2024 Lineman's Choice: Best Overall Lineman Pliers
Looking for the best overall lineman pliers for 2024? We had 30 veteran lineman test and try Boosden, Klein, Knipex, Milwaukee, Channellock and Irwin pliers (along with dozens more that didn't make the cut). Lineman pliers are probably the most versatile tool for a journeyman in commercial work. They are a conductor twister, hammer, prying tool, make shift measuring tool, reamer, used during wire pulls, etc. A good lineman pliers will provide superior cutting, crushing and pulling, all in one tool.
Our experts review the overall comfort, grip strength, insulation and leverage. Here are the results:
Our Picks for the Best Overall Lineman Pliers
Klein Tools
Klein Tools J2000-9NECRTP Side Cutter Linemans Pliers
Built-in crimper works on non-insulated connectors, lugs and termils
Unique handle tempering helps absorb the ''snap'' when cutting wire
Plier Handle:
Thermoplastic Rubber
Plier Size Options:
9''
Plier Material:
Alloy Steel
1.1 lbs
Plier Weight:
These Klein Tools Lineman's Pliers are induction hardened and have a hot-riveted joint for smooth and powerful action without handle wobble. These side-cutting pliers also have cross-hatched knurled jaws, and built in channels for pulling fish tapes without damage.
Channellock
Channellock High Leverage Linemen's Plier
Channellock's knife and anvil style cutting edge ensures perfect mating and superior cutting edge life.
XLT Xtreme Leverage Technology means considerably less force required to cut than traditional high leverage.
Plier Handle:
Rubber
Plier Size Options:
8''
Plier Material:
Stainless Steel
.44 lbs
Plier Weight:
From cross-hatched teeth to a knife and anvil style cutting edge, this is the tool every Lineman and electrician needs. Superior cutting, crushing and pulling, all in one tool. High leverage 8 In. round nose linemen's plier. CHANNELLOCK revolutionized linemen's pliers with the added benefit of Xtreme Leverage Technology (XLT). XLT positions the rivet closer to the cutting edge so considerably less force is required to cut than other High Leverage designs. The combination of XLT and laser heat-treated cutting edges makes this tool a must have for any toolbox.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee 48-22-6100 9 Inch Leverage Lineman Pliers
Integrated crimper for INS and non-INS terminals
Rubberized overmold will not peel while you’re on the jobsite, so you can minimize risk to your hands and the tool
Plier Handle:
Rubber
Plier Size Options:
9''
Plier Material:
Iron Carbide
.66 lbs
Plier Weight:
A set of Milwaukee linesman pliers will help you accomplish the basic tasks required of you as an electrician. From shearing down bolts to crimping wires, this single tool from Milwaukee can do it right. Its 9 inch length will provide you enough leverage to cut through swathes of wire or cable without issue. On top of that, gripping this can be comfortable with the rubberized overmold. It’s made to withstand day-to-day wear and tear without stripping away, so you won’t have to worry about gripping the metal on this set of pliers.
Knipex
Knipex High Leverage Combination Pliers
Features gripping zones for flat or round material and induction-hardened cutting edges that cut soft, hard, and piano wire.
High Leverage Combination Pliers with optimum position of the joint facilitate cutting as well as powerful gripping, bending, and pulling.
Plier Handle:
Plastic Coated
Plier Size Options:
9''
Plier Material:
Alloy Steel
.88 lbs
Plier Weight:
These pliers have precise, minimal light gap between the gripping jaws to ensure optimal function of the cutting edges. Built with high-grade special tool steel, forged, multi stage oil-hardened
Irwin
Irwin Vise Grip Lineman Pliers
Pliers feature ProTouch grips that provide extra comfort and reduce hand fatigue
Machined jaws for maximum gripping strength
Plier Handle:
Thermoplastic Rubber
Plier Size Options:
8''
Plier Material:
Alloy Steel
.84 lbs
Plier Weight:
These IRWIN VISE-GRIP LP8 8-inch North American Lineman's Pliers are crafted from durable nickel-chromium steel with an induction-hardened cutting edge that stays sharper, longer. The pliers feature machined jaws that give maximum gripping strength, while ProTouch grips provide extra comfort and reduce hand fatigue. Vise-Grip 8" Linemans Plier has a durable nickel chromium steel construction.
Boosden
Boosden Lineman's Pliers Side Cutters Combination
They will cut #12 copper wire, bend & shape wire for connections, and grasp items for pulling or rotating.
Screw cutter has comfortable feeling design, anti-slip, making them more comfortable and secure.
Plier Handle:
Thermoplastic Rubber
Plier Size Options:
5'', 6'', 8''
Plier Material:
Carbon Steel
.91 lbs
Plier Weight:
These 8 inch Linesman Pliers are made of high carbon steel, and have undergone high-frequency hardening treatment to provide strong and durable jaws and cutting edges, which will not become dull. The pliers can also be used as pliers wire cutters, lineman with crimper, dike pliers side cutters, pliers tool side cutting, screw removal pliers, duckbill pliers, engineer screw pliers, lineman cutters, lineman tools, lineman pliers electrical, linesman pliers with crimper, wire cutters pliers, heavy duty pliers.
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