Plier set recommendations

[therest]

So I'm slowly loading my toolbox with the essentials. I mostly do automotive work on my cars but will eventually be working in my house for repairs as they come. Anyways, one of the things I’m missing are pliers.
I’m looking for something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011L0CPVE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not this specific set per se, although I am considering it, but which set would you recommend? TIA

 

[Volvotechdude]

For $20 more you can get this......
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001...pliers+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51HKu9cwZLL&ref=plSrch

 

[jsmeece]

I have that exact set, made by Wilde, I think, made in the USA too. Tekton warranty very good from what I have heard. I have not had to use it yet. I am not a professional mechanic just work on my own cars, so for no issues or problems with any of the Tekton tools I own and use.

 

[kjbenner]

For $20 more you can get this......
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001...pliers+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51HKu9cwZLL&ref=plSrch

Channellock gets my vote for bang for your buck.

The slipjoints and groove-joints in that Tekton set are made by Wilde though, and all the Wilde stuff I have is great. The linesmans, dikes, and needlenose are imports and I don't know how the quality is.

 

[therest]

Thank you guys for the recommendations

 

[earlthegoat2]

I have that Tekton set and would recommend the Channellock set.

The dikes and needlenose in the Tekton set are subpar. You would want to replace them with something more substantial over time and then you would be at where the CL set is.

 

[therest]

Thinking of getting this set here:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Channellock-Ultimate-Plier-Set-4-Piece-HD-1/100190542

 

[KWtech90]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K...knipex+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51Vw2OygVXL&ref=plSrch

Buy once cry once. Knipex really changes the way you think about pliers.

 

[four.cycle]

Probably pretty hard to beat that Amazon price on the Wilde-made Tektons.

If you are looking for larger tongue-in-groove pliers, there are a mess of them on a one-time promo deal right now:

see here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6889832#post6889832

 

[66HertzClone]

I have some of the Knipex and NSW pliers, both of these are several steps in quality above other brands I feel.

 

[Empty Pockets]

You can't go wrong with the Knipex set. My second choice would be the Channellock and finally the Tekton. I only rank Tekton 3rd because I've never used their pliers, but I've used the Channellocks.

 

[four.cycle]

^ compare thickness of steel on handles of Wilde and Channellock.

 

[Billy Jack]

I've got upwards of 30 pliers, not counting things like Vise-Grips, snap ring or specialty items, mostly Snap On, with some Channellocks and a few Herbrands. If I was starting from ground zero, my first set would be like the Channellock set previously mentioned, except I'd do 12" groove joints and the #546 combination pliers. You'll appreciate the larger jaws of the 12" over the 10" when you're doing plumbing work with 1 1/2" drains and the #546 are the most used pliers in my box, as the slimmer nose gets into spaces the typical round head combination pliers won't.

Bill

 

[Andy8430]

I agree with the comments above regarding knipex and channelock.

As another option, I’ve been happy with this set from Irwin:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CTABQ8S/?tag=atomicindus08-20




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[VH5150]

I'll piggy-back on comments about Wilde Tools. Great company that a lot of people don't know about. I actually ordered some Wilde pliers from their website because I figured that since they make stuff for other companies it'd be cool to have the real ones with Wilde's name on them. Nice punches and chisels too, plus the sales manager sent me a free Wilde hat simply for messaging their website with a good review.
Another cool thing about Wilde pliers is that they have the ones that are flush jointed at the center pin for a lower profile and better access to tight spaces. I'm a Wilde fan. While I'm at it, I also purchased a handful of their prybars. They make the Craftsmans with the striking end caps, but again, just thought it would be neat to have some more Wilde-branded stuff instead.

 

[kctyphoon]

Channellock is fine if you want good without spending stupid money, and they are widely available. Don't overthink it, anything will work, and something is always better than nothing.

 

[VH5150]

I've actually been stocking up on a lot of different pliers lately too because it's just nice to have a good assortment of them around when you need them. I went with Wilde slip joints, Tekton , Irwin needle noses and dikes, Williams (duckbill pliers), Klein and Stanley Fatmax linesmans, Channel Lock and Fatmax channel locks, Klein and SK end-snips, and a variety of Duralast pliers because I really like the beefier handles for when my hands are cold. I also have a few Pittsburgh extra long needle nose and they've outstanding.

 

[mikebaker1129]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K...knipex+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51Vw2OygVXL&ref=plSrch

Buy once cry once. Knipex really changes the way you think about pliers.

This is so true!

 

[matthew]

I haven't looked up a particular set to recommend, but for basic pliers I have a couple of thoughts:

My must-have list is as follows:
- 10" waterpump pliers like Knipex Cobra or Channelock 420 or 430)
- 7" long-nose pliers (I have some Channelock 317's that are a touch too big for my hands, my 6-3/4" NWS are my current favourites)
- 6" or 8" side cutters
- 9" linesman pliers (I have Knipex, Channelock 369 also look good).
- beyond that I really don't like slip-joint pliers, and would avoid sets that have them
- I like waterpump pliers. I don't really find different sizes of long-nose or linesman pliers are necessary, but different sizes and styles of waterpump pliers are tremendously useful to have.

For the most part I'd look for those basics, and I think it's more useful to have some more specialized pliers like duckbills than the filler stuff that's in most typical sets of pliers. If you do buy Channelock their adjustable wrenches are really good, so that's fine if that's in the set, but otherwise I'd try to concentrate on the stuff I've set out above. There's lots of filler in a lot of sets, and while they seem like a deal when you look at the per piece cost, I find there's rather marginal value in them.

 

[Moparman390]

Look, this is how all these GJ threads go, you start by looking at a very reasonable, well suited, tool or tools for general purpose homeowner/DIY use, next thing you know everybody is recommending really nice tools way above your needs. Thing is either the Tekton, Irwin, or the Channel Lock sets will do just fine for you. Myself I was able to get USA Craftsman, with some Tektons and Irwins thrown in. Go for stuff like that, they will work just fine for ya unless you want to get carried away and spend a few times what you started out looking at.

 

[WittHay]

^ I agree with the above comments. I have rebranded Wilde slip-joint and adjustable pliers. Really good pliers that that sit beside my Snap-on and Knipex needle nose and diagonals.

A lot of companys rebrand Channelocks in their own colors or just resell them. Mac, Matco, Wright and others. Good USA tools at a decent price

 

[gdpolk]

I would do this set:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KBCM456/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Then add Channelocks as needed to fill in the gaps for a home guy. These 4 Knipex pliers will do 90% of your work and will be among the best available in the world in terms of quality. For the infrequent, specialty cases get Channelocks at a fraction of the cost and that are quality, mid-grade tools which are much better than most but at a cost almost anyone can afford.

 

[Tonyuk]

My most used pliers are a pair of Tekton USA slip joints, excellent for the money. For larger waterpump pliers i have a few pairs of knipex alligators and 2 larger channellocks. The knipex feel nicer but the channellocks are still quality and for the price of that set i would go for it no questions.

Knipex are a bit cheaper over here thankfully so all of my combo pliers, needle nose and cutters etc.. are from them and they're excellent but i wouldn't say worth it unless your making money off them. Another brand to look into is NWS which are also made in Germany, they were sold rebranded as Irwin over there and if you could get them i would go for a few pairs of the large cutters;

For locking pliers i'm a fan of Irwin, milwaukee and also knipex or grip-on if your looking to spend.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Does Knipex make a traditional slip joint plier?

 

[thickhead]

If you are going to stick with the Tektons, skip the set. Save some money and get these 4 better choices. Myself, I have been leaning towards US made stuff more and more and really enjoying it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YQ7SBPY/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?pd_rd_i=B011L0CRDU&pd_rd_wg=6Ulgd&pd_rd_r=9GK8YRYZ3QGK7TFK62K9&pd_rd_w=llswG&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-34013-High-Leverage-Diagonal-Cutting/dp/B00YQ7RJCU/ref=pd_bxgy_469_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00YQ7RJCU&pd_rd_r=AKX0TTBAGX09CK09CEXZ&pd_rd_w=Ea6Jh&pd_rd_wg=Vhc5I&psc=1&refRID=AKX0TTBAGX09CK09CEXZ

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-34203-8-Inch-Long-Pliers/dp/B00YQ7RSEY/ref=pd_bxgy_469_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00YQ7RSEY&pd_rd_r=D0ENTBM867DA5QQHBAEG&pd_rd_w=MGIjf&pd_rd_wg=uZRIl&psc=1&refRID=D0ENTBM867DA5QQHBAEG

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLY1IOW?ref=emc_b_5_t

 

[kjbenner]

Does Knipex make a traditional slip joint plier?

They make a slip-joint water pump plier they call Alligator: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4J2VQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you mean a slip-joint like a Channellock 526, I don't believe they do.

 

[SRSemenza]

Does Knipex make a traditional slip joint plier?

If you mean like "regular pliers " (slip joint) such as Channellock 548 or Snap On 47ACF, no Knipex doesn't make that style.


Seth

 

[therest]

Look, this is how all these GJ threads go, you start by looking at a very reasonable, well suited, tool or tools for general purpose homeowner/DIY use, next thing you know everybody is recommending really nice tools way above your needs. Thing is either the Tekton, Irwin, or the Channel Lock sets will do just fine for you. Myself I was able to get USA Craftsman, with some Tektons and Irwins thrown in. Go for stuff like that, they will work just fine for ya unless you want to get carried away and spend a few times what you started out looking at.

I should listen to my frugal conscience and this post couldn't be more true to me.

Anyone own and/or used the new Doyle brand from HF?

 

[damedic]

How is that $20?
Messed up somehow?...
(reply was meant for / to the Amazon link for the Channellock set of just under $70)

 

[damedic]

For $20 more you can get this......
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001...pliers+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51HKu9cwZLL&ref=plSrch

It shows almost $70?

 

[HaroRider]

I think Channel lock is a good middle ground. Made in USA too, if you care.

 

[damedic]

So I'm slowly loading my toolbox with the essentials. I mostly do automotive work on my cars but will eventually be working in my house for repairs as they come. Anyways, one of the things I’m missing are pliers.
I’m looking for something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011L0CPVE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not this specific set per se, although I am considering it, but which set would you recommend? TIA

For a DIY’er, I am one as well, and a repair service tech in the Pool and Spa industry, Big Brand names or similiar to off the truck = not necessary! Pliers are pliers and a lower priced set - they will do you well. Tekton is what I would go with. But for a big savings, look to Harbor Freight! Really, I’m serious! They’re new brand that they just brought in, I think it’s branded as Doyle, they’re made in Taiwan! Really high quality vs. China (but even they’re stuff overall is getting better). If you compare, you would think that the Tekton and the Doyle are made in the same factory.

 

[Moparman390]

You might be able to find some of the Craftsman WF made USA pliers on clearence left out there too. Even the new Apex made Chinese Craftsman pliers will work for ya if you don't mind the new the grips. All things considered though I really like the Tekton set or the Channellock (4 piece set @ HD) as far as what you get for the price, both are good core sets to start with at a great bang for the buck. As for the HF ones, I don't like a lot of their old plires, some of them don't operate so smoothly, you really need to go there and play with them for yourself to judge them. As far as most of their new ones (Doyle) I don't know, same thing, check them out first.

On a related note, avoid the Berman locking pliers at HF.
https://m.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/pliers/10-in-straight-jaw-locking-pliers-63872.html
I was going to get a pair for my brother for Christmas who does not have many tools, I picked them up in store and instantly got a metal sliver in my finger, all the store manager had to remove it was a useless pair of plastic tweezers, so I dropped my parent's house which was nearby to remove it. Stay away from those they have a rough finish.

 

[yjWrangler]

It shows almost $70?

$20 MORE than the other set

 

[upgrading]

Here is a basic USA set.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IGFG89I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[four.cycle]

^ not a bad deal.

these might be worth taking a look at:

Irwin 25 different items
new NOS
http://stores.ebay.com/Toolandpartcrib/_i.html?_nkw=irwin+pliers&submit=Search&_sid=216351617

^ note all of this seller's items are OBO - I usually get 15% - 20% off from him, depending upon the price of the item.

 

[rick carpenter]

If you get a small set that does not include v-jaws, add on a 10" pair either Crescent or Channellock when you can for not too much $. You'll use them around the house.

 

[kctyphoon]

The Knipex Alligators are great pliers.. they "in essence" are the same as channellock pump pliers, just with a different (better) joint design. You'd use them for the same tasks no matter the brand. The upgrade from the alligator is the cobra. They are both great, but in total honesty, the Knipex is an unnecessary expense for most people.. my Knipex stuff gets used everyday, and for me, the difference in price was worth it cause I use all of 3 pliers for 95% of my work. Think of channellock pumps like a shotgun - and the Knipex as rifle.. one is big and dumb but always reliable, the other is fine tuned and precise..

I haven't worked up to buying any yet, but even the new Doyle line from HF is looking pretty decent. They basically ripped off most of Kliens plier designs and slapped a stupid name on them.

 

[Rarified27]

A quick suggestion to anyone looking at Channellock, which are the majority of my pliers, instead of the standard 317 for long nose or the 3017 for the same without the cutter, get the E318. The tips are just as strong, but thinner and have a longer reach. The difference they make is outstanding.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Tallpilot]

I have that Tekton set and would recommend the Channellock set.

The dikes and needlenose in the Tekton set are subpar. You would want to replace them with something more substantial over time and then you would be at where the CL set is.

That is my assessment as well. The USA made Tekton pliers are excellent quality. The China made ones simply are not since Channelock has better offerings at similar price points.