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The Resources Issue
Current Issue
The Resources Issue
Feb-Mar 2025
The Panel Decides: Pliers Tool Review
Before you splash out on a new set of pliers, let our panel of expert tradies test them out and give you the pros and cons of each one.
In this Article:
Grip and comfort is important in a pair of pliers
Price can be a big consideration when buying new tools, but do you really get what you pay for?
The Tools
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KLEIN TOOLS – 6-inch insulated lineman pliers |
WATTMASTER – Heavy duty linesmans pliers |
HAMER – 1000V Universal pliers |
| RRP $79.95 | RRP $89.95 | RRP $106.70 |
| THE LOWDOWN: The 8-inch insulated lineman pliers have a precision machined pipe-grip for greater gripping power, heavy-duty cutting blades, unique insulated comfort grips that are 1000v rated, precision jaw gap and a crimping die behind the hinge for superior leverage crimping. | THE LOWDOWN: 225mm combination pliers, with special shaped cutter for TPS cable. Soft comfort handle grips with precision machined and hardened cutting jaws. The cutter can get through copper up to 16mm and SWA strands up to 2mm, while the crimper can crimp non-insulated terminals up to 10mm2. | THE LOWDOWN: The Hamer Universal Pliers are fitted with a high-leverage hinge, which provides superior cutting power with less effort to reduce fatigue. A long blade allows for larger cable cutting, with plenty of clearance for double insulated cables. The pliers also feature a narrow head design and a crimper seat to ensure crimping in just the right spot. |
The Panel |
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| Andrew Knowles
from Andrew Knowles Electrical Experience: 33 years |
Andrew Armstrong
from Andrew Armstrong Electrical Experience: 30 years |
Brett Price
from JMA Dunn Electrical Contractors Experience: 25 years |
The Verdict
KLEIN TOOLS – 6-inch insulated lineman pliers
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“I would definitely buy these.” – Andrew K |
| Andrew K:
COMFORT FIRST What stood out for me with the Klein pliers was the comfort of the grip. There was nothing I didn’t like about these pliers, and nothing was missing. They were my top pick, and just felt the most comfortable overall. I would definitely buy these. |
Andrew A:
BIT ON THE STIFF SIDE They were quite stiff out of the packet, but they still did the job once we got them loosened up. The size was okay, but the grip wasn’t as comfortable as my usual pliers. I prefer a bit less stiff of a design overall. |
Brett:
BELTING ISSUES This had a nice cutting crimp feature and were non-slip. However, I wasn’t used to the extra wide jaw, which meant it wouldn’t fit in my plier belt holder. |
| VERDICT: MY FAVE
RATING: 10/10 **TOP PICK**
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VERDICT: WORTH A LOOK
RATING: 8/10
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VERDICT: BEST OF THE BUNCH
RATING: 9/10 **TOP PICK**
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WATTMASTER – Heavy duty linesman pliers
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“It was comfortable in my hand and made clean cuts.” – Brett |
| Andrew K:
KUDOS TO THE CUTTING BLADE Quite a comfortable grip and I liked the extra-long cutting blade. It was maybe not as impressive as the Klein pliers, but still a great pair of pliers overall! |
Andrew A:
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU! These weren’t comfortable and were stiff to operate. Took a fair bit of time and more hand grip to get them to cut. They didn’t cut anywhere near as easily as the other pliers I tested. |
Brett:
CLEAN CUTS It was comfortable in my hand and made clean cuts. However, I didn’t like that they were longer and heavier than my current pliers. I did like them, even though I haven’t used this brand of pliers before. |
| VERDICT: GOOD CHOICE
RATING: 9/10
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VERDICT: NOT MY FAVOURITE
RATING: 8/10
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VERDICT: BIT ON THE HEAVY SIDE
RATING: 8/10
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HAMER – 1000V Universal pliers
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“I couldn’t name a fault with these at all. The price doesn’t put me off at all. You get what you pay for!” – Andrew A |
| Andrew K:
POWER UP Probably had the best cutting power of the three, but my work is primarily domestic, so it wasn’t a game changer. It’s maybe a bit pricey, but perhaps this would be compensated with a longer life span. A very good pair of pliers. |
Andrew A:
SPOT ON I liked everything – I couldn’t name a fault with these at all. It felt good in the hand, and it cut and stripped cable with ease. I tested these on 4mm TPS and it cut through it easily. The price doesn’t put me off at all. “You get what you pay for! |
Brett:
COMFORT CHOICE They were great. I found them a bit lighter than the other ones I’ve used. Maybe it has a shorter a handle, but I liked that and found it comfortable to work with, as it doesn’t slip. They’re a little expensive, but I’d pay the extra. |
| VERDICT: GREAT STUFF
RATING: 9/10 |
VERDICT: TOP OF THE SHOP
RATING: 10/10 **TOP PICK** |
VERDICT: PERFECT
RATING: 8.5/10 |
Find the latest pliers at your local Gemcell Member branch
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