Tools don’t get much simpler – or more indispensable – than pliers. But even this basic tool category encompasses more variations than you might imagine.
Tongue-and-Groove Pliers. We’ll start with versatile tongue-and-groove pliers (left). Nuts and bolts, big or small, these pliers can handle them all. That’s thanks to multiple grooves on one jaw that accept a tongue on the other jaw. Just open up the pliers, adjust them to the size you need, and then tighten them down.
Continue through the slides to see more of our favorite types.
With these pliers, you'll be able to strip, cut, and crimp wires with ease. You can even cut the small bolts that hold outlets in place with this handy tool.
You just can’t beat the long, slender jaws of needle-nose pliers for reaching into tight spots. They’re especially handy for craft projects, since they grip small objects and can cut wire.
When you need pliers that hold tight and don’t let go, locking pliers are your best bet. The adjustable jaws hold your work pieces until you’re ready to move on to the next step of your project.
These pliers are the most basic, but they’re still the most useful. The two-position jaws easily grab onto small and medium-sized objects.
Choose clamping pliers when you need to hold parts together but want more capacity than standard locking pliers. This tool features wide jaws and smooth, pivoting pads that are up to the task.
