Pliers and Cutters: A Complete Guide

Pliers are one of the most used hand tools, but "pliers" covers dozens of different types. Here's how to build the right collection for your work.

Basic Plier Types

Combination Pliers (Linesman's)

The all-rounder. Flat gripping jaws, wire cutter, and sometimes a crimper. Good for general gripping and cutting. Every toolkit needs these.

Long Nose (Needle Nose)

Tapered jaws for reaching into tight spaces and precision work. Essential for electrical work and delicate manipulation. Various lengths available.

Side Cutters (Diagonal Cutters)

Designed purely for cutting wire. Offset head allows flush cuts close to surfaces. Rated by cutting capacity - check what gauge wire they handle.

Slip Joint Pliers

Adjustable pivot for different jaw openings. General purpose gripping of various sized objects.

Water Pump Pliers

Multiple jaw positions for gripping pipes and fittings. The tradesperson's favourite for plumbing work. Various sizes - bigger handles mean more grip force.

Find quality options in our pliers and cutters collection.

Specialist Pliers

Circlip Pliers

For installing and removing circlips. Internal and external types. Essential for mechanical work.

Crimping Pliers

For crimping terminals onto wires. Different types for different terminal styles. Proper crimps beat twisted connections.

Locking Pliers (Mole Grips)

Lock onto work, freeing your hands. Adjustable jaw gap. Useful for holding, clamping, and gripping rounded or damaged fasteners.

End Cutters (Nippers)

Cut flush against surfaces. Good for removing nails and cutting in tight spots where side cutters won't fit.

Cable Cutters

Heavy-duty cutting for thick cables. Different types for copper and steel wire rope.

Quality Indicators

Material

Chrome vanadium steel is standard for quality pliers. Hardened cutting edges stay sharp longer.

Handles

Comfortable grips reduce hand fatigue. Insulated handles for electrical work (VDE rated for live work).

Pivot

Smooth action without play. Quality pliers have precision-fitted pivots.

Jaw Alignment

Jaws should meet precisely. Misaligned jaws don't grip properly.

For Electrical Work

Electricians need:

• VDE insulated combination pliers
• VDE insulated side cutters
• VDE insulated long nose pliers
• Wire strippers
• Crimping tools

VDE rating (1000V) is essential for any work on or near live circuits.

Building Your Set

Basic Set

• Combination pliers 180mm
• Long nose pliers 150mm
• Side cutters 160mm

Expanded Set

Add:

• Water pump pliers 250mm
• Locking pliers 250mm
• End cutters
• Specialist types for your trade

Browse our full pliers and cutters range.