10 Best Plier Sets 2024 in the United States

Pliers are versatile tools. You employ them for grasping and bending metal, cutting wire, stripping insulation, or as a pair of tongs to grasp something that you can't touch with your bare hands. But there are more than a dozen different types of pliers. Even though some pliers allow you to adjust the distance between the jaws, you might need a smaller tool to get into tight spots, Some tool manufacturers have answered to this and made plier sets that you can buy, that cover the major types of pliers. Here is a guide to some of the best plier sets on the market. 

We should first distinguish between the different types of pliers. (There are around 13 different types, but not all of they are sold in a plier set.) Then we can have an idea of what should be contained in a plier set.

• Slip-joint pliers: These have a pivot point that can be slid into one of several positions, to widen the jaws of the pliers. These subdivide into:

  • Straight slip-joint pliers, where the jaws are in a straight line with the handles, and

  • Tongue-and-groove pliers (also called “groove-joint pliers”), where the pivot point can be slid diagonally into one of many positions.

• Locking pliers: This will serve as a vise, that locks in position once it is set on the optimal spacing of the jaws. It thus serves as both a pliers and a wrench.

• Long-nose pliers (or “needle-nose pliers”): These are used for reaching into small areas, where other pliers would be too large to be effective.

• Nose pliers: These are like needle-nose pliers, but here the end is bent at an angle, for extra reach.

• Diagonal pliers (wire cutters): These are primarily for cutting wire. They don't have the jaws of a typical pair of pliers.

• Linesman's pliers (also called combination pliers): These contain wire cutters and plier jaws—and perhaps also wire strippers, to remove insulation.

• Circlip pliers are specialized pliers for grasping retaining rings.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Durability: People are pleased with the Knipex pliers durability. The teeth of the pliers don't break or wear down.

• Insulation: The handles should be insulated, preferably with rubber. (Some customers notice that the rubber handles can slide off after a few weeks of use. They can easily be reattached with Super Glue or the like.) But the insulation will also offer some protection if you work with electrical wiring.

• Mini-plier set: Stanley also makes a mini-plier set for delicate electronics work. The pliers have a spring that keeps the jaws open—that's easier for various cutting applications. But it might make it difficult to pack away the pliers when you're finished.

• Assortments: The Stanley 2 piece plier set contains a slip-joint and a long-nose pliers. Their 3-piece set adds on a diagonal pliers/wire cutters. Their 4-piece set includes also lineman combination pliers. Another 4-piece set of Stanley contains slip joint, diagonal, groove-joint pliers, and an adjustable wrench. The Tekton 3561 pliers set contains two sizes of slip-joint pliers, one diagonal pliers, one linesman pliers, one long-nose and one groove-joint pliers.

• Variable sizes: Then there are sets where all the pliers are the same type, but just different dimensions: Stanley makes a 3-piece set of locking pliers, while Knipex makes a 3-piece set of groove-joint pliers.

• Tool size: You'll find pliers that are 6 inches, 7 inches, and 8 inches long.

• Bi-metal tools: You'll see that certain brands of pliers are “bi-metal”. This means that the teeth of the pliers is made from a much stronger steel than the handles. The jaws of the pliers thus remain sharp for much longer.

Stanley—are makers of tools and hardware. They make cutting tools, rules, levels, pliers, ratchet wrenches, screwdrivers, woodworking, landscaping and automotive tools, and more. They were founded in 1843 by Frederick Stanley in New Britain, Connecticut.

Knipex Tools—was founded in 1882 by C. Gustav Putsch in Cronenberg, Germany. Their expertise is in making pliers of all different types: long-nose, combination, angled, cutters, and more.

DeWalt—was founded in 1922 by Raymond DeWalt, as makers of woodworking machines, but they expanded over the years to making power tools and accessories for professional woodworkers and contractors. They now make drills, screwdrivers, holesaws and sockets. They are now a subsidiary of Stanley Black and Decker, and have their headquarters in Towson, Maryland.

Tekton—are makers of an all-in-one pliers, as well as screwdrivers and socket wrench sets. Their headquarters is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They make pliers, snips, wrenches, files, hammers, measuring tools, screwdrivers, and more.