10 Different Types of Pliers and Their Uses

Last Updated on November 18, 2024

Pliers are one of the tools electricians and DIYers use the most. With so many types, one often needs clarification as to which one does what kind of work! Use of any wrong type often disrupts the task to be performed; hence, it is crucial to know all about the pliers. By the end of this blog, you will be able to differentiate between the different types of pliers.

Types of Pliers

Various types of pliers available in the market include Combination Pliers,  Snipe Nose Pliers, Needle Nose Pliers, Flat Nose Pliers, Locking Pliers, Diagonal Pliers, Slip Joint Pliers, Crimping Pliers, Cutters, Water pump Pliers. 

1. Diagonal Pliers (Dikes): The Cutters You Need

Best For: Cutting wire, cables, and other soft materials

Diagonal cutting pliers, also known as dikes, are designed to maintain clean cuts, especially in wire and small cables. They have sharp, angled blades that provide a precise cutting edge, allowing you to make quick and clean cuts without damaging the material. 

Features:

• Angled cutting edges
• Efficient for cutting wire and thin metal
  

2. Needle Nose Pliers: Precision at Its Best

Best For: Delicate work, reaching into tight spaces

One can easily identify Needle nose pliers by their long, thin jaws that taper to a fine point. These pliers excel at precision tasks, like gripping small parts, bending wires, or reaching into tight spaces where other tools can’t go. No matter what you are working on, electrical wiring, jewelry making, or model building, needle nose pliers are your go-to tool.

Features:

• Long & pointed jaws
• Ideal for detailed work

3. Slip Joint Pliers: The Heavy-Duty Workhorse

Best For: Electrical work, twisting and cutting wires

Slip joint pliers, also known as Lineman’s pliers, are robust tools designed for heavy-duty tasks. They have strong cutting edges and are used in twisting, bending and cutting wires. They are used in various applications, including construction, telecommunications, and more.

Key Features:

• Combination of cutting and gripping surfaces
• Strong and durable construction

4. Locking Pliers (Vise Grips): Hold Tight

Best For: Gripping, clamping, and turning

Locking pliers, also known as Vise Grips, are designed to lock into place, providing a secure grip on materials that would otherwise require hands. These are versatile tools that are used for everything, including holding parts together to loosening strongly gripped bolts. These pliers have an adjustable screw mechanism for applying pressure.

Key Features:

• Locking mechanism for a secure grip
• Adjustable pressure screw

5. Waterpump Pliers (Channel Lock Pliers): Versatile Grip

Best For: Adjusting pipe fittings, plumbing tasks

Water pump pliers, also known as groove joint pliers, are versatile tools that allow them to clamp onto objects of various sizes. This makes them ideal for tasks including plumbing, automotive, and general maintenance tasks. They can also be used on large pipes and irregular objects. 

Key Features:

• Adjustable jaw settings
• Wide grip range

6. Cutting Pliers: Clean Cuts, Every Time

Best For: Cutting through soft materials like copper wire

As the name suggests, cutting pliers or cutters are specialised for cleanly cutting through various materials, especially wires. These pliers are different from diagonal cutting pliers as they have more substantial blades and ergonomic design. They are known for their precise cuts. 

Key Features:

• Sharp cutting edges
• Comfortable grip for extended use

7. Combination Pliers: The All-in-One Tool

Best For: Gripping, twisting, cutting, and bending wire

Combination pliers, as the name suggests, are a combination of various types of pliers, making them an excellent choice for various tasks. Some of the applications of combination pliers include electrical tasks as well as general DIY tasks.

Features:

• Gripping and cutting functionality
• Versatile design
• Ergonomic handles
• Strong and durable construction

8. Flat Nose Pliers

Best For: Gripping, bending, and shaping wire or small parts

Flat nose pliers, also known as chain nose pliers, are a must-have tool for anyone working with wire, jewellery making, or any task requiring fine cuts. Unlike round nose pliers, flat nose pliers come with a square-edged tip, allowing for precise, angular bends and an even, firm grip.

Features:

• Flat & smooth jaws
• Narrow tips
• Ergonomic handles 
• Durability

9. Snipe Nose Pliers: Reach Into the Tightest Spaces

Best For: Precision work in cramped areas

Snipe nose pliers resemble needle nose pliers, but their jaws taper more noticeably. They are ideal for precise work in places with restricted access because of this feature. Snipe nose pliers are the essential instrument for fine detail work on fragile crafts or small electronics.

Features:

• Extremely narrow, pointed jaws
• Ideal for detailed work and tight spaces

10. Crimping Pliers: Secure Connections

Best For: Crimping electrical connectors and terminals

Crimping pliers are excellent tools that are used for joining two pieces of metal by deforming one of them around the other. Some of the applications of crimping pliers include secure connections for electrical terminals and connectors, reducing the risk of poor connections and potential short circuits.

Features:

• Designed for crimping electrical connectors
• Ensures a tight, secure fit

Conclusion

Whether you’re repairing electronics, fixing plumbing, or working on a craft project, having the right type of pliers is crucial. The top 10 types of pliers covered in this blog offer a range of functions, from cutting to clamping, making them indispensable in any toolbox. Before investing in pliers, you should have a good understanding of the various types of piers mentioned in the blog.

FAQs