10 Different Types of Pliers and Their Uses

Introduction

Pliers are indispensable hand tools across mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fabrication trades. Each type is engineered for a specific range of tasks—from cutting and crimping to gripping and bending—and offers distinct features in jaw profile, hinge design, and material composition. This guide delves into ten of the most common pliers, examining their construction, optimal applications, selection criteria, and maintenance best practices.

1. Needle-Nose Pliers

• Design and Materials

  • Long, tapered jaws milled from chrome-vanadium (Cr-V) or S2 steel.

  • Polished or nickel-plated finish for corrosion resistance.

  • Typical lengths: 150–200 mm.

• Primary Uses

  • Reaching into confined spaces to bend, hold, and loop wire.

  • Positioning small components in electronics and jewelry assembly.

  • Grasping cotter pins, small nails, or spring clips.

• Selection Tips

  • Jaw hardness ≥ 50 HRC to prevent deformation.

  • Insulated handles for electrical work.

  • Smooth hinge action without side play.

• Maintenance

  • Wipe clean of debris and oil after use.

  • Apply light lubricant to pivot monthly.

2. Diagonal Cutting Pliers

• Design and Materials

  • Angled cutting edges set 15–30° from the handle axis.

  • Blades heat-treated to HRC 58–62.

  • Lengths range from 125 mm to 180 mm.

• Primary Uses

  • Shearing soft wires, cable ties, pins, and rivet stems.

  • Precision trimming of electronic leads and zip ties.

• Selection Tips

  • Laser-cut, induction-hardened edges for longevity.

  • Spring-loaded models reduce hand fatigue.

  • Check for minimal blade gap under no load.

• Maintenance

  • Keep blades dry and oil lightly after metal cutting.

  • Sharpen or replace when nicks appear.

3. Combination Pliers

• Design and Materials

  • Integrated flat-jaw gripping area, round-jaw pipe grip, and wire-cutting notch.

  • Constructed from forged Cr-V or Cr-Mo steel.

  • Sizes span 160 mm to 240 mm.

• Primary Uses

  • General-purpose gripping, bending, and cutting of wires and fasteners.

  • Ideal for maintenance, automotive repairs, and DIY projects.

• Selection Tips

  • Ergonomic, dual-durometer handles for comfort and slip resistance.

  • Solid rivet joint for long-term alignment.

  • Built-in safety latch for compact storage.

• Maintenance

  • Clean jaws after use and lubricate pivot quarterly.

  • Inspect cutting notch for wear.

4. Wire Stripper Pliers

• Design and Materials

  • Multiple stripping notches calibrated for AWG 10–24 (0.2–6 mm²).

  • Insulated, spring-loaded handles.

  • High-carbon steel jaws with corrosion-resistant coating.

• Primary Uses

  • Removing insulation from electrical and data cables without nicking conductors.

  • Cutting and looping wire ends for terminal connections.

• Selection Tips

  • Adjustable depth stop to prevent conductor damage.

  • Clearly marked gauge sizes on the body.

  • Compound-action models multiply hand force.

• Maintenance

  • Clean insulation residue from stripping holes.

  • Lubricate hinge occasionally.

5. Locking Pliers (Vise-Grips)

• Design and Materials

  • Over-center locking mechanism with adjustable screw.

  • Forged alloy steel with chrome plating.

  • Jaw styles: straight, curved, and pipe-grip variants.

• Primary Uses

  • Clamping, holding, and turning irregular shapes under high torque.

  • Temporary welding clamps or metal bending fixtures.

• Selection Tips

  • Smooth lock-release lever action.

  • Jaw teeth profile matched to intended application (fine for sheet, coarse for pipe).

  • Range-locking screw with knurled grip.

• Maintenance

  • Keep threads of adjustment screw free of debris.

  • Apply penetrating oil to release mechanism.

6. Groove-Joint Pliers (Water Pump Pliers)

• Design and Materials

  • Slip-joint with multiple groove positions for jaw width adjustment.

  • Forged Cr-V steel; rubberized or dipped handles.

  • Jaw angles typically 45° to handle axis.

• Primary Uses

  • Gripping pipes, nuts, and fittings in plumbing.

  • Bending light gauge sheet metal and holding odd-shaped objects.

• Selection Tips

  • Secure groove-tooth engagement under load.

  • Long handles (200–300 mm) for increased leverage.

  • Anti-marring jaw inserts for soft fittings.

• Maintenance

  • Wipe dry after exposure to water.

  • Lubricate sliding joint frequently.

7. End-Cutting Pliers (Nippers)

• Design and Materials

  • Transverse cutting edges concentric with pivot.

  • Induction-hardened blades (HRC 60–64).

  • Rounded jaw tips for flush cuts.

• Primary Uses

  • Cutting off protruding nails, rivets, and wire spikes close to a surface.

  • Trimming rebar tie wire and small pins.

• Selection Tips

  • Ensure blades meet flush without gaps.

  • Comfort-grip handles to reduce hand strain.

  • Check for smooth pivot with minimal play.

• Maintenance

  • Sharpen blades when cutting efficiency declines.

  • Clean off metal shards after each session.

8. Crimping Pliers

• Design and Materials

  • Multi-stage crimp chambers for insulated, non-insulated, and ferrule terminals.

  • High-strength tool steel; adjustable ratchet mechanism.

  • Insulated grips for electrical safety.

• Primary Uses

  • Cold-forming terminal ends onto wire conductors for reliable connections.

  • Automotive wiring harness installations and control panel assembly.

• Selection Tips

  • Ratcheting mechanism that locks until full crimp cycle completes.

  • Clearly labeled die sizes for 0.5 mm²–16 mm² ferrules.

  • Replaceable crimp dies enhance tool lifespan.

• Maintenance

  • Clean crimp chambers of debris.

  • Lightly grease ratchet components.

9. Snap-Ring Pliers

• Design and Materials

  • Interchangeable straight or bent tips for internal/external circlips.

  • Hardened alloy steel with corrosion-resistant finish.

  • Ergonomic, slip-resistant handles.

• Primary Uses

  • Installing and removing retaining rings on shafts and bores.

  • Servicing bearings, gearboxes, and automotive hubs.

• Selection Tips

  • Tips must fully seat in ring holes to prevent slippage.

  • Bias-spring return for one-handed operation.

  • Tip diameter selection based on ring size (e.g., 1.5 mm to 6 mm).

• Maintenance

  • Clean tip grooves of metal filings.

  • Inspect tips for rounding or wear.

10. Bent-Nose Pliers

• Design and Materials

  • Angled jaws (30°–45°) to access obstructed areas.

  • Hardened, polished Cr-V steel.

  • Insulated or non-insulated handle variants.

• Primary Uses

  • Maneuvering wires and components in tight engine compartments.

  • Gripping and twisting in jewelry work and model building.

• Selection Tips

  • Choose angle and length to match workspace constraints.

  • Verify jaw alignment to avoid misgrips.

  • Look for spring-loaded handles to improve cycle speed.

• Maintenance

  • Check for jaw distortion after heavy use.

  • Lubricate hinge to maintain smooth action.

Comparison Table

Selecting the correct pliers type enhances precision, efficiency, and safety. Investing in reputable brands such as Knipex, Klein Tools, and Wiha ensures material consistency and durable heat treatment. Regular maintenance—cleaning, lubrication, and timely sharpening—prolongs tool life and performance.

Now you know about 10 different types of pliers and their uses. Choose to buy Pliers from QTE Technologies. We are a global MRO provider serving customers in over 180 countries. Established in 2010, we supply over 1 million products across all industries and engineering disciplines. Additionally, you can reach us anytime via 24×7 chat support, phone, WhatsApp or email. Discover what our valued customers have to say about our services on our dedicated review page.

Post Author By QTE Technologies Editorial Staff (with a solid background in both technical and creative writing - accumulated 15+ years of experience).