Pliers are one of the tools you must always have with you if you’re into DIY.
This tool has extensive uses, including cutting or twisting wires. It can also be used to grip round objects like pipes.
Some pliers are designed for specific tasks, while others can perform multiple functions.
Therefore, selecting the best pliers depends on what you intend to use them for.
Meanwhile, one of several characteristics of pliers is their size. Despite performing similar functions, these tools come in different sizes and shapes.
These differences make some pliers better at performing specific tasks than others.
Selecting the best pliers for your DIY project also requires assessing their shapes and sizes.
Luckily, this article guides you in choosing the best pliers for your DIY needs.
Parallel Pliers
Different types of pliers are best for different tasks.
For example, parallel pliers are similar to traditional pliers but have two parallel jaws, which means they grip evenly along the whole length of the jaws, unlike scissor action pliers which only have a small contact point.
This means that you achieve a better grip with less effort.
This tells you that you need to have a task in mind before choosing the appropriate type and size of pliers.
Choosing The Best Pliers
DIY projects often involve multiple processes, which means that you may require one or more pliers for successful completion.
The following guide will be helpful to you as you select the most suitable pliers for your DIY.
Here are some tips on choosing the best pliers for your next DIY project:
1. Consider The Task You Need Them To Perform
As mentioned above, different pliers have different uses. Some are used solely for holding, such as locking and slip-joint pliers.
Others, like side-cutting and end-cutting pliers, are designed for cutting only.
Then, there are multifunctional ones like linesman, whose design allows them to be used for both holding and cutting.
Thus, if your DIY project involves holding objects of various sizes, you’d benefit from selecting locking pliers or slip-joint pliers.
Similarly, if you need to hold and cut objects, you could use task-specific pliers or multifunctional ones.
2. Research The Best Brands In The Market
Knowing the specific functions of each plier is no good if you end up with a poor-quality brand.
If your pliers break after a short period, they may not be of the best quality.
Similarly, its quality is questionable if it fades too early or refuses to cut properly.
But how can you ensure you end up with the best brand?
You can get good quality pliers by researching various brands in the market. In the digital era, finding information has become very easy.
You only need to find the right keywords for your topic and search online.
Remember to verify the credibility of the sites you use so that you don’t fall victim to inaccurate information.
Besides search engines, social media is also a powerful research tool.
All you have to do is identify a community of fellow DIY lovers and ask for their opinions.
Nonetheless, it’s best not to take this information at face value lest you forget that each opinion is based on their experience.
Ensure you weigh your options so you can make an informed decision.
3. Put Different Brands To The Test
Another way of ensuring you select the best pliers is to put different brands of pliers to the test.
Some brands may be of poor quality, and others may be of good quality.
So, before deciding which ones are appropriate for your DIY, you’ll need to experiment.
While doing so, consider the weight of each plier, how comfortable and easy it is to open the handle, and assess its surface finishes.
Additionally, think about how its performance has been rated online or how efficient it was if you have used it before.
This will help you determine which of them is well suited.
If your selection ends up disappointing you, try a different one.
Keep the cycle going until you find the best fit. Remember that the more you explore, the more you understand what’s suitable for your DIY project.
4. Have A Flexible Budget
Budget is as vital as all the other factors when selecting the best pliers for your DIY.
As someone that loves DIY projects, it’s unlikely that this is your last one.
You might need the pliers you buy for another project. If that’s the case, you want to choose something that’s both efficient and long-lasting.
You can think of it as an investment. Would you rather keep buying new pliers every so often, or do you want something that’ll last you years?
If your answer is the latter, having a flexible budget would be a good idea. A flexible budget means you’re willing to spend more for superior quality and brand.
Spending money on quality pliers is cheaper in the long term than buying low-quality ones.
For example, if a pair of pliers worth $25 lasted 10 years and a cheaper one lasted two years, the former would be more economical.
5. Choose Simplicity
The simpler a tool is, the easier it is to use. Some pliers have complicated shapes, sizes, or functions.
At first, it may be cost-effective to opt for them, especially if they’re multifunctional.
However, complex tools are always tricky to use initially, making them inefficient.
Consequently, this can limit your productivity, which wouldn’t be the case if you choose pliers based on their simplicity.
6. Visit The Store Physically
Some of the things you need to assess when buying pliers require your physical presence.
For example, it’s impossible to feel how comfortable a handle is without holding the pliers.
Also, it’ll be challenging to differentiate between good and poor quality if you make an online purchase.
More notably, you cannot trust that all online stores have your best interests at heart.
Imagine buying pliers worth $8 for $25, then realizing they don’t work after they’ve been delivered.
That’s why you need to visit the store physically. Besides avoiding scams, it’s the best way for you to choose the best pliers for your DIY needs.
To Sum Up
Pliers are an essential element for DIY projects. The first thing to consider when selecting the best pliers is the task it’s needed for.
Secondly, you need to do proper research on different brands and their quality.
Additionally, you have to put different brands to the test until you find the best one.
This article is an excellent place to start if you’ve been wondering how to purchase the best pliers for your DIY projects.