What are pliers?
Pliers are hand tools that grip, bend, cut, crimp, or hold materials. By combining two jaws on pivoting handles, they provide high leverage for tasks ranging from pulling wire and forming metal to cutting fasteners and retaining rings.
What types of pliers are used for electrical and mechanical work?
- Linesman pliers – Flat jaws with cutters for grabbing, twisting, and cutting electrical wire.
- Diagonal cutting pliers – Angled cutting edges for clean flush and semi-flush cuts on wire, zip ties, and pins.
- Needle-nose (long-nose) pliers – Slim jaws for access in tight spaces; often include side cutters.
- Locking pliers (Vise-style) – Adjustable, hands-free clamping force; available in curved, straight, long-nose, and C-clamp styles.
- Snap ring (circlip) pliers – Internal and external versions for installing/removing retaining rings; fixed-tip or convertible.
- Groove-joint / water pump pliers – Adjustable, multi-position jaws for plumbing and general mechanics.
- Crimping pliers – Termination and ferrule crimping for electrical connectors.
- Specialty pliers – Ring pliers, fencing, hog-ring, grommet, and other task-specific styles.
Which pliers do I need for my job?
Match the plier style to your task:
- Cutting wire or fasteners: Choose diagonal cutters; step up to heavy-duty or high-leverage models for harder materials.
- Working in confined spaces: Use needle-nose for reach and control.
- Holding or clamping parts: Locking pliers provide repeatable clamping with quick-release convenience.
- Installing/removing circlips: Use internal/external snap ring pliers sized to the ring diameter and hole spacing.
- Plumbing and large hardware: Groove-joint pliers adjust quickly to grip flats, rounds, and fittings.
What size pliers should I use?
Pick the smallest plier that reaches the work and provides enough leverage:
- 6–8 in. Compact control for electronics and light assembly.
- 8–10 in. General purpose reach and leverage for most shop tasks.
- 10–12+ in. Extra leverage for thick cable, large fittings, and heavy hardware.
How do I use pliers safely?
- Use the correct plier style—don’t substitute pliers for wrenches or pry bars.
- Cut only materials within the tool’s rating; hardened wire requires heavy-duty cutters.
- Keep jaws and cutting edges clean and undamaged for positive grip and clean cuts.
- Wear appropriate eye protection when cutting or snapping rings.
- Maintain tools—lubricate pivots and replace worn tips on snap ring pliers.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pliers
What’s the difference between linesman and needle-nose pliers?
Linesman pliers have broad, flat jaws and an integral cutter for twisting and cutting wire. Needle-nose pliers have long tapered jaws for access in tight spaces and light bending; many also include a side cutter.
Internal vs. external snap ring pliers—what should I buy?
Internal pliers compress a ring to fit inside a bore. External pliers expand a ring to fit over a shaft. Convertible models switch between both with a pivot or lever.
Can diagonal cutters shear hardened steel?
Only if the cutters are rated for hardened materials. For music wire, springs, or hardened pins, use heavy-duty/high-leverage cutters or dedicated hard-wire cutters.
What handle grips are best?
Cushioned or TPR grips reduce hand fatigue for frequent use. For oils/solvents, choose grips with chemical-resistant materials and textured surfaces.
How do I size snap ring pliers?
Match the tip diameter to the ring’s hole size and choose a jaw spread range that covers the installed and free diameters of the ring you’re working with.