Pliers

Slip-Joint Pliers

The jaws of the various plier designs vary widely in shape and size to suit the application. Slip-joing pliers feature an adjustable pivot point that allows the jaws to shift which subsequently alters the grip width to accommodate a multitude of thicknesses. Flat and serrated for superior grip at the tip, the jaws of slip-joint pliers curve at the back allowing them to grip round objects, such as pipe. Some models also feature a wire cutter at the back of the neck.

Channel Lock Pliers

Channel lock pliers are a variation of slip-joint pliers. Also known as water-pump pliers or arc-joint pliers, they have angled, serrated jaws, and the lower jaw can adjust by sliding along a track under the upper jaw. This allows for varied grip sizes without widening the grip of the handles, which are typically rather long for greater leverage.

Lineman's Pliers

Lineman's pliers, commonly known as combination pliers or electrician's or engineer's pliers, are designed to cut and manipulate wire and cable. With a snub nose and cutting edge in the craw, or joint, of the pliers, lineman's pliers make quick work of bending, cutting and stripping wire insulation though their most common task is to twist stripped wire ends together to create a wire connection and to ready them to accept a wire nut.

Needle Nose Pliers

Needle-nose pliers are essentially long-nosed electrician's pliers. With a cutting edge at the hinge point and grip-enhancing serrations at the tips of their long, tapered jaws, needle-nosed pliers are perfect for working in tight and hard-to-reach places such as an electrical box.

Diagonal Cutting Pliers

Diagonal cutting pliers, or side cutters, are not intended for gripping at all, but rather for cutting copper, brass, iron, aluminum and steel wire. They don't shear as scissors do, but crimp and separate the wire into two pieces. They received their name from their design which features two cutting edges that form diagonal angles that meet at the pivot point of the pliers.