Which pliers should you choose? Buying guide

Short answer: for most jobs you need three pliers. Combination pliers to grip, bend and cut thin wire, side cutters to snip wire, cable ties and tie wire cleanly, and long nose pliers for small work in tight corners. After that you add water pump pliers, locking pliers and, if you work a lot on machines or vehicles, circlip pliers. Choose pliers for the work you actually do, not for the biggest set.

Also available in Dutch: Welke combinatietangen en tangen kies je? Keuzegids.

Why not one pair of pliers for everything?

Pliers are a lever: the longer the handles and the closer the work sits to the joint, the more force you apply. Every shape is made for one kind of work. Turning a nut with combination pliers damages both the nut and the jaws; cutting thick steel wire with long nose pliers snaps off the tip. A small, well-chosen set is faster and safer than one tool that does everything halfway. How to recognise quality in steel, joint and finish is explained in our blog on recognising quality tools.

The three basic pliers

Combination pliers: the all-rounder

Combination pliers have flat, serrated jaws for gripping, a rounded section for pipes and small round parts, and a cutting edge near the joint for thin wire. Ideal for bending, holding, twisting wire and small repairs.

• 160 mm: handy in a tool bag and for finer work, such as the combination pliers 160 mm.
• 180 mm: the most popular size for home and workshop, for example the combination pliers 180 mm.
• 200 mm: more leverage for stiff wire and rougher work, such as the combination pliers 200 mm.

Side cutters: clean and fast cutting

Side cutters (also called diagonal cutters) only have cutting edges. You use them for wire, cable ties, tie wire and thin nails, close to the surface. Choose the side cutters 160 mm for precision or the side cutters 180 mm for more force. Never cut hardened steel or wire thicker than the cutter is made for: small pieces will chip off the cutting edge.

Long nose pliers: fine work in tight spaces

The long, narrow jaws of long nose pliers grip small parts, bend loops in wire and reach behind a panel or inside a cabinet. A straight straight long nose pliers 200 mm is the most versatile; a bent bent long nose pliers 200 mm helps when you have to work around a corner.

💡 Keep the three basic pliers together in your toolbox or bag. That way you automatically grab the right one instead of "whichever pliers happen to be on top".

Pliers for grip and force

More about water pump pliers and pipe wrenches, and when to use which, is in our buyer's guide to water pump pliers and pipe wrenches. For a pipe wrench: use it on rough steel, not on visible work such as a chrome tap. Put a cloth in between or choose water pump pliers with smooth jaws.

Special pliers: only when you really need them

• Circlip pliers for internal and external retaining rings, for example as a 4-piece circlip pliers set. Essential for shafts, wheel hubs and machines; without circlip pliers the ring flies off.
• Locking pliers set for anyone who often works in a workshop: the 3-piece locking pliers set has three sizes.
• Wire strippers are made to remove insulation from wire. Work on the electrical installation in a home is work for a qualified electrician; a wire stripper does not make you one.

⚠️ Insulated VDE pliers such as the VDE combination pliers 180 mm (1000 V) or the VDE side cutters 160 mm (1000 V) are tested up to 1000 V, but they do not make live working safe or permitted. Work on the consumer unit, circuits and fixed wiring is for authorised, qualified electricians. If in doubt, always call in a qualified electrician.

What to look for when buying

1. Size: 160 mm for fine work, 180 mm as an all-rounder, 200 mm for force.
2. Steel and hardening: good pliers are made of chrome vanadium or tool steel with hardened cutting edges. An edge that gets burrs after a few cuts is too soft.
3. Joint: no play, the jaws close along their full length. Hold the pliers against the light: if you see light between the cutting edges, they will not cut properly.
4. Handles: two-component handles slip less and press less into your hand during longer work.
5. Jaw shape: on combination pliers look for sharp teeth and a clear rounded section; on long nose pliers for tips that meet exactly.

Working safely with pliers

• Wear safety goggles when cutting wire or cable ties: cut-off pieces shoot away, straight towards your eyes.
• Protect your hands with work gloves with nitrile coating for grip, or with cut-resistant gloves when working with sharp edges, sheet material or a lot of wire.
• Cut away from yourself and hold the loose end so it does not fly off.
• Do not use pliers as a hammer and do not extend the handles with a pipe: the joint or jaws can break.
• Use a spanner on a nut or bolt; pliers round off the corners.

Gloves that suit your work are covered in our buying guide for work gloves. On a construction site, the agreements in our blog on safe working on the construction site also apply.

Maintenance: make your pliers last for years

Wipe off dirt and moisture after use, give the joint a drop of oil now and then and store pliers dry. Do not leave pliers in the rain or in a damp van: rust in the joint makes them stiff and inaccurate. Replace pliers with damaged insulation or a chipped cutting edge, especially VDE pliers.

Which set suits you?

• Home and DIY: 180 mm combination pliers, 160 mm side cutters, long nose pliers and water pump pliers.
• Workshop and technical work: add locking pliers, circlip pliers and a second size of water pump pliers.
• Installation and electrical work: the pliers your trade requires, in a VDE version where needed. That work belongs with an authorised installer.

👷 Good pliers make your work easier, but they do not make any job safer than your knowledge. When it comes to pipes, gas, electrics or anything you are not sure about, calling in a professional is never unnecessary. They have the right tools and the experience to do it right the first time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between combination pliers and side cutters?

Combination pliers can grip, bend and cut thin wire. Side cutters can only cut, but they cut cleaner, closer to the surface and with less effort.

Which size of combination pliers should I buy?

For most people 180 mm is the best choice. If you often work in small spaces, choose 160 mm; if you regularly handle stiff wire or rough work, choose 200 mm.

Do I need VDE pliers?

Only if your trade requires them. VDE pliers protect against accidental contact with voltage, but work on the installation remains work for a qualified electrician.

Can I cut with long nose pliers?

Many long nose pliers have a small cutting edge for thin wire. For cable ties and stiffer wire, side cutters are better.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

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