Reddit mentions: The best plier sets

Basic pliers set

Nylon pliers when you're doing cosmetic work and don't want to scratch the metal

I've been doing this for 2 years now, and I've been using only these tools since I started. I tried to find the exact pliers set I bought, but it looks like they don't sell it anymore- the same company sells a 7-piece set, which I'll link it here in case you want it. It includes the nylon pliers I recommended, so it might be worth it after all. Cost is a little over $20.

7-piece pliers set

As far as wire goes, there are a lot of YouTube videos that recommend "round wire" and "square wire" and "half-round wire. Over time, I've bought some of each, but I use the regular round wire for 95% of the pieces I make. You might want to switch to a different type later, but you don't need it at the start. You'll also eventually develop a preference for gauge (or thickness), but I'll share my favorites with you to start. These two sizes will cost you about $20 total. It's silver-coated copper, so it's cheap and easy to manipulate, but be careful about scratching the silver off (nylon pliers FTW).

18 gauge for the base wire

28 gauge for detail work

With your pliers and your wire, you're all ready to start wrapping! I started with sea glass, found rocks, cheap quartz, geode pieces, or inexpensive stones purchased from art shows and such. Here is one of my first pieces. I fell in love with it immediately, and started making pieces for all my friends and family. When I got better, I started selling on Etsy. This year, I went to the Rock & Gem Showcase in Tucson, and spent a fair amount on stones, bones, and even meteorites- but my point is that you don't have to start with a large investment. Grow as you go. Here is my most recent wrap, I just started messing with patinas.

Here are some YouTube videos I watched two years ago that really helped me start. There are different styles of wrapping, so it all depends what kind of style you like. If you look up "wire wrap" on YouTube and just pick whatever type of wrap you like, you can learn anything! Pendants, rings, the classic tree of life. But these are what I recommend, if you like my style.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZwjkikxyws

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-YK0JMv7vY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fkFQsIEguQ

Knipex combination pliers have become one of my favorite knipex products. Less bulky than linesman pliers, more beefy than needle nose. Not too expensive either.

Knipex cutters (my preferred size is 8") are some of the best made.

Their compact bolt cutters are awesome too.

Cobras are well renowned, although your Irwin Groovelocks are a decent substitute.

Pliers wrenches are very nice to have, but pretty spendy, even for Knipex.

When browsing Amazon for knipex, its best to search Amazon Warehouse for any "used" deals, and use a price tracker like CamelCamelCamel to get them when the prices are low. The prices fluctuate a lot more than is reasonable. Amazon Warehouse "used" products are typically just products that have been returned or products with damaged packaging. I've had great luck with Amazon Warehouse, everything has been like-new, but without original packaging.

This is a good buy right now, especially the $65 "used" Amazon Warehouse offering.

I also like this set with the cute keeper pouch.

I too was in your position just a few years back. Here is a list of my recommendations for the entry-level versions of the items you listed above as well as some other things I like to have handy.

• Hammer, $15; This hammer is cheap, it has a peen (for drawing out metal) and is... well... a hammer.
  
• Anvil, $60; This anvil is definitely a beginner anvil but it is what I used for two years until I upgraded. You can pick it up in most all Harbor Freight stores as I assume there is one in every state.
  
• Tongs, $15; This set of pliers will help with quite a few things the main being to hold the metal once heated. I know that these are not what one thinks about when they think "blacksmithing tongs" but I have used similar ones for the entire time I have forged due to their versatility.
  
• Apron, $25; I personally have not used this exact apron before but it is cheap and though not beautiful, it is functional and trust me, spending $25 now on this may very well save you 100 times that in hospital bills.
  
• Gloves, $20; These are the gloves I use at my forge and I can say that there is little to no loss of dexterity and they provide ample heat resistance.
  
• Forge; This is the one piece that deters people the most as it is the most expensive piece. The type of forge you get depends on your budget and your ability/aptitude for DIY work. Here are my recommendations for three different budget levels.
  

• High-End Budget; 2 Burner Blacksmith Forge $489.95
  
• Mid-Level Budget; 1 Burner Blacksmith Forge $350
  
• Entry-Level Budget; This Video will take you through the process of making a Coffee Can Forge. They are suitable for the entry level smith and can, if done right, be made for less than $150.
  
  Now for my personal suggestions;
  
  

• Grinder, $55; This Handy-Dandy little grinder is what I use for most all of my knife smithing. It is pretty cheap and a great entry-level piece of equipment.
  
• Metal, $5-$20; When you are starting off, I highly advise to start with the tool steel available at Home Depot and/or Harbor Freight because they are very cheap and you can stand to mess up without wasting expensive metal.
  
• This Book is what I began learning with and it comes packed with a number of starter projects to help you get started on learning basic skills as well as acting as a reference later on down the line.
  
  I hope this list helps and I wish you well on your journey in beginning Bladesmithing!
  
  
• O

GearWrench 35pc micro driver set I have one of these and it comes in handy all the time. I'm a professional mechanic and this kit always comes with me on service calls.

or

Wera Tool-Check Plus Bit Ratchet Set with Sockets - Imperial Basically a fancier more indepth version of the GearWrench set. I don't own one, but its on my list and would likely replace the GW set at work. I'd bring the GW set home.

or

Knipex Alligator Plier Set What can be said, Knipex makes the best pliers. You can grab hex heads, turn pipe as it grips like a mother, and any other thing your sweet little heart desires.

or

If you want to save up a little more cash, these Knipex Plier Wrenches are awesome or so I've heard Also on my list of stuff to get. These play a similar role as adjustable wrenches.

Corollas are great cars! I thought about getting one as my second car.

Yeah, you do need tools for most things. If you are able, you can assemble a small tool kit for under $100, and that will allow you to do a lot of stuff. Changing your own oil is a very good place to start, and most cars only need a single socket to do it.

If you want to get into car maintenance without tools, you can clean your car out, check and top off the fluids accordingly, or go to a gas station that has an air pump to pump up your tires.

Here is a good beginning to a tool kit:

Screwdrivers

Sockets

Pliers

Wrenches

Excellent article thanks. I do twist my heater wires, but you can't see them under the board. I also try to keep them as far away from signal as I can. Hence under the board. I use a drill, but am considering getting a pair of safety wire pliers to make it easier. The bias pot is a common Fender mod. A guy at ACoC just put one in his AB165 Bassman, and switched to 6V6s. It sounds great.

EDIT: I guess along the wall of the chassis would be farther from the signal chain.

EDIT2: You asked how wild the builds get? My friend Scott did this He later added an effects loop.

Well, I think I can shed a little light on what you're in for.

Years ago, a good friend of mine was still living at home with his father. We were both around 20 years old and my friend had just met his future wife. Finding time to be intimate in his father's small house was difficult at best.

One fortunate afternoon, his dad was out and about... my friend took full advantage, purchasing a 3-pack of Trojans and a rose to woo his beautiful lady. Sexy times ensue...

Afterwards, my friend tossed the condom in the bathroom trash (a notoriously short, easily accessible trash barrel). He then left to take his lady for a bout of laser tag or whatever us kids did at the time for amusement.

Cut to later that day, my friend returns home to find his dad crouched behind the family dog on the kitchen floor. Armed only with a pair of pliers and limited veterinary skills, he was pulling the used condom from the dog's rear end. The condom stretched about a foot before snapping free in a miasmic haze of Alpo and regret.

His father turned to my friend with a look of utter disappointment on his face and said, "I have no idea what you're up to when I'm not around but this will never happen again."

We all know the dog ate the condom... but on those nights when he's alone in bed, dark and cold, he wonders what his dad thinks.

TL;DR buy yourself a set of these: http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-84-114-Piece-6-Inch-Diagonal/dp/B0006HVU4W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335527522&sr=8-1

I can't speak highly enough of knipex's slip joints and especially their pliers wrench. Holy hell do I love their pliers wrench. This Raptor is also exceptional, and all the Raptor branded hand tools are are a very good quality for a very fair price.

Makita, Milwaukee and Dewalt all make very serviceable cordless tools. My brother runs Makita and likes them a lot. I'm in DeWalt, and some of the new 60v stuff is really cool. Also Dewalt has this impact driver which has a push button bit release instead of a collet and a three speed torque selector. Probably my favorite tool of all time.

Pick-up some tools and chemicals:

Acetone

91% Isopropyl Alcohol

Mini Files

Some small pliers and clippers

Allen Wrenches

A screwdriver set

Digital calipers

Some M3 Hardware

Neodymium Magnets

___

Consider putting together an enclosure: Search "ikea 3d printer enclosure" on sites like Thingiverse -- I'm told it's not necessary if printing PLA, but it's necessary if you want to do ABS. I've been printing with mine non stop for 2 weeks without an enclosure, but I'm also building it in between toy prints for my girlfriend.

Bookmark and study this

Watch some assembly videos on youtube of people putting their MK3s together

Start learning a CAD software - I highly suggestion Fusion 360. It's free and powerful. This guy makes a fantastic tutorial and skips no steps or button presses. Watch it, follow along, and pause when he goes faster than you.

Start learning a creative software too. ZBrush or Maya (or both)

I highly recommend the Hakko 936 soldering iron Hakko 888 soldering iron, which is still actually available. It's hard to fathom how a $100 soldering iron could be that much better than a $20 one, but once you start doing anything more serious than just sticking some wires together, it's worth it.

As for other tools,

• Standard needle nose, dikes, and pliers set
  
• Tweezers - Additionally plastic ones if you're going to do PCB etching.
  
• Dental Picks - for positioning surface mount parts and pushing wires into molten solder.
  
• Wire strippers - You'll often see people using the combo wire stripper / crimpers. They're not as nice as a real pair of strippers.
  
• +/-12V power supply for basic analog electronics, 5V for digital work
  
• Breadboard
  
• Solder sucker - Copper braid is useful for the same thing, but given the choice of the two, I prefer the sucker to undo soldered joints.
  
• 30x Jewelers Loupe - Mostly useful for surface mount work, but pretty much all soldering is easier when you're able to look at it.
  
  As for components, I've been buying them piece-meal for years, so other's will probably be able to yield you a better recommendation for kits than anything I can find just from a quick search. I do mostly digital work, so as far as passives, my main stock is:
  
  
• 0.1uF and 100uF capacitors, 25V
  
• 100, 330, 1k, 4.7k, 10k, 100k, 1M resistors
  
  If I need any other resistor for a specific project, I'll tend to just buy an extra 10 and keep them in labeled coin envelopes.
  
  Random other pieces:
  
  
• Precut Breadboard jumper wires
  
• 7805 - 1A 5V linear regulators
  
• 1N4007 diodes
  
• 1N4148 small signal diodes
  
• 3V linear regulators if you do low power work (MSP430, etc)
  
• An Arduino - If not for real projects, I use this a lot to hack together crude digital signal generators to test other chips.
  
• LEDs - I found a good deal on bright red ones, but any will do
  
• push buttons, power switches, DIP switches (4 in a tiny package that fits in breadboards)
  
• Copper clad perf board - To make through-hole projects permanent. Be careful because this also comes without the copper pads, which is just more of a pain in the ass to use.
  
• Copper Solder braid
  
  Edit: Fixed the soldering iron model.
  
  Disclaimer: I'm using my Amazon Associate links for all of these, which always feel a little amoral and a conflict of interest, but really, if my apartment were to go up in flames and I could afford it, I'd buy every link on this list right now. Does anyone have strong opinions one way or the other on using them?

This is a selection of what I keep in my tech go-bag. You'll build your kit as you learn and build experience, or realize you could have helped a customer out of a jam quicker if you had that tool with you.

• cheap flashlights you wont feel bad about leaving in a ceiling or inside a rack: https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Lights-Super-Bright-White/dp/B00I45JKTA/
  
  
• torx screwdriver for lots of little devices. I have a similar set and it's pretty decent: https://www.amazon.com/Vastar-Magnetic-Precision-Screwdriver-Electronics/dp/B015F734P0/
  
  
• power supply tester
  
  
• rechargable canned air
  
  
• zip ties
  
  
• velcro: https://www.amazon.com/iMBAPrice-Cable-Fastening-Tape-Yards/dp/B00FT2WHO6/
  
  
• leatherman/gerber multi-tool (needlenose) convenient when you need to do something quick and you don't have your bag with you.
  
  
• Set of pliers/wire cutters (leave the chanel locks at home): https://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-4-Piece-Traditional-2078707/dp/B000CFMCTK/
  
  
• sharpies
  
  
• electrical tape: the good kind not the cheapo stuff
  
  
• multi-screwdriver: https://www.amazon.com/Lenox-Tools-23932-Multi-Tool-Driver/dp/B0013NX2DA/
  
  
• cordless electric screwdriver if you have lots of screwing to do.
  
  
• razor knife: https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Lite-Pocket-Knife-31-000345/dp/B002RILCLY/
  
  
• cable tester/tone generator: https://www.amazon.com/ELEGIANT-Multifunction-Tracker-Measuring-Instrument/dp/B01HCQSHNG/
  
  
• analog phone for testing phone lines: https://www.amazon.com/Saytay-Telephone-Lineman-Tester-Connectors/dp/B01ABT7458/
  
  
• punch down tool: https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-Punch-Krone-Blade-TC-PDT/dp/B0000AZK4D/
  
  
• cable crimper: https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-RJ-45-RJ-12-RJ-11-TC-CT68/dp/B0000AZK4G/
  
  Various extra parts I've accumulated over the years like screws, ATX Molex Power to SATA Power Adapters, ATX Molex Y splitters, SATA cables etc..
  
  Good luck and some tools overlap like multi tools and pliers so if budget is low, go with the tool that covers the most jobs.
  
  Edit: I noticed your bag is kind of expensive compared to something like a Dewalt tool bag. I use a plain Dewalt bag which is not as cool as the one in the link, but it's just as tough. This might be a good and less expensive consideration for you if you don't require the look of a briefcase for your tool bag.
  
  Edit 2: You may want to mark your tools with a wrap of some crazy bright color electrical tape to be able to recognize them when they walk away.
  
  
  

Actually I didn't buy a set, but you can get a better deal on them if you do get one.

First I bought the 7 inch after using a coworkers' and thought it was nifty, but still thought it was ridiculous spending $45 on a set of pliers. Then I realized how amazing they are and about a month later got the 12 inchers and had no problem paying the $60 for them. Honest to fuck, even if they were $200 today I would buy them again.

Anyway. The set I've seen has 7, 10, and 12 inchers, and I can't see myself using the 10. Maybe on the rare occasion I need it to fit somewhere ridiculous. So, my next purchase is actually going to be this set which has the CUTEST little 6" model that I want for fitting in small places. Then maybe some day the 16 inch but I really have no use for that at the moment. Maybe just to match my 1.5 inch ratcheting wrench which also gets used about twice a year.

The oven pan, the frying pan, etc. Mittens breack. The tail of the frying pan melted.

The idea of grabbing anything hot, and securely move it from one place to the next. Key word is secure.

For example I love to cook potatoes on a metal plate. I cut them into round wheels nd place them on the heated steel plate. Let them cook then serve hot or cold with onions and sunflower oil.

Use knife to turn them bad boys while holding the plate with the other hand, using pliers.

Sorry, english is not my native tongue

This things https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-84-114-Piece-6-Inch-Diagonal/dp/B0006HVU4W/ref=sr_1_4?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1541369010&sr=1-4&keywords=pliers.


Steel plate: https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Rolled-Steel-Plate-10/dp/B00YWBQ5AW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541369144&sr=8-3&keywords=steel+plate

I cut out mine from a big sheet of steel using a grinder. Not sure about thickness tho.

Honestly, I learned the importance of pliers in the kitchen back in highschool and my burned fingers/ year dropped to 0. But, to each his oun.

Here's what I would personally recommend for a decent minimum starter set, assuming you're just looking for general homeowner/handywork tools:

• 5-in-1 screwdriver
  
• 16 oz. claw hammer
  
• 6 in. adjustable wrench
  
• Measuring tape
  
• Allen wrenches
  
• Pliers
  
  Those are all solid quality tools that I've personally used in the past. There's obviously tons of other stuff you'll need along the way if you're into fixing things but that's a great starting point.

There are two things to consider here: Quality and ergonomics.

We can tell you about quality (well, some of us), but only you can decide what feels good in your hand.

I am looking at this GearWrench set, mostly because it has each style that I like/want/need, and because it has the large comfort grips that I like (I have large hands, though).

I have Channellock right now, a 3-piece set that I inherited from my grandfather and a 4-piece set I got on sale, cheap. I hate them; they are awful. The grips are terrible (thin rubber, not shaped well), the design is abysmal (cross-hatching on needlenose?!), and the quality is atrocious (uneven jaws, puddled anti-corrosion compound interfering with function, metal burrs sticking out, and the old ones are wobbly and dull, despite not seeing much use).

Needless to say, I would not buy again, and the ones I have will be on craigslist the day my GW set comes in.

I own a single pair of NWS, which are amazing quality, but I really don't know what to do with them; they are the "combination" pliers, trying to be needlenose, cutters and linesman all at the same time... which means that they are kind of useless for any of them.

Which is my complaint about all the Euro brands, like Knipex or Gedore; for single tools, maybe, but they just don't make certain styles of pliers, and they are pricey.

Stanley made a FatMax line of pliers, but they haven't been available for a while; maybe they will be the new Craftsman? (although the early reviews of the new Cman aren't looking great... ;( )

The Doyle line at Harbor Freight is getting pretty good reviews, if you like the thin grips.

Maybe. I usually bodge this with dental picks or sharpened needle-noses, but honestly snap ring pliers are a useful tool and not very expensive. Plus you can get 'em via Prime.

Knipex are amazing. I borrowed them constantly for like a week and bought this set and recommend them to everyone.

Knipex 002006S1 3-Piece Cobra Pliers Set (7-Inch, 10-Inch, & 12-Inch) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4KNTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_O5HerMerjQW2o

Tools are good. Don't know what he needs but these are the best pliers out there.

I use the shears from a set like this to snip out each piece. It works pretty good.

I would get him a these, seriously the best I've ever used and totally worth the money. A few companies have copied the push button design, but there is no comparison. Traditional toungue and groove pliers are so clumsy after using knipex.

Knipex get pretty rave reviews from people on YouTube if you want to see why it's worth paying 2x there price of channel locks.

Knipex 002006S1 3-Piece Cobra Pliers Set (7-Inch, 10-Inch, & 12-Inch) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4KNTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mG5mybQPZEYZ4

Snap on sells knipex pliers, dykes, etc. If you don't own any knipex stuff, it's great.

My person favorites are these:


https://www.amazon.com/7401250SBA-10-Inch-Leverage-Diagonal-Cutters/dp/B000X4MPAQ


https://www.amazon.com/KNIPEX-Tools-00-20-US1/dp/B000X4KNTG/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1526243314&sr=1-5&keywords=knipex+plier+set


Snapon sells these with their logo on them, I've worn a few sets of the pliers out, the dykes I generally lose before I wear them out.... They are great for cutting through shift cables and doing drum brake work.

Crescent PSX200C X2 Long Reach Pliers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091KHK6C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_c1W.Bb3NHS178

Use a pliers like this that can go in the hole deeper most autozones or advanced auto might carry ones like this

You don't actually need 'chainmail' pliers. Some basic pliers from your local home center will be just fine. Like this set will be fine I think:
https://smile.amazon.com/Stanley-84-114-Piece-6-Inch-Diagonal/dp/B0006HVU4W/ref=sr_1_2?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1481595883&sr=1-2&keywords=pliers

Bonus crappy cutters as well!

What type of budget does your team have?

How much space is available as your work area?

How experienced at building robots are the mentors?

What build system does you team intend to use? How many custom parts do y'all want to make?

What level of CAD skills does the team have?

We need to know these things to give valid advice. If your team has $100 to spend on tools the list is really different than if your team has $500. If your team has ~$4000 and really experienced mentors the list is also totally different.

​

Let's assume your team has really limited budget and wants to make the most of it. I will also assume you are using the REV system.

Here is my minimum tool list:
5.5 mm Nut Driver - http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-41-1119/

5.5 mm wrench - http://www.revrobotics.com/rev-41-1374/

Allen wrench set - https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Hex-Allen-Wrench-Ball/dp/B0776C2D6H/

Rotary Cutter - https://smile.amazon.com/WEN-2305-Rotary-Tool-Shaft/dp/B003BYRFH8

Hand drill - https://smile.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-DR260C-Drill-Driver/dp/B00T2VJ93C/

Hack saw - https://smile.amazon.com/Tactix-267031-Adjustable-Hacksaw-Frame/dp/B00ABBUU2Q/
Bench Vice - https://smile.amazon.com/WEN-453BV-3-Inch-Heavy-Swivel/dp/B07KKXQQ3S

Metric Drill bit set - https://smile.amazon.com/Drill-Warehouse-99pcs-1-5mm-Titanium/dp/B01NC25BRK

Pliers set - https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Tools-4-Piece-Pliers-Set/dp/B015X2NHOK


That works out to be ~$110 + shipping and tax. These are the bare minimum tools IMO. If you can answer the questions above I can give you some better advice.

- Frank

If anyone in the UK wants the 3 important tools, then they're £7 on Amazon right now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Redline-67924-Handles-3-Piece/dp/B011IL426C/ref=sr_1_3?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1480297623&sr=1-3

Wish I didn't pay £18 at Hobbycraft now!!

Id start with something line this starter set, a 3/8 breaker bar, 1/2 breaker bar, a Decent torque wrench, a plier set, vice grips, channel locks, adjustable wrench, screw driver set, a multimeter, decent scan tool, a jack, a funnell some drain pans from walmart, pb blaster, jack stands and make some wheel chocks. I'm sure I'm missing something pertinent, but remember you can rent some tools at your local parts store for free with a deposit so check to see what they rent before you buy. Also buy the remainder of the tools as you need them, its tough buying a lot of tools at once especially once you develop an affinity for some quality tools. A lot of the youtube guys have videos on what they use they most, but what I've listed should cover most maintenance tasks for your car.

I keep this set right next to my 3d printer the flush cutters work great for cutting rafts and supports and the pliers work great for cleaning the nozzle gunk. i bought it at home depot but you can find them on amazon.

do yourself a favor and get a nice pair of flexible hose clamp pliers

Barring that, even just regular hose clamp pliers are miles ahead of using whatever random pliers are laying in your toolbox.

It's the 89 replacement handles. Just put a set on yesterday, love them so far!

https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-89-Replacement-Tools-Koat/dp/B00093D7AI

You need a set of hose clamp plyers. Something like this...

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4502-Hose-Clamp-Pliers/dp/B000I1KJT8/ref=pd_bxgy_263_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000I1KJT8&pd_rd_r=DSGQ7584HD7GZ57ZJV8X&pd_rd_w=TwJv5&pd_rd_wg=8ydHF&psc=1&refRID=DSGQ7584HD7GZ57ZJV8X

Different brand cars/bikes use different style of clamps. Someone please chime in if they know exactly the style OP needs...

What type of bike?

my favorite oil filter wrench is decent grip sandpaper. currently using a strip of 150 grit for drywall sanding. grips oil filters like a mofo.

edit: you mentioned amazon. I've bought some Tekton branded items off of there and it feels in line with harbor freight, maybe up in their pro line as to quality. however if I ever had a issue they hooked me up even years later. I bought a hose reel from them 3 years ago and the locking arm started to wear out. they shipped me a new part for it free of cost. even gave me a maintenance pointer on it. gear wrench is on there and they got good enough tools (never dealt with something broken) I'm eyeballing these Knipex non nut fuckers right now https://www.amazon.com/KNIPEX-00-20-06-US2/dp/B005EXNT2Y/ref=sr_1_8?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1496376559&sr=1-8&keywords=knipex

Depends, I just yesterday bought a set of 3 channel lock tongue and groove pliers on sale for under $50CAD new (https://www.amazon.com/Channellock-GS-3A-Tongue-Groove-Acetate/dp/B01HZHASN4)

And looked online at the equivalent of it for knipex and its 3 times the price (https://www.amazon.ca/Knipex-002006S1-3-Piece-10-Inch-12-Inch/dp/B000X4KNTG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=knipex+cobra&qid=1570395546&sr=8-3)


I will probably still pick up the knipex ones later because they work great. But the big factor here is price difference

knipex (one of the really good tool/plier brands), 66€ on Amazon germany https://www.amazon.de/Knipex-87-560-Cobra-XXL-Wasserpumpenzange/dp/B000SOVRNC

These are a nice uninsulated set of knipex, they're cheaper than the insulated version but you can spend the bit more if you want, probably wouldn't get a shock off domestic voltage with either ones anyway https://www.amazon.de/Knipex-00-20-11-Montage-Paket/dp/B001094GLY/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=knipex&qid=1568584697&sr=8-7

I know klein sells replacement handles:

8/9" handles https://www.amazon.ca/89-Replacement-Tools-Koat-Tenite-Handles/dp/B00093D7AI

20 bucks canadian

7"http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/plier-handles/replacement-handles-7-pliers



They are decent handles, i've seen some guys at work use them.

ideal also sells replacement handles :
https://www.idealind.com/ideal-electrical/us/en/products/electrical-tools/10-hand-tools/1-pliers/tenite-grips.aspx

epoxy them on and they won't be coming off.

Incredibley expensive, but the best damn one handed wrenches I've ever used: KNIPEX 00 20 06 US2 3-Piece 7, 10 and 12 Pliers Wrench Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXNT2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FJOkybNPVQC6W

these are pliers you seek my friend

It's not melted, it's just plastic deformation. The clamps are putting a ton of pressure on the hose and the hose is deforming as a result. It's entirely normal.

You should be able to wrassle it out with those pliers but they also make special pliers for those type of clamps. https://www.amazon.com/Drake-Off-Road-4502-Pliers/dp/B000I1KJT8

Someone better tell them that, then.

https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-002006S1-3-Piece-10-Inch-12-Inch/dp/B000X4KNTG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1521552216&sr=8-2&keywords=knipex+slip+joint+pliers

I actually don't own one and I most likely never will. I got a couple of Knipex Cobra pliers as well as a Knipex Pliers Wrench instead and it's way faster and more comfortable to work with.

They grip so tight you can literally put one on a pipe and stand on it. Every mechanic where I work use them and I´ve never seen a single one with chipping, bad teeth or which has been bent.

I've found their "plier wrench" does a much better job than a regular adjustable wrench and can replace the open ended wrench in many cases, though I'm not sure how much you use your box end.

https://www.amazon.com/KNIPEX-Tools-00-20-US2/dp/B005EXNT2Y

that's the set I have.

There are double jointed long handled pliers, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Crescent-PSX200C-Long-Reach-Pliers/dp/B0091KHK6C/

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-82005-Double-Pliers-Straight/dp/B000NIAK1S/

Well, 100 ft of wire runs about $8, a simple plier set runs $9,and then all you have left is to find something to use as a base.

All you need is $16 and some time. And maybe practice.

+1 for knipex pliers. I bought this three pack and they're easily my most used pliers.


KNIPEX Tools 00 20 06 US1, Cobra Pliers 7, 10, and 12-Inch Set, 3-Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4KNTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dyOQCbTNQCQSZ

Yeah, no. The entire list of SnapOn pliers is hilariously overpriced. Even compared to Knipex.

$70 for a 5" needle nose? You can easily have a 3 pc set of Knipex for $70. Comfort handles too.

https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-00-20-11-Assembly/dp/B001094GLY/ref=mp_s_a_1_32?ie=UTF8&qid=1543323640&sr=8-32&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=knipex&dpPl=1&dpID=41rZKY7XMRL&ref=plSrch

Or $45-$50 if you go to Amazon.de

SO charges $65 for side cutters. I could get a 9" and 6" Knipex for $65.

Those are hose clamp pliers for those spring steel hose clamps I love to hate.

With some hose clamp pliers those are never a problem

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4502-Hose-Clamp-Pliers/dp/B000I1KJT8

Knipex Tools 9K 00 80 94 US Cobra Combination Cutter and Needle Nose Pliers Set (4 Piece) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KBCM456/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fe8KAbMFWEJRA

This would meet my needs, what do you think?

EDIT: what do you guys think of gearwrench pliers?

GearWrench 82108 7 Piece Standard Pliers Master set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014ZXY80/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_th8KAbG67W1CQ

You can try these

Saving up for this set
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXNT2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_lEe8tb1V3C6BJ

My Knipex plier set.

https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Handles-Klein-Tools-89/dp/B00093D7AI/

You gotta upgrade them grips

https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-89-Replacement-Tools-Koat/dp/B00093D7AI

Because few people here will know what water pump pliers are, get these:

https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-002006S1-3-Piece-10-Inch-12-Inch/dp/B000X4KNTG

Knipex 22" Cobra Pliers - Amazon

I've had these a year now. Once thought of as a novelty has turned into a shop necessity.

KNIPEX Tools 00 20 06 US1, Cobra Pliers 7, 10, and 12-Inch Set, 3-Piece
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4KNTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aRnXBbWFRBW74

These are phenomenal as much as I've used them so far

I own this set. Pretty much covers everything so need to do.


https://www.amazon.com/KNIPEX-Tools-00-20-US1/dp/B000X4KNTG

Check this stuff out. You will use this stuff a lot.

• Cannon plug pliers
  
  
• 1/4" air drill
  
  
• 90 degree die grinder
  
  
• Hand rivet squeeze kit
  
  
• Pneumatic sealant gun
  
  
• Manual sealant gun
  
  
• Nylon roller. works well for putting boots on
  
  
• Snap ring tool.
  
  
• Skin wedges
  
  
• Flexible ruler
  
  
• Dzus screwdriver
  
  
• Wera
  
  
• Knipex 5"
  
  
• Knipex 7", 10", 12"
  
  
• Retractable test leads. 30ft
  
  
• 1/4" ratchet tool. Don't forget to buy the batteries and charger.
  
  I'd also recommend looking into Snap-on's extra long wrenches in the 7/32-1/4", 5/16-3/8", and 7/16-1/2" sizes.

For AN fittings, a flare nut wrench is the most acceptable way to go and I see you have a couple of those. If those don't fit, open end wrenches, crows feet, or the Knipex pliers-wrench (expensive but so worth it) are fine. The problem with the crescent/ford is they can loosen up and will round off fittings whereas the Knipex can apply pressure onto the nut.