Best Pliers Sets Reviewed in 2024

Your toolbox is never complete if it does not have a heavy-duty, versatile, and easy-to-use set of pliers. Pliers are an indispensable part of the toolbox and come handy for a wide range of tasks and projects both around the house and on a construction site. Tasks such as plumbing, electrical work, construction, and repair would be considered onerous without pliers. They come in various sizes and styles and because of their ingenious engineering and design, they’re ideal for bending, cutting, and gripping a wide range of materials, including nuts and bolts, and help you reach tight and awkward spots with ease.

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When it comes down to choosing the right or most suitable plier set, most homeowners and greenhorns find the task understandably daunting and overwhelming, considering their proliferation and physical similarities. To help you make the right choice, we’ll first walk you through the factors to take into consideration and later present you with our top ten picks, and two FAQs, at the end of which choosing a model from the market should be a walk in the park for you. Here we go.

10 Best Pliers Sets

1. KNIPEX Tools 00 20 06 US1, Cobra Pliers Set, 3-Piece

If you’re looking for a set of professional, high-quality, durable, and easy-to-use pliers, look no further than the Knipex Tools 00 20 06 US1 Cobra Pliers. The set comes with the most commonly used sizes – 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch – meaning that it’s a versatile set that’ll come handy for completing most jobs around the house and even on the commercial site. With just three pieces in the set, the Knipex brand’s focus is on quality and not quantity seeing as the set’s robust and sturdy construction guarantees you several years of quickly and expertly dealing with nuts and bolts.

The first outstanding feature of the pliers set is its exceptional performance, which honestly exceeds industry and user expectations. The units have a distinct self-locking adjustment and induction hardened gripping teeth that will invariably maintain their size and position no matter how tough the projects get. The heavy-duty and professional design entirely eliminates the likelihood of the teeth slipping and the subsequent need to squeeze the pliers back in position when it happens. Consequently, the design makes for safe and quick use and substantially enhances efficiency, which is hardly the case with cheap, off-brand models on the market.

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The self-locking adjustment makes the pliers set a versatile choice that works efficiently and seamlessly with a wide range of shape objects including the flat, round, hex, and square shapes. It also has a no-burring feature that makes it safe to use with stripping pipes, nuts, and bolts and simultaneously provides for a stronger gripping capacity. Couple that with the use of industrial-grade chrome vanadium electric steel for the construction of the three pieces and you have yourself a machine that with proper use can easily last more than a lifetime of every day, heavy use.

The Knipex Tools 00 20 06 US1 Cobra Pliers is similarly safe to use. The pieces have guards to prevent finger pinching and the handle features a slip-resistant plastic coating that, coupled with their ergonomic design, guarantee a comfortable and firm grip. The only drawbacks are the high cost of the set and the lack of various sizes for the ultimate versatility. However, for everyday use around the house, the set more than suffices.

Pros

• Superb construction quality

• A versatile collection of pliers

• Easy and comfortable to use

• Works with hex and round objects

Cons

• Expensive

2. Irwin Tools VISE-GRIP 2078712

The Irwin Tools set is one of a handful of plier sets that pull no punches in offering the user the best work experience. The set perfectly combines heavy-duty construction quality, versatility, ease of use, and comfortability, making an all-time favourite of electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and several other professional groups the world over. It also features a bunch of other useful performance and convenience features and surprisingly, a budget-friendly price tag.

The set packs some of the most frequently used pliers in the kit to enable the user to take on a wide range of projects and see them to their fruitful completion with minimal hassle. The package houses three GrooveLock pliers, an adjustable wrench, a long nose, a diagonal cutting, a linesman’s, and a slip joint pliers. The fact that the wrench and several other components are forged from industrial-grade chrome vanadium and other top-notch materials such as Metal Injection Molding completely explains their industry best performance. The result is a versatile collection that are not only reliable, high-performance, and accurate, but also considerably long-lasting.

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As for convenience, using the set is without a doubt a cinch. The GrooveLock pliers, for instance, come with a Press-n-Slide button feature that allows for quickly and effortlessly adjusting the units. Couple that with the ratcheting action and you have a set you can adjust from open position up to the workpiece. Also, the GrooveLock pliers have jaws capable of adjusting at twice the speed of conventional groove joint pliers and with twice as many positions.

The set is also designed to be safe and comfortable to use for prolonged periods. All the eight pieces in the set feature an anti-pinch feature to help the integrity of your hands when the job gets tough. Also, they have a comfortable, non-slip grip that substantially minimizes fatigue and hand strain. And there is a handy kit bag for keeping everything in one place and organized for quick and easy accessibility.

The set is clearly jam-packed with features. The ease of adjusting the pliers, the multi-groove ratcheting system, comfortable and non-slip grip, and the anti-pinch feature, among others, make it one of the best the market has to offer.

Pros

Allows for quick adjustments

High-quality construction

Lifetime warranty

Compatible with objects of all shapes

Cons

Unsuitable for tight-spaced tasks

3. Stanley 84-058

Stanley is a market leader with a knack for producing high-quality hand and power tools and therefore warrants little preamble, at least not to seasoned professionals. One of its flagship products, the Stanley 84-058 4 piece set, reeks of high-end construction, superb durability and remarkable ease of use. Every nook and cranny of the set is engineered to provide the user with nothing short of the best absolute best performance, giving the user the confidence and assurance to take on light-duty to heavy-duty projects both around the house and on the construction site.

If you need a set that quickly and easily handles the toughest projects without the slightest hesitation, and at a fraction of the price of other high-end models, the pliers set would be it. Each of the four pieces in the set feature machined jaws that guarantee they grip buts and bolts firmly and securely, leaving minimal room for slippage. They are also a versatile choice and besides grasping, they're likewise ideal for bending and cutting a wide range of soft to abrasive materials.

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The formidable, reliable, and superb performance of the set is wholly attributable to the fact that they’re made from drop-forged steel, a material that’s remarkably ultra-strong and long-lasting. The pieces may lack the bells and whistles of premium options but throw any heavy-duty application in their paths and watch as they make quick and short work of them. Their performance is invariably smooth and effective, meaning that you’ll be done in a fraction of the time a colleague with cheaper, more flimsy alternative would take. And since they feature an induction-hardened cutting edge, they’ll remain sharp even after a lifetime of heavy use.

Additional worthwhile features include the slip-resistant bi-material handle that provides for a secure and comfortable grip and the lightweight and compact design for easy manoeuvrability into tight and hard-to-reach spots. Plus, they are rust- and corrosion-resistant.

For professionals and enthusiastic DIYers in search of a cost-effective, versatile, heavy-duty, and practicality set of four pliers, the Stanley 84-058 is highly recommended. And it comes with a generous limited lifetime warranty.

Pros

Versatile choice

Smooth, hassle-free performance

Comes with comfortable, insulated handles

Grips securely and effectively

Cost-effective

Cons

A little heavy

4. Stanley 84-079 6-Piece Set

The bare-bones Stanley 84-079 is the best choice for the enthusiastic DIYer or weekend warrior looking to grow their collection of tools. They are perfect for light-duty to medium-duty projects and the occasional heavy-duty work. All the six pieces in the set are forged from a blend of tough and durable materials and they strictly adhere to all ANSI specifications. Plus, they’re surprisingly cost-effective for such a versatile and useful assortment of high-quality pliers.

The set quickly proves to be a worthwhile addition to your toolbox by providing you with great value all through its lifespan. It comes with six of the most frequently used pieces to enable the user to complete their electrical work quickly and with minimal hiccups. With a versatile collection of heavy-duty and hardy pliers, you can easily and efficiently shift from one project to another in a moment's notice. Whether you want to grasp, bend, or cut, the pliers set always has your back.

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Besides versatility, the other signature feature of the set is the heavy-duty construction. The set is built and engineered to take the time and effort away from grasping, bending, and cutting a plethora of materials and objects, including bolts and nuts. To accomplish this without the slightest hitches, it features a commensurately high-quality construction. In light of its construction with forged-steel, the set is both sturdy and long-lasting.

Additionally, the pieces come with oil-resistant and ergonomically designed handles. As a result, they offer the user remarkable comfort and ease of use, which, coupled with their compact and lightness, makes for easy and quick manoeuvrability, especially in tight and awkward spaces. Also, because the jaws are machined and heat treated and feature a curve design, they hold different pieces tightly and securely without any jarring.

The set is ideal for the extreme DIYer and professional in search of a set that grips securely and with tough cutting edges for the best performance. They are cost-effective and incredibly long-lasting.

Pros

Comfortable, user-friendly handles

Ideal for reaching tight spaces

Heavy-duty construction

A versatile collection of pliers

Cons

None

5. Channellock TOOL ROLL-3

If its versatility and excellent performance you’re looking for, you can never go wrong with the Channellock Tool Roll-3 set. Like the name suggests, the set is a handy and convenient choice, suitable for a wide range of projects both domestically and commercially. The intuitive design gives you sufficient leverage so that minimal effort on the handles is quickly and efficiently transformed to incredible power at the jaws, thereby going a long way in taking the time and effort away from an otherwise heavy-duty, onerous task.

The set comes with a versatile collection of five pliers, each designed to make it easy to work on a wide range of projects besides plumbing and electrical work. Each of the five pieces also comes with a tool roll.

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Both the groove and tongue pliers in the set feature a long-lasting construction quality, which, in the face of heavy, everyday use, remain doggedly strong. The inclusion of a PermaLock fastener, for instance, works by eliminating possible nut and bolt failure, while the patented reinforcing edge reduces the likelihood of stress breakage. Another outstanding feature comes in the form of the laser-treated teeth for providing remarkable versatility for several tasks. You’ll love how strongly and securely the jaws grab different nuts and bolts, leaving virtually no room for slippage, thanks to the revolutionary undercut channels.

All the pieces in the set are optimized for different, hence the variation in their design. Together, you have pieces that offer an excellent grip, long-lasting durability, and an outstanding cutting edge alignment. The use of high-carbon C1080 steel for construction means their performance is spectacular and the electronic coating offer remarkable rust resistance. For the professional and extreme DIYer looking for value for their money, we can’t recommend the set enough.

Pros

Solid, high-end pliers

Easy and quick performance

Durable and secure grip

Serrated jaws and PermaLock fastener

Cons

Expensive

Handles are thin

6. Craftsman Evolv 9-10047

If you’re looking for the best bang for the buck, we highly recommend you take a look at the feature-rich Craftsman Evolv 5 set. The set is also ideal for a user working on a shoestring budget but needs a taste of premium features, especially the user-friendly vise-style grip and the versatility of the set that qualify it for undertaking a wide range of tasks in a variety of settings. Allow us to mention from the onset that the only glaring downside of the set is the downward-style release lever that exposes your fingers to some pinching, the severity of which depends on how hard you use them.

The set is a valuable choice that will be a perfect fit the value-conscious professional and DIYers out there. It comes with a versatile collection of five pliers that include a 6-inch diagonal, a 6-inch long nose, a 7-inch lineman, a 6-inch slip joint, and lastly an 8-inch groove joint pliers. Suffice it to say all the important pieces you need to quickly, effortlessly and effectively take on any project your profession might throw at you.

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Another reason behind the set's exceptional performance, aside from being right-sized, is that they are crafted from first-rate steel that's both long-lasting and resistant to rust and corrosion, giving you the confidence to use them in several settings. The fastidious construction also makes the set dependable and capable of enduring hard use with minimal hitches, which is more than you can say for the vast majority of weak, flimsy options on the market.

And that’s not all. All the 5 pieces come with ergonomically designed handles to provide a comfortable grip for cutting, bending, and gripping. The handles also provide a slip-resistant grip to give you the best of all worlds at a justifiable and reasonable price.

The Craftsman Evolv 5 are not only highly rated but also put out exceptional performance. The ergonomic engineering pairs nicely with its heavy-duty build, allowing it to effortlessly withstand the rigours of the trade. It’s a solid choice for gripping, bending, and cutting.

Pros

Superb alignment of pliers

Firm and secure grip

Sturdy, rugged and durable construction

Comfortable to use

Cons

Could have been bigger

7. Stanley 84-114 3 Piece

The Stanley 84-114 3 piece set is a no-frill plier set that always gets the job done, quickly and with remarkable ease. The model is our third pick in a high-end line of the most practical and high-performance plier sets from the industry doyen that’s Stanley. Like the other two Stanley sets reviewed earlier, this model pulls all the stops to provide the user with the best possible performance. Also, aside from a moderate and reasonable price, the set is also versatile, strong, and provides for remarkable ease of use, thanks to its forged-steel construction.

For a user who frequently handles heavy-duty projects, a robust, rugged, and equally strong plier set is a must-have. Luckily, the set features a commensurate construction quality seeing as its crafted from industrial-grade forged-steel to enable it gracefully stand the test of time while providing you with nothing short of near-perfect performance. On top of these add the hardened cutting edges that retain their edge for considerably long owing to the all-chrome-nickel steel construction. The steel jaws have anti-slip attributes for ensuring precision and efficiency.

And to top it all off, all the pieces in the set feature a rust-resistant finish to protect the pieces from rust and corrosion. The construction quality of the plier set easily overshadows that of most weak and flimsy options masquerading as plier sets on the market and will enable you to take on a broad range of projects, both around the house and on the busiest commercial settings.

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The user-friendly design also aims to take the time and effort away from cutting, bending, and gripping. The handles are not only ergonomically designed but also double-dipped to provide that additional comfort with the aim of minimizing hand exhaustion. Besides, the handles are adequately long to give you leverage for a quick and relatively effortless bending, cutting, and gripping.

Overall, this set should be right up your alley if you’re looking for a hardy, easy to use, powerful, and cost-effective plier set from a reputable brand. At its price and with its features, it’s a great deal.

Pros

Sport a comfortable, rubber grip

Durable construction of teeth

Easy to use

Ideal for cutting, bending, and gripping

Cons

Not properly aligned

8. Tekton PLR99006

If you’re under the impression you’ve already met the cream of the crop the industry has to offer, think again. Because in spite of its simplistic, humdrum appearance, the Tekton PLR99006 packs several instrumental features that make it one of the best sets on the market.

Designed with convenience and performance in mind, the set, in light of its lightweight and compact design, gives you quick and easy access to spots other standard options can reach. Couple that with the ergonomic design and rugged construction and you have yourself a cost-effective plier set ideal for a plethora of domestic and commercial applications.

The set is an ideal choice for a myriad of applications including pulling, pushing, and twisting, thanks to the incorporation of heavy-duty cross-cut teeth. The teeth additionally ensure the even application of pressure and grip in multiple directions. The set is also versatile, enabling the user to work with both flat and thin pieces as they feature a straight and broad design. They also provide an additional level to enable you to bend and position the parts quickly and with minimal effort. Gripping and bending is made remarkably easy with the long nose jaws that are smoothly tapered down to fine tips.

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Additional features include the extra-long handles that allow you to easily reach tight and confined spaces or go around them with ease. As a result, the days of inadvertently exposing your hands to sharp objects and hot surfaces are behind you.

Aside from the off-the-charts performance, the Tekton PLR99006, as mentioned earlier, aims to provide you with the best cutting, gripping, and bending experience. All the three pieces in the set feature hardy and fastidious construction from high-strength chrome vanadium steel. Consequently, they can easily withstand hard, everyday use without any significant wear and tear. Their performance remains efficient and excellent even when they’re approaching the tail end of their useful life. Also, the handles are slim and have non-slip properties to provide a firm and comfortable grip, making them a cinch to use.

Pros

Cost-effective

Rugged, heavy-duty construction

Easy to use

Cost-effective

Cons

Steep learning curve

9. WORKPRO 7-Piece Set

The WorkPro 7-Piece Set may not look like much, like our previous pick, but don’t fall its deceptively run-of-the-mill appearance as it packs a volcanic performance. The heavy-duty construction, rust- and corrosion-resistant finish, heat-treated of the jaws, and the ergonomic designing of the handles all work in tandem to make short and quick work of gripping, cutting and bending a wide range of materials.

First off, the set features an all-forged steel construction. The rugged construction means the plier set can take serious abuse for several years on end and yet you’ll never experience any perform hitches, as would be the case with cheap, off-brand models on the market. Besides, the jaws are heat treated and come with a polished finish to keep rust and corrosion at bay.

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The set comes with several very versatile pliers, each optimized for a different task. You get an 8-inch groove joint one, a 6-inch long nose option, a 6-inch split joint plier, a 4-1/2 long nose plier, a 6-inch diagonal option, a 7-inch linesman plier, and an 8-inch slip joint option. Irrespective of the project you intend to undertake, you'll be done quickly as you have all the hardware to ensure smooth completion. Cutting with these pieces should be a breeze considering that they sport hardened cutting edges that are extra-tough.

The handles, as you can glean from pictures of the set are long ostensibly to give you additional leverage for translating little effort to great cutting, bending and gripping power at the jaws. The versatile slip joint design couples nicely with the ease of adjusting the jaws and the rugged, heavy-duty construction to provide you with the best work experience. The crosshatch teeth pattern of the plier guarantee a firm grip and each piece has double-dipped grip handle that enhances comfort and ease of use, making them a perfect choice for a wide range of projects.

Pros

Has a convenient case

A versatile collection of pliers

Comfortable handles

Budget-friendly pricing

Cons

Durability issues

10. Grip-On GK500

If you're looking for a high-end, versatile, and easy-to-use set that works smoothly and efficiently, look no further than the Grip-On GK500 kit. To give you a quick overview, the pliers in the set feature the time- and effort-saving upward-style release lever. It also features an anti-slip feature for safe use and a professional and long-lasting build that together make it a safe and practical alternative on the market.

The Grip-On brand is renowned for its high-quality and innovative tools, a tradition the pliers set so seamlessly continues. First off, the package comes with five of the most popular sets. All of them come neatly packed in a long-lasting vinyl roll-up pouch for enhanced transportation and storage. Both the 5-inch and 10-inch models are curved jaw option, the 7-inch and 10-inch are omnium-grip, while the last 10-inch model is a hose clamp. The careful and versatile assortment of the different models makes the kit an all-around one an individual can use for several light- to heavy-duty jobs.

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Another feature that makes this set ideal for heavy-duty projects is the fact that all the five pieces have a quick-release feature for quickly unlocking them with virtually no possibility of pinching your fingers. To this add a rugged and long-lasting construction that utilizes industry-best materials, ergonomic handles for comfort and prolonged use, and a lightweight and compact design that enhances manoeuvrability and controllability.

The Grip-On GK500 packs a litany of outstanding features ranging from sturdy and rugged construction, high-grip omnium-style jaws, versatility, and a safe quick-release feature. Together, these features provide the user with one of the best cutting, bending, and gripping experiences the industry has to offer. The icing on the cake, arguably, is the reasonable and justifiable pricing.

Pros

Works smoothly and efficiently

Versatile assortment of tools

5 of the most popular plier sets

Quick-release feature

Reasonable and justifiable pricing

Cons

None

Criteria for Choosing the Best Sets

Performance

Pliers, whether high-end or low-end, are for grasping, bending, and cutting a wide range of materials, which makes them ideal for plumbing, construction, and electrical work. You need a plier set that can accomplish all of these three projects without any hassles.

One foolproof way of gauging the performance of pliers is by checking the type of jaw is features. V-jaw pliers are remarkably versatile and provide for effortless grabbing of variously shaped objects including flat, hex, and round shapes. Straight flat jaws, on the other hand, are ideal for handling flat and hex materials and will be problematic to use for handling round shapes. Smooth jaws, on the other hand, are perfect for working on delicate objects.

Construction Quality

A second and equally crucial factor to take into consideration is the construction quality. To make them commensurately rugged and sturdy for heavy-duty projects such as bending, gripping, and cutting through tough and abrasive materials, manufacturer prudently make their pieces out of high-quality materials, the most popular being chrome vanadium steel, forged and hardened steel, among others.

The heavy-duty construction enables them to withstand the rigorous task of cutting, bending, and gripping different abrasive and tough materials without quickly wearing off. On the same note, you want one with a high quality finish capable of resisting rust and corrosion.

Ease of Use

One crucial factor that heavily influences ease of use is the length of the machine. A length of 10-inches is the sweet spot between practicality and smooth performance. If you need hassle-free and smooth use, go for a unit with a grip area of around 5-inches as they guarantee not only comfortable use and exceptional maneuverability but also versatility in handling a wide range of projects in hard-to-access areas. Anything longer than 10-inches can be hard to control in light of the excess weight and bulkiness.

Similarly, look out for plier sets that are both lightweight and compact. The unit should similarly have ergonomically designed handles for extra comfort and to minimize chances of slippage and hand fatigue. Lastly, a set with an anti-pinch feature would really make for safe and confident gripping and cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many types of pliers designs can I choose from?

A: There are two main basic designs, fixed and adjustable, you can choose depending on the demands of your project. Unlike fixed models, adjustable models provide the user with at least two opening widths, which means they are ideal for a plethora of projects and repairs.

Q: What are the different uses of pliers?

A: These are versatile machines that can take on a wide range of projects. Among other uses, they’re perfect for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts, ripping different materials, gripping, cutting and even bending. The main professions in which they are frequently used are construction, plumbing, and electrical work.

Conclusion

A good set of pliers should provide you with several years of reliable, smooth, and effective performance, which is why they’re a worthwhile investment. Our list features some of the best the market has to offer. They are durable, cost-effective, easy to use, versatile, and most importantly high-performance. Matching your choice to your unique needs should help you refine the list further.

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