Best Starting Pliers for a New Technician

[cars1ck]

Need some help with these. Getting into the business and want a decent set of pliers. Have some student discounts.

My first option is these from Mac. Listed at $47.49 for students but this seems too good to be true, it must be some rebranded Chinese tool for a stupid amount of money.
Also got these at $88.20 from Matco. Know Matco is a serial rebrander and I have to imagine it is rebranded as well.
Third option but least preferable is these from Snap-on at $123.66. Not a bad tool just expensive.

If any of ya'll have suggestions outside these ranges and under $100 for at least a standard 4pc. set of pliers, let me know.

 

[tyyost]

Honestly, out of the choices you laid out buy the snap on. They will be your forever pliers. I started to suggest singles of Knipex, Channellock, or Klein, but the ones in the snap on set are a great starter set.

 

[chohdog]

I'd get the MAC set, regardless of country of origin. Great deal, otherwise lend me your student discount

Other option: https://www.amazon.com/KNIPEX-Tools-9K-00-Combination/dp/B00KBCM456/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-34681-Classic-Pliers-Cutters/dp/B08CG5GYXK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I would get Snap On pliers using your student discount. I dont know about that set, I like two of four pliers. Here's what I definitely would get using your discount:

At least one of these two, if not both. Probably one to start, and then get the second before your discount expires:

SEP

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sep.snapon.com

SEP

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sep.snapon.com

Long-Reach pliers are good:

SEP

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sep.snapon.com

90 Degree bent pliers are good:

SEP

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sep.snapon.com

I'd also look at doing an order from Amazon.de to buy some Knipex pliers shipped from Germany into the US. The prices are 30%+ cheaper than US Amazon, the downside is shipping is $20 for the first pair of pliers from Germany into the US. But each additional pair of pliers is around $2 added shipping.

So if you get a few classmates to chip in you can do a group buy and split the shipping equally amongst you.

Personally, I think this Snap On 50% off discount is a phenomenal opportunity you only get now, while in school and while you can get some cheaper stuff from Knipex or from Icon at Harbor Freight, I would save money and throw it all at the Snap On discount.

Even if it means you go buy the cheapest Pittsburgh pliers at HF to round out your toolbox in the short term so you have enough tools to do your classwork. I think you're better served with 5 Snap On Pliers + 10 Pittsburgh pliers, than to buy 15 medium quality medium price Knipex pliers. Because you can get those Knipex pliers for the same price once school is over, but you can only get that 50% off Snap On deal once, right now.

 

[Dave455]

Generally speaking, you are better off buying pliers individually, than in a set. Different makers do different types better. And what constitutes a “set” anyway?

I wouldn’t buy anything other than pliers from a first world manufacturer. You don’t have to.

If you must buy a set, and if it must be one of those listed, buy the Snap On. Although the most expensive, it’s the best set by far, and also the best value.

 

[Sumboodie]

I would get Snap On pliers using your student discount. I dont know about that set, I like two of four pliers. Here's what I definitely would get using your discount:

At least one of these two, if not both. Probably one to start, and then get the second before your discount expires:

SEP

Web site created using create-react-app

sep.snapon.com

SEP

Web site created using create-react-app

sep.snapon.com

Long-Reach pliers are good:

SEP

Web site created using create-react-app

sep.snapon.com

90 Degree bent pliers are good:

SEP

Web site created using create-react-app

sep.snapon.com

I'd also look at doing an order from Amazon.de to buy some Knipex pliers shipped from Germany into the US. The prices are 30%+ cheaper than US Amazon, the downside is shipping is $20 for the first pair of pliers from Germany into the US. But each additional pair of pliers is around $2 added shipping.

So if you get a few classmates to chip in you can do a group buy and split the shipping equally amongst you.

Personally, I think this Snap On 50% off discount is a phenomenal opportunity you only get now, while in school and while you can get some cheaper stuff from Knipex or from Icon at Harbor Freight, I would save money and throw it all at the Snap On discount.

Even if it means you go buy the cheapest Pittsburgh pliers at HF to round out your toolbox in the short term so you have enough tools to do your classwork. I think you're better served with 5 Snap On Pliers + 10 Pittsburgh pliers, than to buy 15 medium quality medium price Knipex pliers. Because you can get those Knipex pliers for the same price once school is over, but you can only get that 50% off Snap On deal once, right now.

We got Snap On for about 30% of retail at work. Some stuff was a lesser deal at closer to 50%. Was still generally overpriced. In 4 years I bought a rachet and a set of flush cut pliers.
And this was before internet ordering was much of a thing. Now, searching for tools is super easy.

 

[Dave455]

If you can buy individual tools, any of these are better value than the Mac or Matco sets. All from Amazon, and well within budget.



Or if you prefer, here are some sets.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Generally speaking, you are better off buying pliers individually, than in a set. Different makers do different types better. And what constitutes a “set” anyway?

I wouldn’t buy anything other than pliers from a first world manufacturer. You don’t have to.

If you must buy a set, and if it must be one of those listed, buy the Snap On. Although the most expensive, it’s the best set by far, and also the best value.

Exactly. No sets, buy singles. Snap on and Knipex are some of my favorites for regular pliers, tsounda or something similar on Amazon is Japanese made and good quality. Tekton will also sell you decent USA made pliers. Try to get a group of 5 basic pliers and then evaluate needs.

Knipex cobras, long needle nose (probably snap on), and a good set of dikes would be top of my list. Channel lock makes decent stuff, I've used their pliers with good results and you can buy them at home depot. Might help to actually hold them in your hand.

 

[KnurledNut]

Im not a Tekton fanboy, but they deserve a mention here.
It's hard to beat their set offerings like #PLR99201.
The four Wilde-sourced USA-made pieces really up the ante.
Included pliers rack makes all kinds of sense. (USA made to boot.)
Tekton has a student program that gives an additional 15%: https://www.tekton.com/student-program
Add to that: 10% back in rewards, in-stock availability, free shipping, fast hassle-free warranty.
I would personally choose these over the Mac or Matco sets.
-----
As an alternative to Snap-on consider Icon from Harbor Freight. They offer many good quality competitive copycat options, available individually.
If you can wait for a 20% coupon, the price is right. I own some of both brands and have been impressed.
-----

Set Includes:​

• 10 inch groove joint pliers (1-1/2 in. jaw) USA
• 7 inch angle nose slip joint pliers (7/8 in. jaw) USA
• 8 inch slip joint pliers USA
• 7-3/4 inch nut jaw pliers USA
• 6 inch 70-degree bent long nose pliers
• 7 inch long nose pliers
• 7 inch diagonal cutting pliers
• 8 inch cable cutting pliers
• 8 inch end cutting pliers
• 9-1/2 inch lineman's pliers
• 10-tool pliers organizer rack USA

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Tekton also has a student discount program of 15% off!

Student Program | TEKTON Hand Tools

Tekton offers a 15% discount for students and educators enrolled in a skilled trade program at qualified vocational and technical schools.

www.tekton.com

 

[Wamsutta]

Need some help with these. Getting into the business and want a decent set of pliers. Have some student discounts.

My first option is these from Mac. Listed at $47.49 for students but this seems too good to be true, it must be some rebranded Chinese tool for a stupid amount of money.
Also got these at $88.20 from Matco. Know Matco is a serial rebrander and I have to imagine it is rebranded as well.
Third option but least preferable is these from Snap-on at $123.66. Not a bad tool just expensive.

If any of ya'll have suggestions outside these ranges and under $100 for at least a standard 4pc. set of pliers, let me know.

I wouldn't have any of those. Why? Too little. I gotta have my slip joint pliers 10 inches, nose pliers 9 inches, and side cutters at least 8 inches.

And they all have to be either made in Germany, or the United States of America.

 

[TheRealBastard]

Knipex. Made in Germany and built to last. The bite on their alligator and cobra pliers are superior to everything else. It's not really close in my opinion.

 

[908Jim]

A basic 4 piece Channellock "PC-2" set (also suggested above by @Dave455 ) for $72 on amazon will get you started and serve you well for a long time. Add specialty pliers as you go if you start to find you need them but a basic pair of slip joint pliers, cutting pliers, Tongue and Groove, and needle nose will cover you for most work. I'd also add a pair of crimping pliers and you will cover 90% of what you need. Over time, if these pliers aren't meeting your needs, add from higher end brands selectively. In the future invest in some knipex cobras, some mini pliers, some 9" heavy cutters, etcetera.

Your objective is to make money, not go into tons of debt right out of the gate. Pliers are somewhat consumable because they eventually wear out anyway. The Channellock's will last you many years and allow you to spend the extra money on other tools where the quality difference is much more apparent and matters more. Only about half of my pliers are Channellock but I'm using blue handles 80% of the time. They work well, they are durable, and they are very affordable.

 

[bigfunwmu]

Based on my experience, I would also piece together some sets from a mix of what I like most.

The one set I would make sure I bought off a truck, or truck brand, would be the needle nose pliers. I seem to be able to deform the jaws pretty easily by squeezing too hard. I would want something that was both premium and warrantable for that one item.

Snappy (or your preferred local truck) needle nose
Knipex Cobra 5, 7, 10 set
Channel-lock, Knipex, or somebody first-world for dykes
Irwin Vise-grip brand vise grips, not knock-off copies or clones, and not snap-on either (I don't like the release on the snap-on)
HF or somebody cheap for flush-cutters for zip ties
HF or somebody cheap for tiny little straight and 90 needle-nose for stupid tiny little stuff that you can't grab by hand but doesn't take much force either

 

[pizza]

to echo what's been said – if you love tools, don't get sets. no one company offers the best of everything.

needlenose: from snappy, for sure get the LN46ACF and LN47ACF talon grip long nose slipjoints.

tongue-and-groove pliers: knipex cobra in 2 or 3 sizes like 180, 250, 300mm. forget chanellock.

pliers-wrench: obviously knipex pliers-wrench in 2 or 3 sizes like 150, 180, 250mm

 

[tyyost]

A basic 4 piece Channellock "PC-2" set (also suggested above by @Dave455 ) for $72 on amazon will get you started and serve you well for a long time. Add specialty pliers as you go if you start to find you need them but a basic pair of slip joint pliers, cutting pliers, Tongue and Groove, and needle nose will cover you for most work. I'd also add a pair of crimping pliers and you will cover 90% of what you need. Over time, if these pliers aren't meeting your needs, add from higher end brands selectively. In the future invest in some knipex cobras, some mini pliers, some 9" heavy cutters, etcetera.

Your objective is to make money, not go into tons of debt right out of the gate. Pliers are somewhat consumable because they eventually wear out anyway. The Channellock's will last you many years and allow you to spend the extra money on other tools where the quality difference is much more apparent and matters more. Only about half of my pliers are Channellock but I'm using blue handles 80% of the time. They work well, they are durable, and they are very affordable.

I was headed down that path too, but with the student discount the Snap On pliers are just as good deal as the Channelock. I agree on the you need lots of pliers as you go, but also started out many years ago with a similar Craftsman set and it did everything I asked. The Knipex sets all have the euro linesman style pliers, which I never find much used for outside home electrical work.

The comments about long nose pliers, Knipex, and others are good. I personally buy cheap knockoffs from the usual bargains when a plier design comes out I want to try. Even $4 long nose Pittsburg pliers are better than none, and if I use/need them I buy better when deals come up.

 

[AEAdam]

Knipex. Made in Germany and built to last. The bite on their alligator and cobra pliers are superior to everything else. It's not really close in my opinion.

Oooo, disagree. I really like my cobras and my pliers wrenches but not necessarily for automotive.

I feel KNIPEX is a GJ emperor with no clothes. The jaws are soft on most models including the cutters. The duck bills and needle nose can’t hold a candle to Snap On. Snap On really makes the best pliers I have ever used, full stop. There are only a few models I don’t like. One is the slip joint pair in that set. I find them unnecessarily clumsy. There is an older model I prefer with the same model number 47ACP. They have shorter handles and longer noses. I can only find them occasionally on ebay. I have 2 pairs now, I like them that much.

Like to hear from the pros here talking about what pliers they use regularly. Rear brakes aside, I find I don’t use my pliers much. I personally don’t love the part destroying jagged jaws of the cobras. SO arc joints have finer teeth and straight jaws so I tend to use those for removing stuck electronic modules or grabbing stuff I don’t want destroyed.

For grabbing and twisting, my first choice is always duck bill pliers, followed closely by the SO talon grip needle nose (those are fantastic).

Thinking back on recent jobs, pulling coil packs, spark plug wires, pulling hoses off of things, you need pliers for those jobs. I like the super long needle nose, but they are just big tweezers for me.

SO cutters are simply superior to all others I’ve used including KNIPEX, but I‘ve been using my Xuron electronic cutters more than the SO. You could probably cut a clutch cable or hood release cable easily with the SO cutters, but how many cars have clutch cables and when would you ever need to do that?

Last, US based techs should probably pick SO just for the warranty service. $150 for really good pliers isn’t going to break your budget. Devils advocate: electricians spend all day everyday with pliers in their hands. My guess is pro auto techs spend most of their time with low torque impact guns or battery powered ratchets.

At least for @oldschoolcraft, I’d like to see a prioritized list of pliers for automotive. I’d start with drum brake pliers, then probably jump to electronics (Xuron). Then maybe the hose pliers would be next. Point is, maybe techs would be better off with job specific specialty pliers and just a few basics.

 

[M635_Guy]

I'd mix and match.

That said, the Tekton set is a pretty strong deal and they're great at customer service. Email them a pic, they send a replacement immediately.

The Icon stuff is extremely nice and they all work pretty much as well as the Snap On and Knipex stuff they copy. For example, somewhere here there's a long thread on the Knipex pliers wrench clone. I have the Icon and Knipex and having used them for a couple years now I can say the Icon works just as well as my Knipex. The main issue with the Icon line (pliers and in general) is they have less options. I'd also eyeball the Doyle and Quinn stuff in-store. I have a few Doyle pairs and they've been great (in a non-professional but very-busy DIY environment). Anyone who says the Icon stuff isn't high-quality isn't dealing in facts, and the differences aren't worth the money in many cases (IMHO).

The SnapOn LN46-ACF is worth grabbing at a discount, and probably its big brother too. They have no direct competitor I'm aware of, and my '46 pair immediately became one of my most-used tools.

I do not understand anyone recommending the Irwin vice grips. Yeah they bought the Vice Grip brand, but they're no better than the other knock-off offerings from Tekton or the HF Bremen. I opted to grab a couple of the Malco vice grips (which are MiUSA, but they discontinued that line and sold it to Snap On) since they're head-and-shoulders above everything else. I also have some much-cheaper pairs, mainly Bremen (which are pretty darn nice) and Pittsburgh (which are kinda junk, but fine for light-duty work and disposable, though I've never managed to break any).

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Mainly what I'd do is avoid going into a lot of debt, especially to the truck. Stick some money every month into an IRA (ROTH, whatever) and get nice-but-less-expensive tools. Even a hundred bucks a month is meaningful money when it's time to put the wrenches down. At 55, the main reason I'm not losing my mind about retiring is that I put money away when I was in my 20's. There's no substitute for time when it comes to stuff like that, and believe me, as you make more money there are more demands for your money. Tuck a hundo away religiously (and more when you can) and you'll never regret it.

 

[Ton ton]

I would go to a pawn shop and see if they have any tool truck brand pliers available. Just my worthless 2 cents.

 

[dscheidt]

Don't buy anything from a truck until you know what you need, what you like, and why you need and like it. Otherwise you risk ending up with stuff you don't use. This forum is full of people who love spending other people's money. Most of the recommendations are good pliers (excep for irwin branded vise grips, which are ****.), but you don't know what you will be doing, etc.


Take yourself to harbor freight, buy a 12" doyle pump pliers, needle nose, and dykes, a Bremen 10" vise grip. Then spend some time using them. and then, in a few months, buy stuff. Either to replace what you have, if you don't think it's good enough (those are, despite what the tool snobs around here will tell you), or if you discover you need something else. Spend some thought on "will IE use this enough, on important enough stuff?" before buying fancy pliers.

I say this as a guy with more pliers than is reasonable, especially since I no longer use them for a living.

 

[Fixr]

Mainly what I'd do is avoid going into a lot of debt, especially to the truck. Stick some money every month into an IRA (ROTH, whatever) and get nice-but-less-expensive tools. Even a hundred bucks a month is meaningful money when it's time to put the wrenches down. At 55, the main reason I'm not losing my mind about retiring is that I put money away when I was in my 20's. There's no substitute for time when it comes to stuff like that, and believe me, as you make more money there are more demands for your money. Tuck a hundo away religiously (and more when you can) and you'll never regret it.

This x 1000

 

[Steve_P]

No sets, mix it up. I'll also say Knipex for Cobras, cutters, etc. Snap on for the needlenose and specialty pliers that Knipex or Icon doesn't make; definitely look at what Icon offers first since they've gotten good reviews here. I have plenty of Channellock, but Knipex is just so much nicer, and the teeth hold up better, so I personally wouldn't buy anything by Channellock given the competition.

The reality is that the Chinese Irwin vise grips are pretty good. You can look at the Project Farm test and decide for yourself, but they're far from junk. Saying that, Harry Epstein still has some of the Malcos, at a big discount, which are the best by far, so I'd get those while you still can.

Search: 8 results found for "eagle grip"

The Harry J. Epstein Co. - USA Hand Tools - Surplus/Retail/Liquidation

www.harryepstein.com

I also agree with M635: once you start working, start saving money for retirement right away, even if it's just $30 a week to start- pack a lunch instead of going out every day.

 

[Fixr]

Don't buy anything from a truck until you know what you need, what you like, and why you need and like it. Otherwise you risk ending up with stuff you don't use. This forum is full of people who love spending other people's money. Most of the recommendations are good pliers (excep for irwin branded vise grips, which are ****.), but you don't know what you will be doing, etc.


Take yourself to harbor freight, buy a 12" doyle pump pliers, needle nose, and dykes, a Bremen 10" vise grip. Then spend some time using them. and then, in a few months, buy stuff. Either to replace what you have, if you don't think it's good enough (those are, despite what the tool snobs around here will tell you), or if you discover you need something else. Spend some thought on "will IE use this enough, on important enough stuff?" before buying fancy pliers.

I say this as a guy with more pliers than is reasonable, especially since I no longer use them for a living.

+ a bunch. I would argue for starting out with cheapish (not bottom of the barrel junk)/used basic hand tools, and replace them over time with what you REALLY like once you have enough experience to know what actually works for you and what you will be doing. As new tools arrive, the starter tools go into a home/travel set. I've known lots of techs who have spent thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on tools that just sit in a drawer and don't make them money.

 

[M635_Guy]

I also agree with M635: once you start working, start saving money for retirement right away, even if it's just $30 a week to start- pack a lunch instead of going out every day.

I don't eat out much for lunch, etc., but we're in the process of selling two houses (other is my MiL) and buying another, so we run out of time some days and hit Chik Fila or Taco Bell. It's insane what a fast food meal costs now (and worth avoiding for the food and the savings).

 

[rooster59]

Tsunoda and Fujiya make awesome pliers. You can find them on Amazon. Tool trucks be like mainlining china white.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Fujiya/page/B5C2D8BE-F36C-4E46-9765-C573C152213A?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tsunoda/page/A815C79B-A018-4ADA-9397-4C474E1C6473?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Hakeem]

I don't eat out much for lunch, etc., but we're in the process of selling two houses (other is my MiL) and buying another, so we run out of time some days and hit Chik Fila or Taco Bell. It's insane what a fast food meal costs now (and worth avoiding for the food and the savings).

Yup, the only place I really eat out nowadays is Costco. I refuse to pay todays fast food prices out of principle.

For a few years now I’ve been replacing 1-2 meals each day with smoothies .. handful of spinach, 1 apple, 1 banana, scoop of whey, spoonful of PB. Inexpensive, very healthy, balanced nutrient profile, quick to prepare and consume. Just a friendly suggestion

ON TOPIC: I think today’s Snapon retail prices are outrageous but I can’t find fault with the set the OP listed. 4 high quality, US made, lifetime warranty pliers for $30/pair is a great value anyway you slice it

 

[charbar]

The Mac and Matco ones in the original post look identical to ones I got from Cornwell in a bigger set quite a few years ago. I have never been impressed with them and I would go as far to say that they are absolute garbage compared to any of my Snap On or Wilde pliers.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Oooo, disagree. I really like my cobras and my pliers wrenches but not necessarily for automotive.

What kind of pliers do you use to twist / take off really tight hoses? I've seen some videos of guys using tongue and groove or cobra pliers to twist hoses to get them loose. I assumed that was the correct way, in spite of the obvious fact the teeth might damage the outside of the hose. Until I learned about the hose spoon picks, but I'm still not sure if you're never supposed to put teeth pliers on hoses.

 

[65k10]

ON TOPIC: I think today’s Snapon retail prices are outrageous but I can’t find fault with the set the OP listed. 4 high quality, US made, lifetime warranty pliers for $30/pair is a great value anyway you slice it

That is what has me leaning towards suggesting the Snap-On set. I don't love everything about Snap-On pliers, but overall they are very good. I do think their long nose and slip joint pliers are better than most everyone else's mainly due to great cross hatching. The long nose also have great tip symmetry and are fairly stiff. I guess when I look at what other brands of pliers I have and how they perform, I'd be happy to be able to get the Snap-On pliers for about $30 each. I can think of some other pliers that are close in performance, but they usually aren't much cheaper. The exception might be the Icon copies, but I'd like to use mine some more as well as see how others fair with them before determining if they are a good budget option.

My only other thought is maybe see what the cost of the PL307ACF set is through the student discount is and maybe get that plus a set of 10inch Knipex Cobras or Alligators. I like having both straight jaw tongue and groove type pliers along with the Cobras, but I generally get more use out of the Cobras, so I'd probably want them first.

 

[richfinn]

I live in the UK and work exclusively on European cars, Knipex make really good speciality pliers for hose clips etc on these cars. the more generic Twin grips/pliers wrench/Cobras/flush cuts are all really useful too.

Wire strippers I like the Weicon number 5 model (plastic, cheap, fully automatic and awesome) way better than the Knipex.

Spend some money on good terminal crimpers for the brands you will be working on. Heat shrink crimpers are also good for fixing chewed up rotten wiring harnesses on old junk cars.

Lisle also make some good stuff like exhaust mounting pliers/trim clip pullers/hose pushers.

Mix it up, don't be loyal to one brand/dealer, buy the best you can to make your life easier!!!!

 

[dscheidt]

ON TOPIC: I think today’s Snapon retail prices are outrageous but I can’t find fault with the set the OP listed. 4 high quality, US made, lifetime warranty pliers for $30/pair is a great value anyway you slice it

Yeah, that does seem to be a good deal. But they're not the first pliers I'd want if I were starting from zero. they are all small, probably to keep the price down.

I have the dykes in that kit (or a previous version of them), and they're great. But I never use them, because my hands are big enough to use a bigger pair, and access is rarely a problem with dykes. the pump pliers are only 9" (channellock 420 size). I use pliers that size a fair bit, but if limited to one pair, I'd want 12". I don't use slip joint pliers, except when they're the only things around. I guess you could supplement the kit with a bigger pair of pumps, and a pair vise grips.

 

[richfinn]

What kind of pliers do you use to twist / take off really tight hoses? I've seen some videos of guys using tongue and groove or cobra pliers to twist hoses to get them loose. I assumed that was the correct way, in spite of the obvious fact the teeth might damage the outside of the hose. Until I learned about the hose spoon picks, but I'm still not sure if you're never supposed to put teeth pliers on hoses.

It used to be a thing when radiators and spigots were still made of metal, nowadays everything is plastic, you don't want to be crushing or cracking stuff.

I just use regular hose picks and silicone spray.

 

[jeffmoss26]

The Matco set looks like rebranded Channellock

 

[Wamsutta]

These are Wilde 10-inch long slip joint pliers. They are fantastic. They have handles like lineman pliers. Very comfortable.

That's why I never buy pliers in sets. The nicest pliers are never in a set. Build your own set and you'll have a nicer set.

 

[Pasha]

These are Wilde 10-inch long slip joint pliers. They are fantastic. They have handles like lineman pliers. Very comfortable.

That's why I never buy pliers in sets. The nicest pliers are never in a set. Build your own set and you'll have a nicer set.

I just got a pair of these rebranded under SK. They've become one of my favorite pliers.

 

[noid]

Stay away from tool truck brands, its not a profession where you're making a lot of money in, so don't put yourself at a disadvantage right off the bat.

 

[Andres26tnt]

I don't suggest buying top products for the start. Simply as you will develope your preferences over time and won't be stuck with something you don't like.

Luckily now of days we have top notch products for any price. Japanese pliers are good, usually at affordable prices. Channel Lock also has great pliers for cheap under 20$. Hf for walk in service is great.

 

[Dig Doug]

Knipex cobras
knipex side cutters
knipex needle nose

Klein linesman pliers

slip joint pliers could be generic, I don’t use those very much - rather use the knipex Cobras

Wiss snipes red green and yellow

screw drivers & nut drivers I like Klein

For knipex Amazon or find an electrical supply house to price check or to put your hands on em

 

[oldschoolcraft]

These are Wilde 10-inch long slip joint pliers. They are fantastic. They have handles like lineman pliers. Very comfortable.

That's why I never buy pliers in sets. The nicest pliers are never in a set. Build your own set and you'll have a nicer set.

Probably the same as these Tekton's right? I think Wilde rebrands for Tekton. And you get the free shipping over $50, 15% student discount, and 10% rewards on future purchases.

10 Inch Slip Joint Pliers | TEKTON | 37124

10 inch slip joint pliers. Universal 3-zone jaws for gripping flat, round, hex, and square shapes. Wire shear cleanly cuts any solid wire. 37124.

www.tekton.com

 

[Plombob]

I noticed that MAC and Matco do not mention the COO. I have a pair of MAC pliers that appeared to be a great deal on sale. Turns out they are ChiCom made. I'm not impressed by the quality. I expected more from MAC.