Why Every Tool Kit Needs a Variety of Pliers

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It doesn’t matter if you’re a homeowner, mechanic, do-it-yourselfer, farmer, or rancher—what’s likely one of the most useful tools you own? Chances are, you’re going to say a pair of pliers. But here’s the question: Is just one type of pliers really enough?

Sure, it might seem like a simple subject, but think about it. That one pair of pliers is probably the tool you use the most around the house, shop, farm, or wherever you’re working. But there are so many different types of pliers available, each with its own specific purpose. Here we will break down why having multiple types is so important.

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Channel Lock Pliers

First up are channel lock pliers. These are probably some of the most versatile pliers you can have. The reason they’re called "channel locks" is because of the multiple positions along the handles where you can adjust the width of the jaws. These grooves, or channels, allow the pliers to open wider or stay narrow, depending on the size of the object you’re gripping. I’ve got two different sizes here, and both are heavy-duty, with sturdy jaws that have a solid grip.

The design of the handles is something often overlooked. Notice how the handles are wider at the top where you need a firm grip, then dip down toward the end. This ergonomic design fits your hand well, giving you a better grip, especially when you’re putting a lot of torque or pulling hard. Some channel locks come with rubber covers on the handles, which is a matter of personal preference. We prefer the rubber covers because they make the pliers more comfortable for extended use, but they can slip off if you’re pulling hard.

Dual-Jawed Pliers

Next are the dual-jawed pliers, probably the most common type of pliers you’ll see around. These are the ones guys carry in their back pockets, and they’re used for just about everything. What makes these dual-jawed pliers versatile is that they have two settings: one that closes the jaws completely and one that leaves a bit of space for larger objects.

The head of these pliers is designed with various notches and grooves, allowing you to grip different shapes and sizes of objects. Whether you’re turning bolts, twisting wire, or pulling out nails or cotter pins, these pliers can handle it. And if you’re working with wire, the jaws can pinch closed enough to act as a snip, cutting through wire with ease. The handle design is similar to the channel locks, with a wide top and curved end, giving you a solid grip for all the pulling, twisting, and prying you’ll do with these.

Angled Triple-Jawed Pliers

Moving on, I’ve got a set of angled triple-jawed pliers. These are smaller than most standard pliers but are great for getting into tight spaces. The triple-jaw design gives you three different settings for jaw width, depending on the size of the object you’re working with. These are ideal for jobs where you need precision but don’t want to sacrifice grip strength.

Needle Nose Pliers

Then we have needle nose pliers. These are probably the second most familiar type of pliers, easily recognized by their long, pointed snouts. Needle nose pliers are great for reaching into tight spaces where standard pliers won’t fit. While they’re not designed for heavy-duty pulling, they excel at gripping and manipulating small objects or wire. The cutting edges near the base of the jaws are perfect for snipping wires, making these pliers especially useful for electrical work or fine detail tasks.

One thing to notice about needle nose pliers is the design of the handles. Unlike pliers made for heavy pulling, needle nose pliers don’t have that outward curve at the end. Instead, the handles are designed to give you better control and precision when you’re gripping small items, ensuring that whatever you’re picking up stays securely in your grip.

Vise Grip Pliers

Last but certainly not least are vise grip pliers. While some might not consider these to be true pliers, they function similarly and are just as essential in the toolbox. Vise grips have jaws that lock into place, giving you a firm grip on the object you're working with. They come in various sizes, and their locking mechanism makes them ideal for clamping, holding, or gripping things tightly.

What makes vise grips so useful is that once they’re clamped onto something, they won’t budge until you release them using the easy-release lever. You can also adjust the jaw width with a screw on the handle to fit different sizes of objects. Whether you’re using them as a clamp while working on a project or as a substitute for regular pliers in a pinch, vise grips are a must-have.

For example on how they work: Let’s say you need to grab onto a piece of wire. You can place the vise grips on the wire, lock them in place, and they won’t let go. To release, you simply pull the lever, and they open right back up. They’re perfect for clamping things down while you’re working or holding objects steady when you need both hands free.

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So, to sum it all up, when it comes to pliers, you can never have enough. Whether you’re working in a garage, shop, farm, or around the house, having a variety of pliers at your disposal will make any job easier. Each type has its own unique strengths, so having a few different kinds on hand will ensure that you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

If you have questions about any of the information above or are just more of a visual learner, head over to our YouTube channel and watch our video (also attached below)! Leave a comment or question and receive a personal reply from Brent, our resident John Deere expert. Be sure to subscribe and thanks for reading!