7 Best Electrician Pliers for Technicians in 2024
Lineman, needle nose, pump and diagonal pliers all have their place in an electrician’s toolbox. So whether you’re an apprentice electrician looking for a starter kit you won’t outgrow or a seasoned professional needing an upgrade, we’re here to tell you 2024’s best electrician pliers for technicians.
Best Electrician Pliers
KNIPEX American-Style Lineman's Pliers – 09 02 240
The title for overall best electrical pliers belongs to KNIPEX lineman’s pliers. Their comfort grip handles are insulated against 1,000 volts. And at 9 ½ inches, it definitely falls into the heavy-duty category.
It’s KNIPEX’s top model in lineman pliers because it has a built-in universal terminal crimper, an extra grip on the back and a fish tape puller for greater versatility.
Best Lineman Plier
Klein Tools 9” Lineman Pliers – D20009NEGLW
It’s not surprising a brand known for its unparalleled tool quality also appears twice on this list of the best electrician pliers. According to the Klein Tools website, they have designed the rivet so that it's closer to the cutting edge, translating to 46% more strength when cutting and gripping
These lineman pliers are quite unique, drawing attention to glow-in-the-dark handles that make it easy to spot if dropped behind a tool bench or other low lit areas. Whether used in natural light or artificial, it makes no difference–it draws power from either. The only complaint about this feature is you have to regularly clean the handles, otherwise, it will neither charge nor glow.
Best Plier Set
Channellock Tool Roll-8 8 Piece Plier Set
The best electrician pliers set is hands down the Channellock tool roll-8 for ergonomic grips, tight locking mechanisms and the value for the money. Included in the set are:
- 12” tongue and groove plier
- 9 ½” tongue and groove plier
- 9” linesman plier
- 8” adjustable wrench
- 8” long nose plier
- 7” cutting plier
- 7” diagonal cutting plier
- 6 ½” tongue and groove plier
Whether you’re a professional electrician, just getting started or a veteran DIYer, this plier set has all the staples in a variety of sizes–plus a wrench! Also, it comes with a premium tool roll for convenient travel and storage.
Best Needle Nose Plier
Klein Journeyman Needle Nose Pliers – J203-8
We chose the Klein needle nose pliers as one of the best electrician pliers for technicians because of their superior craftsmanship, durability, comfort and outstanding customer reviews. Like all Klein tools, these pliers were made in the U.S. with alloy steel, heat-treated and with extra long handles for improved strength.
Indeed, these needle nose pliers sport induction hardened blades for longer-lasting cutting action and a hot-riveted pivot point for seamless control over minute adjustments. Yes, superior quality comes at a price, but it's an expense you’ll only have to endure once, making the upfront cost worth the long-term investment.
Best Long Needle Nose Plier
IRWIN Vise-Grip Long Range Pliers – 1773584
Next in the lineup of best electrician pliers for technicians are the IRWIN needle nose pliers. 11 inches long, this tool can fit into tight spaces with extraordinary ease. But extra length doesn’t mean compromised strength. With ⅜” thick machine jaws, you can grip, bend and loop wires with little to no slip.
Unfortunately, an electrician’s work often takes them to tight, small and dimly lit areas. That’s where this plier shines. The extra length of the nose allows room for a flashlight without your hand blocking or casting shadows on your work.
Best Pump Pliers
KNIPEX High-Tech Water Pump Pliers
It wouldn’t be a plier buyer’s guide if KNIPEX didn’t make the list. Customers sing resounding praise for the grip strength, strong locking mechanism, superior craftsmanship and compact size that makes it best in class for pump pliers.
These pliers were designed with durability in mind. Made with carbon-hardened steel, vanadium and chromium, you can put these pliers through the test in any working condition. To prove this, one reviewer stated these were the only pliers that stood up against the corrosive chemicals used in his job site.
Additionally, these electrician pliers can grip just about any shape–hex, round, flat, square–without slip, and it has reviews to back it.
Best Diagonal Pliers
Milwaukee 7” Diagonal Cutting Pliers – 48-22-6107
On the list of best electrician pliers for technicians, the Milwaukee 48-22-6107 takes the cake for the best diagonal pliers. Not only is it rust-resistant, but it's also protected by a limited lifetime warranty, so you know the claim is the real deal.
If you prefer diagonal pliers to strip wires, this plier is more than capable of doing the job. Only 7” long, they’re compact enough to fit in a shirt pocket but still large enough to grip comfortably and long enough to apply leverage when needed. Made with Milwaukee’s comfort grip technology, they’re resistant to peeling and over-molded for more traction on tougher jobs.
Between the Iron Carbide Edge that cuts through 2 times more wires and a fish taper pull, these should be on every Electrician’s tool wish list.