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The Best Pliers

Last updated on August 4, 2022

We looked at the top 13 Pliers and dug through the reviews from 28 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Pliers.

Best Pliers

Our Review Process

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Pliers are a small handy gadget that are used to hold objects securely while working with them. They can be used to bend and compress materials as well. Sometimes, they are used for prying apart materials or even cutting them. Pliers can be used by a number of different people for various tasks around the home or at work. They are a common tool for shopkeepers, builders, electricians, construction workers and woodworkers. There are many different types of pliers designed to do specific jobs. However, their overall construction is the same.

Pliers typically have two metal first-class levers that are joined together at an intersection or pivot point, also called a fulcrum, near one end. The fulcrum is what enables the pliers to have a magnified amount of force. On the shorter side of the fulcrum, there are a set of jaws, which are used to grasp objects.

Within the jaws there is an area called a pipe grip, which is a rounded opening designed to hold rounded objects. Right next to the jaws are a set of cutters, which are sharp enough to snip small objects like wires. The other end of the fulcrum forms the handles that you hold to amplify force at the jaws. The handles can be either curved or straight. Sometimes they are coated with plastic, while other times they can be bare metal. There is a significant amount of force from the longer handle side which is applied to the jaws’ side. Users can focus this force through the jaws to precisely handle objects that may be difficult to manipulate with just fingers.

Our Picks For The Top Pliers

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Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

WORKPRO DIY & Home Use Groove Joint Pliers, 7-Piece

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WORKPRO

DIY & Home Use Groove Joint Pliers, 7-Piece

This seven-piece pliers set is perfect for new homeowners or individuals who are just starting out in the workforce. Each of the pliers are constructed from a durable alloy steel that has been heat treated. The tips even arrive greased to keep rust at bay.

Overall Take

Great Starter SetThe comfort grip handles on these pliers provides the added control you need to get the job done.

Pros
" This is a good set of pliers as it provides tools for every kind of job, and all pliers are durable high quality, and comfortable to hold."
Cons
"The storage kit is not included."
 Runner Up

CRAFTSMAN CMHT82547 Groove Joint Set Pliers, 2-Piece

CRAFTSMAN

CMHT82547 Groove Joint Set Pliers, 2-Piece

These hardy pliers are perfect for gripping irregularly shaped objects. The handles offer superior comfort and control. The pliers are lightweight so they are easy to control and maneuver.

Overall Take

Ultra Tough and DurableThese pliers are made with drop-forged steel for added strength and longevity.

Pros
" Both pliers are designed with drop forged steel, which is ultra-tough and durable. The pliers can assist you in gripping irregularly shaped objects. They are easy to use and also weigh less, so they won’t slow you down. The handles..."
 We Also Like

KNIPEX 8701250 Cobra Pliers, 10-Inch

KNIPEX Tools

KNIPEX 8701250 Cobra Pliers, 10-Inch

These precision-grade tools are uniquely shaped so you can work in awkwardly shaped spaces. They are lightweight, and easy to maneuver and carry around. The handles are ergonomically designed and comfortable to hold.

Overall Take

Easily Fits in Awkward PlacesThe streamlined design of these pliers helps you reach tight spots.

Pros
" A 10-inch model that's both lightweight and rugged. Streamlined design easily fits awkward spaces. Easy to adjust and comfortable to use."
 Strong Contender

shynek Needle Nose Wire Cutter & Pliers, 3-Pack

shynek

Needle Nose Wire Cutter & Pliers, 3-Pack

With this set of pliers, you'll receive a pair of needle nose pliers, round nose pliers and wire cutters. Each has a colorful rubber handle that provides a firm grip for working with small jewelry pieces. The tools themselves are smooth, clean and rustproof.

Overall Take

Best for Making JewelryThe ergonomic design of these pliers keeps hands from becoming fatigued during use.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
20

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the pliers available to purchase.
13

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Best of Machinery, Toolz View, Best Reviews Tips, DigMyRide, The Strypes.

23,510

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 13 Pliers and also dug through the reviews from 28 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Pliers.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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What to Look For

  • There are tens of different kinds of pliers available, each with special elements designed for specific types of work. It’s important to use the right tool for the job so you can ensure your safety. Consider what you need the pliers for and then select the one that is the right fit for the task at hand. For example, if you need to grip and twist metal, leads or wires, you may want to go with long-nose pliers or flat-nose pliers. These are also great for making sharp bends and right angles in metal. If you’re doing electrical work, you will most likely need a pair of linesman pliers. Their insulated handles will ensure that you don’t receive an electrical shock from a live wire. The shorter gripping surface of the tip of the jaws makes them perfect for handling small wires.
  • Consider the size and weight of the pliers to see if it’s right for your hands. You’ll want to look at how much strength you will need to grip or hold objects, and how much effort you will exert in the process. Keep in mind that the longer the tool’s handles, the more leverage you’ll have. However, the smaller the jaw, the more efficient the tool will be. Heavier pliers can be more difficult to control, but will also provide more force. Think carefully about the tasks you need to do, how often you need to do them and how much strength you’re able to exert while working.
  • When it comes to the materials used to make the pliers, look for those with chromium, vanadium and molybdenum in them. These alloys are strong but not too brittle. In tools, hardness, which is measured in HRC units, is an important factor to note.
  • If you’re going to be using the pliers frequently, or if you have limited strength or mobility in your hands, opt for an ergonomically designed set of pliers. Keep comfort in mind so you can safely and easily use the tools every day without pain.

Plier Rankings

1. WORKPRO DIY & Home Use Groove Joint Pliers, 7-Piece

Overall Score: 9.7
Reviews Included: 5

2. CRAFTSMAN CMHT82547 Groove Joint Set Pliers, 2-Piece

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 5

3. KNIPEX 8701250 Cobra Pliers, 10-Inch

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 5

4. shynek Needle Nose Wire Cutter & Pliers, 3-Pack

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 1

5. IRWIN Convertible Vise-Grip Pliers, 6.5-Inch

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 1

6. IRWIN 2078709 Vise-Grip GrooveLock V-Jaw Pliers, 2-Piece

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 5

7. Stanley 84-034 Bi-Material Groove Joint Pliers, 8-Inch

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 5

9. IRWIN 2078216 Long Nose Vise-Grip Pliers, 6-Inch

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 5

11. Crescent H26VN Home Hand Tools Slip Joint Pliers

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 5

13. ATE Pro. USA 93360 Long Nose Pliers, 911-Inch, 5-Piece

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 4

More to Explore

Pliers have been around for a long time. While it’s not clear exactly when they were invented, they have been around since early metalworking, as they were used for casting and smithing metal. The first pliers that we know of were most likely made of wood, and then later from strong materials like iron and steel.

The ancient Greek god Hephaestus is depicted in images using a plier-like tool to forge metal. The Roman god Vulcanus is often shown with a hammer and pliers, as he was the god of fire and forging. The virgin martyr Saint Apollonia is often shown with pliers. She is the patron saint of dentistry, and also had her teeth pulled out using pliers during her torture. Some ancient Egyptian sculptures may have been created using spring-loaded pliers, which may have been similar to something like the tongs we use today.

More to explore