The Best Slip Joint Pliers (Review and Buying Guide) in 2023 | Autance

Each type of pliers serves a certain role, but for those wanting one pair to rule them all, the Irwin Vise-Grip 8” Slip Joint Pliers are an excellent candidate. Due to its traditional slip joint design, this pair of pliers can tackle most jobs. This pair is built with a tough, durable nickel chromium steel alloy, and its jaws feature an induction-hardened wire cutter. Each right-angle tooth is machined for maximum strength and grip. The ProTouch grips use an anti-pinch design, and the rubberized ComfortGrip coating includes comfort and control while decreasing hand fatigue. As with all Irwin tools, the Irwin Vise-Grip 8” Slip Joint Pliers meet or exceed all ANSI specifications, ensuring high-quality operation.

These pliers are solid and reliable, yet some users have reported the occasional fit and finish issue. Others have also reported that the integrated wire cutter has only limited effectiveness. Still, these issues should not affect the overall performance of these sturdy pliers.

Looking for some slip joint pliers with a little something extra in tow? Then check out the Stanley 3-Piece Basic Pliers Set. In addition to a six-inch slip joint plier, this set also includes a six-inch-long nose plier and a six-inch diagonal plier (a.k.a., wire cutter). Each plier is drop forged with a durable nickel chromium steel alloy, and each one receives a rust-resistant finish for increased durability. The handles of each tool are dipped twice to create an oil-resistant, rubberized grip for both traction and comfortable handling. All cutting edges are hardened to make quick work of tough wires. Each tool meets or exceeds ANSI standards, and the Stanley 3-Piece Basic Pliers Set comes standard with a limited lifetime warranty.

A perfect tool or toolset is a rare find, and these tools sit with the majority. While this set lacks any significant design or material issues, some users have reported disappointment about the fit and finish. Still, this plier set is prepared to accomplish virtually any task.

Looking for a top-quality, original slip joint plier design? The Channellock 6.5-Inch Tongue and Groove Plier skyrockets to the top of that list. Based in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Channellock produces this variant of its original tongue and groove plier design, drop forging each tool in the United States. Constructed with high-carbon steel, this pair of pliers is tough and durable. The tongue and each groove use an undercut design to create a non-slip action, and the PermaLock fastener effectively replaces the common nut and bolt fulcrum with perfect functionality. The tool’s jaw has right-angle, laser heat-treated teeth for strong, long-lasting grip, and the dipped handle increases grip and comfort. The Channellock 6.5-Inch Tongue and Groove Plier has five jaw size settings and is electronically coated for rust prevention.

This tool will elicit virtually no gripes beyond its price tag. While it may not be the most affordable option on this list, buyers who do splurge will be rewarded with a top-notch tool.

While Channellock holds the title for King of the Tongue and Groove Pliers, the Knipex 10-Inch Cobra Pliers is the dark horse challenger vying for the title. This workhorse uses a self-locking pivot system to allow a level of precision and consistency that even the highest quality traditional designs could never dream of achieving. To adjust the jaw size, users simply depress a button at the pivot point and slide the jaws from there. This tool consists of a heavy-duty, forged chrome vanadium steel alloy that is oil-hardened before moving to the next stages of production. These German pliers are also user friendly thanks to the dipped, anti-pinch handles. The Knipex 10-Inch Cobra Pliers may be the toughest, smartest, and most durable pair on this list.

Unfortunately, the pliers are rather pricey, and to be honest, will never take Channellock’s title since they’re not a true tongue and groove or slip joint design. Then again, the out-of-the-box design makes them a perfect challenger to conventional designs.

Looking for a pair of pliers with a full lifetime warranty behind them? The Craftsman 2-Piece Groove Joint Pliers Set provides two such tools with an affordable price to boot. This set includes two pairs of tongue and groove pliers: one eight-inch pair and one 10-inch pair. Each tool is built with drop-forged steel components, presenting users with strong and durable tools capable of tackling virtually any task. The jaws on each pair provide users with a strong, sure grip thanks to jaws and teeth machined with precision. The handles create a sure, comfortable grip thanks to their multi-zone design and bi-material construction. For those tough jobs requiring pulling, twisting, or tugging, the Craftsman 2-Piece Groove Joint Pliers Set gives users two comfortable yet effective tools.

Some users have reported that this set of pliers uses loose-fitting rivets, making it very easy to switch from one groove to another. While some may see this as a frustration or even a sign of poor quality, others will find it convenient instead, making it easier to complete quick, on-the-fly jobs.

Sometimes, one pair of slip joint pliers is not enough. With the WorkPro 7-Piece Pliers Set, buyers will find not one, not two, but three such pliers, including a six-inch pair, an eight-inch pair, and an eight-inch one tongue and groove pair, plus four additional plier types, resulting in an incredibly versatile set of tools. Each tool is constructed of drop-forged steel, then is heat-treated and polished for a strong, long-lasting final product. Each tool’s handles are double-dipped in a rubberized coating for increased comfort and grip. In addition to the three pairs listed above, the WorkPro 7-Piece Pliers Set also includes a seven-inch linesman plier, six- and 4.5-inch needle nose pliers, and a six-inch diagonal plier/wire cutter, each with hardened cutting edges for longevity.

While this set is a good bargain, these tools do have their limitations. Under high pressures, the needle-nose pliers may bend somewhat, limiting their practical use to lower-intensity jobs. Also, due to their lack of a rust-resistant finish, these tools will need a little extra care and attention.

While six-inch and eight-inch pliers are good for most jobs, the Tekton 10-Inch Slip Joint Pliers are designed to tackle those jobs where its smaller competitors simply do not have what it takes. This tool from Tekton is made in the U.S.A. using 4150 steel, resulting in a tough, durable, and reliable pair of pliers. Its sturdy design and stout build give users peace of mind by reducing twisting and bending while providing an excellent grip on bolts, nails, and other objects. The jaws on this tool are made for extreme versatility, thanks to three separate gripping zones inside and the wire shear tucked away behind these zones. The Tekton 10-Inch Slip Joint Pliers also has dipped handles for a slim, cushioned grip.

Unfortunately, all of these features result in a high price tag for the overall package. As such, some may wonder why Tekton chose to use nut-and-bolt pivoting hardware instead of a rivet and to forgo a rust-resistant finish. While some may dislike this feature, it has the added benefit of allowing for adjustable pivot tension, and since few users have reported issues with the system, buyers can avoid fretting over this design feature.

When it comes to tools, form usually gives way to function, but the Maxpower 3-Piece Tongue and Groove Pliers Set incorporates both in an unconventional way. This set of pliers replaces the traditional tongue and groove design with a ratcheting push-button pivot point that allows users to maintain consistent jaw size for repeatable results. Each of the three tools, measuring seven, 10, and 16 inches, is built with strong, durable chrome vanadium steel and is oil-hardened for added strength and rust resistance. The multi-groove ratcheting system gives users fine-tuned control over jaw sizing, and once the dimensions are set, the self-locking jaws will easily grip objects of virtually any size or shape. The Maxpower 3-Piece Tongue and Groove Pliers Set also leverage dipped handles for comfort, cushion, and grip.

While innovation is a key part of product improvement, the unusual mechanisms of this tool make it expensive to manufacture, although not exorbitantly so. Purists may also object to the non-traditional design, although a little hands-on experience may change that perspective.

Sometimes, the toughest jobs are the smallest one, and the Crescent 4.5-Inch Mini Tongue and Groove Pliers are perfectly suited for just such a challenge. This handy little tool takes advantage of a tongue and groove pivot design for quick and easy jaw size adjustments. The V-shaped jaw is offset and locks into four different positions to allow for the perfect fit around a variety of objects. The steel alloy construction results in a durable tool, and the precision-machined joint uses a riveted pivot point to ensure smooth action while eliminating slippage. To ensure a comfortable and confident experience, the handles are dipped in tacky rubberized plastic. The Crescent 4.5-Inch Mini Tongue and Groove Pliers also receive a black oxide to prevent rust.

While this pair of pliers is perfect for smaller jobs, its diminutive size limits its applications. For any job involving objects with a diameter greater than 3/4 of an inch, look for something bigger, but for anything less, this tool is the best.

Looking for the perfect pliers for use around the house? The FastPro 7-Piece Utility Pliers and Wrench Set easily fits the bill. This set includes six- and eight-inch slip joint pliers, an eight-inch tongue and groove plier, an eight-inch adjustable wrench, a six-inch diagonal plier/wire cutter, a six-inch needle nose plier, and a six-inch lineman plier. Each tool is built with drop-forged carbon steel and is heat-treated to increase hardness, durability, and strength. The jaws on each tool are machined to create a strong, sure grip, allowing users to securely grasp any necessary items. The cutting tools have hardened cutting edges for extra toughness and effortless cutting. Each plier and wrench in the FastPro 7-Piece Utility Pliers and Wrench Set is double dipped for increased grip and comfort.

Unfortunately, no tool is perfect, and this set is no different. Despite all its strengths, these tools have limited tensile strength, most easily seen in the needle-nose pliers. Under pressure, they may bend, so their use should be limited to lower-pressure applications.