Which pliers do you need for certain jobs?

Editorial team|6 minutes to read

There are pliers for clamping, bending, installing, stripping, cutting and for making holes. But which pliers do you need for certain agricultural jobs? Below is a list of the 12 most useful pliers. Do you own them all?


1. Combination pliers
As their name indicates, these pliers have a variety of different uses. These universal pliers can be used to firmly grip and bend round and smooth objects. You can also use them to cut thin wires, such as copper and iron wire. These pliers should be a feature of everyone's toolbox.


2. Water pump pliers
Water pump pliers are another must have! The jaws of water pump pliers can be locked in various positions, allowing you to grab materials of varying thickness. This means that you can also loosen and tighten bolts, nuts and fittings in various sizes. The better the fit of the pliers, the better the grip and the less risk of damaging the material. A set of water pump pliers ensures that you have the right tool for most situations.


3. Half round pliers
Half round pliers, also called needle-nose pliers, are ideal for use in narrow spaces thanks to their long nose. Half round pliers have a pointy nose. This makes it much easier to grab small wires. These pliers are also highly suitable for attaching small bolts, pins and keys. Both straight and bent versions of half round pliers are available. VDE-certified half round pliers are also available. These are suitable for work on electrical installations of up to 1000 VAC.


4. Circlip pliers
Circlip pliers are used for fitting or removing internal and external spring cotter pins and circlips. For example, you can clamp in a circlip to fasten it. Circlips can be internal or external, so that also applies to circlip pliers. You therefore have the following options:
Internal circlip pliers, straight jaw
Circlip pliers, inner angled
External circlip pliers, bent
External circlip pliers, straight jaw
If you would prefer to own all of the available options, a circlip pliers set will make sure that you have everything you need. 


5. Pipe wrench
A pipe wrench is a tool for gripping pipes when performing a rotating movement, such as when screwing or unscrewing things. The adjustable nut on one of the arms of the pipe wrench enables you to accurately set the jaw opening to the right size. This allows you to firmly grip a coupling screw or nut. A pipe wrench is a very solid tool for heavy loads — you only have to squeeze it lightly to achieve an iron grip. 


6. Wire strippers
When working with wiring or lighting, wire strippers are a very useful tool. They are used to remove the sheathing from wires. The wires are basically "stripped" of their sheaths, exposing the cable within.


7. Side cutters
Side cutters are used to cut a variety of different things. The cutting surface of these cutters is on the side, and their shape tells you right away that you can use these cutters to easily cut wires. These cutters have a high cutting capacity and require less effort due to the ideal combination of the grip design and the cutting surface. Side cutters with VDE certification are also available. These are designed specifically for people who work with electricity.
Side cutters with two-part non-slip grip
Side cutters with PVC coating for improved grip.
VDE side cutters


8. Pincers
Mechanic's pincers, also known as nippers or end cutters are basically long, slender pincers. These pincers are also called steel fixer's pincers and are used to tighten and cut binding wire. You can easily get into tighter spots because the pincers are long and slender. They are the perfect tool for disposing of fences. Did you know that this tool can also be used as pincers for pulling out small nails?


9. Carpenter pincers
Carpenter pincers are mainly used to remove nails from materials. Clamp the nail right above the point at which it comes out of the material. Place the carpenter pincers against the material and roll the nail downwards, so to speak. This tool is also suitable for twisting wires together and cutting them.

10. Cable shears
The function of cable shears is to quickly cut a cable or wire without any deformation occurring while cutting. You simply cut the cable to the right length. The result is a clean, straight cut. Please note that these shears are not suitable for steel cables. 

11. Bolt cutters
Bolt cutters are mainly used for cutting solid and robust materials. Examples include materials such as locks, chains, thick iron wire, thick steel wire, bolts and concrete reinforcement bars. The longer handle and an additional lever action allow large cutting forces to be applied.

12. Pop riveter
You can use a pop riveter (or riveting pliers) to connect two thin sheets of metal by means of a pop or blind rivet. You can attach the pop rivet by pulling out the pin with the pliers, which pushes the rivet down.

Ready for use? 

  • Always use the right tool to carry out your job. You can cause damage if you use the wrong tool
  • Make sure that the surface on which you are working is solid and stable
  • Do you always use the right protective equipment? It is important to take personal protection seriously. 

If you have any other questions about hand tools, please contact our product specialists or view the Kramp pliers in our webshop.

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Editorial team

This article was written by:

Editorial teamknowledgecenter@kramp.com