Pliers & Adjustable Wrenches - What am I missing?

[Dzmax77]

Attached are images of the various pliers and adjustable wrenches I own. I believe I have most of what a DIY’er would need but not all. Of all of the brands I own, I like the steel strength of Klein, the feel of Knipex and the versatility of Tsunoda. As for best bang for the buck - I have to say Tsunoda’s are great for DIY purposes.

I’m planning on buying Knipex Pliers Wrench and some additional Knipex locking pliers (maybe a Malco too).

I wanted to ask the guys in the forum what you all may think Im missing. Is there a ‘must have’ that perhaps I didn’t think of buying?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Xcursion88]

Long needle nose straight, 45° and 90°

Ring nose pliers of multiple sizes.

I see no real wire crimpers nor strippers.

And...



They make life perfect when wiring

 

[Dzmax77]

Long needle nose straight, 45° and 90°

Ring nose pliers of multiple sizes.

I see no real wire crimpers nor strippers.

And...



They make life perfect when wiring

The multipurpose Kleins have wire crimp and stripping but I know thats for small gauge wire and light duty work. I may consider buying specific crimping and stripping pliers if the need arises. Thanks!

 

[seber]

Only one locking pliers? I must have at least 30. Every type of jaw and size at a minimum.

 

[Davefr]

Only one locking pliers? I must have at least 30. Every type of jaw and size at a minimum.

^^^What he said. There's a gazillion different Vise Grip variations and you need all of them. (along with spares). The smaller Vise Grip's can be a lifesaver along with their small needle nose version.

I prefer Knipex Cobras over traditional slip joint/adjustable pliers. I see you have a set of Irwins but not sure how they compare.



A big Malco tin snip is also a must have.



I'd also add a set of Knipex compound mini bolt cutters.



Other then that you're off to a good start IMHO.

 

[Copymutt]

Compound leverage wire cutters, smaller & larger pipe wrenches, left cut aviation snips, large aviation snips, non metallic pliers, nail puller, flush cut side cutters, pro set of ring nose pliers w/ interchangeable tips, upholstery clip pliers,

 

[RoundedNut]

Tsunoda is a great choice as the quality is high and prices very reasonable. Round nose, cable cutter, end nipper and maybe a wire rope cutter would be additional options.

From Knipex, their bolt cutter is the 3rd top choice behind the Pliers Wrench and Cobras. Carpenter's pincers and end nippers are good and low cost from them.

"Black panther" shears are fantastic and several brands offer them. They look like this:

Sterling Tools | Precision Cutting Performance

We’ve been supplying blades, cutters, and hand tools to different trades for decades. With precise performance and long-lasting quality that's hard to beat, Sterling gives you the cutting-edge advantage you need to tackle any job.

www.sterlingtools.com.au

Oil filter/PVC pliers are very nice to have. Plumbing, pickle jars, gas can caps are a few of my frequent uses.

Soft jaw pliers may be useful but before I got them I used leather or tape with regular pliers.

Locking C pliers with the pads are good to have. I like using them to secure particle/MDF boards when drilling/fastening on the edges to prevent breakage. Other locking pliers may come in handy but get the "squeeze" release types rather than the original "push out" design.

Amazon Japan is a great source for tools and amazon Germany for Knipex.

 

[Dzmax77]

Only one locking pliers? I must have at least 30. Every type of jaw and size at a minimum.

I have some old off brand taiwanese/Chinese locking pliers somewhere in my garage but are not worthy of consideration as their quality compared to the Knipex is not even close. I do plan on buying some more once they finally break and need arises.

My pliers/adj wrenches are mostly of USA, German, Japanese makes. Only 3 items on those pics are made in the land of the great wall, Craftsman multipurpose, 6” Stanley adjustable and Irwins which are actually decent and well made. Especially those Craftsman Multipurpose pliers (which I believe are made by Gangzhou Great Star Tools); for $15, compared to the $35 Kleins I have, it’s not only a great price, they actually are decently made, functional and comparatively a better option for a DIY’er. One can disagree with that but at 40% the cost, you’re still getting 95% the fit quality and function and thats hard to refute.

*Caveat to this statement however, based on my experiences with the Craftsman pliers I’ve seen recently at Lowes, most are not as well made as these multipurpose ones.

 

[Cruzan80]

At times, I have found the DoubleX XL needle ose very helpful for getting into deep spaces. Also have regular xl needle ose, but the handles occasionally get in the way

 

[Bockscar]

If you are asking if you need to buy more tools....well the answer is YES

 

[Ton ton]

^^^What he said. There's a gazillion different Vise Grip variations and you need all of them. (along with spares). The smaller Vise Grip's can be a lifesaver along with their small needle nose version.

I prefer Knipex Cobras over traditional slip joint/adjustable pliers. I see you have a set of Irwins but not sure how they compare.



A big Malco tin snip is also a must have.



I'd also add a set of Knipex compound mini bolt cutters.



Other then that you're off to a good start IMHO.

That Malco is sick looking. I love Malco tools.

 

[dnschmidt]

No Cobra's BLASPHOMY!!! Also you need bent nose long reach needle nose pliers. Here’s an example of what I’m talking about. These are amazingly useful and made by several different companies: https://www.toptul.com/en/product-c57843/Long-Reach-Nose-Pliers.html The ones that are 90 and 45 degree are the most useful. The straights aren’t bad but you will find that the 90 are great for levering things out. Once you use the cobras you'll dump the conventional Channellocks.

 

[plinker]

Double joint long reach pliers are quite handy, these are rather durable for what they are. China COO, but no one else makes them that I'm aware of. https://www.ebay.com/itm/333980789032?epid=2254497217&hash=item4dc2ce6928:g:uf0AAOSwrJVgtSJ5

Knipex mini bolt cutters are their best item IMO. I dont use regular wire cutters much anymore unless these wont fit or do what I need. Some form of end nippers can be useful too. You cannot have too many Vise grips, If you can count them, you dont have enough.


A 15-18" adjustable is nice to have at times. Channellock has a 8" wide jaw that can be very useful too.

 

[Dzmax77]

Thanks guys. Pliers wrench, variations of long reach pliers and more locking pliers. Looks like I have some research and shopping to do.

Compound leverage wire cutters, smaller & larger pipe wrenches, left cut aviation snips, large aviation snips, non metallic pliers, nail puller, flush cut side cutters, pro set of ring nose pliers w/ interchangeable tips, upholstery clip pliers,

Nail puller and flush cut side cutters are missing. Well, I have Hakko and Klein side micro cutters, Tsunoda flush cable tie side cutters, Knipex and Armstrong angle side cutters, but no flush side cutters.

I think these that I’ve been considering are what you’re suggesting. Right?

KNIPEX - 62 02 200 Tools - High Leverage Bolt End Cutting Nippers, Multi-Component (6102200) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXO5FO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Klein Tools J2000-48 Pliers, Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Angled Head, Heavy-Duty to Cut ACSR, Screws, Nails, and most Hardened Wire, 8-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006M6Y8O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Copymutt]

Correct. Forgot to mention a cable swaging tool. Used mine high in a tree yesterday. Had to extend the handles w/ pipe to get leverage.

 

[plinker]

The Knipex end nippers I have are 6", I also have 8" Channellock at home. These are 8" which would be better for the most part I'd say.
https://www.tooltopia.com/Knipex-KNI67018-Knipex-8-in.-High-Leverage-End-Cutting-Nipper

 

[M6erfan]

USA MADE BLACKHAWK 11" PT-1310 LONG BENT NOSE $20

USA MADE PROTO BLACKHAWK 11" PT-1310 LONG BENT NOSE USA MADE for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for USA MADE PROTO BLACKHAWK 11" PT-1310 LONG BENT NOSE USA MADE at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Indexmill]

Double joint long reach pliers are quite handy, these are rather durable for what they are. China COO, but no one else makes them that I'm aware of. https://www.ebay.com/itm/333980789032?epid=2254497217&hash=item4dc2ce6928:g:uf0AAOSwrJVgtSJ5

Most of the double-jointed ones that are made in Tiawain are really very good pliers.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Did i miss it? You don’t mention Engineer screw removal pliers. (Or you could go with the Vampliers.)
No joke - the things work where nothing else will.

 

[B_Bimmer]

If I see a plier collection without a pair of channellock 548 I assume it is simply that, a collection.

 

[Dzmax77]

Did i miss it? You don’t mention Engineer screw removal pliers. (Or you could go with the Vampliers.)
No joke - the things work where nothing else will.

I have 3 Engineers, PZ-58, PZ-59 and PS-03. They’re in the images I uploaded.

 

[Dzmax77]

If I see a plier collection without a pair of channellock 548 I assume it is simply that, a collection.

I have the Wilde made Tekton 6.5” and 8” slip joints. Apparently 548’s are no longer made.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

You need some long pliers. I just bought some from Snap-on they are amazing and I love them. For you that is not a professional the Knipex or Tekton or whatever brand you like will be just fine. Definitely pick up a few varieties of Vise Grips too from Malco.

 

[Dzmax77]

Thinking ahead, with everything going electric, I should probably invest in some non conducting pliers.

 

[Dzmax77]

You need some long pliers. I just bought some from Snap-on they are amazing and I love them. For you that is not a professional the Knipex or Tekton or whatever brand you like will be just fine. Definitely pick up a few varieties of Vise Grips too from Malco.

Yes, Im the office guy who looks at a problem and says, “How hard can that f$&@/-) be?” And after 3 hours of youtube lessons, several trips to bLowes or faurtozone, I finish the job in the amount of time a professional can do 5 jobs.

Whatever, I stay out of trouble, save a few bucks (or several hundred when fixing anything on a VW) and learn something new.

 

[Blind1]

I have the Wilde made Tekton 6.5” and 8” slip joints. Apparently 548’s are no longer made.

That’s ok, i think the Wilde slip joints are better. I use my flush-fastener slip joints almost every day.

Yes, Im the office guy who looks at a problem and says, “How hard can that f$&@/-) be?” And after 3 hours of youtube lessons, several trips to bLowes or faurtozone, I finish the job in the amount of time a professional can do 5 jobs.

Whatever, I stay out of trouble, save a few bucks (or several hundred when fixing anything on a VW) and learn something new.

Preach it, brother.

 

[subroc]

As a DIYer you have enough there to take on most things. Fill as you need.

If you are looking to add to your set up, pick up some hemostats and add a few sizes and styles to your locking pliers or vice grips.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Yes, Im the office guy who looks at a problem and says, “How hard can that f$&@/-) be?” And after 3 hours of youtube lessons, several trips to bLowes or faurtozone, I finish the job in the amount of time a professional can do 5 jobs.

Whatever, I stay out of trouble, save a few bucks (or several hundred when fixing anything on a VW) and learn something new.

Haha. Hey working on newer VW will give you tons of excuses to buy new tools because pretty much everything needs special tools like torx and hex bits. Haha. I’m sure you will need some good pliers too.

 

[Dzmax77]

I have a lot more actually, its just mostly Husky, Milwaukee or whatever else was cheap cheap and not worthy of display.

My kids left some stuff on the Amazon cart for school, wondering if I should sneak these into the purchase:

Klein Tools D2000-28 Pliers, Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Angled Head are Heavy-Duty to Cut ACSR, Screws, Nails, Most Hardened Wire, 8-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000302WR/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not pliers but I do kind of need these. The Wiss I have are too big.

ENGINEER PH-55 Multi-Function, 160mm Compact Scissors, Electrician Scissors, with 4-in-1 Combi Blade - cuts Carpet, Leather, Solid Copper Wire, Insulated cable, CDs, Thick Rope & More. Made in Japan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QTRJA4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Dzmax77]

Haha. Hey working on newer VW will give you tons of excuses to buy new tools because pretty much everything needs special tools like torx and hex bits. Haha. I’m sure you will need some good pliers too.

Audi/VW triple square ****. Had to run to Napa on several occasions to get a bit. Once I just made it as they were about to close the doors.

 

[Blind1]

Audi/VW triple square ****. Had to run to Napa on several occasions to get a bit. Once I just made it as they were about to close the doors.

As a new VW owner I’ve discovered the joys of torx and Allen 10 different ways. I picked up the VIM tools set of triple squares. So far so good.

 

[plinker]

I have a lot more actually, its just mostly Husky, Milwaukee or whatever else was cheap cheap and not worthy of display.

My kids left some stuff on the Amazon cart for school, wondering if I should sneak these into the purchase:

Klein Tools D2000-28 Pliers, Diagonal Cutting Pliers with Angled Head are Heavy-Duty to Cut ACSR, Screws, Nails, Most Hardened Wire, 8-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000302WR/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not pliers but I do kind of need these. The Wiss I have are too big.

ENGINEER PH-55 Multi-Function, 160mm Compact Scissors, Electrician Scissors, with 4-in-1 Combi Blade - cuts Carpet, Leather, Solid Copper Wire, Insulated cable, CDs, Thick Rope & More. Made in Japan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005QTRJA4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The Kleins should be nice cutters. I have a red handle set that got a lot of use at work that's in the truck kit now. IIRC the red handle units were for copper & soft stuff (but still cut decent after a lot of mild steel wire cutting)

The Matco guy had these shop shears last fall I think (rebranded for Matco), the demo was cutting copper pennies and receipt paper. Quite impressive actually. I picked up a couple. These a good deal at 20$, https://www.tooltopia.com/Mueller-Kueps-MKP905080-Mueller-Heavy-Duty-Scissors

Meuller Keups actually has some pretty useful/interesting stuff in general.

 

[Indexmill]

Haha. Hey working on newer VW will give you tons of excuses to buy new tools because pretty much everything needs special tools like torx and hex bits. Haha. I’m sure you will need some good pliers too.

Sounds like a good reason not to buy a new VW.

 

[Blind1]

Sounds like a good reason not to buy a new VW.

Tell that to my wife. She loves it.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Where are your hose grip pliers? Gotta get a set of those. Surprisingly handy when you really need to yank on something.

 

[Dzmax77]

Tell that to my wife. She loves it.

Oh, so you’re in that predicament as well?

 

[Dzmax77]

I snuk these in.

Engineer PH-55 Shears (A must have for any application.)

Knipex 4104180 Locking Pliers

Knipex 68-180 End Nippers (I thought I put in flush end nippers in the cart )

 

[Blind1]

Oh, so you’re in that predicament as well?

She got a new vehicle, I got new tools. I can’t really complain.

Plus it came with a 25 year/250k powertrain warranty from the dealer, and I always purchase an extended warranty through the financing period.

I have zero worries.

 

[Xcursion88]

To add...
These are the ultimate vice grip type thing....


Definitely would find a use for those I promise you

 

[Xcursion88]

Audi/VW triple square ****. Had to run to Napa on several occasions to get a bit. Once I just made it as they were about to close the doors.

Yyyeeessss...
Triple □

Philips? Nope..strips too easy
Hex? Yeah...hex. wait...gets easily distorted with debris and wrong bit is used. Nope.
Torx...yes..torx. more power, won't strip...

New engineer guy from the VW academy, approximately 22 years old, demands a new fastener. While doodling...drew 3 squares overlapping and thought...YES!!!!...a new fastener head.
His boss was just about to say you're fired and then realized his Dad was on the board.