What pliers are essential?

[xbeatles4x]

I am still building up a decent tool collection and I have had to use various tools incorrectly to get some things done for personal use. What seems to be the most necessary?

I currently have 2 vise grips, 1 needle nose vice grip, 1 needle nose plier (that is really crappy), 1 curved tip needle nose (that I bent the tips on) and 2 crescent wrenches (4 inch).

I want to have a decent setup for my new to me tool chest and I want to get some decent stuff for my small car toolbox for when I am on the road in case I break down.

This is a really old photo in a different chest, but my pliers have not changed any. This is just about all I have.

 

[sberry]

Toss the Vgrips for 10R, a 440 Channelock, number 9 lineman pliers, the strippers are ok but need crimpers also and pair of heavy diagonals.

 

[merbie]

I would Water Pump pliers, side cutters, linesman and some circlip pliers and maybe a set of slip
Joint pliers


Sent from the sticks

 

[48RON54]

1 pair needlenose pliers, 1 pair needlenose vicegrips and 1 standard pair vicegrips. I get by with those though I do have a pair of 90 degree pliers...they just never get used.

I guess it depends on what you do though...... Those cover all automotive for me. If plumbing is to be done I need some large channel locks. Buy as you need them. There is no need to buy a bunch of different pliers/vicegrips when you aren't even sure if you will use them. When I had more money than brains I bought and tossed many useless tools that I thought I would use.

 

[atwageman]

That's a loaded question depending what do. My self for instance, i do industrial maintenance. Work on machines bigger than a house all the way down to small tiny mechanical mechanisms. So my selection of pliers and tools in general covers a broad spectrum.

 

[xbeatles4x]

That's a loaded question depending what do. My self for instance, i do industrial maintenance. Work on machines bigger than a house all the way down to small tiny mechanical mechanisms. So my selection of pliers and tools in general covers a broad spectrum.

I guess that is the true answer. I just toy around in my garage monkeying around on my cars when I need to.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I guess that is the true answer. I just toy around in my garage monkeying around on my cars when I need to.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85495

I think it's personal preference.

 

[NoahG]

Toss the Vgrips for 10R, a 440 Channelock, number 9 lineman pliers, the strippers are ok but need crimpers also and pair of heavy diagonals.

You have my favorite tape measure of all time! I just found 3 more spares in an ACE going out of business.

 

[PBCampbell]

I see essentials as basics. The pliers and sizes that have the most utility in general situations. For me pump pliers would be at the top of the list and 10" in size, Channelock, Craftsman(WF), or Klein, just for the robustness of build. Knipex (Alligators or Cobras) are extremely nice as well. Some type of Engineers or even Linesman plier, also 10". Long nose heavy duty in 8". Diagonals in 8". Locking pliers have occasional utilty, straight jaws like Sberry recommended are better at gripping bolt heads and nuts than curved jaws like you presently have. I would not throw what you have out though as curved jaws have a lot of use too. Possibly the best general purpose locking pliers are Grip-on Omnium jaws or a brand with jaws similar to those.
An additional bonus for the Grip-on brand is the release lever is pulled up like I believe those Craftsman's you have are.

 

[burke753]

It all depends on what you're doing. I work on heavy trucks and this is my selection of everyday most commonly used.

Granted I have a lot more than that for other things. But you're asking for which ones are a necessity. And to me for what I do. These are absolutely the most necessary in my opinion. Anything else just aids me to make speed. But I could pretty much get what I need to get done with these.


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[sberry]

You make a good point about the need vs the speed. The rest are simply specialized improvements, what I use primarily is basic, I have others but 99% of it is done with the type carried in my truck.

 

[J.A.Varela]

Burke has it figured out. If you can't make do with that you're a wanna B.
The rest are luxury items.

 

[davesnothere]

Snappy talon grip slip joints are the best pair of pliers you will ever buy. 90% off the time, they work great at pliering 100% of the time.

 

[Carves]

It all depends on what you're doing. I work on heavy trucks and this is my selection of everyday most commonly used....................

That pretty much mirrors whats been in my car kit for decades.

Maybe add a small pair of vicegrips, and some form of, simple, wire stripper/crimper combo ... and call it good.


The rest of my pliers ... sit in a corner of the shed ... hoping that one day they will be required ..

 

[burke753]

Snappy talon grip slip joints are the best pair of pliers you will ever buy. 90% off the time, they work great at pliering 100% of the time.

Yes. Best $30 I ever spent. I was using my Matco slip joints trying to pull compression seals off of a set of injectors when my snap on guy said here try these and they pulled the washers off lickedy split. I don't think I've ever pulled my wallet out so fast before.


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[Scout Driver]

Burke has it figured out. If you can't make do with that you're a wanna B.
The rest are luxury items.

Agreed. Burke has 90%+ of pliers-required tasks covered.

Scott

 

[Askme42]

I guess that is the true answer. I just toy around in my garage monkeying around on my cars when I need to.

Me too but as far as the wife knows I NEED at least 1 of everything.

 

[rick carpenter]

You'll find uses for end nippers too.

 

[xbeatles4x]

I know that the pliers needed would vary more specifically between occupations, I was just looking for a generic if I just bought a tool set this would probably be in there as something I should have. I know I need a much better needle nose plier. I am taking a look at channelock's website and it looks like I have missed out my entire life on tongue and groove pliers. They seem incredibly useful.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I am still building up a decent tool collection and I have had to use various tools incorrectly to get some things done for personal use. What seems to be the most necessary?

I currently have 2 vise grips, 1 needle nose vice grip, 1 needle nose plier (that is really crappy), 1 curved tip needle nose (that I bent the tips on) and 2 crescent wrenches (4 inch).

I want to have a decent setup for my new to me tool chest and I want to get some decent stuff for my small car toolbox for when I am on the road in case I break down.

This is a really old photo in a different chest, but my pliers have not changed any. This is just about all I have.

Needlenose.

Hose clamps: hose clamp pliers or some type of groove joint is fine.

That's about all I'll use on a car if I can help it and even then it's an occasional deal.

On the road you probably don't need anything unless you want to be able to repair harnesses on the road which you really only need needlenose and a roll of electrical for a hack job. Most guys get good stuff, personally I don't bother because I've had good luck with import ****. On the road harbor freight is probably okay because you won't want to use it anyway (wire strippers and needlenose from them aren't too bad) or get a nice stuff used if you can find it.

 

[vandezand]

All of them!!

 

[monomach]

It all depends on what you're doing. I work on heavy trucks and this is my selection of everyday most commonly used.

Granted I have a lot more than that for other things. But you're asking for which ones are a necessity. And to me for what I do. These are absolutely the most necessary in my opinion. Anything else just aids me to make speed. But I could pretty much get what I need to get done with these.


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I'd say this plus a needlenose vise grip and a regular vise grip would be what I consider essential.

 

[SASORacing]

Grip on 7 inch regular style
Grip on 6 inch bent needle nose
Knipex 8inch needle nose
Stanley vintage linemans and cutter
Small pair of comfortable auto wire strippers

This stuff gets me by

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Keep the vise grips and go buy a 6 piece Craftsman set; not the best pliers in the world, but they are Made in USA, affordable, and will get the job done.

 

[Danglerb]

The idea of just the essential pliers is so wrong.

 

[Monte]

these here http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257922

 

[u118224]

If you work on cars I've found the following very useful;

Extra long straight needlenose
Extra long 45 degree needlenose
Extra long 90 degree needlenose.

I bought a set many years ago from Sears and I use them frequently. I don't even know where you'd buy them nowadays.

 

[d.mcfarland]

these here http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257922

Yes. 345978 (exaggeration) copies of the same style plier (first pic at least) are "essential". I'm not saying they aren't good. They aren't "essential" to a newer person in the hobby.

 

[Adam.C]

For cars you need something that can grab big items:
Good: Channel locks
Better: KNIPEX Cobra
Best: KNIPEX Plier wrench plus one of the above.
Awesome: variety of sizes of each above.

Then you need something to grab and twist small items:
Good: Any pair of needle nose will do.
Better: KNIPEX or Klein are the good ones. I like the KNIPEX Assembly Pliers (28 21 200), which have long handles and strong jaws.
Best: Snap On 96CF (talon) is the luxury model, IMHO way better than any KNIPEX product.
Awesome: 1 above plus a good set of Duck Bills are the ultra luxury. (I loved my Craftsman pros but wore them out, I now have KNIPEX 28 01 200, but I'd like a set of Snap On 61ACP)

You need diagonal cutters:
Good: Old craftsman pro black handles (made in France?)
Better: Klein or KNIPEX 74 02 200 are comparable in my book (oft argued here).
Best: New Snap On differential heat treated models are comparable or better than Klein or KNIPEX. DOn't choose older models.
Better Still: 1 above plus KNIPEX mini bolt cutters.

I highly recommend electronic nippers:
Good: Xuron- made in USA, stamped metal, inexpensive but excellent.
Better: KNIPEX and Snap On make very high quality models I would consider luxury models.
Best: I think there are some other European models folks like here but I have no experience with. Maybe someone can remind me what they are called.

Slip joint pliers for general purpose work::
Good: Craftsman Pro, Channel Lock Code Blue
Better: Snap On 47CF Talon grip
Best: (in my opinion) Snap On's last model 47ACP. Gorgeous pointy nose, perfect joint, nice length.

Long needle nose for reaching into tight areas:
Good: HF set of bent and straight. I had a set I bought from HF many moons ago. They are rusty now and the jaws are a bit screwed up, but they did well enough for me all these years. Not a place to beak the bank in my opinion.
Better: Blue Point (or equivalent) would be the mid price quality choice.
Best: Snap On (or equivalent) would be luxury models.

To this basic set, I would add:
1) vise grips (you may benefit from the needle nose models)
2) cir-clip pliers. I used a craftsman set (or Lisle?) with interchangeable tips for many years. I now have KNIPEX which are MUCH better.
3) Hemostats- Blue point sell them with rubber coated handles, but my flea market specials are just as good. Get a variety of lengths and straight and bent models. I also have surgical tweezers with bent serrated tips, which while not technically pliers, live in my plier drawer and really help.

 

[ganymede]

I really dig these 8.5" linesmans pliers.

 

[merbie]

For cars you need something that can grab big items:
Good: Channel locks
Better: KNIPEX Cobra
Best: KNIPEX Plier wrench plus one of the above.
Awesome: variety of sizes of each above.

Then you need something to grab and twist small items:
Good: Any pair of needle nose will do.
Better: KNIPEX or Klein are the good ones. I like the KNIPEX Assembly Pliers (28 21 200), which have long handles and strong jaws.
Best: Snap On 96CF (talon) is the luxury model, IMHO way better than any KNIPEX product.
Awesome: 1 above plus a good set of Duck Bills are the ultra luxury. (I loved my Craftsman pros but wore them out, I now have KNIPEX 28 01 200, but I'd like a set of Snap On 61ACP)

You need diagonal cutters:
Good: Old craftsman pro black handles (made in France?)
Better: Klein or KNIPEX 74 02 200 are comparable in my book (oft argued here).
Best: New Snap On differential heat treated models are comparable or better than Klein or KNIPEX. DOn't choose older models.
Better Still: 1 above plus KNIPEX mini bolt cutters.

I highly recommend electronic nippers:
Good: Xuron- made in USA, stamped metal, inexpensive but excellent.
Better: KNIPEX and Snap On make very high quality models I would consider luxury models.
Best: I think there are some other European models folks like here but I have no experience with. Maybe someone can remind me what they are called.

Slip joint pliers for general purpose work::
Good: Craftsman Pro, Channel Lock Code Blue
Better: Snap On 47CF Talon grip
Best: (in my opinion) Snap On's last model 47ACP. Gorgeous pointy nose, perfect joint, nice length.

Long needle nose for reaching into tight areas:
Good: HF set of bent and straight. I had a set I bought from HF many moons ago. They are rusty now and the jaws are a bit screwed up, but they did well enough for me all these years. Not a place to beak the bank in my opinion.
Better: Blue Point (or equivalent) would be the mid price quality choice.
Best: Snap On (or equivalent) would be luxury models.

To this basic set, I would add:
1) vise grips (you may benefit from the needle nose models)
2) cir-clip pliers. I used a craftsman set (or Lisle?) with interchangeable tips for many years. I now have KNIPEX which are MUCH better.
3) Hemostats- Blue point sell them with rubber coated handles, but my flea market specials are just as good. Get a variety of lengths and straight and bent models. I also have surgical tweezers with bent serrated tips, which while not technically pliers, live in my plier drawer and really help.

Sweet write up man I just bought a set of 250 cobras and an waiting for the snap on three piece set to go on sale and pick up a set I also agree in the extra long nose pliers no need do break the bank on stuff like that


Sent from the sticks

 

[merbie]

Also has anyone used the blue point pliers?


Sent from the sticks

 

[chiz1180]

I started out with a husky set that had needle nose, slip joint, linesmans, side cutters, and 2 different sized groove joint pliers. This set also included micro sized side cutters, flat bill, needle nose, and linesman. I believe this set cost $20 at the time on sale. Admittedly this is not a high quality set but covers just quite a few tasks. If in no immediate need, I would spend the time to source quality needle nose, linesman, side cutters, and your preferred style of groove joint/cobra style pliers. I now honestly have a larger variety of pliers now but I find that 90% of the DIY stuff that I do, these pliers can pretty much do anything.

chiz1180

 

[Fcvapor05]

So what's the part number on these 'new' snap-on cutters with better heat treatment?

 

[Adam.C]

So what's the part number on these 'new' snap-on cutters with better heat treatment?

86CF 87CF

My SO driver said he got many old style diags returned. He started selling KNIPEX and guys liked them. But SO came out with improved models. Trouble is, I think they look like the old model and may carry the same p/n???

I can confirm, they seem to be harder than my KNIPEX. I think they are better finished with nicer handles as well. They are also more expensive.

 

[Adam.C]

I really dig these 8.5" linesmans pliers.

With respect, I never been attracted to linesman pliers. I guess they are great for house electricians who must twist heavy copper wire. So maybe a must have for handymen.

Otherwise, their cutters often aren't hardened for steel- they are designed to cut thick copper. And the noses are too clunky for fine work. I'm kinda surprised Snap On even makes them because they don't seem to be an automotive tool.

 

[collision1]

I'd say hammer, Phillips and straight screwdrivers, pliers/wrench, tape measure, small saw etc. I put together an awesome tool box for my sons first home and filled it with simple tools from the Dollar Store. He uses them often and the quality was good for the value.

 

[Fcvapor05]

86CF 87CF

My SO driver said he got many old style diags returned. He started selling KNIPEX and guys liked them. But SO came out with improved models. Trouble is, I think they look like the old model and may carry the same p/n???

I can confirm, they seem to be harder than my KNIPEX. I think they are better finished with nicer handles as well. They are also more expensive.

Hmm. I have an 87CF. Wonder if they're new or old. They have green grips, haven't had them long.

Compared to my Knipex Twinforce cutters, I'd say they are similar in performance when used appropriately. The Knipex is a high-leverage design so naturally they can do things the 87CF can't, but the 87CF is a lot more precise.

 

[xbeatles4x]

Thank you for everyone that contributed to this thread. I have a rough idea as to what I need now. I for sure need more needle nose pliers. I will snag some nice photos when I get home of what I currently have and my new setup with my huge box 60" I just purchased.

 

[Monte]

start with a set like this:

...and add a Cobra, or get this set: