Types of Pliers Guide

There are more than a dozen distinct plier types in regular use in Australian trade and industrial environments, and several of them share enough visual similarity that they get grabbed interchangeably — which is where the damage happens. Multigrip pliers used where combination pliers belong. Side cutters confused with flush cutters. Locking pliers forced onto a fastener that needs a proper wrench. Each substitution costs time or causes damage, and most of it is avoidable with a clear picture of what each tool is actually designed to do.

This guide covers the 13 plier types most relevant to Australian trade and industrial practice — what each is designed for, how it works, what it's called in AU versus US and UK contexts, and how to select the right one for the job. Jewellery and hobby pliers are outside scope — this guide is written for the maintenance fitter, sparky, mechanic, or tradie who needs tools that work under load, every day.

What are pliers?

Pliers are hand tools that use a pivot — a rivet or pin at the junction of the two arms — to multiply the force applied to the handles and transfer it to the jaws. Squeezing the handles together closes the jaws; the leverage ratio of handle length to jaw length determines how much grip force is generated from hand pressure.

The key components of any pair of pliers are:

• Jaws — the working surfaces. May be flat, serrated, round, tapered, angled, or profiled for specific tasks. Jaw geometry determines what the plier can grip or cut.
• Cutting edges — present on combination, side-cutting, and linesman pliers. Positioned at the pivot or at the jaw tip depending on type.
• Pivot — the joint. Fixed in most pliers (combination, long nose, side cutters); adjustable in multigrips, slip joints, and channel-lock types.
• Handles — bare steel on most trade pliers. Insulated handles (VDE 1,000V rated) on electrical pliers — required for live electrical work in Australia.

Pliers fall into two broad functional families. Gripping pliers hold, bend, or turn material — combination, long nose, multigrip, locking, slip joint, and plier wrench types. Cutting pliers sever wire, cable, or rod — side cutters, diagonal cutters, linesman pliers, and flush cutters. Many types combine both functions in a single tool.

Combination pliers

Combination pliers — called "combination pliers" in Australia and the UK, and sometimes "engineer's pliers" — are the standard general-purpose plier for electrical work, maintenance, and light mechanical tasks. They combine three functions in one tool: serrated flat jaws for gripping, a curved jaw section for round stock and cable, and a side cutting edge set near the pivot for cutting wire.

The name "combination" refers to these combined functions, not to adjustability. The pivot is fixed — combination pliers have one jaw opening size, which is their limitation compared to multigrip pliers for large or irregular work.

Common sizes are 160mm, 180mm, and 200mm. The 180mm is the standard for most electrical and maintenance applications. VDE-rated insulated combination pliers (tested to 1,000V AC) are the required tool for work on live electrical systems under Australian electrical safety legislation — the insulation is a safety requirement, not an optional extra.

Long nose pliers (needle nose pliers)

Long nose pliers — also called needle nose pliers — have elongated, tapered jaws that come to a point. Both terms are used in Australia; "long nose" is marginally more common in trade catalogues, while "needle nose" is widely understood. They are the same tool.

The narrow jaw profile allows access to confined spaces where standard combination pliers cannot reach: inside electrical enclosures, behind panels, in engine bays, and in electronics assembly. The serrated gripping surfaces hold wire and small components; most long nose pliers also include a side cutter set near the pivot for wire cutting.

Key variants:

• Standard long nose — straight taper. The most common form; 150mm and 180mm are the typical trade sizes.
• Bent nose pliers — the jaw is angled at 45° or 90° near the tip. Used when the access angle prevents a straight jaw from reaching the workpiece. Common in electrical panel work and plumbing behind fittings.
• Round nose pliers — cylindrical jaw tips with no serrations. Used for forming wire loops and coils — not primarily a gripping tool for trade applications.
• VDE insulated long nose — 1,000V rated. Required for live electrical work on wiring and terminal connections in confined spaces.

Long nose pliers are precision tools, not force tools. Do not use them to grip large fasteners or apply torsional force — the tapered jaw geometry concentrates stress at the tip, and the tips bend or crack under load not suited to the design.

Multigrip pliers

Multigrip pliers are adjustable gripping pliers with a sliding or ratcheting pivot that allows the jaw opening to be set across a wide range — typically covering pipe, fittings, nuts, and irregular shapes from small to 50mm+ depending on model. They are the most versatile heavy gripping plier in a tradesperson's kit.

The adjustment mechanism uses a set of grooves (the "channel" in Channellock) that allow the pivot to be set at multiple positions. Pushing the lower handle forward while the jaws are open advances the pivot position and widens the jaw opening. In most designs, the jaws remain parallel or near-parallel across the adjustment range — which is the key advantage over slip joint pliers for gripping hex fittings and pipe without rounding.

Straight jaw vs angled jaw

Multigrip pliers come in two jaw configurations:

• Straight jaw (flat jaw) — jaws are parallel to the handle axis. Better for gripping flat stock, hex nuts, and fittings where you need to hold a specific orientation. Knipex Pliers Wrench is the premium straight-jaw design with smooth jaws (no serrations).
• Angled jaw (Cobra/standard) — jaws are angled approximately 45° to the handle axis. Provides better access to pipe and fittings in confined locations; the standard configuration for plumbing and general mechanical work. Knipex Cobra is the professional benchmark for this type.

For general-purpose mechanical and maintenance use in Australia, a 250mm angled-jaw multigrip covers the majority of applications. A 180mm is useful for confined spaces; a 300mm+ for heavy pipework and large fittings.

Locking pliers

Locking pliers grip a workpiece and lock in place using an over-centre cam mechanism in the handle. Once set and locked, they hold the workpiece without sustained hand pressure — freeing both hands or holding a part in position while another operation is performed. The adjustment screw in the lower handle sets the jaw width; the upper handle operates the lock-release mechanism.

They are called locking pliers generically in Australia. Brand names in common use include Vise-Grips (Irwin — the original brand, now widely used as a generic term), Mole grips (UK/Commonwealth brand name for the same tool — still used in Australian trade speech), and LockJaw (a strong-performing AU-distributed brand available through AIMS Industrial). Irwin Vise-Grip is considered the benchmark for jaw retention and cam mechanism quality.

Jaw configurations cover different applications:

• Curved jaw — the standard configuration. Best for round stock, pipes, and irregular shapes. The most common locking plier in general trade use.
• Straight jaw (flat jaw) — for flat stock, sheet metal, and square or hex sections. Better grip on hex heads than curved jaw.
• Long nose locking pliers — tapered jaw for confined spaces and smaller fasteners. Less clamping force than curved jaw.
• C-clamp locking pliers — deep-throat design that clamps flat surfaces for welding, fabrication, and assembly fixturing.
• Sheet metal locking pliers — right-angle jaw profile for clamping sheet edges together during welding or fabrication.

Locking pliers are particularly effective on seized or rounded fasteners where a spanner cannot grip — the locked jaw bites into remaining material and holds under torque. For dedicated locking plier and clamp applications, see also: Clamping Made Easier and Faster with Lockjaw.

Side cutters (diagonal cutters)

Side cutters is the dominant Australian term. "Diagonal cutters" and "diagonal pliers" are correct technical names also used in Australian catalogues. "Dykes" is older trade slang still heard occasionally in workshops. The tool is the same: cutting jaws set at an angle to the tool's axis, with hardened cutting edges that shear wire and cable by cutting across it rather than by a chopping or anvil action.

The offset jaw geometry allows the tool to be used flush against a surface — cutting cable ties, wire, and soft rod at or near the surface without the handle fouling. This is the most common cutting plier in electrical, automotive, and general maintenance work.

Side cutters vs flush cutters

Standard side cutters leave a small angled tip on the cut end — the bevel of the cutting edge means the cut is not perpendicular to the wire axis. Flush cutters (also called flush cut pliers or micro cutters) have a flat face on one jaw that produces a cut very close to perpendicular — leaving minimal tip projection. Flush cutters are used in electronics, PCB work, and precision wire work where a projecting tip would snag or short against adjacent conductors. They are softer tools — designed for fine copper wire, not for the harder cables and cable ties that standard side cutters handle.

AU electrician's context

Marvel "cross cut" pliers are the best-known AU electrician's side cutter — a tool recognised by name in Australian electrical apprentice circles. "Cross cut" refers to the crossed cutting edges ground into the jaw faces, producing a cleaner cut on TPS cable and stranded conductors than a standard diagonal edge. If you're an AU sparky buying your first pair of side cutters, Marvel cross cuts or equivalent (NWS, Knipex) are the correct tool — not a generic hardware-store side cutter.

Linesman pliers

Linesman pliers — "linesman" in Australian and UK usage, "lineman's pliers" in US usage — are a heavy-duty electrician's combination plier designed for the physically demanding work of pulling wire through conduit, twisting conductors together, and cutting heavy cable. They are larger and heavier than combination pliers, with a flat gripping surface at the jaw tip (for pulling), serrated mid-jaw (for twisting wire), and a hardened side cutter set at the pivot.

The flat nose section at the jaw tip is the defining feature: it allows the plier to grab fish tape and pull it through conduit with full hand grip on the handles. Combination pliers cannot do this effectively — the tapered jaw of long nose pliers provides less pulling force and the jaw geometry of standard combination pliers doesn't grip tape securely. Linesman pliers are the correct tool for this specific task.

Additional linesman plier functions:

• Twisting conductors together for splicing — the flat mid-jaw serrations grip and rotate wire cleanly
• Cutting hard copper conductor and ACSR (aluminium conductor steel-reinforced) overhead cable — linesman pliers use hardened high-leverage cutting edges rated for harder materials than standard combination pliers
• Gripping and bending conduit knockouts and electrical fittings

Standard trade sizes are 200mm and 215mm. Klein 2000 series and NWS linesman pliers are the professional benchmark; Marvel and Channellock are also used in Australian electrical trades.

Slip joint pliers

Slip joint pliers are the oldest adjustable plier design — the two jaw positions are set by sliding the pivot to one of two holes in the lower arm. The narrow position is for small work; the wide position provides a larger jaw opening for pipe and fittings. That is the full extent of their adjustability.

Slip joint pliers have a genuine use case: light household tasks, quick adjustments, and situations where a multigrip would be overkill. In a kitchen-drawer or glovebox context, they earn their keep. In a trade or maintenance environment, they have been almost entirely replaced by multigrip pliers, which offer a wider adjustment range, better jaw parallelism across settings, and more clamping force for the same handle length.

The main limitation of slip joints is that the two fixed positions mean the jaws are frequently not parallel on the workpiece — one jaw contacts the corner, the other the flat face, which concentrates force on two small contact points rather than distributing it across the jaw. On hex fittings and round pipe, this rounds the corners quickly.

If you already own slip joint pliers and they work for your tasks, there is no reason to replace them. If you are buying pliers for trade or maintenance work, buy multigrips instead — the additional cost is modest and the capability difference is significant.

Hose clamp pliers

Hose clamp pliers are specialised tools for compressing and releasing spring hose clamps — the type of clamp with two protruding tabs that is compressed to release the clamp's grip on a hose. They are a mandatory tool for any mechanical work involving cooling systems, fuel systems, and vacuum hose removal on vehicles with spring-type OEM hose clamps.

The jaws have two rounded pins or pegs that engage the tabs of the spring clamp. Squeezing the handles compresses the clamp against spring tension, which opens the clamp diameter and allows the hose to be moved off the fitting. Without hose clamp pliers, the only alternative is slipping a screwdriver blade under the clamp tabs — which marks the hose, risks slipping off under tension, and gives no control over where the clamp goes once released.

Spring clamp vs screw clamp (Jubilee clip) pliers

There are two distinct tools that share the name "hose clamp pliers":

• Spring hose clamp pliers — the pegged tool described above, for OEM spring clamps. These are single-purpose; they do not work on screw-type clamps.
• Hose clamp installation pliers (Jubilee clip pliers) — a different tool, used to position and tighten worm-drive screw clamps (the type with a screw band, generically called Jubilee clips in Australia). These are offset-jaw pliers designed to reach into confined engine-bay locations where a screwdriver or nut driver won't fit. Not the same tool.

If you are replacing OEM spring clamps in a modern vehicle's cooling system, you need spring hose clamp pliers. If you are fitting aftermarket screw clamps in tight locations, you may benefit from offset hose clamp installation pliers. The two are not interchangeable.

Crimping pliers

Crimping pliers deform a metal sleeve (a crimp ferrule or terminal) around a wire or conductor to make a permanent mechanical and electrical connection. The crimp replaces soldering in most automotive, marine, and industrial wiring applications — it is faster, more consistent, and does not introduce thermal stress to the conductor.

Key crimping plier types in AU trade use:

• Insulated terminal crimpers — crimp colour-coded insulated connectors (red/blue/yellow). The die profiles are matched to the terminal sizes. These are the most common electrician's and auto electrician's crimping plier.
• Ferrule crimpers (bootlace ferrule crimpers) — crimp copper ferrule sleeves onto stranded conductors before inserting into screw terminals. Essential for switchboard wiring — ferrules prevent strand splaying and ensure a solid, consistent connection in terminal blocks. Ratcheting ferrule crimpers produce the correct hexagonal or quadrilateral crimp profile consistently.
• Ratchet crimpers — any crimping plier with a ratchet mechanism that prevents the handles from opening until the crimp cycle is complete. Ensures full crimp pressure is applied every time; eliminates under-crimped connections that can fail under vibration or pull-out load.
• Coaxial and network cable crimpers — die profiles matched to BNC, RJ45, or RJ11 connectors. A separate specialist tool from terminal and ferrule crimpers.

The critical rule with crimping pliers is die-to-terminal matching. The crimp die must match the terminal size and type. Using a mismatched die produces either an over-crimped connection (conductor damaged, terminal cracked) or an under-crimped connection (high resistance, pull-out failure). If the die is not marked for the terminal you are using, it is the wrong tool.

Circlip pliers (snap ring pliers)

Circlip pliers — also called snap ring pliers — are designed to install and remove circlips (internal or external retaining rings) on shafts and in bores. Internal circlips sit in a groove inside a bore; external circlips sit in a groove on the outside of a shaft. The two types require opposite jaw actions: internal circlip pliers expand the ring to fit the bore; external circlip pliers compress the ring to fit the shaft groove.

Circlip pliers are available in fixed-tip and interchangeable-tip designs, with straight or 45°/90° angled tips for access in different orientations.

For the full guide to circlip pliers — types, tip selection, internal vs external, and correct technique — see the AIMS Industrial Circlip Pliers Guide.

Fencing pliers

Fencing pliers are a distinctly Australian and rural tool — a multi-function instrument designed specifically for wire fencing work. They are not general-purpose pliers that happen to be used on fences; they are engineered for the specific tasks of fencing construction and maintenance, and they do those tasks in ways that no other plier can replicate efficiently.

A standard fencing plier combines up to seven functions in a single tool:

• Wire cutters — heavy-duty cutting edges capable of cutting galvanised high-tensile fencing wire and barbed wire
• Wire gripping jaws — serrated flat jaws for holding wire under tension while straining or joining
• Hammer face — a hardened flat face on the head for driving staples into timber posts
• Staple starter — a notch or slot for positioning a staple before driving it flush
• Staple puller — a V-notch or claw for extracting old or incorrectly driven staples
• Wire twister — a slot that grips wire ends for twisting a join by rotating the pliers
• Wire stretcher — in some designs, a tightening mechanism for straining wire before stapling

Popular brands in Australian rural supply include Irwin Vise-Grip, Strainrite, and Gallagher. The 250–260mm size is standard. Hot-dip galvanised or chrome-plated finishes for corrosion resistance in outdoor conditions. If you maintain rural fencing in Australia, fencing pliers are a mandatory addition to a ute toolbox — no collection of general-purpose tools substitutes for a well-made fencing plier when you need to re-strain and re-staple a wire run in a paddock.

Plier wrench

A plier wrench is an adjustable gripping tool with smooth, parallel jaws that maintain parallelism across the full adjustment range. Unlike multigrip pliers — which have serrated jaws that bite into the workpiece — the plier wrench's smooth flat jaws grip without marking. This is its defining characteristic and the reason for its premium positioning.

The Knipex Pliers Wrench (86-series) is the benchmark product in this category and the only widely available plier wrench in the Australian professional tool market. The adjustment mechanism is a push-button ratchet that steps through jaw-opening positions — no lever or groove sliding; the jaw locks each time the button is released. The parallel jaw geometry means it applies force like a spanner rather than like a conventional plier: full flat-face contact rather than jaw edge or serration contact.

Use cases for the plier wrench:

• Chrome fittings, polished pipe, and plated fasteners where serration marks are unacceptable
• Hex flats where a correctly sized spanner is not available — the plier wrench provides spanner-equivalent grip without the rounding risk of serrated-jaw multigrips
• Odd-size fasteners and fittings outside standard spanner ranges
• High-end plumbing work where fitting surfaces must not be damaged

The plier wrench does not replace multigrip pliers for pipework — the smooth jaw does not grip pipe effectively under high torque. It complements multigrips by covering the applications where jaw marking is not acceptable. For a professional mechanic or plumber, a 180mm or 250mm Knipex Pliers Wrench is a tool that justifies its cost quickly in avoided rework and fitting replacement.

Plier selection guide

The table below gives the correct plier type for common Australian trade and maintenance tasks. For tasks not listed, apply the principle: gripping round or irregular shapes → multigrip; cutting wire → side cutters or linesman; confined access → long nose; marked surfaces → plier wrench; release spring clamps → hose clamp pliers.

Frequently asked questions about pliers

What is the difference between combination pliers and multigrip pliers?

Combination pliers have a fixed pivot and a single jaw opening — they are general-purpose gripping and cutting pliers used in electrical and maintenance work. Multigrip pliers (also called water pump pliers or tongue-and-groove pliers) have an adjustable pivot with multiple jaw positions, allowing them to grip a wide range of sizes from small fittings to large pipe. Combination pliers are better in confined spaces and for precision wire work; multigrips are better for plumbing, large fittings, and gripping irregular shapes under high torque. The two serve different primary functions and are not direct substitutes for each other.

What are multigrip pliers called in the US and UK?

"Multigrip pliers" or "multigrips" is the standard Australian term. In the US, the same tool is most commonly called "channel-lock pliers" or "Channellocks" — after the Channellock brand that popularised the design, now used generically. The technical US name is "tongue-and-groove pliers." In the UK and parts of Europe, the tool is often called "water pump pliers" — a name that originates from the tool's use adjusting water pump pulleys on older vehicles. All names refer to the same adjustable jaw plier design.

What are side cutters used for?

Side cutters — also called diagonal cutters or diagonal pliers — are used to cut wire, cable, cable ties, and soft metal rod by shearing through the material with hardened cutting edges set at an angle to the tool axis. The offset jaw design allows cutting flush against a surface. In Australian electrical work, side cutters are used to cut TPS cable, earth wire, and stranded conductors. In automotive and mechanical work, they cut cable ties, split pins, and lock wire. They are not suitable for cutting hardened steel, spring wire, or piano wire — which requires purpose-designed hard wire cutters.

What pliers do electricians use in Australia?

The standard Australian electrician's toolkit includes: combination pliers (VDE insulated, 180mm) for general gripping and light wire cutting; side cutters (Marvel cross cuts or equivalent) for cable and wire cutting; long nose pliers (VDE insulated) for terminal connections in confined spaces; linesman pliers for pulling fish tape and heavy wire work; and multigrip pliers for conduit fittings and larger work. VDE 1,000V insulation is required on all pliers used for live electrical work under Australian electrical safety legislation. Preferred brands among AU sparkies include Marvel, Knipex, NWS, and Wiha for insulated tools.

What are linesman pliers used for?

Linesman pliers are a heavy-duty electrician's combination plier used primarily for pulling fish tape through conduit, twisting conductors together when making splices, and cutting heavy electrical cable. The flat jaw tip provides a secure grip on fish tape — the defining advantage over combination pliers, which cannot grip tape effectively. Linesman pliers are larger and heavier than combination pliers; they are the correct choice for high-force wire pulling tasks, not for delicate terminal work in confined spaces where combination pliers are better suited. The Australian term is "linesman pliers"; the US term is "lineman's pliers."

What is the difference between locking pliers and multigrip pliers?

Multigrip pliers grip only as long as you squeeze the handles — release pressure and the jaw opens. Locking pliers have an over-centre cam mechanism that locks the jaw at a set opening, maintaining grip without sustained hand pressure. Multigrips are better for plumbing and fitting work where you need to apply and release grip repeatedly across a range of sizes. Locking pliers are better for holding work in position, clamping, and freeing a seized or rounded fastener where maintaining a fixed grip matters more than adjustability. Both are adjustable; the locking mechanism is the key difference.

What are hose clamp pliers and do I need them?

Hose clamp pliers (spring type) have two pegged jaws that engage the protruding tabs of a spring-type hose clamp. Squeezing the handles compresses the clamp against spring tension, opening the clamp and allowing the hose to be moved or removed. They are essential for any mechanical work on modern vehicles with OEM spring clamps in cooling systems, fuel systems, and vacuum lines. Without them, the alternative is a screwdriver blade under the clamp tab — which is imprecise, risks slipping under tension, and can nick hose material. If you service vehicles, hose clamp pliers are a justified addition to your kit; if you work only on older vehicles or equipment using screw clamps, they are not needed.

What is a plier wrench?

A plier wrench is an adjustable gripping tool with smooth, parallel jaws that grip without serrations or teeth. The defining characteristic is that the jaws remain parallel across the full adjustment range, providing flat-face contact on the workpiece — similar to a spanner rather than a conventional plier. The Knipex Pliers Wrench (86-series) is the product that defines this category. It does not mark polished or plated surfaces, making it the correct tool for chrome fittings, polished pipe, and hex flats where a standard multigrip would leave jaw marks. It is not a replacement for multigrips — the smooth jaw cannot grip round pipe effectively under high torque.

What are the most useful pliers for a tradesperson's toolkit?

For a general-purpose Australian trade toolkit, the four most useful plier types are: combination pliers (VDE insulated if electrical work is part of the role); multigrip pliers in 250mm; side cutters; and locking pliers with curved jaw. This set covers the large majority of gripping, bending, cutting, and holding tasks across electrical, mechanical, and maintenance work. Adding long nose pliers covers confined-space terminal work. Adding linesman pliers covers heavy electrical wire pulling. The specific brands worth investing in: Knipex or NWS for combination and long nose pliers; Knipex Cobra for multigrips; Marvel or Knipex for side cutters; Irwin Vise-Grip for locking pliers.

Can I use multigrip pliers instead of a spanner on a hex fastener?

You can, but it should not be your first choice on an intact fastener. Multigrip pliers apply force through serrated jaw edges contacting the hex corners and flats — the contact area is smaller than a correctly sized spanner, and the serrations bite into the head surface, which damages the corners progressively. On a tight fastener that needs significant torque, the jaw can slip and round the hex head. For intact fasteners, always use the correct spanner or socket first. Reserve multigrips for situations where a spanner is not available, the fastener is already damaged, or the fitting is an odd size that no spanner covers.

What does VDE mean on pliers?

VDE is the German electrical safety certification mark (Verband der Elektrotechnik, Elektronik und Informationstechnik). On pliers, VDE certification means the handle insulation has been tested and verified to 10,000V AC proof voltage and rated for use at 1,000V AC working voltage. In Australia, VDE-rated insulated pliers are the required standard for working on or near live electrical conductors under state electrical safety legislation. The insulation must cover the full handle surface with no bare metal exposed below the jaw pivot — check that any VDE pliers you buy meet this requirement, as some cheaper tools carry partial insulation that does not meet the standard. Knipex, Wiha, and NWS VDE pliers are the professional standard used by Australian licensed electricians.

What are crimping pliers used for?

Crimping pliers deform a metal sleeve — called a crimp terminal or ferrule — around an electrical conductor, creating a permanent mechanical and electrical connection. They are used in automotive wiring (insulated terminal connectors), switchboard and industrial wiring (copper ferrule sleeves on stranded wire ends before screw terminal insertion), and communications wiring (coaxial BNC, RJ45). The ratchet mechanism on professional crimping pliers ensures the crimp cycle completes fully before the handles can open — preventing under-crimped connections, which have high resistance and fail under vibration or pull-out. The die profile must match the terminal or ferrule size — using a mismatched die produces either a damaged conductor or a loose connection.

What are fencing pliers used for?

Fencing pliers are a multi-function tool designed for wire fencing construction and maintenance. In a single tool they combine: heavy-duty wire cutters for galvanised fencing wire and barbed wire; serrated gripping jaws for holding wire under tension; a hammer face for driving staples; a staple starter and puller; and a wire-twisting notch for joining wire ends. They are the standard tool for rural fencing work in Australia — used by landholders, fencing contractors, and anyone who maintains boundary or stock fencing. No combination of general-purpose tools can replace a well-made fencing plier for paddock fencing work efficiently.

Pliers from AIMS Industrial

AIMS Industrial stocks the full range of trade and industrial pliers — combination pliers, long nose and bent nose pliers, multigrip pliers, locking pliers, side cutters, linesman pliers, hose clamp pliers, crimping pliers, circlip pliers, fencing pliers, and plier wrench types from professional brands including Knipex, Marvel, NWS, Wiha, Irwin Vise-Grip, Channellock, and Kincrome. VDE-insulated ranges for electrical work are stocked across combination, long nose, and linesman plier types.

Browse pliers and hand tools at AIMS Industrial

Related guides:

• Circlip Pliers Guide: Internal vs External, Types & Correct Use — full detail on circlip and snap ring plier selection and technique
• Clamping Made Easier and Faster with Lockjaw — locking pliers and clamps for welding, fabrication, and holding applications
• Types of Spanners: Complete Guide to Wrench & Spanner Selection — complementary guide for spanner and wrench selection