This category holds hand pliers for gripping, cutting, bending and stripping, for electricians, mechanics, installers and home DIY users. The range is led by KNIPEX, with single products from iFixit, Bosch, BESSEY and DeWalt. Over 100 models are listed, from general-purpose combination pliers to more specialised cutting and gripping tools.
How to choose pliers
Match the type to the job. Combination pliers handle gripping, bending and light cutting, so they suit a general toolbox. Side cutters (diagonal cutters) give a cleaner cut through wire, long nose pliers reach into tight spaces, and water pump pliers grip pipes and nuts with an adjustable opening. Stripping and crimping pliers only make sense if you work with cable regularly.
Check the insulation. Anyone working near live electrical parts should choose pliers with insulated handles tested to 1000 V, usually marked VDE or to the IEC 60900 standard. Ordinary plastic grips on standard pliers give no protection against electric shock. If the work is purely mechanical, non-insulated pliers are enough and often slimmer.
Pick a sensible length. About 180 mm is a common length for combination pliers and side cutters, giving good leverage without being awkward to carry. Shorter pliers of 125 to 140 mm are easier in confined spaces, while longer ones of 200 mm or more give extra force. Try to match the length to where you will use them most.
Look at cutting capacity and build. Cutting pliers differ in the wire they can cut, and hardened steel wire such as piano wire needs pliers with hardened cutting edges made for it. Forged steel, a precise joint and comfortable handles matter more than a polished finish, because they decide how the pliers feel after hours of use.
Pliers brands in our range
- KNIPEX: German manufacturer from Wuppertal, known for Cobra water pump pliers, pliers wrenches and a long line of VDE-insulated electrician's pliers. Most of the range here is from this brand.
- iFixit: known for repair kits and precision tools for electronics, so its tools suit work on phones, laptops and other small devices.
- Bosch: its Professional line covers hand tools alongside power tools, which suits tradespeople who already work with the blue Bosch system.
- BESSEY: German company best known for clamps and vices, which also makes gripping and cutting tools.
- DeWalt: American brand known for job-site power tools, with hand tools designed to sit alongside them.
Also in our range: Synergy 21 and Schwaiger.
Pliers FAQ
Which pliers do I need for electrical work?
For electrical work you need insulated pliers rated to 1000 V, marked VDE or IEC 60900. A basic set is combination pliers, side cutters and long nose pliers, with wire strippers added if you handle cable often. Always check the marking on the handle rather than assuming plastic grips are insulated.
What is the difference between combination pliers and side cutters?
Combination pliers grip, bend and cut, while side cutters are built only for cutting. Because the blades of side cutters sit at the tip and are ground finer, they cut wire more cleanly and with less effort. Combination pliers are the better single tool, but side cutters do the cutting job better.
What does VDE mean on pliers?
VDE means the pliers have been tested and certified by a German electrical standards body for work on live parts up to 1000 V AC. The insulated handles are tested to the IEC 60900 standard. The marking is usually printed or embossed on the handle together with a double-triangle symbol.
What size pliers should I buy for general use?
For general use, pliers of around 180 mm are a sensible starting point. This length gives enough leverage for most household and workshop tasks and still fits into a toolbox or tool bag easily. Choose shorter pliers for fine work in tight spaces and longer ones when you need extra grip force.
