An electrical plier, also known as a lineman’s plier, is a versatile tool used for multiple functions. These include gripping, crimping, cutting, and other tasks necessary for electrical work.
Here are the key factors to check:
- Size: Electrical pliers come in different sizes, ranging from 6 inches to 9 inches. The size you choose depends on the specific task at hand, with larger sizes being preferable for heavy-duty work.
- Material: Electrical pliers are designed from hardened steel, forged steel, or nickel-chromium steel. These materials provide great durability and quality construction.
We also have a “Buying Guide” that covers various important details for Choosing the best electrical pliers.
Best Electrical Pliers Table
| Electrical Pliers | Size | Construction | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nekio Electrical Pliers | 7-Inch | Alloy Sttel | Check On Amazon |
| Klein Crimping Pliers | 9 inch | Hardened steel | Check On Amazon |
| DOWELL Electric Pliers | 8 inch | Nickel chromium steel | Check On Amazon |
| CRAFTSMAN Linesman Pliers | 8 inch | Drop forged steel | Check On Amazon |
| IRWIN VISE-GRIP Pliers | 9 ½ inch | Nickel chromium steel | Check On Amazon |
| YIYITOOLS Cutting Pliers | 8 ½-inch | Nickel chromium steel | Check On Amazon |
| HQ Collection Lineman Plier | 9 inch | Chrome Vanadium Steel | Check On Amazon |
| KNIPEX Electric Pliers | 5 ¾ inch | Hardened steel | Check On Amazon |
Best Electrical Pliers Reviews
1. Nekio Electrical Pliers
NEIKO 02037A Compact Wire Stripper by Neiko is a revolutionary 4-in-1 multi-purpose electricians’ pliers.
This versatile tool excels in stripping, crimping, cutting, and gripping wires, whether insulated or not. Crafted from solid forged alloy steel with precision-machined blades, it guarantees durability and clean, smooth cuts on various wire types.
Its compact design and compatibility with wire gauges from 12 to 20 AWG make it the ideal choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Experience the Neiko difference in wire handling and maintenance, where innovation and durability meet convenience.
Best Features
- Rated length of 7 inch
- Made out of alloy steel
- Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros
- 4-in-1 Functionality.
- Durable Alloy Steel Construction.
- Precision Cutting.
- Compact Design.
- Wide Wire Gauge Compatibility.
Cons
- Limited to Specified Wire Gauges.
2. Klein Crimping Pliers
Klein Tools is a premium brand of tools and other hardware accessories that are known to be highly effective and ideal for heavy-duty usage.
The Klein Tools D213-9NE-CR electrical plier comes at the 2nd position of this list since you can go with this one if you need something for heavy-duty usage. This is primarily possible thanks to its given size rating of 9 inch.
Because this is a premium electrical plier, the given hardened steel construction is to be expected from this plier. When combined with its 1-year long warranty, you can expect the plier to easily last for a decent period of time.
Best Features
- Rated length of 9 inch
- Made out of hardened steel
- Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros
- Great for heavy-duty usage
- Pretty large size
- Solid and durable construction
Cons
- Quite an expensive electrical plier
3. DOWELL Electric Pliers
Dowell is an entry-level brand of electrical plier which you should consider if you are looking for something affordable and cheap.
This Dowell electrical plier comes at the 3rd position of this article because such an option can be a great option for all those who are on a tight budget. Despite being a budget offering, you get a decent 8-inch size rating with it.
Another great thing about this electrical plier is that thanks to its 7-year long warranty, you can expect it to last for a pretty long time. This is combined along with its highly durable nickel chromium steel construction. Although, because of this it is a bit on the heavier side.
Best Features
- Rated length of 8 inch
- Made out of nickel-chromium steel
- Comes with a warranty period of 7 year
Pros
- Affordable option for budget buyers
- Decent size for most users
- Durable and sturdy build quality
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
4. CRAFTSMAN Linesman Pliers
Even though Craftsman and its electrical pliers are a bit on the affordable side, they are still highly comparable to other premium options in the market.
If you are looking for a highly reliable and durable electrical plier, then this Craftsman CMHT81648 electrical plier might just be for you since it comes at such a low price tag. Apart from this, you also get a standard size of 8 inches with this electrical plier.
To ensure that you can keep using this electrical plier for as long as possible, Craftsman has offered drop-forge steel construction with it. You also get a lifetime warranty with it just like other premium options. However, the design of this electrical plier is not as ergonomic as you would expect.
Best Features
- Rated length of 8 inch
- Made out of drop forged steel
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Pros
- High value for money option
- Highly reliable and durable
- Great build quality
Cons
- Design could have been more ergonomic
5. IRWIN VISE-GRIP Pliers
Even though Irwin may not be as popular as other brands of electrical pliers out there, you should still consider its offerings as they offer high value for money.
Irwin’s Vise Grip 2078209 electrical plier comes at the 2nd position of this listicle as it is the largest option stated here without charging a premium for it. To be precise, you get a size rating of 9 ½ inches with this one.
Apart from being quite large in size for high leverage, you also get pretty great build quality with this nickel-chromium steel construction. Thanks to its sturdy build quality and the included lifetime warranty, you can expect this to be a highly reliable option.
Best Features
- Rated length of 9 1/2 inch
- Made out of nickel-chromium steel
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Pros
- High value for money
- Quite a large-sized electrical plier
- Pretty reliable and durable for long term usage
Cons
- Not the most portable option
6. YIYITOOLS Cutting Pliers
YIYITOOLS can be another viable option if you want to get something affordable and an entry-level option.
This YIYITOOLS HX-1-002 Lineman’s Pliers is quite an affordable option making it a great option for budget buyers. It offers excellent ingenious design and build quality thanks to its nickel chromium steel construction.
There is also a decent size rating of 8 ½ inches with this electric plier which offers a great balance between heavy-duty usage and portability. It is easy to use and the handle is made of PP+TPR materials to make you feel comfortable and fatigue-free. Unfortunately, being a smaller brand, you do not get any warranty with it which can be a bummer for many.
Best Features
- Rated length of 8 ½ inch
- Made of nickel chromium steel construction
- Can be used in various places
Pros
- Affordable lineman’s pliers
- Decent size rating
- It is used as a screw cutter, sharp-nosed plier, screw nipper, and metal wire cutter
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Lacks any form of warranty.
7. HQ Collection Lineman Plier
The brand HQ Collection offers a multipurpose lineman plier which can be used in 4 different ways that include wire stripper, pliers, crimper and cutter.
Quality of this is lineman plier is top notch as it is made from Pro Industrial grade quality chrome vanadium steel. The handles of the plier are equipped with environmental PP+TPR material for non-slippery comfort.
It has 9 x 2 x 1 dimensions and weighs around 400 grams. The manufacturer offers lifetime warranty on this product which showcases the quality and durability.
Best Features
- Made of industrial grade chrome vanadium steel
- 9 inches in length
- Lifetime warranty
Pros
- Single product with multiple uses
- Ergonomic handles
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Some people received dirty pliers
8. KNIPEX Electric Pliers
Knipex is a fairly premium price brand of electrical pliers that offers quite unique electrical pliers that are made for highly specific uses.
The Knipex 822145 electrical plier can be a great option for you if you want to have a highly compact and portable option. This is primarily due to the reason that you get a fairly small size of 5 ¾ inch with it.
Despite being small and compact, you still get excellent build quality with this electrical plier as it is made out of hardened steel. There is even a lifetime warranty included with this electrical plier which is to be expected from such a premium offering.
Best Features
- Rated length of 5 ¾ inch
- Made out of hardened steel
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Pros
- Small and portable
- Great build quality
- Long warranty for peace of mind
Cons
- Not affordable at all
Buying Guide for the Best Electrical Pliers
As you can most likely guess by its name, an electrical plier is essentially a plier designed for use with electronics and various circuits that you may have to work on. Since these pliers are designed for electronics, they offer almost everything needed by the user including pliers, crimpers, cutters, strippers, and much more.
As a result, we have already discussed some of the best electrical pliers up above. With these different electrical plier models, you will also come across all their important details. And to explain these details and factors even further, here is a detailed buying guide for the best electrical pliers:
1. Size
One common factor to keep in your mind before buying electrical pliers is the size rating offered by it. This is due to the reason that a large size usually results in better performance for better leverage. As a result, a 9-inch electrical plier is going to be much more practical than a 6 inch one.
2. Construction
The material used in making electrical pliers is crucial for how long they last and how well they work. Materials like hardened steel, nickel-chromium steel, or chrome vanadium steel. These materials are strong and resist damage from regular use. It’s also helpful with a strong finish like nickel or chrome coating, as this boosts their ability to resist rust and stay functional for a long time. Choosing pliers made from high-quality materials ensures they can handle daily use
3. Weight
The weight of electrical pliers affects how easy they are to use, especially for long periods. Lighter pliers are easier on your hands and reduce fatigue. On the other hand, heavier pliers might be sturdier and cut better. Choose the tasks you’ll be doing when picking between lightweight and heavier pliers.
4. Handle Design
The design of electrical pliers handles impacts their comfort and ease of use. Pliers with non-slip grips are ideal as they reduce hand fatigue and improve control. Some pliers have cushioned or insulated handles, comfort, and protection from electrical shock. Choosing pliers with handles that feel comfortable and allow for prolonged use without strain is important.
5. Insulated Handles
Safety is very important when working with electrical systems. Pliers with insulated handles provide extra protection from electric shocks. These handles are often made from materials like rubber or thermoplastic. When selecting pliers, make sure they have insulated handles that meet safety and are comfortable to hold.
6. Cutting Edge
When choosing electrical pliers, focus on their cutting edge quality. Opt for pliers with sharp, precise cutting edges that can handle different wire sizes. Look out for serrated edges or beveled cutting blades for better grip and cutting performance. Maintaining a sharp cutting edge ensures effective wire cutting.
Best Electrical Pliers – FAQs
Ans: Electricians commonly use linesman, long, and bent nose pliers, with combination (linesman’s) pliers being especially important for electrical work.
Ans: Insulated pliers, like side cutters with insulated handles, are preferred by auto electricians to avoid conducting electrical current and ensure safety.
Ans: Diagonal pliers are suitable for cutting copper, brass, iron, aluminum, and steel wires. However, they may not be ideal for cutting tempered steel, like piano wire, if of lower quality.
Ans: To use pliers effectively, avoid exposing them to excessive heat, bending stiff wire with the tip, rocking them side to side when cutting, and prying with the nose.
Conclusion
If you’re new to electrical pliers, they’re incredibly versatile tools for electronics work. Each plier combines functions like cutting, wire stripping, crimping, and more. This helps you work more efficiently and effectively.
Our top recommendations for the best electrical pliers:
- The CRAFTSMAN Linesman Pliers stands out as a durable and reliable choice without any extra cost. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is made of sturdy drop forged steel. Sized at 8 inches, it’s suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
- For a larger size and higher leverage, the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Pliers at 9 ½ inches are a great option. They are made of nickel-chromium steel, ensuring durability, and also come with a lifetime warranty.
- On budget Consider DOWELL Electric Pliers with a 7-year warranty. They’re made of nickel-chromium steel, with an 8-inch size, and provide excellent durability.
One Response
The ironworker in my team says Klein Crimping Pliers is the best side cutter pliers he’s worked with. He said that he loves this because it’s easy to use, even when he’s wearing thick work gloves.