Best Pliers

Pliers are one of the most essential tools for home and professional craftsmen. They can be used to bite, peel, cut and pluck wires, and bend light alloys if the tool is powerful enough. Despite its apparent simplicity, each pliers have their own characteristics, type and purpose, for a particular type of work. In this article, experts presented reviews of the best dielectric and combined type pliers, and also identified their advantages and disadvantages.

Which company is better to choose a pliers

When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer, whose reputation determines the reliability of the product. Brands can even provide extended or lifetime warranties to show the quality and durability of their products. The experts of the rating expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ studied brief characteristics for each trademark to determine its reliability:

• Gross Is a Russian brand registered in 1995 producing premium goods for professional use. Gross belongs to the “World of Instrument” company, annually expands its product lines, introducing new, modified products.
• Stanley Is a trade mark from the USA, created in 1843, which has gained popularity in more than 40 countries around the world. The company produces power tools for the home, and the brand's manufacturing facilities are located in China, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, and the USA.
• Knipex - a manufacturer from Germany, which was created in 1882, and during its history has become a leader in European markets. The company offers a wide range of products that are used in industry and craft, annually updating the range, introducing many innovative projects.
• Bison Is a popular company from Russia offering a wide range of equipment, materials and tools since 2000. The corporation is a member of the global market, offering products for home and industrial use, extending them with an extended warranty.
• The Technique Case - another Russian manufacturer of hand tools, registered in 1994. The company has its own laboratory in which additional quality control takes place and all product lines are tested, therefore they comply with international standards.
• Nws Is a brand from Germany that has been producing high quality hand tools since 1973. The company produces goods necessary for solving applied problems in plumbing, electrical and plumbing works. Nws production facilities are located exclusively in Germany.
• Helfer Is a German brand that has been producing hand and automotive tools since 2000, with a network of manufacturing plants in Europe and Asia. The company has its own laboratory and design office, which control the production of goods according to European standards.

Pliers rating

To make the TOP of the best pliers, the experts studied the reviews of real people and conducted full testing, which made it possible to identify all the pros and cons of the presented models. The independent opinions of users have also helped to create comprehensive, informative reviews for each product. The experts of the expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ rating selected the nominees according to the following criteria:

• Main material;
• Overlays;
• Build quality;
• Ease of use;
• Corrosion protection;
• Availability of additional options;
• Price.

Thus, the ranking includes the seven best pliers, which have received the approval of both buyers and experts. For the convenience of the reader, they are considered in two categories, which divide them by type.

The best wrenches

Best dielectric pliers

These pliers with insulated handles are designed for electricians. They are covered with a special, electrical insulating material, used for high-voltage work and can withstand voltages up to 1000 volts. In this category, four nominees are presented, which were selected by experts from expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ among a dozen peers.

Gross 16973 180 mm

With these pliers, you can easily cut the welding cable or stranded wires, plus this model provides additional carved edges, thanks to which the tool can be used like a wrench. The main joint is slightly offset to the cutting edges for a more efficient cut than comparable models. The three-component handles are made of rubber-plastic, thanks to their ergonomic shape, it is comfortable to hold the pliers in your hands, even without gloves. Additional supports are placed on the lower edges of the handles, which allows you to install brackets with a suspension or springs for auto-release on them.

Advantages

• Reinforced edge;
• Comfortable grip;
• High-frequency current hardening;
• Five-year warranty.

disadvantages

• Loose compression of the jaws;
• Rigid handle material.

Another good thing about these pliers is the anti-corrosion coating, which extends their life. Users rate Gross as a quality tool that can last for many years.

Stanley FatMax 0-89-867 180 mm

Strong dielectric pliers from Stanley are compact enough and convenient to use, they are suitable even for craftsmen with a narrow hand grip, and are lightweight. The cutting edges of the pliers are reinforced, this model can easily cut through steel wire or even nails, and the FatMax metal is treated with a special coating that increases the service life of the tool. The handle pads are made from a soft two-component material that is resistant to external chemical attack. The ribbed shape of the handles provides a comfortable grip without allowing the palms to slip.

Advantages

• Polished sponges;
• Good cutting ability;
• Material quality;
• Low price.

disadvantages

• Stiff hinge;
• No corrosion protection.

It is noted that FatMax 0-89-867 are made using forging, therefore such a tool is recognized stronger than analogues that are created by stamping. Users note the high durability of Stanley, they can be used for home or professional use.

Knipex 03 06 160 160 mm

Knipex combination pliers are designed for professional use and are made of high quality tool steel and have a chrome finish. Such a tool is able to easily cut a wire of medium or hard hardness, and induction current hardening of the cutting edges gives it additional reliability. Thanks to its long cutting edges, Knipex can work even in hard-to-reach places. In addition, the experts praise the two-component handles made of a hard material that meets VDE standards.

Advantages

• Auto release;
• Locking in the closed position;
• Easy movement of the hinge;
• Low weight.

disadvantages

• High price;
• There are no teeth on the side.

Also, these pliers have additional stops, so the hand does not slide to the working elements during the grip. Users rate Knipex as one of the best models for working under voltage.

Bison 2201-1-20_z01 200 mm

Simple yet functional pliers that are suitable for both professional use and home use.They have reinforced cutting edges, are made of special tool steel, are able to withstand even strong, intense loads, and therefore are irreplaceable in work. The chrome-nickel coating of the jaws provides an optimal balance of strength and hardness and protects the tool from rust and premature wear. The central positioning of the pivot creates a smooth ride for the pliers, increasing the transfer of force to the user.

Advantages

• Anti-slip handles;
• Induction-hardened edges;
• Reinforced hinge;
• Low price.

disadvantages

• The surface of the handles is completely smooth;
• No end cut.

These pliers are suitable for even thick wires, plus they have a good working length (200 mm) and a low weight. Additionally, the manufacturer provides a long-term five-year warranty, defining the tool as very reliable.

Best Tool Sets

The best combination pliers

Such models can perform multiple fixings, they are more functional and can have cutters on the outside of the hinge mechanism. They are also equipped with additional options and are curved at a certain angle. This category reviews the best pliers that have been selected by users.

Technique Case 411200

The classic inexpensive model designed for cutting wires or clamping small parts when performing electrical work. The extended jaws of the pliers allow you to get close to the most difficult to reach wires, and their chrome vanadium coating has better moisture resistance and provides a pleasant looking tool. The handles feature two-piece, ribbed sheaths that allow customers to hold the tool securely in their hand, while small restraints protect the palm from slipping to the working part.

Advantages

• Low weight;
• Good hinge travel;
• The lips close without gaps;
• Low price.

disadvantages

• Covers can slide off;
• No anti-corrosion coating.

Due to the volumetric handles, craftsmen do not have to exert great efforts for clamping, and the tightness of the jaws' closing will allow using these pliers for removing cable insulation or biting nails.

Nws Combi Ergo 1096-69-200

Nws multi-function curved pliers are used for cutting, gripping, bending wires or metal. This model has asymmetrical surfaces, the angle of the tool head is rotated 45 degrees, and its weight is only 280 grams. The built-in wrench provides a firm grip, protecting the fastener from damage. The cutting edges are treated with high voltage current, which additionally gives them strength and stability. The pliers themselves are made of tool forged steel, and it also has an anti-corrosion coating.

Advantages

• Opening spring;
• Built-in contactor;
• Handles finished with Soft Gripp;
• Reinforced construction.

disadvantages

• High price;
• Weak spring.

Also, some buyers refer to the disadvantages of the insufficiently strong fastening of the covers, so it is recommended to additionally fasten them. Plus it was noted that Combi Ergo is rarely found on sale, especially in chain stores.

Helfer HF004030 130 mm

Lightweight, combined pliers are designed for multidisciplinary work, including plumbing. The tool is made of high-carbon steel, which provides good wear resistance with improved thermal holding. The auto-release option and high-quality swivel joint guarantee the ease of use of the tool, which is clearly expressed in the reviews of this model. The handles are equipped with covers made of porous PVC material, which is resistant to chemicals and is also adapted for a tenacious grip.

Advantages

• Low weight;
• Compact size;
• Elongated sponges;
• Induction hardening.

disadvantages

• No antistatic option;
• Wide spread of handles.

Additionally, experts positively note the low price of Helfer and the good German workmanship. Only the spread of the handles is not suitable for every hand; it will be inconvenient for craftsmen with narrow palms to use them.

Which plier is better to buy

Experts advise, first of all, to pay attention to professional tools as more reliable. In addition to them, simple household pliers also have good technical parameters and can serve for a long time. Before buying, it is recommended to check the pliers for backlash, evenness of the jaws, the quality of the covers, ease of use. It is important to take into account the manufacturer's warranty obligations, as well as the shape of the handles, since, with an uncomfortable design, the hands will quickly get tired. Experts recommend the following from the presented models:

• Among dielectric pliers, Knipex can be distinguished - these are pliers with a lock that have an easy hinge stroke and a low weight.
• For high-voltage work, the Bison will become a good tool - simple and functional pliers made of tool steel.
• And from the combined models, the lightweight Helfer pliers stand out, with an elongated shape of the jaws and covers made of porous PVC material.
• Nws Combi Ergo 1096-69-200 is a versatile option for cutting, bending, gripping metal.

The rest of the nominees of the rating are also noteworthy, they were marked as the best among a large number of instruments that did not pass the selection. The specialists of the VyborExperta website recommend considering all of them, paying attention to the advantages and disadvantages.