Lineman pliers are an important tool for DIYers and professional electricians when dealing with electrical installation, maintenance, or repairs. It is mainly used for gripping, twisting, bending, or straightening wires or other elements.
However, you intend to use it, having the best lineman pliers will to a great extent determine how you will handle the task. There are different brands and types of lineman pliers and each can be used for specific purposes. Therefore, you must know the kind that is right for your tasks and projects.
Read this article to learn more about how to select the right tool for your projects. The article contains a guide on how to buy the best lineman pliers and reviews of some of the top-rated pliers that you will find in the stores today.
With this buyer’s guide, check out the top-rated lineman pliers on the market.
| Best Overall Lineman’s Pliers | Klein Tools D213-9NE-CR |
| Best Lineman’s Pliers For Rusted Fasteners | Vampliers 8-Inch Pro |
| Best Durable Pliers | Irwin Tools 1902416 |
| Best Grip Pliers | Knipex Tools 09 12 240 T BKA |
| Best Cutting Edge Pliers | Wiha 32631 |
| Best Lineman’s Pliers For a Money | Stanley FATMAX 89-864 |
| Best Designed Lineman’s Pliers | Channellock 369CRFT |
| Best Budget Multifunctional Lineman’s Pliers | NEWACALOX |
| Best Pliers With Integrated Crimper | Milwaukee 48-22-6100 |
1. Klein Tools D213-9NE-CR — Best Lineman’s Pliers For Electricians
Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional electrician, if you want to do your electrical maintenance and repairs right, then you need Klein lineman’s pliers. This is because it comes with a higher-leverage design.
Rivet that is closer to the cutting edge for better gripping and cutting power as compared to other pliers.
It features a restructured design with cross-matched knurled jaws for superior gripping power. The inducted and toughened cutting edges also ensure a longer cutting life. To withstand the toughest projects, this plier’s head is hardened to accuracy.
Lineman’s pliers from Klein Tools come with unique plastic bowl-shaped handles for a comfortable hold and ease of identification even in poorly lit areas. The unique handle softening also works to absorb the snap whenever you cut a wire.
To have a smooth operation with these pliers, the joint is hot-riveted. This also prevents the handle from vibrating.
We highly recommend Klein Tools D213-9NE-CR because it delivers nothing less of performance, precision, and durability.
Technical specs
- Length — 225 mm
- Weight — 1,4 pounds
- Jaws coating — Nickel chrome
- Handle — Plastic-dipped
- Crimping — Yes
Pros
- Precision hardened for tougher tasks
- High-quality for professional use
- Comfortable handles grips
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Might be too tight during the initial use.
2. Vampliers 8-Inch Pro — Best Lineman’s Pliers For Rusted Fasteners
If you prefer comfort when repairing or maintaining your electrical and mechanical components, then you don’t have to look further than VamPLIERS 8-inch. This is because it features ergonomically designed handles that come fitted with elastomers for the unmatched comfort that you want while working.
It is designed with VamPLIERS technology with the primary aim of hauling out and stripping rusted and corroded screws, nuts, and bolts. This is also a wire cutter that comes toughened to Rockwell standard HRC60±2 to allow you to handle tough screws with ease.
The pliers are carefully constructed with auto mechanics, high voltage electricians, among other professionals in mind. As such, it is a versatile pliers constructed from high-quality material. The pliers’ teeth are durable to ensure easy removal of tough screws even when other parts are wearing out.
The handles feature a nice rubber grip that is comfortable and crucial, especially when working with slippery materials or with fluids.
As such, if you want to invest in excellent gripping lineman pliers that will allow you to remove all the rusted screws, bolts, and nuts, we recommend VamPLIERs 8-Inch.
Although the pair of pliers comes at a higher price, it is definitely worth the price tag.
Technical specs
- Length — 200 mm
- Weight — 0,64 pounds
- Jaws coating — Nickel chrome
- Handle — Elastomer
- Crimping — No
- Screw extraction
Pros
- High-quality pliers
- Well made to get the job done right
- Excellent for removing rusted screws and nuts
Cons
- High price
- A bit tight in the first uses
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3. IRWIN Tools 1902416 — Best Durable Pliers
Among all the lineman’s pliers reviewed here, IRWIN Tools are the most durable. With a lot of emphasis on quality and durability, this plier has easily become the most searched for in the market.
Apart from durability, pliers feature a 3-component molded grip that is also contoured to deliver maximum comfort and control. This enables the user to do more cuts more comfortably. What’s more, the special hook and lanyard system allows the user to attach the plier to prevent accidental drops. It also enables easy retrieval from the pockets and pouches.
IRWIN Tools 1902416 have induction-hardened cutting edges that cut through tough materials such as nails, piano wires, and even screws. It is coated to protect against rust, which means it is long-lasting.
It is fitted with fish tape puller that is inbuilt and a crimper that allows you to do all your tasks with just one tool.
IRWIN is made from the highest quality materials and the latest precision engineering technology to achieve an excellent performance under different applications.
With a lifetime guarantee, we recommend 1902416 because it can give you quality performance in every task you do.
Technical specs
- Length — 238 mm
- Weight — 0,44 pounds
- Jaws coating — Аnticorrosive coating titan finish
- Handle — 3-component molded grip
- Crimping — Yes
- Fish tape puller
Pros
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
- Maximum grip for comfort and better control
- Well-built with quality design
Cons
- Doesn’t open too wide
- More effort is required when cutting
4. Knipex Tools 09 12 240 T BKA — Best Grip Pliers
With a dual-component comfort grip, this is possibly the best grip pliers to have among your tools. The grip also includes a welded tether attachment that offers effective protection against accidents caused by falling tools.
This Knipex tool is redesigned to withstand heavy-duty tasks and to complete projects in the most demanding job environments. This is attained by reducing the rivet while moving it nearer to the jaws to create higher leverage for greater cutting power.
Its cutting edges are hardened through induction to roughly 64HRC to give it a long-lasting cutting life while making it easy to cut hard, soft, and ACSR wires. Moreover, the gripping area is serrated and cross-hatched to give efficient pulling and gripping power. It has an additional gripping zone just below the joint for strong gripping of wires and pulling of nails.
The Knipex 09 12 240 pliers are manufactured from vanadium electric steel that makes them long-lasting. As such, if you require long-lasting pliers that come with excellent performance, then this is the lineman’s pliers to go for.
Technical specs
- Length — 231 mm
- Weight — 0,99 pounds
- Jaws coating — Nickel chrome
- Handle — Dual-material comfort grip
- Crimping — Yes
- Fish tape puller
Pros
- Lightweight with comfortable grips
- Durable
- Ultra-high leverage design
Cons
- Very expensive
- Cutting edges wear faster
5. Wiha 32631 — Best Cutting Edge
Wiha’s design and structure are suitable for people who engage in projects that require more cutting than gripping or pulling. It features a durable life edge that resulted from extra hardening via induction for approximately 64 hrs.
It also features an extra-long cutting edge for easy cutting of both flat and round cables. If your task entails cutting more flat and round wires, then these might be the ideal pliers for you.
It is built from special C70 tool steel that is then toughened and tempered to ensure durability and excellency at a performance.
You don’t have to worry about injuring your hands-on tough grips when working. This is because the pliers come fitted with soft vinyl grips that are comfortable to hold and work with for long hours. Furthermore, the soft grips material is resistant to oil and other solvents.
We highly recommend Wiha 32631 to people who want excellent cutting pliers suitable for cutting flat and round wires. It is best for people working on projects that involve using such wires.
Technical specs
- Length — 238 mm
- Weight — 1,08 pounds
- Jaws coating — Nickel chrome
- Handle — Soft vinyl grip
- Crimping — No
Pros
- Soft vinyl grips for comfort
- Extra-long cutting edges for excellent cutting of wires
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not great for gripping and pulling wires
6. Stanley FATMAX 89-864 — Best Lineman’s Pliers For a Money
Stanley FATMAX lineman’s pliers are built with superior materials to deliver excellent performance when gripping, bending, twisting, and cutting not only hard wires but soft ones as well. Even with the high-quality materials used during its manufacturing, it comes at a very affordable price.
It features machined jaws that ensure you have a solid grip when pulling or bending wires. The jaws are also responsible for delivering accurate cutting, especially when measurements are of the essence. Regardless of the thickness of the wire, pliers cut it hassle-free. Moreover, the cutting edges are toughened through induction to ensure durable sharpness.
Pliers have secure and comfortable handle grips that are made from bi-materials to offer a comfortable clasping and hold. You don’t have to worry about getting blisters while working on your various projects.
FATMAX 89-864 are made from very durable and sturdy materials that make them long-lasting. It is also drop forged to maximize durability and sturdiness. What’s more, all the materials used meet the ANSI standards which means that you will get value for your money if you invest in the plier.
If you are looking for pliers that will allow you to cut wires with precision, we recommend these lineman’s pliers.
Technical specs
- Length — 212 mm
- Weight — 0,75 pounds
- Jaws coating — Nickel chrome
- Handle — Dual-material comfort grip
- Crimping — No
Pros
- Comes with induction hardened cutting jaws that deliver a long-lasting sharpness
- Made from high-quality carbon steel for durable gripping
- Higher leverage pivot design for easier cutting
Cons
- The handles tend to come off after some time
- May come not as advertised
7. Channellock 369CRFT — Best Designed Lineman’s Pliers
Channellock is a well-known pliers brand that comes from one of the best manufacturers of linemen’s pliers. It is popular for distributing high-quality kinds of pliers that are available at amazingly affordable prices.
In fact, the quality and functionality that Channellock pliers offer is the same as those offered by high-end brands but at almost half the price.
It features a solid body that is designed and constructed from carbon C 1080 steel that makes this plier durable and superior in performance. The strong steel also ensures the plier’s cutting edges have a durable cutting lifespan.
369CRFT pliers (and especially their new XLT version) offer an easy cutting of hard and soft wires without much effort. This is because it is designed with a great leverage technology in which the rivet is positioned nearer the cutting edges. As such, you don’t have to use more effort when cutting cables or wires.
If precision is all you need when cutting your wires and cables, then these pliers are what you should pick. It cuts all kinds of wires with excellent precision and is hassle-free.
Technical specs
- Length — 238 mm
- Weight — 1,08 pounds
- Jaws coating — Nickel chrome
- Handle — Plastisol Grip
- Crimping — Yes
- Fish tape puller
Pros
- Easy cutting of wires with utmost accuracy
- Crosshatched jaw patterns for excellent gripping
- Reasonably priced
- Laser heated cutting edges for longer life
Cons
- Slightly heavy
8. NEWACALOX — Best Budget Multifunctional Lineman’s Pliers
Do you want pliers that you can use in many applications? Then this is the lineman’s pliers to pick. You can use them to strip wires as well as cut and bend them.
It features proTouch grip handles to offer extra comfort and reduced hand fatigue. Fatigue and blisters will be a thing of the past when working with this plier.
With thickened metal portion, it will save you force whenever cutting the wires or stripping cables. The pliers also have joint with reserved reasonable gas, which significantly reduces friction. This makes its use easy, thus ensuring you don’t tire quickly.
It is constructed from nickel chromium steel with induction hardened cutting edges that stay sharper for a longer time.
We recommend NEWACALOX pliers since it is the ideal one for such applications for those, who are looking for a pair of pliers for stripping wires or removing special screws and bolts of bigger sizes, then.
Technical specs
- Length — 212 mm
- Weight — 0,79 pounds
- Jaws coating — Nickel chrome
- Handle — PP+TPR
- Crimping — Yes
- Wire stripper
Pros
- Durable cutting edges
- Easy to use with reduced friction at the joints
- Extra-comfortable grip handles
- Best price
Cons
- Doesn’t open too wide
9. Milwaukee 48-22-6100 —Best Pliers With Integrated Crimper
This Milwaukee lineman’s pliers are one of the best-integrated crimpers with a high leverage design that you can find in the market today. It comes with a unique design that features an integrated reaming head for smoothing out rough edges of metal pipes.
It features greater cutting leverage that delivers higher power and accuracy even when cutting thick wires. With a sharp cutting edge, you will require less effort to cut cables and wires. The cutting edges are also laser toughened for a longer cutting lifespan.
Pliers are constructed from solid alloy steel that gives it exceedingly durable handles that come fitted with soft but high-quality rubber with ribbed surfaces for greater cushioning.
We recommend Milwaukee 48-22-6100 lineman pliers for those who need uniquely designed pliers that are great for professionals and DIY electrical needs.
Technical specs
- Length — 225 mm
- Weight — 0,79 pounds
- Jaws coating — Nickel chrome
- Handle — Dual-material Rubberized Overmold
- Crimping — Yes
- Fish tape puller
Pros
- Durable cutting edges
- Soft and ribbed rubberizes grip for comfort
- High cutting leverage for easy cutting
Cons
- Heavier and bulky
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Lineman Pliers?
According to the Dictionary definition lineman’s pliers are:
Pliers with reinforced pincers and insulated handles, used by electricians in working with cable and other heavy wires.
— Dictionary.com
What Are Lineman Pliers Used For?
The lineman pliers are the go-to tool for cable installation, repair, and telecommunication service providers. The pliers are designed with extra insulation handles and have a multi-purpose jaw for punching downward, crimping, and cutting cables.
What Is Another Name For Lineman Pliers?
In the US, “lineman’s pliers” is a genericized trademark for pliers similar to lineman’s pliers. In the UK, “linesman pliers” is a trademark for pliers used by telephone technicians.
Lineman’s pliers are commonly called Kleins in the US.
How to Sharpen Lineman Pliers?
The best way to sharpen lineman pliers is to use a file. Use a coarse file, then a fine file, then a sharpening stone that’s a little coarser than the fine file.
Another way to sharpening lineman pliers is by using a bench grinder. When you use a bench grinder, you can adjust the angle to whatever suits your needs best.
And finally, you can sharpen them using a rotary tool like a Dremel. You’ll need a grinding stone bit and an abrasive cutting wheel along with your linesman pliers.
Some craftsmen advise using a whetstone to sharpen the line-cutting edges. We do not recommend this method. Because the design of the jaws of the pliers does not allow you to perform high-quality sharpening with a whetstone.
Why Should You Get Lineman’s Pliers?
There are many types of pliers in the market. But why should you go for lineman’s pliers? Also known as side-cutting pliers, lineman’s pliers offer you multipurpose uses in your line of duty.
Besides having a bigger head and jaws, they are also serrated to allow easy holding of objects. Generally, the lineman’s plier is used for straightening, cutting, bending, gripping, as well as twisting wires. As you can see, you need pliers for a whole lot of functionalities.
Buyer’s Guide – How to Pick the Best Lineman’s Pliers
Lineman’s pliers are a bit different from the traditional pliers that most people know. In fact, you might even find it easier to pick the right traditional pliers from the market as compare to their lineman version. Nonetheless, lineman’s pliers are among the best options that you will find in the market. They are great at cutting, gripping, and bending wires and cables in electrical installation projects. Having the best pliers will guarantee you the much-needed safety and the efficiency to handle your projects.
Here are several factors to consider when choosing the best lineman’s pliers that will be suitable for your needs.
Size
The size of the pliers you intend to purchase is determined by the strength and effort required to have the task done. Keep in mind that different pliers are meant and suited for different kinds of tasks. For instance, pliers with elongated handles are perfect for working in confined and narrow spaces. On the other hand, smaller jaws pliers are great where accuracy matters in the project. As such, be sure to know the size of pliers you need to narrow them down to specific sizes.
Material
The type of materials used in the manufacture of pliers also matters and contributes to the overall performance. If tougher materials have been used, then the pliers become more brittle. Pliers constructed from chromium and Vanadium are said to be efficient and sturdy. As a result, you might consider picking lineman’s pliers that are manufactured from these materials.
Cutting Life
This is probably a priority when it comes to shopping for lineman’s pliers. A good tool should have cutting edges that are durable and deliver a small pinch on the tip-trimmed wire. Moreover, you require higher leveraged pliers to exert the minimum effort whenever cutting wires and other materials.
Ease of Use
Ergonomic and rubberized handles provide a comfortable and safe grip that makes sure you carry out your tasks effectively without a hassle. Furthermore, the best pliers are cushioned to deter electrostatic discharge damage to crucial components and electronics.
Cost
Price is also an important factor to consider when you are buying a lineman’s pliers. Cheaper ones often have rougher jaw surfaces and are constructed from simple metal materials as well as handles. As such, you may be required to use more effort while the handles feel uncomfortable as compared to high-end ones. You need to understand, however, that an expensive plierы is not necessarily the right one. You need to look for something within your financial reach but suitable for your needs.
Conclusion
Finding the best lineman’s pliers can be difficult. But with the correct guidance on how to identify really great tools, you can easily find the right pliers for your projects among the many brands in the market. Bear in mind that quality pliers are durable and enable you to do your job right. You can keep it here for future reviews on upcoming products and technologies.
Good luck!
Be sure to check out our other guides on top cordless ratchets and tap and die sets.
About the author
Eugene M. Carter is a hobbyist and DIY enthusiast.
He always chooses carefully tools for various DIY and automotive projects. Eugene started this website to share his experience and help pick the right tools worth your time and money.
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Oh wow, I love articles like this, as I have never before thought of all the small details that go into a pair of pliers! In the past I would have just bought the cheapest pair in the store, but I now see that my old approach was too simplistic. Thank you for this in-depth and comprehensive overview of lineman pliers!
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