Which type of pliers is best suited to which task? In this guide, we introduce the most important types of pliers – from combination pliers and diagonal cutters to water pump pliers, pipe wrenches, wire strippers and crimping pliers.
Pliers are among the most important hand tools used in workshops, households, industry and skilled trades. Whether you are an electrician, mechanic, plumber or DIY enthusiast, choosing the right pair of pliers for the task makes many jobs more precise, safer and more efficient.
Pliers are hand tools consisting of two levers connected by a pivot joint. When the handles are squeezed together, the joint transfers and amplifies the applied hand force at the gripping jaws or cutting edges.
The jaw shape, cutting edges, joint design, handle geometry and adjustment mechanism determine which tasks a particular pair of pliers is best suited to.
From versatile all-round tools to highly specialised designs, there are many different types of pliers. The following are among the most important options used in trades, workshops and industry.
Combination pliers are among the best-known and most frequently used pliers. They combine several functions in one compact hand tool.
Diagonal cutters are specifically designed for the controlled cutting of wires and suitable cables. Their cutting edges are positioned at the side of the plier head.
When working on electrical systems, use insulated tools that are designed, tested and marked for the intended application.
Long-nose pliers have long, narrow gripping jaws. Their slim design makes it easier to reach small components and confined or difficult-to-access areas.
Water pump pliers feature an adjustable joint and serrated gripping jaws. They are among the most important tools for plumbing, heating and general installation work.
They are particularly suitable for gripping pipes, couplings, fittings, threaded connections and other round workpieces.
Pipe wrenches are specifically designed for powerful gripping and turning of pipes and pipe connections.
Wire strippers are used to remove insulation from electrical conductors without unnecessarily damaging the conductor underneath.
Crimping pliers are used to join electrical conductors to compatible cable lugs, wire-end ferrules or plug contacts by means of a crimp connection.
Flat-nose pliers have broad, flat gripping surfaces that allow small workpieces to be held and shaped in a particularly controlled manner.
Round-nose pliers feature round or conically tapered jaws and are mainly used for bending and shaping wire.
Their rounded jaws make it possible to form loops, curves and eyelets with a high level of control.
The following overview shows the most important types of pliers and their typical applications.
| Type of pliers | Main function | Typical application | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combination Pliers | Gripping, holding and cutting | Assembly, workshop and electrical work | Versatile all-round tool |
| Diagonal Cutters | Cutting | Wire and suitable cables | Laterally positioned cutting edges |
| Long-Nose Pliers | Gripping and bending | Electronics and precision engineering | Very slim jaws |
| Water Pump Pliers | Gripping and turning | Pipes, couplings and plumbing work | Adjustable joint |
| Pipe Wrench | Powerful gripping | Pipework | High leverage |
| Wire Strippers | Removing insulation | Electrical installation | Controlled stripping |
| Crimping Pliers | Crimping | Cable lugs and plug contacts | Defined crimp connection |
| Flat-Nose Pliers | Holding and shaping | Precision engineering and jewellery making | Flat gripping surfaces |
| Round-Nose Pliers | Bending and shaping | Wire, loops and eyelets | Rounded jaw geometry |
The function of a pair of pliers is largely determined by the jaw shape, cutting edges, joint construction and any additional specialist features.
Narrow jaws are suitable for precision work, rounded jaws for shaping, and serrated jaws for a secure grip.
Combination pliers, diagonal cutters and cable cutters feature cutting edges designed for different materials and applications.
Depending on their design, water pump pliers and pipe wrenches can be adjusted to suit different workpiece sizes.
Crimping pliers and wire strippers are designed for clearly defined work steps in electrical installation.
The materials used and the quality of manufacture influence the load capacity, service life, precision and handling comfort of a pair of pliers.
High-quality pliers are manufactured from carefully selected and heat-treated tool steels.
Chrome-vanadium steels are frequently used for high-quality hand tools.
In addition to the base material, handle design and surface treatment also play an important role.
For work on or near electrical systems, use only tools that have been tested and appropriately marked for the intended application.
The best pair of pliers is not automatically the largest or most expensive. What matters is that the tool suits the task and working environment.
Electrical work, pipe installation and precision engineering place completely different demands on the right pair of pliers.
Look for a stable joint, accurately aligned jaws and cleanly finished cutting edges.
Well-shaped, slip-resistant handles improve force transmission and increase comfort during longer periods of work.
For electrical work, both the tool and its insulation must be suitable, tested and marked for the intended application.
Typical tools include combination pliers, diagonal cutters, wire strippers, long-nose pliers and crimping pliers.
Water pump pliers and pipe wrenches are frequently used for pipes, threaded connections, fittings and valves.
Combination pliers, long-nose pliers and specialist circlip pliers are standard equipment in many workshops.
Slim long-nose pliers and flat-nose pliers allow controlled work on small components.
Round-nose, flat-nose and long-nose pliers are particularly suitable for shaping and working with fine wire.
A versatile basic tool kit can include combination pliers, diagonal cutters and water pump pliers.
A few simple maintenance measures can keep high-quality pliers reliable and ready for use for many years.
When necessary, a suitable drop of oil at the joint can help keep the mechanism operating smoothly.
Dirt, metal residues, moisture and other deposits should be removed regularly.
Dry storage protects the tool surfaces and reduces the risk of corrosion.
Pliers should only be used within their intended application range and should not be used as a substitute for unsuitable tools.
Pliers are among the most versatile hand tools available. While combination
pliers can be used as a general-purpose all-round tool, diagonal cutters,
wire strippers, crimping pliers, water pump pliers and pipe wrenches are
designed for more specialised tasks.
Choosing the right type of pliers for the intended application not only makes
work more comfortable, but often more precise and efficient as well. A good
tool kit should therefore include a sensible combination of general-purpose
and specialised pliers.
Combination pliers are a practical basic tool for many users because they combine gripping, holding and cutting in one tool. Depending on the intended work, diagonal cutters and water pump pliers are also useful additions.
Combination pliers combine gripping surfaces and cutting edges in one tool. Diagonal cutters, by contrast, are more specifically designed for cutting wires and suitable cables.
Water pump pliers usually feature a multi-position adjustable joint and are suitable for a wide range of gripping tasks. Pipe wrenches are more specifically designed for powerful gripping and turning of pipes.
Wire strippers are used for this task. They are designed to remove insulation without unnecessarily damaging the conductor underneath.
Crimping pliers are used to produce a proper crimp connection. It is important that the pliers or crimping die match the contact and conductor size being used.
Common options include combination pliers, diagonal cutters, long-nose pliers, wire strippers and crimping pliers. When working on electrical systems, applicable safety requirements must be followed and suitable, tested tools must be used.
Typical indicators include accurately manufactured jaws and cutting edges, a low-play and smoothly operating joint, suitable tool steels and an ergonomic handle design.
Long-nose or needle-nose pliers are often suitable for this type of work. Their slim jaws make it possible to grip components in confined areas.
