody will buy them and let you know if we should care about them.

Otherwise the best pliers is completely application specific.

 

[Fedwrench]

I like these Wilde pliers as probably one of the handiest designs.

https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/wilde-6-3-4-angle-nose-slip-joint-pliers.html

 

[Tallpilot]

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200627753_200627753

That set is usable. I bought it and put it in the kitchen with some other tools designed to keep the family from asking to borrow my better stuff.

 

[customh]

I've only got a few knipex but I reach for them all the time, especially over old fashioned channel locks.

That set is usable. I bought it and put it in the kitchen with some other tools designed to keep the family from asking to borrow my better stuff.

...

On the topic of the best all around pliers I can't say. I must not use my pliers enough because I'm using a cheap 20 dollar (5?) piece set I got from Northern tool, made in China, and they've not let me down. Cheap but they work, ...

Found the set even

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200627753_200627753

I haven't run into too many Ironton tools that don't make me want to throw them across the shop. KLUTCH stuff at Northern has been good for me though for a cheaper option. If I was getting a nicer basic set I'd probably be looking at Knipex or Wilde.

OT: The Ironton impact adapter set is cheap for what it is and I've recently beat the wee out of the 1/2 to 3/4 adapter in a contractor's set with my Makita impact and their IR on a project at work I had him in to help me with.

 

[davethorik]

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/ironworkers/ironworkers-pliers-heavy-duty-cutting

My most-often grabbed pliers are Klein D2000-7CST ironworkers pliers. These were an accidental purchase, meant to get larger D2000-9ST rebar work pliers, but wasn't paying attention when ordering. Here is what I originally was after: http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/ironworkers/heavy-duty-cutting-rebar-work-pliers

The buyers remorse lasted from about 15 min after online purchase when I realized I ordered wrong #, until I removed them from packaging. They were my 1st Klein pliers, I wanted to try the 2000 series, and I have been impresed with them for 2 years now..

I never know what I'll be cutting next, as I carry these with my contracting tools- SS deck screws, romex, nails, small diameter steel cable, nylon rope, tie wire, small machine screws, steel tube, staples, etc. I have never been unable to cut anything I threw these at.

What makes these great is the smaller-than-average head. They are mid-way in jaw size between a traditional 9.5" linemans and 10" slip joints, stiill 9.25" overall, so good leverage. Honestly, I think if I had gotten the original pair I wanted- I wouldn't use them as much.

 

[eyeball]

I think it is pretty obvious that this thread was started as a not so cleverly disguised advertisement for those (promoted brand)...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[seber]

For wire cutters, Knipex. But Klien is a better value. I'm not a Craftsman fan but for all other pliers The Craftsman made by Western Forge are way better than anything else I have. Unfortunately most of the line is being increasingly sourced overseas.

 

[Parrothead]

Out of 4 posts, two of yours are directly about these pliers (including your only non-thread starting post) and at least 1 of the other 2 was leading toward these (promoted brand). If you aren't a paid spokesperson, I would tell you to buy a set and let us know how awesome they are. If you are a paid spokesperson, let the discount code fly and somebody will buy them and let you know if we should care about them.

Otherwise the best pliers is completely application specific.

I think it is pretty obvious that this thread was started as a not so cleverly disguised advertisement for those (promoted brand) pliers...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I agree, the OP is not so cleverly advertising for the brand he’s promoting

*I took out the name and replaced it with (promoted brand) as to not contribute to the original posts goal of doing just that. That whole Google fu avoidance.

 

[davethorik]

I agree, the OP is not so cleverly advertising for the brand he’s promoting

*I took out the name and replaced it with (promoted brand) as to not contribute to the original posts goal of doing just that. That whole Google fu avoidance.

*yawn*
Well I'm not saying the promoted brand isn't good but the design is neither a BREAKTHROUGH nor INNOVATIVE...
gas & burner pliers have had these, oh, since the late 1800s... (photo courtesy woody73)

 

[sberry]

I got a lot of stuff. It isn't much about brand as style and I actually have a couple clones have hung in there with the Kliens. I like number 9 side cutters, hi lev, 8 inch dykes, 440 Channeloks, 6r and 10r vise grip and simple t strippers and pair of separate crimpers.
We have others, specialty stuff but those are the ones that do most of the work.

 

[Yarpo]

I've only got a few knipex but I reach for them all the time, especially over old fashioned channel locks.


I haven't run into too many Ironton tools that don't make me want to throw them across the shop. KLUTCH stuff at Northern has been good for me though for a cheaper option. If I was getting a nicer basic set I'd probably be looking at Knipex or Wilde.

OT: The Ironton impact adapter set is cheap for what it is and I've recently beat the wee out of the 1/2 to 3/4 adapter in a contractor's set with my Makita impact and their IR on a project at work I had him in to help me with.

I'm pleasantly surprised with these pliers, as noted they're usable. I dont have any familiarity with any of the other Ironton tools however, bought these years ago when I was starting out lol. The jaw alignment on my the needle nose is great, serrations on the teeth are just right, and the tips are even. About as much as you can ask for from them I guess. I continue to reach for them just out of principle at this point, until they fail I'll keep using them even tho like you mentioned a good basic set of wilde doesn't cost all that much

 

[gregpack]

I do maintenance and have a small belt pouch that I can do 75% of my work out of. I am continuously attempting to reconfigure and keep the weight down. I carry 10" knipex alligators. I don't care for the cobras, I can adjust on the fly on ladders with one hand with the alligators.

I know they are a favorite here but the knipex pliers wrench are "just OK" for my use. An adjustable wrench is easier to use in tight spaces.

I recently picked up a pair of the Carlyle CHT WSCCPLN- Its a very handy "multi tool" type combo stripper, crimper, and long nose plier. They have replaced my Klein needle nose pliers and strippers

 

[Toothaker]

I keep hearing about Knipex Cobra adjustable pliers, so I went out and bought some. KCTool gives us 10% off at checkout when you use the THANKS2GJ promo code, and that discount applies to sale prices, too.

Yes, I'm promoting KCTool - as a happy customer. And Knipex, too.

I got two Knipex Cobra pliers, a 7" and a 10", for less than $60 delivered.

 

[930dreamer]

AFR- It sounds like like your trying to pimp something but don't quite say it.

 

[AreYaSerious]

It depends on price range.

Higher priced brand: Knipex, Klien
Mid priced brand: Channellock, Irwin
Low priced brand: Klutch, Wilde

 

[FigureItOut]

I have maybe 50-60 pairs of pliers, German, Japanese, US and a smattering of Taiwan. I like the Gearwrench double X articulating long reach pliers for a lot of situations, so Taiwan earned its place in my box with those.

I agree that one does best to have many different styles and sizes of good quality pliers, and that means several brands. That said, I got a pair of the Knipex self adjusting 12" Cobras about 6 months ago, and find those to be the most versatile, universally useful pliers I own. Other than the select few I keep on my cart for pretty specific tasks, I'll grab those first a good portion of the time. The self adjusting mechanism is very effective.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930AZ using Tapatalk

 

[oldwino]

As has been said over and over above there isn’t ONE pliers that will do everything but I find myself using a Channelock 428 more than any other. Not the best for any individual application but works ok for many

 

[JBradley500]

If I was getting sent to the garage with just one pair of pliers, I would choose Knipex 8751250 - 10" Cobra ES Extra Slim Water Pump Pliers.