5 best plier types

Pliers are versatile hand tools commonly used for gripping, bending, cutting, and manipulating various materials.There are numerous types of pliers, each designed for specific tasks and applications. Here are some common types of pliers:

  1. Combination Pliers (Slip-Joint Pliers):

    • These pliers have adjustable jaws with multiple gripping positions.
    • They can be used for gripping, bending, and cutting wires and other materials.
    • The slip-joint design allows users to adjust the jaw size to accommodate different tasks.

  2. Needle-Nose Pliers (Long-Nose Pliers):

    • Needle-nose pliers have long, slender jaws with pointed tips.
    • They are ideal for reaching into tight spaces, bending wire, and holding small objects.
    • Commonly used in electronics, jewelry making, and precision work.

  3. Diagonal Cutting Pliers (Wire Cutters):

    • These pliers have sharp, angled jaws designed for cutting wires and other materials.
    • They are commonly used in electrical work and for cutting zip ties and small metal components.

  4. Lineman's Pliers:

    • Lineman's pliers have a sturdy design with cutting edges near the pivot point.
    • They are commonly used by electricians for cutting and gripping heavy electrical cables.

  5. Tongue-and-Groove Pliers (Channellock Pliers):

    • These pliers have adjustable, serrated jaws that can grip various sizes of objects.
    • They are often used for plumbing tasks, such as tightening or loosening pipes and fittings.

  6. Locking Pliers (Vise-Grip Pliers):

    • Locking pliers have a locking mechanism that holds the jaws in a clamped position.
    • They are useful for holding, clamping, and gripping objects securely.
    • Popular for tasks requiring a temporary hold or extra gripping force.

  7. Crimping Pliers (Crimp Tools):

    • Crimping pliers are designed to crimp connectors onto wires, creating secure electrical connections.
    • They are commonly used in electrical and telecommunications work.
    • Different types of crimping pliers are available for various connector styles.

  8. Snap Ring Pliers (Circlip Pliers):

    • Snap ring pliers have bent tips and are used for installing or removing snap rings or retaining rings.
    • They come in internal and external versions for different applications.

  9. Fencing Pliers:

    • Fencing pliers are specialized tools used in fencing and agriculture.
    • They typically feature wire-cutting jaws, a hammer head, and a staple puller for fence installation and repair.

  10. Hose Grip Pliers:

    • Hose grip pliers have serrated jaws designed to grip and hold hoses securely.
    • They are commonly used in automotive and plumbing work for clamping and manipulating hoses.

These are just a few examples of the many plier types available. Each type of pliers is designed to excel in specific tasks, making them essential tools for a wide range of applications in construction, automotive repair, electronics, and various other industries.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best plier types on the market
  

CTA Tools 2530 Ratcheting Pliers-type Oil Filter Wrench

CTA Tools

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

CTA Tools 2530 Ratcheting Pliers-type Oil Filter Wrench features a self-adjusting ratchet for multiple settings, and an extra-long handle for applications within the range of 50 - 125mm diameter. California Prop 65 - Warning, This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

From the Manufacturer

CTA Tools 2530 Ratcheting Pliers-type Oil Filter Wrench features a self-adjusting ratchet for multiple settings, and an extra-long handle for applications within the range of 50 - 125mm diameter.

  • Self-adjusting ratchet
  • Multiple Settings
  • Extra-long Handle
  • Range: 50 - 125mm

Thomas & Betts WT110M Plier Type Crimping Tool with Cutter for A, B and C non Insulated Terminals and Splices

Check latest price

Product description

The Thomas and Betts WT110M is a handheld plier type tool for installing A, B and non insulated terminals and splices and A and B non insulated terminals and splices with insulation grips. It's not only a crimping tool but you are able to cut the wire as well with the tip of the pliers, making it a double functioning tool to save you time and money. With more than 75 years' experience in tools, dies and connectors, Thomas and Betts still sets the standard for innovation, quality and performance for application tooling. Rely on Thomas and Betts for labor saving features, user comfort and convenience, long service life and extraordinary value.

  • Plier type hand tool
  • Crimps and cuts the wire
  • Used to install A,B and C non insulated terminals and splices and A and B non insulated terminals and splices with insulation grip

User questions & answers

Question: Can i use a 3/16 line on this? i understand it’s for a 1/4 od
Answer: Sorry to say no but the bends will not be without some flattening of the tubing. These are awesome benders but they need to be used with the correct diameter of tubing. It's possible you might find a tightly coiled spring with an OD of 1/4 and put your 3/16 inside to bend. Or just use the spring benders. They work the same as I mentioned but without the bender. They are OK unless you have a lot to do. Or use a multi style and wing it with that. They are also cheap to buy.
Question: Will this tool do reverse bends
Answer: I'm not sure what you mean. The bending action is by a roller forming the tube around a fixed disk with a 1/8" radius groove, so it only makes one bend at a time but you can make it do an "S" bend as two consecutive bends.
Question: Would this work for bending ½ inch type M ridgid copper
Answer: HI Seth: The Ridgid 36117 tubing bender accepts pipe up to 3/16" outside diameter, so no, this bender wouldn't fit or bend your 1/2" copper tube.
Question: Does it work on 3/16" chromoly tubing
Answer: I use it regularly on 3/16 steel and copper clad tubing, occasionally on 3/16 SS it bends very well with a nice tight radius. I have no doubt it would work on CM However I haven’t had the need to bend that small a diameter CM tubing.
Question: Does the little arm on the tool fold out and in to hold the line firmly so it doesn't wobble around like the cheap benders with the fixed arms
Answer: Yes it does. Please note, make sure you get the correct part number sent to you. The part number on my box says 36112 but the sticker on the box says 36117. My bender has (6mm) engraved on the side of the die so I think I've been sent the 36112 instead of the 36117 that I ordered. However, I used my bender to do all the 3/16" stainless steel brake lines on my Camaro and they turned out very good and the bender bent them with ease. I would just research the Ridgid part numbers more because the description on Amazon says RIDGID 36117-3/16" Tube bender and from what I've seen, this is the correct number for 3/16" diameter tube. It was frustrating that I didn't notice it was the wrong bender until after I used it. I would say the quality of the bends would have been even better if I'd used the right one. The build quality is quite good considering it's made in China. In answer to your question, yes the latch can flip back and forth and isn't wobbly at all. I'd definitely recommend this bender for bending tube including stainless steel tube. I hope this helps. Cheers.
Question: does this tube bender make 9 degree bends in aluminum tubing
Answer: I have used mine to make bends in all angles from Zero to 180 degrees in steel and stainless steel tubing. The bender supports the tubing very well and I have had no problems with crimping. If you are concerned about crimping then fill the tubing with fine sand before making the bends. The sand will distribute the pressure and keep it from crimping. I hope that this helps you.

CTA Tools 2537 Offset Pliers Type Oil Filter Wrench

CTA Tools

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

CTA Tools offers the widest range of professional automotive specialty tools in the market.

  • Designed with an Angled Head for Greater Access in Tight Areas
  • Features Adjustable Jaws and Long Handles
  • Range: 64-Millimeters - 117-Millimeters
  • Heavy-Duty Construction Allows for Strength and Durability
  • Whether Tuning up Your ‘68 Corvette or Changing the Oil on a Tractor, CTA can Supply You with the Tools Needed to do the Job

Thomas & Betts WT112M Plier-Type Tool for A, B, C Non-Insulated and RA, RB, RC Insulated Nylon and Vinyl Terminals and Splices

Thomas & Betts

Based on 38 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Thomas & Betts WT112M is a plier type tool used for installation of various Sta-Kon terminal series. These pliers are used for A, B, C non- insulated and RA, RB, RC insulated nylon and vinyl terminals and splices; includes cutters. Since the 1930's Thomas & Betts has been supplying tools, dies and connectors. Today, with more than 75 years experience in tools, dies and connectors, Thomas & Betts still sets the standard for innovation, quality and performance for application tooling. Rely on Thomas & Betts tools for labor saving features, user comfort and convenience, long service life and extraordinary value.

  • Used for installation of various Sta-Kon terminal series
  • A, B, C non-insulated and RA, RB, RC insulated nylon and vinyl terminals and splices; includes cutters
  • Orange and black handles

User questions & answers

Question: What dp the orange and black handles signify
Answer: So you can place the crimp on the barrel and crimp correctly ever time. I know orange handle against my palm will have the nipple crush the connector and ident it on the split end of the connector
Question: Made in USA
Answer: Yes. Made in USA is stamped on side.
Question: T&b has three models of these pliers, but with similar description. anyone knows the difference between the wt110m, wt111m and wt112m crimpers
Answer: Refer to tnb plier type tool catalog. They cripm diferent kind of pin terminals. The wt110m crimps Terminals A,B,C (non - insulated terminals and splices. Also non insulated terminals with insulated grip type A,B. Thw WT11M A,B,C,PT non-insulated terminals and splices, and cutters come included. WT112M A,B,C non insulated, RA,RB,RC, insulated nylon and vinyl terminal ans splices. Include cutrers also. The WT2000 includes all 3 models in one.
Question: Why are the t&b hand-tool handles orange and black instead of the t&b blue? this is for a contest at my work
Answer: The only thing I can find is from the T&B website:"The company's Sta-Kon® solderless lugs transformed the way planes, ships, and tanks were wired, and the company's Elizabeth, N.J., plant was declared one of the 12 most critical plants in the East by the War Department during World War II. Following World War II, construction boomed and T&B offered electricians other innovative product "firsts." The Color-Keyed® color-coded system of connectors, compression tools and tool dies ensured that proper installation procedures would be used with each connector."So maybe it has to do with what size/types of connectors etc. the tool can be used for.

Thomas & Betts WT111M Plier Type Crimping Tool with Cutter for A, B, C and PT Non Insulated Terminals and Splices

Based on 170 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Thomas and Betts WT111M Hand Tool (Plier-Type) for installing A, B, C, PT non-insulated terminals and splices, includes wire cutter From the earliest days of electrification over 100 years ago, Thomas and Betts has been a leader in providing products for commercial and industrial construction, industrial plant maintenance, repair and operation, electrical utility distribution, communications and original equipment manufacturing. They offer one of the broadest product lines in the electrical industry, supplying over 70 percent of the items used in a typical electrical application. Wire Cutter Tip. Thomas and Betts WT111M Hand Tool (Plier-Type) for installing A, B, C, PT non-insulated terminals and splices, includes wire cutter Features: Tooling Functionality: Crimping Rosh Compliance.

  • Package Dimensions: 8 L x 4 H x 5 W (inches)
  • Package Weight: 1 pounds

User questions & answers

Question: is there any kind of factory warranty on these? after 3 years broke my pait crimping 10awg solid copper wire snapped the nose right off
Answer: I believe there is a lifetime warranty on this tool. The warranty information can be found here:http://www.tnb.com/pub/en/node/1368
Question: Are these pliers still usa made? just lost a pair i've used since the middle eightys
Answer: They are stamped near the joint "made in USA"
Question: How do these compare to a ratcheting crimper
Answer: These are for a different job. The ratcheting ones have to be unlatched to release, don't have a wire cutter built in, and are a bit more specific to ends. These are easy to work with, have a wire cutter, and can crimp the ends quickly, without having o find the sweet spot to let them go. Ratcheting crimpers, however, can hold an end for one-handed work in tight spaces.
Question: What are a, b, c and pt terminals? i need to crimp 14, 16 & 18 ga. stranded wire, with 3m butt connectors. will this work
Answer: Letter A denotes 22-18 AWG wire range Letter B denotes 16-14 AWG wire range Letter C denotes 12-10 AWG wire range PT are pin terminals This tool should work for your application

Latest Reviews

View all