Pliers reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 172 Reddit reviews across 14 subreddits and 29 posts to rank the best Pliers brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/Tools, r/electricians, r/multitools, r/Gadgetry, r/chainmailartisans. Top-rated brands include Knipex (4.9/5), Leatherman (4.1/5), Xuron (4.8/5).
Stats
Reviews172
Subreddits14
Posts29
Brands45
Products80
172 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Knipex
4.9
(59)
"I use Knipex for 16/14swg."
"Knipex plier wrench is definitely the best."
"The no-brainer answer here is Knipex Cobras AND pliers wrench."
"Junk. Get some Knipex."
"Knipex because they lock in place."
"The answer to all questions is always Knipex."
"I also suggest #3 option of Knipex Plier wrench and/or Cobras."
"When it comes to pliers they are top tier with design and manufacturing."
"I have, like & use Knipex Cobra's or Alligators for plier situations."
"Knipex Raptors for nuts you have a personal feud against."
#2
Leatherman
4.1
(16)
"With a student discount, you can get Leatherman Rebar for $56. I don't think you can get any better quality than that at that price point."
"Leatherman Arc will be the last multitool you'll ever buy and need"
"Carry a surge and a dedicated knife! The saw is easy replaced and it's definitely the most sturdy multi-tool on the market."
"The best is the surge
its the only one that comes with tshank so you can use any kind of saw blade you like"
"A Leatherman rev will definitely be able to accomplish that along with providing longevity"
"Sam's club has a leatherman Bolster for $40. I'm a fan of the spring pliers."
"The Leatherman Bond is a nice little package. If you want something a little more heavy duty, take a look at the Rebar."
"Heavy duty? This Surge clone is awesome for $45 after coupon."
"The Leatherman Surge may have the more robust overall"
"Signal might be what you want. Billed as "outdoors" and has those tools. Good size and pretty light weight too."
#3
Xuron
4.8
(10)
"Xurons are the strongest and most cost effective pliers with no teeth in them."
"Another vote for xuron"
"Xurons!
I like two pairs of short nose, but a lot of people like the bent nose in one hand and short nose in the other."
"Xuron 475 Xuro Grip Short Nose if you are doing tiny rings."
"I like my Xuron pliers!"
"You mean these? Xuron - 486 90 Degree Bent Nose Pliers"
"I love my Xurons!"
"Great for that."
"Xurons are great for 18swg and smaller."
"I purchased the Xuron brand pliers from Amazon. Great overall but will need something with better grip and leverage for 16g+ eventually."
#4
Channellock
4.3
(11)
"Channellock 410. Nut Busters. they're fooking amazing."
"Channellock for sure"
"Channellock, they never failed me for 42 years in the trade!"
"It’s been serving me well for ten years."
"Love my channellock snap ring pliers. They switch back and forth. Different tips. Weighs nothing"
"I’ve always had great luck with the Channellock 410s."
"They work fine for me."
"Channel-Lock is OG. Knipix is my 2nd pick."
"Channel lock. Knipex. I mean when something is called by the brand name that should tell you something."
"Channel lock brand"
#5
Milwaukee
2.9
(10)
"Absolutely love my Milwaukee locking pliers! Even though they're made in Taiwan, the quality is top-notch."
"I have the Milwaukee flat jaw slip wrench, and I like it."
"I have the Milwaukee hex grip pliers and I love them."
"The Milwaukee’s are great. I use them specifically for washer/dryer hoses at home"
"I've been incredibly impressed with the Milwaukee and Bremen tools at Harbor Freight. They perform way better than Vise-Grips for a fraction of the cost."
"I wanted to like those Milwaukee, but the button protrudes way too far out."
"The only thing good about the Milwaukee water pump pliers is the jaws are pretty thin."
"Don't buy Milwaukee pliers."
"I have the Milwaukee and I hate them."
"Buy the Milwaukee ones and give them to someone you HATE."
#6
Victorinox
4.0
(7)
"For longer knife and saw check out the workchamp or hercules (111mm)"
"For Victorinox I'd suggest the Swisstool (or swisstool spirit)"
"In case you'd like a small pair of pliers check out the Cybertool L, swisschamp or handyman (91mm)"
"For longer knife and saw check out the workchamp or hercules (111mm)"
"In case you'd like a small pair of pliers check out the Cybertool L, swisschamp or handyman (91mm)"
"In case you'd like a small pair of pliers check out the Cybertool L"
"Leatherman Free P4 and Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X are the only two I have experience with, and I'd recommend both."
#7
Snap-On
5.0
(4)
"I got a set of reversible pliers off the snap on truck not sure if they were snap on or blue point but over the last 15 years I’ve had them replaced a few times no charge under warranty so that’s what I would recommend."
"I’ve been using snap on WTRW6A. You do get warranty on it"
"+1 for the snap on. They’re well worth the money. I have a pair at work and at my home shop, really can’t beat them."
"If you have money to blow... These are my absolute favorite. Sadly harbor freight doesn't make them yet."
#8
Irwin
4.8
(4)
"The vice grips are amazing IRWIN IRHT82573."
"Irwin Vise-Grip series has consistently delivered reliable performance. They tend to offer excellent grip strength and durability, even under heavy use."
"Irwin Vise-Grip Locking Pliers are known for their durability and strong grip."
"I’d recommend the Irwin tools version of those nut pliers, they have great jaws and lots of spring in the handle for holding pressure."
#9
Nextool
4.0
(3)
"I have the Nextool Sailor for like $20. It's 30Cr13 stainless-steel, which is not the best, but rust is not much of an issue."
"I recommend nextool."
"Nextool mini sailor"
#10
Ironskin
5.0
(2)
"I have a pair from Ironskin and they’re the best I’ve ever used!"
"Makes a nice set of riveting pliers."
#11
Engineer
5.0
(2)
"They have great small sized pliers."
"Awesome for fine work with thread and wire."
#12
Wiha
4.5
(2)
"Wiha is 5/5. Knipex are 4/5. Proto are 4/5. Channel and Craftsman are 3/5. Stanley, Kobalt, and Harbor Freight are 1/5."
"Wiha and NWS (which now makes the Klein reversible head "cobra" style pliers) are both very close second place options for often better prices."
#13
Klein
4.5
(2)
"Klein (US made) are my favorite for linesman, diagonal cutters, strippers and needle nose."
"Klein linesman’s are better because of the weight."
#14
Channel Lock
4.0
(2)
"The blues cant go wrong with channellock basic design ez to use. Doyle exact copy for half price after coupons."
"Channel Lock is a great option to consider, especially for those seeking affordability. Known for USA-made quality and lifetime warranty."
#15
Harbor Freight
4.0
(2)
"I have these and I love em."
"The harbor freight doyle Knipex knock offs are pretty good as well if your on a budget."
#16
Vamplier
4.0
(2)
"Vamplier makes excellent pliers, particularly known for their precision and small size options."
"Vamplier is known for comfort and precision in needle-nose pliers."
#17
Tsunoda
4.0
(2)
"Not as fancy but they work great and are much less expensive."
"Tsunoda is quite possibly the best bang for the buck of any tool brand."
#18
Blue-Point
4.0
(2)
"I love the smaller 6” version of these. MST25WR (bluepoint)"
"I have a pair of blue points that I bought cheap on eBay, and they work well."
#19
Matco
4.0
(2)
"Part Number: MST25WR. I ordered a set from Matco and got sent bluepoint, and have ordered a set from snapon and recieved Matco brand…?"
"I have a pair of Matco safety wire pliers, love them"
#20
Icon
3.5
(2)
"The Icon ones are clones of the Knipex Raptors, which i have found to be excellent."
"A cheaper alternative is harbor freights version, the icon plier wrench."
#21
Gerber
3.0
(2)
"If you’re looking at the gerber dime the sog power pint is pretty awesome"
"Gerber replaceable cutters crack easily."
#22
Snap-on
5.0
(1)
"Snap-on and Knipex are both top contenders known for exceptional quality and durability."
#23
NWS
5.0
(1)
"NWS in my humble opinion, make the best pliers. Durable, great feel, gentle finish. 10/10"
#24
Malco
5.0
(1)
"Malco Eagle Grips are a great choice for locking pliers if you need a tool with extra clamping force (up to 5,000 lbs)."
#25
Mayhew Pro
5.0
(1)
"I prefer this style. You can lock the clamp open and also reach places where you can't get your hand or pliers in."
#26
Eastwood
5.0
(1)
"I use these daily at work
Eastwood 9" Hose Clamp Locking Plier Adjustable Chromium Molybdenum Steel Tools https://a.co/d/5bLTadR
Not a fan of the clamp style ones, sometimes they work but I prefer pliers styles."
#27
Vise-Grip
5.0
(1)
"The mechanical force multiplication from multi point pivot is tremendous"
#28
Milbar
5.0
(1)
"Go buy yourself some Milbars and you won't need to buy another set for a long time."
#29
Micro-Tools
5.0
(1)
"These have been working great."
#30
Remax
5.0
(1)
"Very worth it kahit very affordable"
#31
Juicy
5.0
(1)
"10 in 1 wire stripper pliers"
#32
The Ring Lord
5.0
(1)
"Make working with thicker rings a bit easier."
#33
Lisle
4.0
(1)
"Never had an issue with the Lisle ones, I believe they’re rebranded by Mac and Matco. 20 bucks Amazon."
#34
Tekton
4.0
(1)
"Tekton offers a great alternative at a much more affordable price. Yes, they're currently manufactured primarily in Taiwan, but their quality control is known to be excellent."
#35
Stanley
4.0
(1)
"Stanley is a trusted name in the tool industry, and their FatMax Locking Pliers are well regarded."
#36
Bahco
4.0
(1)
"Bahco for adjustable wrench if you can't get the better Lobtex or Top from Japan"
#37
Pittsburgh
4.0
(1)
"Pittsburgh from harbor freight, I'd probably use a bit of sandpaper to get them extra smooth for maille though"
#38
Napa
4.0
(1)
"The Napa brand. Really! It is an amazing set of pump pliers."
#39
Crescent
4.0
(1)
"Ive been a huge fan of the Crescent ones"
#40
SOG
4.0
(1)
"Sog powerpint compact and trusty"
#41
Nextorch
4.0
(1)
"Im thinking pioneer MT20 from nextorch. It has a heavy duty scissor that is really good for pruning."
#42
Tronex
4.0
(1)
"Not cheap but tronex are pretty slick"
#43
Bremen
3.0
(1)
"Bremen pliers are a step below Malco in terms of quality, but they're a good option for those on a tighter budget."
#44
Craftsman
2.0
(1)
"I had these exact craftsman channel locks. The small ones had the channel bend and became unusable."
#45
CyberTool
1.0
(1)
"Cybertool has pliers although they're horrible"
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