Favorite iron worker's pliers?

[Ton ton]

What do y'all use for ironworker pliers? They're heavier duty than regular linesman pliers and they have a hook bend in the one handle. What I am really craving is something that cuts wire easily. My knipex linesman plier wire cutters is getting a bit dull.

 

[roofdweller49]

My only experience is with a real beat up pair of channel lock ironworker pliers. Still a pleasure to use, and still cut well after being used for god knows how long. The nose is great for tightening wire. Klein also has a few nice ones

 

[Ton ton]

My only experience is with a real beat up pair of channel lock ironworker pliers. Still a pleasure to use, and still cut well after being used for god knows how long. The nose is great for tightening wire. Klein also has a few nice ones

Thank you for the quick response.

 

[msharley]

Second the Channel Lock.....

Got a pair 20+ yrs ago...was just tying some wire two weeks ago...(mine are a bit dull from cutting 1/8" ER 316)

 

[carmantl]

Pay the premium for the Kleins and never look back.

 

[neophyte]

Is this for rebar tying ?
In some places, concreter’s nippers are used instead of pliers for tying off rebar, and the nippers are usually available in longer lengths than typical ironworker’s pliers, which should increase leverage, and ease of cutting.
Knipex makes Chrome Plated nippers, which may increase durability a bit, but I don’t know how much it would help.
I don’t think anyone has been making replacement blade nippers or pliers for decades, outside of small ones.
I think nowadays, you’re just meant to purchase a new pair of pliers when the cutters get dull.
Depending on how quickly the cutters dull, you might try purchasing a bunch of different brands, to see if any really are that much more durable.
Crescent manufactures two separate “linesman” pliers using compound leverage, but neither have the handle foot, and I don’t know that either would be more durable.

 

[KnurledNut]

Pay the premium for the Kleins and never look back.

Yep, and gotta have a milker on it too...

 

[Ton ton]

Thank you for the contributions, everyone!

 

[Renegade1LI]

Here in NY they're called wire lathers, these Kleins seem to be their favorite.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000302WO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[highland512]

Real rodbusters use the Kleins for a reason.

From my experience the Klein has a superior cutter as long as your not cutting the bundle wire........

 

[u2slow]

The Klein's I'm used to are smaller headed that the sparky ones, and spring loaded.

 

[spike99250]

Kleins d2000-9st, been using these for years,

 

[Wrench97]

What is the purpose of the bend on one handle?

 

[Rusted Nut]

What is the purpose of the bend on one handle?

Makes it easier to hang onto the pliers as you pull tie wire and twist.

 

[carmantl]

You have to pull on tie wire to make a good tight tie. The bent handle won't slip out of your hand when doing so. Also above someone referenced #7 Klein's. They are light duty. Rodbusters prefer #9's. They are expensive but I'd get about 5 years out of a set back when I was rodbusting fulltime.