Pliers and pliers - features, differences, characteristics

To perform electrical installation work in domestic and industrial conditions, the master needs special accessories and devices, ranging from screwdrivers and dielectric gloves to measuring instruments. Thanks to the electrician's tools, you can quickly and efficiently make wiring in the house, repair and connect equipment in the workshop of the enterprise, and troubleshoot transmission lines.

An electrician needs special tools to work.

How to choose pliers

Important parameters:

• The first thing to consider when choosing a tool is what purpose it is needed for. If the product is required as a working hand tool for a craftsman, then you need to consider their professional types.

Varieties intended for domestic purposes are not suitable for constant use and increased loads.

• The second criterion is the manufacturer. A high-quality tool, if properly used, can last for many years.
• You need to pay attention to the performance and functionality of the pliers. Electricians should definitely choose electrically insulated models. It is advisable for professionals to have several types of products for different types of operations.
• It is advisable to choose ergonomic handles for tools that follow the anatomical shape of the hands. In case of prolonged use during a work shift, the technician’s hands will get less tired.
• When choosing hand tools, their color matters because, for example, black pliers are difficult to find in dark rooms.

Therefore, it is advisable to give preference to models with brightly colored handles. Nowadays you can even buy pliers with fluorescent coated handles that glow in the dark.

• When choosing a product, you need to check it by squeezing the handles. In this case, the jaws of the tool should close tightly and evenly.
• The desire to save money on hand tools and purchasing goods from other than authorized dealers may lead to the purchase of non-original products.

This will be a waste of money as they will not last long. A fake will not meet safety requirements.

Secondary parameters:

1. It does not matter what decorative coating the body of the product has (chrome, nickel, etc.), that is, the external beauty of the instrument. This absolutely does not affect the functionality and other essential characteristics of the product.
2. The presence of additional functions in highly specialized models (most likely, they will not be useful).

Rating of pliers

To compile the TOP best pliers, experts studied reviews from 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 also helped to compile complete, informative reviews for each product. Experts from the Expert's Choice rating selected nominees based on the following criteria:

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

Thus, the rating included seven of the best pliers, which received the approval of both buyers and experts. For the convenience of readers, they are considered in two categories, which divide them by type.

The best impact wrenches

The best combination pliers (pliers)

Rating:

• The best combination pliers are Knipex. Their manufacturer is a German company that produces high-quality hand tools according to VDE standards.

The pliers from this company can cut through hard wire. They are the most expensive, but at the same time durable, ergonomic and highly productive.

• Bahco brand (Sweden) are among the best and are produced in factories in Western Europe and the USA.

Products comply with ISO standard. All Bahco combination products are electrically insulated.

• Tools under the IRWIN (USA) brand are also professional and of high quality.

This manufacturer's electrically insulated combination pliers comply with VDE standards, but they have a shorter service life than the above models.

The combined product has wire cutters in the middle and on the sides (side slots in the hinge area). In addition, the pliers have a notch with teeth for gripping round objects of small diameter.

This model is designed primarily for gripping and manipulating wire and cylindrical objects. Modern pliers can be equipped with a return spring or an adjustable hinge for adjustment to pipes of different sizes.

Pros:

• multifunctionality,
• versatility.

Minus: most often household-oriented.

Special processing technology

When making pliers, metal raw materials must undergo heat treatment, which includes a stage in which hardening with high-frequency currents occurs.

For hinged pliers, metal is used whose hardness is at least 51 HRC.

Best pliers with nylon tips

Rating:

• BeadSmith products are high quality with silicone coated handles that are non-slip and fit well in the hand.

They are ideal for straightening wire and working with brittle material, but are quite expensive.

• Model HTP-18 with nylon nozzles from Micron is the most popular in Russia due to its excellent combination of price and quality. It has high functionality, despite the budget price.
• Tools with nylon tips made by Beadalon (USA) are functional and easy to use, but their quality is no better than that of the cheaper Micron model.

Pliers intended for jewelry making and other similar work are made with nylon nozzles (tips).

This is a tool with non-slip handles and soft protection on the jaws, which prevents scratching fragile parts. They can also be used for household purposes.

Since this model is not designed to operate on live electrical installations, its handles are not properly insulated from electrical current.

In addition, such tools are not reinforced and do not have a large margin of safety. They cannot be used for other purposes, as they will quickly become unusable due to improper use.

Requirements for electrical installation tools

General requirements for electrical installation tools:

• serviceability of accessories;
• fitness for purpose;
• ease of use;
• compliance with the dimensions of parts and equipment being repaired.

Before operation, each technical unit undergoes visual control and inspection.

Universal products, such as pliers, assembly knives, screwdrivers, used at all stages of electrical installation, must have insulated handles.

Sledgehammers and hammers are made with a slightly convex, unbroken surface of the striker; handles are made of hard, elastic wooden material. The handles must be tightly and securely attached to the body. Accessories are checked for the presence of burrs, nicks, bumps, and irregularities.

Any malfunction could result in injury to the installer.

Electrical tools are subject to increased demands because they are a potential source of electric shock.

Hand accessories are made from electrical insulating material. The surface should not have chips or cracks.

When working with measuring instruments, check the integrity of the housing.

When working with electrical devices and measuring instruments, pay attention to the integrity of the housing and the connection of the cord to the power source and the device. Cracks and breaks are not allowed. The power cable is checked for signs of burning, heating, or chafing.

All units purchased are pre-tested. Marking indicating the date of inspection is required.

According to regulatory rules, electrical installation devices are verified at least once a year.

Best Wire Stripping Pliers

Rating:

• BAHCO wire stripping pliers made of high quality alloy steel with plastic coated handles are treated with oxidation and anti-corrosion treatment; capable of cleaning wires up to 5 mm.
• Electric pliers for stripping KRAFTOOL are made of high-quality carbon steel with plastic handles and have an anti-corrosion coating.

These products are of good quality at an average price, but can only strip wires up to 2.5 mm.

• Insulation stripping pliers “ ZUBR ELECTRIC ”, high-voltage, made of high-quality tool steel, have a durable chromium-nickel coating.

Wire stripping pliers are electrically insulating. They are suitable for use on electrical equipment with voltages up to 1000 V (AC) and 1500 V (DC).

Using such tools you can strip wires up to a maximum of 5 mm. Their mechanism allows you to remove insulation without damaging the current-carrying conductors.

Such products are safe and functional, but cannot be used for other purposes.

Tips from experienced users

To increase the service life of the tool, you should not use it for unusual work. Sometimes pliers are used as a stand when riveting metal parts with a hammer, or to hold live contacts. This leads to loosening of the hinge, and a strong spark when the contacts open can melt the jaws like welding. It is necessary to lubricate the pliers in a timely manner, wipe them from moisture with a rag, and clean them from aggressive chemical compounds. A careful and careful attitude will help keep the linings on the handles intact and increase the overall service life of the tool.

Which tool do you use most often?

PliersPliers

Best Adjustable Pliers

Rating:

1. BAHCO 2713 A made of vanadium steel with nickel-chrome plating and anti-corrosion treatment.
2. Adjustable pliers USAG (Italy) made of chrome-vanadium special steel with 7 positions and enamel finish.
3. ProsKit PN-P010N (254 mm) made of S45C steel with insulated handles.

Adjustable pliers are a type of pliers tool that allows you to change the opening width of the jaws depending on the size of the object you want to grasp.

Such models have clamps to set a certain opening width. They can grip both flat and round objects.

When squeezing the handles, the jaws of such a hand tool should come together tightly.

The regulation mechanism is carried out with a rearrangement of the hinge:

• in holes;
• in half-holes;
• with fixation of protrusions in grooves.

The ability to change the position of the jaws is an absolute advantage of this variety, but the disadvantage is a certain bulkiness.

Mechanical components

The pliers produced today differ in the design of the hinge and jaws.

A pair of plier components forms a movable coupling based on a hinge joint.

Insulated handles and knurling

A continuation of the components are the handles, usually covered with plastic or rubber covers. The front part of the jaws is covered with fine corrugation, which significantly increases the holding strength of the grippers:

• Nails;
• Wires;
• Various kinds of details.

Rounded grooves on the lips

Crimping pliers are equipped with serrated oval grooves located opposite each other. They are used to firmly hold tubular and round parts in jaws, for example:

• Rods;
• Nails and screws;
• Nuts, groovers, furniture axles.

Built-in lip nippers

At the base of the lips of pliers of a classic design there are long, sharp cutting edges.

They allow you in a matter of seconds:

• Cut the wire;
• Bite the insulation of the wires;
• Clean contacts from oxidation;
• Make notches on thick rods for further installation of a hacksaw for metal;
• Cut edges on a wide range of dense materials, including plastic, cardboard, tin, veneer, leather.

Reliable help for the electrician

Especially often, pliers are useful for electricians, including during installation, adjustment and repair:

• Counters;
• Electrical switchboard equipment;
• Splitters;
• Sockets;
• Apartment, office and garage wiring;
• Distribution boxes.

The best dielectric (electrically insulated) pliers

Rating:

1. Electrically insulated models from Knipex are available in combination (regular and special power), as well as in the form of extended pliers.
2. Bahco pliers are electrically insulated (side cutters, wire cutters, pliers, round nose pliers, bolt cutters). The quality of these products is almost as good as Knipex, but the price is slightly lower.
3. Electrically insulated combination models, duckbills, wire strippers, side cutters and needle nose pliers under the IRWIN (USA) brand are of high quality and safe.

This type allows you to service electrical installations with alternating voltage up to 1000 V or constant voltage up to 1500 V.

Dielectric pliers are equipped with well-insulated handles, which ensure the safety of the operator from electric shock. The electrical insulation of good instruments consists of several layers. They are easily recognized by the thicker coating on the handles.

Different models of pliers tools can be dielectric. This increases their functionality and safety. However, some manufacturers' models do not have limiters.

TIN-1

In order to determine low voltage in the electrical network, this device is used.

It has two probes connected by a wire; one of the probes is equipped with a warning light.

The best sliding (adjustable) pliers

Rating:

1. Adjustable pliers – KNIPEX made of chrome vanadium steel, forged, oil-hardened. Quickly rearranged with the press of a button.
2. Bahco adjustable pliers with 11-12 positions, switching with 1 button.
3. IRWIN adjustable pliers made of forged carbon steel with pinch protection.

Sliding models allow you to grip round, hexagonal, square and flat objects as tightly as possible. The jaws of such a tool are curved.

The dimensions of sliding pliers are larger than those of simple types. The opening width of the jaws is adjustable in some cases by pressing a button and can be adjusted with one hand. The working width is up to 45 and 65 mm.

Low voltage indication

To indicate low voltage (meaning mains voltage 220 V), INN-1 indicators are often used, which are two probes, one of which has a signal lamp installed. The probes are connected by wire. When they touch live wires, the lamp lights up.

Instead of such indicators, amateur electricians often use a signal lamp, which is a regular low-power incandescent lamp. Wires that act as probes are attached to its socket. However, this design poses a great danger: the lamp can be accidentally broken, but the filament is under mains voltage. In contrast to this solution, industrial indicators have a durable body and reliable insulation, so it is recommended to use them.

Best side pliers (side cutters)

Rating:

1. KNIPEX side cutters made of vanadium steel, melted in an electric furnace, hardened in oil, with precision processing for a long service life.
2. Bahco side cutters (high-quality alloy steel with anti-corrosion treatment) with progressive cutting edge geometry.
3. IRWIN diagonal cutters made of chrome-nickel steel with a hardened cutting edge.

Side pliers have a cutter on one side of the jaws. In fact, these are wire cutters designed for cutting (biting) objects made of various materials.

Side cutters can be used to work with wire of various stiffnesses, plastic, sheet metal, cardboard, etc.

When using this model, you need to take into account that the variety designed for cutting copper will not cope with elements made of harder materials (iron, steel). This will damage the cutters of the tool.

FAQ

How do side cutters differ from standard cutters?

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The main difference between side cutters is the location of the cutting edges - on the same plane as the handles or at a slight angle. This allows you to work more accurately.

How to use side cutters correctly?

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The tool must be positioned at right angles to the wire or other part. When biting, the cutting elements must close completely. But you should not apply excessive force - this can lead to divergence of the edges and breakage of the side cutters.

Is it possible to sharpen the blades yourself?

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With regular use, even high-quality cutting elements can become dull. Typically, standard sandpaper is used to sharpen them. You will need to carefully and slowly work each blade along its entire length. The process takes no more than 10 minutes.

The best long-nose pliers

Rating:

1. KNIPEX long nose pliers .
2. Products with long jaws Bahco .
3. Long nose pliers IRWIN .

Models with elongated jaws are called long-nose pliers, duckbill pliers, or needle-nose pliers. They are designed to grasp and manipulate objects (primarily wires) at a greater distance than conventional models.

Such tools may be equipped with cutters for cutting wires.

Most often, this model is used for inserting wiring into distribution boxes, when laying wires, and also when connecting electrical installations. They are also widely used by jewelers to set stones in jewelry.

Measuring instruments

The presence of measuring instruments is also important. The advent of multimeters made life much easier for electricians.

It is enough to have only this device to make all the necessary measurements.

But all the measurements can be performed only by connecting a multimeter to the stripped wires, which is not always convenient.

Current clamps allow you to measure the current without the need to break the wiring for connection.

It is enough to place the wire in the pliers for this device to show the current strength. Based on this, it turns out that an electrician needs both of these devices.

There are also combined instruments that include both a multimeter and a current clamp.

Best round nose pliers

Rating:

1. KNIPEX round nose pliers made of forged chrome vanadium steel, oil-hardened, able to withstand heavy loads.
2. Model with Bahco made of high quality alloy steel with anti-corrosion treatment.
3. IRWIN round nose pliers made of chrome-nickel steel.

Tools with semicircular jaws are designed for working with wire. They come without cutting edges or with them. If there are cutters, such products, in addition to grabbing and manipulating the wire, can also cut through it.

Semicircular jaws are specially designed for gripping uneven surfaces. They are made of hardened steel. The tool is in demand for plumbing, installation and repair work.

Advantages of the type: you can work in hard-to-reach places with round holes. At the same time, their weak point can be called the small working surface area.

Main Applications

Side cutters are most often used

• Electricians;
• Assemblers of exhibition pavilions, street kiosks, country and park small architectural forms;
• Representatives of housing maintenance organizations, theater decorators, adjusters of communication systems, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Best Multifunctional Pliers

Rating:

1. Recycling pliers AIST made of chrome vanadium steel.
2. Matrix impact tools made of chrome vanadium steel.
3. Multifunctional fishing products Frichy FPN 02 made of polished stainless steel, equipped with a fixation for safe wear.

Multifunctional (mechanical impact) pliers can be used for their main purpose, and also as a hammer.

This model is equipped with long handles and a metal striker for impact on various objects (nails, etc.). Such products have quite a large weight and increased dimensions.

There is also a multifunctional (recycling) model. In addition, there is a folding model on the market that comes with a knife, opener and screwdriver set. This product is best suited as part of a camping kit.

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Screwdriver - ambulance

For many jobs, it will be much more convenient to use an indispensable tool - a screwdriver. In addition to its main purpose, it will help make holes in the walls of the shield or junction boxes. If the price of such a tool turns out to be too high, it can be replaced with a cordless screwdriver. A photo of the set is shown below.

It is recommended to purchase a complete set with all the necessary attachments, since during electrical installation work it is often difficult to access the necessary places.

Preventing Corrosive Destruction

Despite the fact that pliers are usually reliably protected with anti-corrosion, they can begin to rust, for example, after lying for six months on a balcony in the open air. After complete destruction of the anti-corrosion coating, the tool quickly loses functionality, reliability and strength.

To prevent such developments, it is necessary to periodically carry out additional protective treatment by any available means.