10 Best Pliers Sets 2023 – Top Picks & Reviews

Whether you’re a professional or a homeowner, you need a set of pliers. They’re used for a variety of tasks, including some that may not necessarily be considered maintenance-related. However, there are many different plier sets on the market, making it challenging to choose one.

In this article, we’ve reviewed some of the top plier sets on the market. Hopefully, our reviews will give you an idea of what is currently available and which set would be best for your current situation.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		IRWIN 2078712 VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set	Quality bag Lifetime guarantee Easily adjustable	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		WORKPRO W001306A 7-piece Pliers Set	Deep forged polished steel Hardened cutting edges DIY home maintenance	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Channellock CBR-5E Code Blue E Series Set	Laser-treated 5 tools included Ergonomic	CHECK PRICE
		Craftsman 10047 Evolv 5 Piece Pliers Set	5 tools Ergonomic handles Lifetime warranty	CHECK PRICE
		Stanley 84-058 4-Piece Pliers Set	Induction-hardened Anti-slip grips Limited lifetime warranty	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Pliers Sets – Reviews

1. IRWIN 2078712 VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set – Best Overall

Out of all those we reviewed, the IRWIN 2078712 VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set is definitely the best. It has a press-n-slide button system that allows you to adjust each plier quickly. The ProTouch grips are non-slip and anti-pinch, providing extra comfort and reduced hand fatigue. You can use these pliers for quite a while without your hands beginning to hurt, which makes them perfect for extended projects. The GrooveLock can be adjusted from the open position up to the workpiece.

In total, this set comes with eight different pliers and a bag to keep them all in. The bag has a place for each tool, making it very easy to keep them all organized. This is one of the most well-made bags on the market. All the tools are well-made and work well. Most of the tools have machined jaws and hardened cutting edges.

The warranty is fantastic. It has a full lifetime guarantee that covers almost everything. The only damage that is not covered is damage due to misuse. Despite this, we think this is the best plier set you can buy this year.

2. WORKPRO W001306A 7-Piece Pliers Set – Best Value

The WORKPRO W001306A has seven different pliers included. This is slightly less than our overall pick. However, the seven pliers are likely plenty for most homeowners. They are covered in a special oil for rust protection, though you need to wipe them down before storing them. They are made from deep, forged polished steel. They are heat-treated for durability and last longer than most other options.

They have hardened cutting edges as well, which allow them to cut through wires and similar materials with ease. We found that these pliers could cut through most things, allowing them to be used for many products. They are designed to be used for DIY home maintenance, garden projects, and anything around the home.

With that said, these tools are only for light use. Otherwise, you may need tougher tools, which you will have to pay a bit more money for. However, this is the best plier set for the money. If you’re on a budget, this is the best set to get.

3. Channellock CBR-5E Code Blue E Series Set – Premium Choice

The Channellock CBR-5E Code Blue E Series Set only comes with five different tools. However, these tools are incredibly high-quality. They are made to require significantly less force than other pliers. This allows you to cut wires and such much more accessible. Your hands will get much less tired, and you’ll be able to work longer, leading to your projects getting done much faster. The teeth are laser-treated, which also helps with cutting tough materials. The edges also last longer than other tools, extending the lifespan considerably.

The high-carbon steel allows for superior performance as well. Overall, these tools are just better made than most. Of course, they do cost a bit more. However, if you’re willing to pay, these tools are the premium set option. The cool blue grips keep your hands cool, and they can cut through about just everything efficiently.

4. Craftsman 10047 Evolv 5-Piece Pliers Set

For another five-piece set, Craftsman 10047 is another good option. While it does include fewer tools than other sets, it has got the pliers that most homeowners will need. If you’re the average homeowner, this set will include all the tools you need for most basic repairs. It also includes ergonomically engineered handles, which make the pliers far easier to use. They’re very comfortable and you should have no problem using them for an extended period.  A lifetime guarantee also protects them. The company’s customer service is quite good, as well.

The steel is a bit softer than other tools. This means they cannot cut rigid wires and similar materials. They may also break more easily, simply because the metal is a bit softer. The packaging also isn’t incredibly helpful and can lead them to get damaged. There are many reports of the pliers being damaged in shipment because of this.

5. Stanley 84-058 4-Piece Pliers Set

This set is relatively small. The Stanley 84-058 only includes four pieces. However, it does include all of the main tools you need. For the average homeowner, these tools should be plenty. The grips are rubberized and anti-slip. The machined jaws are durable and can grip items quite securely. They were exceptionally high-quality. The edges are induction-hardened, which makes them much more durable than other options.

A limited lifetime warranty also covers these pliers. However, it only covers certain types of damage and is only useful in specific circumstances.

The only major negative involving this plier set is that defects are common. Of course, this isn’t necessarily a significant problem – if you don’t get a plier with a defect. A warranty covers them, so this isn’t a huge issue. However, it can be a pain to get them replaced.

6. CRAFTSMAN CMHT81716 Pliers Set

With six different pliers, the CRAFTSMAN CMHT81716 Pliers Set comes with practically everything you need. The grips are comfortable and have multiple zones for comfort and control. We liked the handles, and most of the customers reported that they did as well. If you’re sensitive about the handles, this may be an excellent option.

They are made of forged steel for strength and durability. They are quite strong; we will give them that. They have a full lifetime warranty, which allows you to replace them if one of them breaks. Of course, this doesn’t cover everything. However, it is better than most warranties.

This set also comes with a pouch to hold them all in. It isn’t exceptionally high-quality, but it is plenty for most users. It gives you somewhere to store them when they aren’t in use.

On the downside, these pliers are relatively small. They are perfect for those with smaller hands. However, they are not particularly great for those with normal-sized hands.

7. KNIPEX Tools 002006US1 Cobra Pliers Set

The KNIPEX Tools 002006US1 Cobra Pliers Set is very small. It only comes with three tools, which is far less than any of the other plier sets we’ve reviewed. The handles are decently comfortable, and we don’t have any complaints there. They are straightforward to control due to their box-joint design. They are very stable. The adjustments system is very fast, allowing you to complete your project faster. There is also a special guard that prevents your fingers from being pinched. It works decently well, but we find it not very useful in most situations.

The teeth are quite hard, which means they’ll be able to cut most things. Furthermore, they will last longer.

However, this set only includes cobra pliers. This isn’t going to be useful for most homeowners. They are only going to be useful in particular circumstances. This is the main reason we rated them so low.

8. GEARWRENCH 82108 Mixed Plier Set

On the outside, the GEARWRENCH 82108 Mixed Plier Set looks like a decent set. It includes seven different pieces that are manufactured using alloy steel. They are quite strong and durable, as well. Furthermore, the seven pliers are tools the average homeowner may need. Because of that, this is a decent set for most homeowners and even professionals.

The slim handles allow them to be used in tight quarters, and the rounded edges on the handles are very ergonomic. We also found that the handles are incredibly durable and comfortable. Most users had no complaints about the handle or comfort of the tools.

However, there were a few things we did not like about this toolset. They do have a warranty. However, it does not have much value. It does not work in many situations, and the company’s customer service is not worth much. There are many reports of the customer service not responding to inquiries involving the warranty.

The packaging is also insufficient, which may cause damage during shipment. This may not be a huge deal. However, it can come into play with the poor warranty.

9. FASTPRO F00150 Utility Pliers Set

The FASTPRO F00150 Utility Pliers Set has more tools than many of the other sets we reviewed. In total, it comes with seven different types of pliers. This is plenty for most homeowners and professionals. With this set, you’ll have a set of pliers that can do pretty much every job. However, we did not find these tools exceptionally high-quality. They are made from forged steel, which makes them quite durable. The machined jaws are also very good at gripping objects, and many customers did not have any complaints there. We also found the handles to be quite comfortable. They are double-cushioned, which prevents you from fatiguing after using them for a short time.

These tools are complicated to adjust, however. They take quite a bit of force to get them to snap into position. They are not built to last for a long-time either and tend to rust rather quickly. If you’re looking for a professional-level set, this is not it. However, they may be suitable for some homeowners on a budget. With that said, though, we recommend our best value option instead if you’re looking to save some money.

10. Ironton 20-Pc. Extreme Leverage Pliers Set

The Ironton 20-Pc. Extreme Leverage Pliers Set comes with many tools, which is why many people choose to purchase it. It comes with 20 tools in all, which is more than any other set we’ve reviewed thus far. All the tools are forged with carbon steel and designed to provide maximum leverage. The grips are soft and comfortable, so your hands should not get worn out after using them for a short time.

However, there are quite a few things you may not like about this set. Firstly, 20 pairs of pliers are more than practically any homeowner’s needs. You’re getting more than you could ever reasonably use. While many of these pliers are useful in various situations, you are never going to use all of them. They also cost more than many of the other sets we’ve reviewed because there are many tools included. If you never use all of the tools, you’re wasting money.

They also aren’t as durable as other options. There are many reports of them rusting or breaking easily. Because of that, you should not expect them to last very long.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Pliers Set

You use pliers for all sorts of things. Because of this, choosing a good set of pliers can be the pillar for many different projects. If you want to accomplish your goals, you need to choose a reliable set of pliers. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll help you do just that.

Types of Pliers

There are many different types of pliers out there. Not all sets include the same pliers. Because of this, it is essential to ensure that the set you purchase has the pliers you need. If you need a specific pair of pliers for your job, be sure that your chosen set includes that set of pliers. Otherwise, you’re going to have to spend more money picking up the pair of pliers you needed to begin with.

Durability

When you buy any tool, you should expect them to last for a while. When the tools rust or break after only a few uses, it is easy to feel ripped off. To avoid this, you should choose a set of pliers that is durable and made to last. The material the pliers are made out of matters. However, you should also consider the level of craftsmanship that went into making them.

Pliers can be made with excellent materials but poorly crafted, which would cause them to break easily. This is an easily overlooked feature, but it is essential to keep in mind if you want your pliers to last long.

Number of Tools Included

Some sets include just a few tools, while others can include up to 20. The size set you need really depends on how often you plan on using pliers. If you do a lot of home DIY work, you’re probably going to need pliers more than someone who usually calls a contractor.

You should also consider that the more tools a set includes, the more expensive it usually is. Because of this, it is not usually the best idea to go out and purchase the biggest set available.  Often, you can save a bit of money by only purchasing the size set that you really need. Bigger is not always better in this case.

Handle Material

In most sets, all the pliers are made out of the same materials. Because of this, the handle material is important. If it is low-quality, it is going to drop all of the pliers down a notch. If you dislike the handle material, you aren’t going to like using any of the pliers. We prefer molded comfort handles and those that are plastic dipped. Both of these handle materials are better for certain situations.

Molded handles are most suitable for situations where you need a secure drip. These handles allow you to apply a lot of pressure, which leads to a better grip. Dipped handles are best for times when you’re just trying to work quickly. They may be best for plumbers and others who work in tight spaces.

Any handle should be slip-proof even when your hands are covered in oil or grease. No one wants to deal with dropping their tools all the time, potentially breaking them and wasting productive time.

Material

All pliers are made out of steel. Rather, we should say most pliers—as there may be some strange pliers out there that are made of something else. However, not all steel is made equal. Different companies have their own laws regarding the blending of steel, which leads to varying qualities of steel depending on the country it comes from.

USA steel tends to be very consistent and reliable since the country’s regulations are very strict. Because of this, we prefer steel that comes from—as well as tools made in—the USA.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that steel from every other country is bad. You can find quality weapons from other countries, so don’t instantly throw out a tool just because it isn’t made from the USA.

Cutting Ability

While pliers aren’t primarily used for cutting, many people do use them to cut wires and that sort of thing. You should look for tools that are induction-hardened, as they will be able to handle harder wires without bending or denting.

Some pliers will blatantly say “not made for steel”, which means they are unable to cut steel wires. However, they can likely still cut things like copper and aluminum. This may be all that you need if you do not use steel wire often. However, if you are a professional who works with a lot of steel wire, you should avoid wires that aren’t made to cut this sort of material.

The types of pliers:

• Snap-ring pliers
• Needle nose pliers
• Safety wire pliers
• Fencing pliers

Cost

Plier sets vary quite a bit. Some are very expensive, while others are so cheap you can hardly believe it. The cost is usually connected to the quality of the tools. If there are more pliers in a set, the set is likely to cost more. It really just depends on the quality of the tools, the brand, and the number of tools included.

Your budget is completely dependent on your own situation. Because of this, we can’t tell you how much you should spend on a set of pliers. However, we can tell you that the more money you spend, the high-quality set of pliers you’ll likely get.

If you’re on a strict budget, you may want to consider purchasing a set with fewer tools in it instead of purchasing a cheap set with a lot of tools. That way, the tools will be high-quality.

Conclusion

There are many different pliers sets out there that you can choose from. We particularly liked the IRWIN 2078712 VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set. It isn’t terribly expensive, has a good warranty, and is comfortable to use. With this set, the average homeowner will be able to perform most projects and home repairs.

If you need to save a bit of money, the WORKPRO W001306A 7-piece Pliers Set is also a solid option. It comes with many different pliers—more than even some of the most expensive sets we’ve reviewed. The tools are decently well made as well.

We hope that our reviews and buyer’s guide paved the way for your purchase decision.