In this section, we list the popular types of pliers used for various tasks. There are those suitable for different budgets, professionals and DIYers. Whether it’s cutting and repairing ball chains, removing olives from pipes or humanely dispatching birds and fish. No matter how niche the task is, we won’t stop until we’ve solved it. Buy pliers suited to the task you need to carry out. They will make the job easier, and the pliers and material you’re working on won’t get damaged. If you use them frequently, consider buying the best quality your budget will allow. You may pay more initially, but it will be worth it in the long run. Also, consider how comfortable they’ll be to hold and use over long periods.

Pipe grip: the middle part of the jaws forms a hole for gripping pipe when the jaws are closed. It usually has small teeth for extra grip. Pincers and end cutters: these two types of pliers have rounded jaws that close only at the tip. Pincers are used to pinch, twist or cut wire and pull nails or staples out of wood. End cutters are similar but are more focused on cutting wires, bolts, nails and rivets. Long nose pliers, also known as needle nose pliers, have long, thin jaws, allowing the user to have greater precision and access areas other types can’t reach. They also have short handles and slim profiles. So, what are needle nose pliers used for? Primarily, they’re used by electricians and engineers to carry out detailed work with wire, such as bending, gripping and cutting wires in confined spaces. But their flexibility and precision also make them an ideal choice for craftspeople and jewellery makers. Our wide range of gripping tools, hand tools, and pliers are designed for a whole range of jobs you may have, with a diverse product range that includes cutting tools, snips, pincers, crimping pliers, wrenches, and assorted sets. Ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and working professionals.From our Snipe Nose Smooth Jaws Parallel Plier for the smallest, most delicate tasks, to our heavy-duty Fencing Plier with compound-lever action. There are Specialist Pliers for every craft and trade. Cable cutters are types of pliers that are primarily used for cutting cables. But the jaws are not at an angle, unlike side or diagonal pliers. They use two steel blades to cut in a similar way to scissors. These are mainly used by electricians or other professionals who carry out electrical work. If you use these for gripping pipes, consider the size of the pipes you’ll be working on. Jaw opening sizes range from 34mm up to 75mm. Also, look at the quality of the adjustment, as some can be adjusted more precisely than others.

Crimping pliers: while other types can crimp, these are designed exclusively for heavy-duty crimping of tough materials such as galvanised steel. They are traditionally used for crimping around metal pipes, gutters and downspouts.Wire strippers are available in several designs, including those that self-adjust to cut a range of cable sizes. Some wire strippers also include a blade for cutting and crimping.

Mini pliers: small versions of other types such as side cutters, long-nose pliers, needle-nose pliers and end cutters. They are useful for crafting tasks, such as jewellery making. Circlip pliers: these specialised tools are used to remove or install retaining rings (circlips) in devices such as motors, pistons and turbines. Each set of pliers is expertly engineered to cut, clamp, crimp, nip, punch and prise with perfect accuracy. Again and again.

May not be suitable for use on reusable fasteners as, if you apply too much force, the fasteners will be damaged. Pivot point: where the two handles meet and pivot to open and close the jaws. Also called the fulcrum.