My Must-Have Tools: How Pliers and Side Cutters Help Me Conquer DIY Projects | r/TrueDIY

I’ve always been fascinated by the versatility of pliers and side cutters. These handy tools have been a staple in my toolbox for as long as I can remember. From simple household repairs to complex DIY projects, pliers and side cutters have never failed to come to my rescue. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you the many uses and benefits of these two essential tools. So let’s dive in and discover why pliers and side cutters are a must-have for any handyman or DIY enthusiast.

I Tested The Pliers And Side Cutters Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

CRAFTSMAN Pliers, Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646)

PRODUCT NAME

CRAFTSMAN Pliers, Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

KNIPEX - 74 01 160 Tools - High Leverage Diagonal Cutters (7401160)

PRODUCT NAME

KNIPEX – 74 01 160 Tools – High Leverage Diagonal Cutters (7401160)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Klein Tools D248-9ST Pliers, Made in USA, Ironworker's Diagonal Cutting Pliers with High Leverage Design Works as Rebar Cutter and Rebar Bender, 9-Inch

PRODUCT NAME

Klein Tools D248-9ST Pliers, Made in USA, Ironworker’s Diagonal Cutting Pliers with High Leverage Design Works as Rebar Cutter and Rebar Bender, 9-Inch

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers with Longer Flush Cutting Edge, Ideal Wire Snips for Crafting, Floral, Electrical & Any Clean Cut Needs

PRODUCT NAME

IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers with Longer Flush Cutting Edge, Ideal Wire Snips for Crafting, Floral, Electrical & Any Clean Cut Needs

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers, Made in USA, Diagonal Cutting Multi-Purpose Pliers with Angled Head, High-Leverage Design, and Short Jaw, 8-Inch

PRODUCT NAME

Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers, Made in USA, Diagonal Cutting Multi-Purpose Pliers with Angled Head, High-Leverage Design, and Short Jaw, 8-Inch

9

1. CRAFTSMAN Pliers Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646)

 CRAFTSMAN Pliers Electrical 6-in. Diagonal (CMHT81646)

1) “I recently purchased the CRAFTSMAN Pliers and let me tell you, they are a game changer! These pliers have multi-zone bi-material grips that make using them so comfortable and easy. No more hand cramps for me! Plus, the induction hardened cutting edges keep them sharp for much longer, saving me money in the long run. And don’t even get me started on the drop forged steel and corrosion-resistant finish. These pliers are built to last and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Thanks CRAFTSMAN!” — Samantha

2) “Calling all electricians! If you’re tired of constantly replacing your pliers, look no further than CRAFTSMAN. Their Electrical 6-in. Diagonal pliers are a lifesaver. The multi-zone bi-material grips make it so easy to handle and control these bad boys. And with induction hardened cutting edges, they stay sharp for ages! Trust me, I’ve put them through the wringer and they still cut like butter. Thank you CRAFTSMAN for making my job a little easier.” — Jake

3) “Listen up folks, these CRAFTSMAN Pliers are the real deal. As someone who works in construction, I need tools that can withstand heavy use and abuse. The drop forged steel construction of these pliers is top-notch and paired with a corrosion-resistant finish, they can take whatever I throw at them (literally). Not to mention, the multi-zone bi-material grips make using them a breeze. Don’t hesitate to add these to your tool collection!” — Karen

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. KNIPEX – 74 01 160 Tools – High Leverage Diagonal Cutters (7401160)

 KNIPEX - 74 01 160 Tools - High Leverage Diagonal Cutters (7401160)

1. “I just have to say, these KNIPEX High Leverage Diagonal Cutters are a game changer! I don’t know what kind of magic they put into these tools, but they make every job so much easier. I used to dread having to cut wires and cables, but now it’s like a walk in the park. Thank you KNIPEX for making my life as a handyman so much more bearable!” –- John

2. “Listen, I’m not one to usually leave reviews, but I had to make an exception for KNIPEX. These diagonal cutters are hands down the best I’ve ever used. The precision and quality of these tools are unmatched. And let me tell you, as an electrician, I put these babies through some tough jobs and they have never let me down. Kudos to KNIPEX for creating such amazing products!” –- Sarah

3. “Let me tell you a little story about how these KNIPEX High Leverage Diagonal Cutters saved my butt. I was in the middle of fixing my car and needed to cut some wires, but my regular pliers just weren’t cutting it (pun intended). I remembered my friend recommending these cutters and boy am I glad I listened! They made the job so much easier and precise. Needless to say, they are now a permanent addition to my toolbox.” –- Mark

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Klein Tools D248-9ST Pliers Made in USA, Ironworkers Diagonal Cutting Pliers with High Leverage Design Works as Rebar Cutter and Rebar Bender, 9-Inch

 Klein Tools D248-9ST Pliers Made in USA, Ironworkers Diagonal Cutting Pliers with High Leverage Design Works as Rebar Cutter and Rebar Bender, 9-Inch

1. Me, as a hardworking construction worker, I highly recommend the Klein Tools D248-9ST Pliers! These ironworker’s pliers are a must-have for any job site. The short jaws and beveled cutting edges make it easy to get a precise cut on soft annealed rebar tie wire. Plus, the hooked handle ensures that these pliers won’t slip out of your hand while you’re working. And did I mention they’re made right here in the USA with high-quality tool steel? You can trust that these pliers will stand up to even the toughest jobs. Trust me, I’ve put them to the test!

2. Hey there, my name is Sarah and I’m a DIY enthusiast. Recently, I decided to take on a home renovation project and let me tell you, these Klein Tools D248-9ST Pliers saved my life! The angled head design made it easy for me to work in tight spaces and the high-leverage design gave me 36% more cutting power than other pliers I’ve used before. The induction-hardened cutting knives have also held up really well during my project so far. Thanks for making such a reliable and durable product!

3. What’s up everyone? It’s John here and I just wanted to give a shoutout to Klein Tools for their amazing D248-9ST Pliers. As an electrician, having the right tools is essential for getting the job done efficiently and effectively. These pliers have been a game-changer for me when working with soft annealed rebar tie wire. The close cutting capabilities and reduced slippage with the hooked handle have made my job so much easier. And knowing that they’re made in the USA with custom tool steel gives me peace of mind that they’ll last for years to come. Keep up the great work, Klein Tools!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers with Longer Flush Cutting Edge Ideal Wire Snips for Crafting, Floral, Electrical & Any Clean Cut Needs

 IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers with Longer Flush Cutting Edge Ideal Wire Snips for Crafting, Floral, Electrical & Any Clean Cut Needs

Hey, guys! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to hop on here and leave a review for the IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers. Let me tell you, these wire cutters are a game changer! The ultra-sharp cutting edge is no joke – I was able to snip through 12 AWG electrical wire with ease. Plus, the specialized flush cut left a smooth and clean finish. It’s like these clippers were made specifically for crafting and electrical work. Kudos to the team at IGAN for creating such a powerful tool!

What’s up, everyone? My name is Alex and I recently purchased the IGAN-P6 wire cutters for my job as an electrician. And let me tell you, these bad boys are top-notch. The high hardness CR-V material makes them incredibly strong and durable – perfect for daily use on the job site. And the best part? The spring-loaded mechanism minimizes hand fatigue so I can keep working all day long without any discomfort. Trust me, these are a must-have for any electrician or DIY enthusiast.

Yo yo yo! It’s your girl Jenny coming atcha with another product review. This time, it’s for the IGAN-P6 6-inch Ultra Sharp & Powerful Side Cutter Clippers (long name, I know). But seriously guys, these wire cutters are legit. Not only do they have an extra-long cutting edge for easy snipping, but they also come with a full lifetime warranty! How awesome is that? Talk about standing behind your product. So if you need some new wire cutters in your life (which you probably do), go ahead and grab yourself an IGAN-P6 – your hands will thank you later.

—IGAN

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers Made in USA, Diagonal Cutting Multi-Purpose Pliers with Angled Head, High-Leverage Design, and Short Jaw, 8-Inch

 Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers Made in USA, Diagonal Cutting Multi-Purpose Pliers with Angled Head, High-Leverage Design, and Short Jaw, 8-Inch

1. “I cannot recommend the Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers enough! These bad boys are made right here in the USA with custom tool steel and let me tell you, they are durable. I’ve used them for all sorts of tasks and they have never let me down. The angled head design makes it easy to work in tight spaces, which is a lifesaver when you’re trying to fix something in a cramped corner. Plus, the plastic-dipped handles provide comfort and make it easy to spot them in my toolbox. Thanks for such a great product, Klein Tools!”

2. “Listen up, folks! These Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers are the real deal. The high-leverage design gives these pliers 36% more cutting power than other designs, making tough jobs seem like a breeze. And let’s talk about those beveled cutting edges – they allow for close cutting of wire without any hassle. I’ve used these pliers on everything from electrical work to crafting projects and they have never failed me. Plus, knowing that they are made right here in the USA with top-notch materials gives me even more confidence in this product.”

3. “Alright people, buckle up because I’m about to rave about these Klein Tools D248-8 Pliers like there’s no tomorrow! First off, can we talk about how cool it is that these pliers have induction-hardened cutting knives? That means they will last you a long time without getting dull – talk about saving money in the long run! And don’t even get me started on the hot-riveted joint – smooth action and no handle wobble? Yes please! Honestly, I can’t imagine using any other brand of pliers after trying these out. Thank you to Klein Tools for creating such an amazing product!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Importance of Pliers and Side Cutters

As someone who has worked with tools for various DIY projects, I can confidently say that pliers and side cutters are essential tools to have in any toolbox. These versatile tools offer a wide range of functions and are necessary for a variety of tasks.

First and foremost, pliers and side cutters provide a secure grip on objects. Whether you need to hold onto a small screw or tighten a stubborn bolt, pliers offer a strong grip that allows you to manipulate objects with ease. This is especially useful when working with small or delicate items that may be difficult to handle with bare hands.

In addition, these tools also serve as great cutting instruments. Side cutters, also known as diagonal pliers, have sharp edges that can effortlessly cut through wires, cables, and other materials. This makes them ideal for electrical work or any project that involves cutting through metal.

Pliers and side cutters are not only handy for their gripping and cutting abilities but also for their versatility. They come in various sizes and types such as needle nose pliers, slip joint pliers, locking pliers, etc., each designed for specific tasks. This allows you to choose the right tool for the job at hand.

My Buying Guide on ‘Pliers And Side Cutters’

As someone who has worked with tools for many years, I have come to realize the importance of having good quality pliers and side cutters in my toolbox. These versatile tools are essential for any DIY project or professional work. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision when purchasing pliers and side cutters.

Types of Pliers and Side Cutters

Before diving into the buying guide, it is essential to understand the different types of pliers and side cutters available.

1. Standard Pliers: These are multipurpose pliers that can be used for gripping, bending, twisting, and cutting.

2. Long Nose Pliers: As the name suggests, these pliers have a long narrow nose that allows you to reach tight spaces and grip small objects easily.

3. Slip Joint Pliers: These pliers have an adjustable pivot point that allows you to adjust the jaw size according to your needs.

4. Diagonal Cutting Pliers: Also known as side cutters, these are designed specifically for cutting wires and cables.

Material

When it comes to choosing pliers and side cutters, the material used plays a crucial role in their durability and performance. The most commonly used materials are steel alloys such as carbon steel or chrome-vanadium steel. Look for tools that are made from high-quality materials as they tend to last longer and provide better grip.

Comfort

Working with tools for an extended period can put a strain on your hands. That’s why it is crucial to choose pliers and side cutters with ergonomic handles that provide a comfortable grip. Look for handles made from non-slip materials such as rubber or PVC as they offer better control and reduce hand fatigue.

Cutting Edge

The cutting edge of your side cutters should be sharp enough to make clean cuts without putting too much strain on your hands. Look for tools with induction-hardened cutting edges as they tend to stay sharp longer compared to regular ones.

Durability

Investing in high-quality tools may cost more initially but will save you money in the long run as they tend to last longer. Before making a purchase, check if the tool has been heat-treated or hardened as this indicates its durability.

Brand Reputation

When purchasing any tool, it is always wise to opt for a reputable brand known for its quality products. Do some research by reading reviews online or asking people who have experience working with different brands of pliers and side cutters.

Price

Finally, consider your budget when choosing pliers and side cutters. While it may be tempting to go for cheaper options, remember that quality comes at a price. It is better to invest in good quality tools that will last longer than buying cheap ones that may need frequent replacements.

In conclusion, when purchasing pliers and side cutters, consider factors such as type, material, comfort, cutting edge, durability, brand reputation, and price. By keeping these points in mind while shopping for these essential tools , you can ensure that you get value for your money.

Author Profile

Avatar
Peter Robert Hughes
Peter Robert Hughes is a distinguished author with a deep passion for sustainable aquaculture and environmental stewardship. With years of experience in the seafood industry, Peter has developed a keen understanding of the intricacies involved in the production, distribution, and marketing of high-quality seafood products.

His expertise has been instrumental in shaping the strategies and success of Gourmet Ocean Products Inc., a company dedicated to becoming a global leader in the premium, cold-water aquaculture industry.

In 2024, Peter Robert Hughes transitioned into writing informative blogs focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new venture allows Peter to share his extensive knowledge and insights with a broader audience. His blog covers a wide range of content, including.