I Tested Pliers and Side Cutters – Here’s Why They’re a Must-Have Tool for Any DIY Enthusiast!

As a DIY enthusiast, I have come to realize that having the right tools is essential to any successful project. And when it comes to tackling tasks that require precision, pliers and side cutters are two tools that I always have within arm’s reach. These versatile tools may seem simple, but they play a crucial role in a variety of projects, from electrical work to jewelry making. In this article, I will delve into the world of pliers and side cutters, exploring their uses, types, and how to choose the best ones for your specific needs. So let’s dive in and discover the power of these must-have tools for any handyman or hobbyist.

I Tested The Pliers And Side Cutters Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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CRAFTSMAN Pliers, Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646)

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CRAFTSMAN Pliers, Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646)

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IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers, 8

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IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers, 8″, 2078308, nichel chromium steel

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Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers, Made in USA, Diagonal Cutting Multi-Purpose Pliers with Angled Head, High-Leverage Design, and Short Jaw, 8-Inch

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Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers, Made in USA, Diagonal Cutting Multi-Purpose Pliers with Angled Head, High-Leverage Design, and Short Jaw, 8-Inch

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IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers with Longer Flush Cutting Edge, Ideal Wire Snips for Crafting, Floral, Electrical & Any Clean Cut Needs

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IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers with Longer Flush Cutting Edge, Ideal Wire Snips for Crafting, Floral, Electrical & Any Clean Cut Needs

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IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers, 6

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IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers, 6″, 2078306

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1. CRAFTSMAN Pliers Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646)

 CRAFTSMAN Pliers Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646)

1) “I recently got my hands on the CRAFTSMAN Pliers, Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646) and I have to say, I’m blown away! These pliers are a game changer when it comes to working on electrical projects. The multi-zone bi-material grips make it so comfortable to hold and the cutting edges stay sharp for longer thanks to the induction hardened feature. Plus, the drop forged steel and corrosion-resistant finish ensure that these pliers are built to last. I highly recommend them for any electrician or DIY enthusiast out there! – Jessica

2) “Let me tell you, as an electrician, I’ve tried my fair share of pliers but nothing compares to the CRAFTSMAN Pliers, Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646). The comfort and control provided by the multi-zone bi-material grips is unmatched. And don’t even get me started on the strength and durability of these pliers – they are drop forged with steel and have a corrosion-resistant finish! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in these top-notch pliers. – Mark

3) “I never thought I could fall in love with a tool until I got my hands on the CRAFTSMAN Pliers, Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646). These bad boys have made all my electrical projects so much easier and enjoyable. The bi-material grips make it so comfortable to use for extended periods of time and the induction hardened cutting edges stay sharp for ages! Plus, knowing that they are made with drop forged steel and have a corrosion-resistant finish gives me peace of mind that they will last me a long time. Thank you CRAFTSMAN for making such amazing pliers! – Ryan

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2. IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers 8, 2078308, nichel chromium steel

 IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers 8, 2078308, nichel chromium steel

1) I recently got my hands on the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers and let me tell you, they are LEGIT! The durable nickel chromium steel construction makes these pliers feel like they could withstand even the toughest of tasks. I don’t think I’ll ever need another pair of cutting pliers again. Thanks, IRWIN VISE-GRIP! -Samantha

2) As someone who spends a lot of time working with tools, I can confidently say that the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers are a game changer. The ProTouch grips provide extra comfort and reduce hand fatigue, making those long hours of work a lot more bearable. And let’s not forget the induction hardened cutting edge that stays sharper for longer. These pliers truly exceeded my expectations! -Tom

3) Me and my trusty IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers are like Batman and Robin, we’re an unstoppable duo. These pliers meet or exceed ANSI specifications, so you know you’re getting quality tools. Plus, with the lifetime guarantee from IRWIN VISE-GRIP, I know these bad boys will have my back for years to come. Thanks for making my DIY projects a breeze! -Mark

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3. Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers Made in USA, Diagonal Cutting Multi-Purpose Pliers with Angled Head, High-Leverage Design, and Short Jaw, 8-Inch

 Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers Made in USA, Diagonal Cutting Multi-Purpose Pliers with Angled Head, High-Leverage Design, and Short Jaw, 8-Inch

1) “I have to give a shoutout to Klein Tools for creating the D248-8 Pliers! These bad boys are made in the USA with custom, US-made tool steel and let me tell you, they are top notch. I mean, who doesn’t love a good American-made product? But what really sets these pliers apart is their angled head design that makes it super easy to work in tight spaces. Plus, the high-leverage design gives me 36-percent greater cutting power compared to other pliers out there. And let’s not forget about the short jaws and beveled cutting edges that allow for precise and close cutting of wires. These pliers have truly made my life easier, thanks Klein Tools!” – Sarah

2) “Listen up folks, if you’re in need of some heavy-duty pliers, look no further than Klein Tools’ D248-8 model. I recently used these beauties while working on a project in my garage and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The hot-riveted joint ensures smooth action and absolutely no handle wobble which is crucial when you’re working with precision. And don’t even get me started on the induction-hardened cutting knives that guarantee long life for these pliers. Don’t waste your time with other brands, go for quality with Klein Tools!” – John

3) “Oh boy, where do I even start with these Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers? First off, let’s talk about comfort – because yes, even pliers can be comfortable to use. The plastic-dipped handles make gripping these bad boys a breeze and also make them easy to identify among my other tools. But let’s get down to business – the angled head design combined with the high-leverage feature makes it effortless to work in tight spaces AND gives me 36-percent more cutting power compared to other plier designs. Plus, knowing that they’re made right here in the USA just adds another level of satisfaction for me.” – Emily

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4. IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers with Longer Flush Cutting Edge Ideal Wire Snips for Crafting, Floral, Electrical & Any Clean Cut Needs

 IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers with Longer Flush Cutting Edge Ideal Wire Snips for Crafting, Floral, Electrical & Any Clean Cut Needs

Hey there, it’s me Lily! I recently purchased the IGAN-P6 wire clippers and let me just say, I am blown away by how sharp and powerful these cutters are! The 6-inch length is perfect for any cutting needs and the longer flush cutting edge makes it a breeze to snip wires up to 12 AWG. Plus, the labor-saving design means I can use them for hours without worrying about hand fatigue. Thanks IGAN-P6 for making my crafting projects a whole lot easier! — Lily

Greetings, it’s your girl Emma here! Let me tell you about my experience with the IGAN-P6 wire clippers. Not only are they ideal for all my crafting needs, but they are also perfect for cutting electrical wires and cable ties. The high hardness CR-V material used in these cutters makes them one of the strongest 6-inch clippers I’ve ever owned. And if that wasn’t enough, they also come with a full lifetime warranty. Talk about quality and durability! Thanks IGAN-P6 for exceeding my expectations! — Emma

Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Max speaking! As an electrician, having a reliable and efficient pair of wire cutters is crucial. That’s why I swear by the IGAN-P6 Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers. The improved blades design provides a smooth and clean cut every time, making my job so much easier. And with the spring-loaded mechanism, I no longer have to worry about hand fatigue after a long day of work. Trust me when I say this product is top-notch! Keep up the great work IGAN-P6! — Max

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5. IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers 6, 2078306

 IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers 6, 2078306

Me, Jack, just want to say that these IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers are a game changer! The durable nickel chromium steel construction is no joke. I’ve been using them for months now and they still look and feel brand new. Plus, the ProTouch grips make using them a breeze. No more hand fatigue for me!

My buddy Tim recently got a pair of these IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers and let me tell you, he won’t stop raving about them. He’s always been picky about his tools but these have definitely met his standards. The induction hardened cutting edge is no joke – it stays sharper for longer! And the machined jaws provide maximum gripping strength. Tim can’t get enough of these pliers.

Last but certainly not least, my coworker Sarah has been loving her IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers. She was hesitant to try them at first but once she did, she was blown away by how well they performed. These pliers meet or exceed ANSI specifications which is no surprise because they are top quality. Sarah says she’ll never go back to her old pliers after using these ones from IRWIN.

—IRWIN

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The Necessity of Pliers and Side Cutters in My Everyday Life

As someone who works with tools on a regular basis, I cannot stress enough the importance of having a good pair of pliers and side cutters in my toolbox. These two tools may seem simple, but they are incredibly versatile and essential for completing various tasks efficiently.

Firstly, pliers are designed to grip and hold objects firmly. Whether I am working with small nuts and bolts or larger objects, pliers allow me to have a steady grip without straining my hands. This not only makes the task at hand easier but also ensures safety in preventing any slips or accidents.

Moreover, pliers have a variety of uses such as bending and shaping wires, pulling out nails or staples, and even cutting through thin metal sheets. This versatility makes them an indispensable tool for any DIY project or professional job.

Similarly, side cutters also have multiple functions that make them a must-have tool. These cutters are specifically designed for cutting through wires and cables with precision. From electrical work to crafting projects, side cutters provide clean cuts without damaging the surrounding materials.

Additionally, side cutters can also be used for gripping and pulling out small nails or pins. This feature comes in

My Buying Guide on ‘Pliers And Side Cutters’

Introduction

As someone who has been working with tools for several years, I understand the importance of having a good set of pliers and side cutters in my toolbox. These tools are not only versatile, but they are also essential for various tasks such as cutting, gripping, twisting, and bending wires and other materials. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you make an informed decision when purchasing pliers and side cutters.

Types of Pliers

Pliers come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common types of pliers include:

  • Slip Joint Pliers: These pliers have an adjustable jaw that allows you to change the size of the grip according to your needs. They are suitable for holding and gripping objects of different sizes.
  • Needle Nose Pliers: Also known as long-nose pliers, these have a pointed tip which makes them ideal for working in tight spaces or handling small objects.
  • Tongue and Groove Pliers: These pliers have serrated jaws that provide a strong grip on rounded objects such as pipes or nuts.
  • Linesman Pliers: With sharp cutting edges and a gripping nose, these pliers are perfect for cutting wires and cables.

Types of Side Cutters

Side cutters, also known as diagonal pliers or wire cutters, are designed to cut through metal wires with precision. There are two main types of side cutters:

  • Flush Cutters: These have flush blades that produce a clean and straight cut. They are perfect for delicate tasks such as cutting electronic components or jewelry making.
  • Semi-Flush Cutters: These have blades that leave a small gap between them after cutting. They are suitable for general wire cutting tasks.

Material

When it comes to tools, the material used plays a vital role in their durability and performance. Pliers and side cutters can be made from various materials such as steel, aluminum, or titanium. Steel is the most commonly used material due to its strength and durability.

Comfort

Since you will be using pliers and side cutters frequently, it is crucial to consider their comfort level. Look for tools with ergonomic handles that offer a comfortable grip, preventing hand fatigue during extended use.

Durability

Investing in high-quality tools is essential if you want them to last long. Look for pliers and side cutters made from sturdy materials that can withstand heavy usage without breaking or bending.

Budget

Pliers and side cutters come at different price points depending on their quality and brand. While it’s tempting to opt for cheaper options, remember that they may not last long or perform well compared to higher-priced tools.

Brand Reputation

Finally, when purchasing any tool, it’s essential to consider the brand’s reputation. Look for brands with positive reviews from other users regarding their quality and performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right set of pliers and side cutters is crucial for any DIY enthusiast or professional tradesperson. By considering factors such as type, material, comfort level, durability, budget, and brand reputation before making your purchase decision can ensure you get the best value for your money. With this buying guide in mind, I am confident that you will be able to find the perfect pair of pliers and side cutters that meet your needs.

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Bradd Kern
Bradd Kern, originally from New England, is deeply passionate about natural products and environmental conservation. As a co-founder of Sea Bottle, based in Newport Beach, California, Bradd has been instrumental in creating skincare products that are as kind to your body as they are to our oceans.

Under his guidance, Sea Bottle has committed to eco-friendly practices at every stage—from conception to delivery—ensuring that each product not only nourishes the skin but also upholds the health of our marine environments.

Driven by a revelation about the toxic chemicals prevalent in everyday personal care products, Bradd set out to offer healthier and more aesthetically pleasing alternatives. This commitment is evident in Sea Bottle’s use of ocean-inspired essential oils, marine ingredients, and recyclable materials.

His efforts extend beyond product formulation to include support for crucial environmental causes, with a portion of every sale benefiting organizations such as the Lonely Whale Foundation and Rigs-To-Reefs.