Pliers Buying Guide
Pliers are one of the most versatile hand tools found in a toolbox with many different types designed to tackle a variety of tasks both in and out of the home. Ranging from electrical work through to car repairs, each type of plier offers different features that make specific jobs easier and more efficient.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or experienced tradesperson, learning about the different types of pliers and their uses can help you choose the right pair for every job. In this guide we cover the most common plier types and what they do so you can choose the right tool for the task at hand.
The Parts of Pliers & How They Work
Most pliers typically consist of handles and jaws with a pivot point, which holds them together.
The handles provide the leverage needed so the jaws can perform their specific action. Most plier handles are made from steel or plastic with some being rubber-coated designed to improve grip and control. You’ll notice that plier handles come in different lengths and this has a direct impact on the force of the jaws. Typically, long handles increase the leverage while improving the reach in awkward or tight places. Conversely, short handle pliers are easier to control making them better suited to intricate tasks.
The pliers’ jaws are the part that does the most work, whether that’s gripping, cutting, stripping, or bending. These come in many different configurations, shapes and sizes depending on the type of pliers. For example, long nose pliers feature long and pointed jaws making them ideal for detailed jobs, whereas diagonal pliers have jaws that are short, sharp and chunky which are useful for making precise and neat cuts in something like sheet metal.
The pivot point, sometimes referred to as the fulcrum, is the component part in the centre that holds the two halves of the pliers together. While only a small part, it’s actually vital to the performance of the pliers. When you squeeze the handles together, the pivot point acts as a lever that increases the force you apply. The closer the pivot point is to the jaws, the more force is applied without excessive pressure being applied to the handles.
The Different Types of Pliers
Combination Pliers
Combination pliers are the most versatile and you can use them to perform many different functions including bending, cutting, compressing and stripping wire. Their versatility means they’re cost-effective, making them a popular choice among tradies and DIY novices.
They have a distinctive appearance with chunky jaws, a flat nose and serrated teeth. Most combination pliers feature a hole in the centre of the jaws which is designed for tasks that involve gripping pipework or thick diameter wire. Combination pliers are available in different lengths which determines the force emitted through the jaws.
Long Nose Pliers
Long nose pliers, also referred to as needle nose or snipe nose pliers, have long jaws which taper off to a narrow point. This makes them perfect for intricate jobs that may involve bending and shaping wire. They’re most often used by tradespeople like mechanics or electricians who may be working with very small component parts, or when accessing confined spaces.
Long nose pliers are also popular for those undertaking crafts such as jewellery making which typically involves fiddly and delicate work when handling tiny parts and cutting through small gauge wire.
Circlip Pliers
Circlip pliers, sometimes known as snap ring pliers, are specifically designed to remove and replace snap rings. Snap rings are thin, circular metal components that go by several different names including circlips or retaining rings - and they’re used in many different industries to hold other parts in place.
Circlip pliers have longer jaws which taper at the end and feature small tips which are designed to fit into the holes of the snap rings. Some models feature interchangeable jaws of different sizes to accommodate different size snap rings and they’re also available in two different types; internal or external.
Nipping Pliers
Nipping pliers, or end cutters, are another type of pliers specifically suited for one job which is cutting through wire. Compared to other types of pliers they usually have longer handles which increases the force of the jaws making them capable of cutting through thick gauge wire.
Their jaws are chunky and heavy duty with a narrow opening. When closed, the end of the jaws are slightly convex in shape so they can sit flush against surfaces - making them suitable for pulling out stubborn nails or fasteners. They also tend to have a smooth finish which reduces the likelihood of surface damage when in use.
Diagonal Pliers
Diagonal pliers, also referred to as side cutters or side cutting pliers, are so-called due to their distinctive appearance. They have chunky, stubby jaws with quite sharp, bevelled edges which are set on an angle, or diagonally. Their smaller size means that most side cutters have short handles, making them better suited for performing precise and neat cuts through wire.
As well as cutting wire, they can also snip through smaller pins or heavy-duty staples and strip insulation from wiring making them a little more versatile. Popular with electricians, some models feature insulated handles which offer protection against electrical hazards.
Wire Strippers
Wire strippers, or cable strippers, have a more unusual appearance compared to traditional pliers. Available in two different types, manual or automatic, both types are designed to strip away the outer casing of electrical cabling while leaving the inner conductors intact and ready for repair or maintenance.
Manual wire strippers are a simple design and low cost, whereas automatic variations tend to be faster and more accurate with additional features like integrated teeth for cutting jobs and crimping jaws for attaching cables to create a connection. This makes them a popular and versatile choice for electricians.
Waterpump Pliers
As the name may suggest, waterpump pliers are a common plumbing hand tool. Sometimes referred to as tongue and groove pliers, they feature long and narrow handles designed for easy access in hard-to-reach areas.
Their serrated jaws can firmly grasp nuts and bolts and they often include adjustments to allow for different diameter plumbing pipes. Not just designed for circular component parts though, they can also grip flat materials such as sheet metal, adding to their versatility. To make plumbing jobs easier, they often include a self-locking mechanism to prevent slipping and ergonomic handles for comfort.
Locking Pliers
Locking pliers feature a mechanism which allows them to be locked into place, essentially acting like a clamp. Also known as lock grip pliers or mole grips, they‘re primary use is to maintain a firm hold of objects while allowing you to work hands-free. This makes them useful for lone workers undertaking tasks such as welding, soldering, or any other type of work where holding component parts or materials isn’t practical or safe.
Locking pliers are also versatile as they make for a good alternative to an adjustable wrench, and can be handy for loosening or tightening nuts and bolts.
Crimping Pliers
The key function of crimping pliers is to forge a connection between electrical wires and cabling with either crimp connectors or lugs. The handles come in different lengths but the jaws always feature serrated teeth which, when closed, form three distinct holes which are coloured in red, blue, and yellow.
The purpose of the coloured holes is to indicate which crimping connectors are to be used and ensures that the right amount of pressure is applied to form a secure connection, without causing damage to the wires. Some crimping tools are more versatile than others and offer additional features designed to strip and cut wires.
Aviation Snips
Aviation snips are sometimes called tin snips and are specifically designed to cut through sheet metal. The name ‘aviation’ comes from their original use in the manufacturing of aeroplanes. They’re quite different from other types of pliers as they have two pivot points, which requires less force when cutting through metal, making it easier.
They work in a similar way to scissors and make short, straight cuts in different directions. The colour of the handles indicates which direction they cut in, green handles cut to the right, red to the left and yellow for multiple directions. They’re also spring loaded so feature a hook lock to keep them closed when not in use.
Key Pliers Considerations
Pliers Length
The different length of pliers indicates how much force is initiated at the jaws, with long handles having increased leverage meaning that less pressure needs to be applied. Longer handles are also better for navigating into hard-to-reach spaces. On the other hand, shorter pliers tend to be better suited for intricate and fiddly jobs.
Safety When Using Pliers
Something that’s easily overlooked when using any type of pliers is safety. In terms of using pliers you should always ensure they’re positioned correctly to prevent slippage and accidental damage and only use them for their intended purpose. It’s also important to wear some form of eye protection such as safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
Pliers Material
Pliers are manufactured using different materials with one of the more common materials being chrome vanadium (Cr-V), which is often case-hardened attributing to its durability and longevity. Other materials include stainless steel which, while softer, carry a high resistance to corrosion making them ideal in environments where excessive levels of moisture may be present.
Pliers Handle Types
While some pliers have solid metal handles, most are coated with rubber, PVC, or silicone which is easy to mould and very durable. Coated handles tend to be more comfortable to use which could be important if undertaking long-duration jobs. As many types of pliers are favoured by electricians, rubber or silicone handles can offer protection against electric shocks.
