The Best Lineman Pliers for Professional and Home Use

One of the most essential items you have to have in your toolbox is the Lineman’s pliers. This type of pliers are especially designed to twist, grip, cut, and bend wires and cable. If you’re constantly doing repairs around the house, or are a big fan of home improvement, then I recommend buying the best lineman’s pliers there is for your toolbox.

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Factors to Consider

Factors to Consider

1. Material

Of course, the material will dictate the durability of the product, because some metals are more durable than others and will withstand corrosion better. While most pliers are made out of steel, which is one of the strongest metals, you still have to choose a product that doesn’t corrode as easily.

While in the hardware store, check out their stainless steel or nickel varieties of lineman’s pliers. It would also help to check out reviews from verified buyers online to see if the product lives up to expectations.

2. Grip

The grip of the pliers will determine its ease of use and ability to reduce hand fatigue and slippage. Of course, you would also want a grip that is made of durable material and won’t deteriorate too much over time.

When choosing a product at a physical store, try gripping the pliers with your hand and seeing if the feel of it is comfortable enough for you. Also, remind yourself of the activities you plan to do with your lineman’s pliers, and base your decision on the level of activity expected.

Moreover, the quality and the material of the grip itself matter. I recommend a rubber grip over plastic ones, and an ergonomic design over a generic design.

3. Cutting Edge

Your choice would also depend on the cutting edge of the pliers, which will help you snap wires and cables with ease. When looking for a product, watch out for features such as laser-treated cutting edges induction-heated edges; these are the products that will offer you longer sharpness of the edges.

4. Weight

You would also want to look for a product that’s of reasonable weight. This is because you’ll be working with cables and wires, and these probably require stepping on a ladder or bending down, so you wouldn’t want to purchase a product that isn’t too heavy but isn’t too light either.


Best Lineman's Pliers

1. IRWIN VISE-GRIP North American Lineman's Pliers, 9-1/2"

The IRWIN Vise-Grip performs all the functions of a lineman’s pliers with more consideration on grip, cutting capacity, as well as gripping strength. If you want an affordable product, and if you don’t plan on using it too often, this particular variant from IRWIN is the best choice for you.

IRWIN VISE-GRIP North American Lineman's Pliers, 9-1/2

Pros

  • Features a ProTouch grip for extra comfort
  • Allows for less hand fatigue
  • Made of durable nickel
  • Cutting edges stay sharp for longer
  • Has a good, strong grip

Cons

  • Jaws do not open very wide

If you prefer a tool that will do light to moderate work but with an affordable price, this is the item I recommend for you. 

2. Channellock 369 9-1/2-Inch High Leverage Linesman Plier

The second product of the list is the Channelock lineman’s plier. With this product, we get a good round nose design, laser heat-treated cutting edges, and a crosshatch pattern on the grips for a tighter grip. For the casual repairmen and DIYers, this product will do you good for a fair price.

This product pays attention to the basic needs of a handyman. Thus, I recommend this particular product to both DIY handymen and professional handymen and electricians alike.

Channellock 369 9-1/2-Inch High Leverage Linesman Plier

Pros

  • Features XLT Xtreme Leverage Design for less force
  • Sharp and long-lasting cutting edges
  • Has a good grip
  • Has a nice weight to it
  • Knife and anvil style cutting edge
  • Fairly resistant to corrosion

Cons

  • Less comfortable grip
  • May become too tight and difficult to open

3. Klein Tools D213-9NE 9-Inch High Leverage Side Cutting Plier

This pair of lineman’s pliers from Klein Tools is all you need, with its high leverage design, plastic-dipped handles, New England nose type, and 9-inch side cutting feature. Since it’s a very reliable product, I recommend this one for both professionals and home users.

Klein Tools D213-9NE 9-Inch High Leverage Side Cutting Plier

Pros

  • Durable and corrosion-resistant
  • Features 9-inch side cutting edges
  • Comfortable grip
  • Solid construction
  • Long-lasting sharpness of blades
  • Glow-in-the-dark for crawlspace/attic work

Cons

  • Less attention to finishing
  • A little bit stiff

This Klein tools lineman's pliers is recommended for handymen with a lot of wire cutting to do, as it will cut easily with little to no discomfort on your hand-- a good plus for professionals.

4. IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP High-Leverage Pliers, Lineman's with Fish Tape Puller and Crimper

IRWIN Tools gives us another cool product; with features such as induction-hardened cutting edges, 3-component molded grip, exclusive hook and lanyard system, built-in tape puller and connector crimper—all of which would make your work easier, more efficient, and definitely more high-quality. 

This particular product pays attention to the durability and ergonomics of the grip. These qualities are what makes it a great option for professionals who want to do their work efficiently.

IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP High-Leverage Pliers, Lineman's with Fish Tape Puller and Crimper

Pros

  • Super durable material
  • Comfortable and ergonomic grip
  • Can help you complete more tasks with one tool
  • Long nose for more detailed work

Cons

  • Less leverage

5. Stanley 84-029 8-Inch Bi-Material Lineman Pliers

Do you want to add a great pair of lineman’s pliers to your toolbox without breaking the bank? Here’s a product from Stanley that’s straightforward, reasonably durable, and easy to use. If you’re a DIYer who won’t be using this tool as much, I recommend getting this one instead of the others on this list.

Stanley 84-029 8-Inch Bi-Material Lineman Pliers

Pros

  • Machined jaws for good grip
  • Results in nice, smooth twists
  • Good for simple jobs
  • Comfortable in your hand

Cons

  • Grip may fall off
  • Cutting edges doesn’t last very long

Do you want a pair of lineman's pliers but don't want to spend a lot on it? If you're simply buying one for simple and quick repair tasks around the house, this one is a good option for you.


Conclusion

Let’s end this list of best lineman’s pliers with the top product from our choices. Based on my personal review and consideration of the factors we have to consider, I have deemed IRWIN Tools VISE-GRIP High-Leverage Pliers as the top choice. With this product, you are guaranteed durability, comfort, high leverage, and ease of use all in one product.

Moreover, I highly recommend this product for both professionals and home users alike. This product is a great investment especially if you plan on doing a lot of electrical work around the house.

On the other hand, the best value product for this list is Chanellock High Leverage Lineman’s Pliers. For its affordable price, you get all the features you’re looking for such as high leverage for easier cutting, round nose design, and a knife and anvil cutting edge style for perfect mating and long-lasting sharpness.

Conclusion

I hope this article helped you out for your choice. Feel free to leave us questions or suggestions in the comment section. Don’t forget to share this with your friends as well. Thanks for reading!

Author

  • Emma Clark

    Hi there! My name is Emma Clark, a part-time interior designer, house flipper, and full-time mom. This blog is the fruit of my extensive experiences as an interior designer and home improvement enthusiast. More so, I'm here to share with you a lot of great ideas on what you can do to make your home into a masterpiece: all cost-effective and amazingly creative.

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