Best Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers of 2026

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers are an essential tool for any electrician or lineman. These pliers are designed with a cutting edge on one side, allowing for easy cutting of wires and cables. The other side of the pliers is designed with a gripping surface, allowing for a strong and secure hold on the wire or cable being worked on. Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers are built with durable materials, ensuring they can withstand the toughest jobs and last for years to come. These pliers are a must-have for anyone working in the electrical industry.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Klein Tools 80020 3-Piece Pliers Tool Kit Cover #TOP 1
Klein Tools 80020 3-Piece Pliers Tool Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Klein Tools D213-8NE Pliers: High Leverage Lineman's Pliers Cover #TOP 2
Klein Tools D213-8NE Pliers: High Leverage Lineman's Pliers
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Arrow 8" High-Leverage Linemans Pliers Cover #TOP 3
Arrow 8" High-Leverage Linemans Pliers
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 6 Lineman's Side-Cutting Pliers

#TOP 1

Klein Tools 80020 3-Piece Pliers Tool Kit

80020
8-Inch 3-Piece Kit
Klein Tools 80020 3-Piece Pliers Tool Kit Cover
Klein Tools 80020 Plier Set, Made in USA, Lineman's Pliers, Diagonal Cutters, and Needle Nose Pliers, Induction Hardened Knives, 3-Piece

The Klein Tools 80020 3-Piece Pliers Tool Kit comes with 9-inch Lineman's Pliers, 8-inch Diagonal Cutting Pliers, and Long Nose Side Cutters, all made in the USA. The high-leverage design and hot-riveted joint ensure smooth action, no handle wobble, and up to 46% greater cutting and gripping power than other plier designs. This pliers tool kit is perfect for any DIY projects, electrical work, or professional use.

What We Like
Heavy-duty build quality
Durable under heavy use
Comfortable rubber handles
Excellent fit and finish
Trusted brand reputation
#TOP 2

Klein Tools D213-8NE Pliers: High Leverage Lineman's Pliers

D213-8NE
Dark Blue
8-Inch
Klein Tools D213-8NE Pliers: High Leverage Lineman's Pliers Cover
Klein Tools D213-8NE Pliers, 8-Inch Side Cutters, High Leverage Lineman's Pliers Cut Copper, Aluminum and other Soft Metals

The Klein Tools D213-8NE Pliers are 8-inch side cutters designed to cut copper, aluminum, and other soft metals. These pliers are forged in the USA with custom US steel, ensuring durability and precision. The high leverage rivet is closer to the cutting edge, providing 46% greater cutting and gripping power than other designs. The versatile jaws have cross-hatched knurled jaws that provide a strong grip and a wide design for holding, pulling, and twisting. The pliers also have comfortable soft dipped grips and unique tempered handles that absorb shock when cutting wire. The precisely machined and hot riveted joint ensures smooth action and no handle wobble.

What We Like
Exceptional durability
Heavy duty construction
Long-lasting quality
Versatile usage
Trusted brand reputation
#TOP 3

Arrow 8" High-Leverage Linemans Pliers

Arrow 8" High-Leverage Linemans Pliers Cover
ARROW 8" High Leverage Linemans Pliers, Side Cutters, Linesman Pliers for Wire Cutting, Gripping

The Arrow Linemans Pliers are built to make your work easier and more efficient. With a special pivot point placed forward, you get extra leverage, so cutting or gripping wires takes less effort. The pliers are made from tough high-carbon steel with a black phosphate coating, which means they resist rust and stay strong over time. Their jaws are reinforced and thickened, so they won’t bend or crack even under heavy use, giving you a reliable tool for long-lasting performance. Plus, the ergonomic handles have a thick, comfortable grip that helps reduce hand fatigue, making it easier for you to work longer without discomfort.

What We Like
High leverage design
Durable hardened steel
Reinforced jaws
Comfortable ergonomic handles
#TOP 4

Klein Tools J213-9NE Side Cutter Linemans Pliers

J213-9NE
Dark Blue/Black
9-Inch
Klein Tools J213-9NE Side Cutter Linemans Pliers Cover
Klein Tools J213-9NE Side Cutter Linemans Pliers, Made in USA, High Leverage, 9-Inch, Streamlined Design, Color Coded

These side cutter linemans pliers from Klein Tools are designed with high-leverage for 46% greater cutting and gripping power. The hot-riveted joint ensures smooth action and no handle wobble, while the induction hardened cutting knives provide long life. The streamlined design of the pliers features sure-gripping, cross-hatched knurled jaws, and the dual-material Journeyman handles offer a better grip without sacrificing tool strength and durability. Additionally, the color-coded handles allow quick identification of the tool.

What We Like
High-leverage design for greater cutting and gripping power
Induction hardened cutting knives for long life
Dual-material Journeyman handles offer a better grip without sacrificing tool strength and durability
#TOP 5

WORKPRO 6-in-1 8 Inch Linesman Pliers

W031399A
Red, Blue, Silver
WORKPRO 6-in-1 8 Inch Linesman Pliers Cover
WORKPRO 6-in-1 Linesman Pliers with Wire Cutter and Stripper, 8 Inch Multipurpose Combination Pliers, Premium CRV Steel Hand Tool Plier for Twisting Cutting Wires and Clamping Screws

The WORKPRO 8 Inch Linesman Pliers offer great versatility with six functions including fastening, clamping, winding, cutting, crimping, and stripping wires. This means you can handle many tasks with one tool, saving you time and effort. Made from high-quality 60CR-V steel, these pliers are tough and resistant to rust, so they’ll last through heavy use. Their high-leverage design helps you cut wires with less effort, making your work easier. Plus, the comfortable, non-slip TPR handle grip ensures a secure hold, so you can work safely and efficiently without hand fatigue.

What We Like
Multi-function tool
High-quality durable steel
Rust-resistant finish
Ergonomic non-slip handle
Labor-saving high leverage
#TOP 6

Knipex 09 02 240 SBA Pliers

0905240SBA
Multi
One Size
Knipex 09 02 240 SBA Pliers Cover
KNIPEX Tools - High Leverage Lineman's, New England Head, Multi-Component (0902240SBA), 9 inches

The Knipex 09 02 240 SBA 9.5-Inch Ultra-High Leverage Lineman's Pliers have been redesigned to make them easier to cut with, saving you time and energy. The pliers feature an ultra-high leverage design for 25% easier cutting power, serrated cross-hatched knurled gripping zone on the jaws, a recess on the back with an oval-shaped design to work better on thicker, round or oval-shaped cable, an additional gripping zone below the joint and precise induction hardened cutting edges. The pliers also have dual-component grips for added comfort.

What We Like
25% easier cutting power due to ultra-high leverage design
Serrated cross-hatched knurled gripping zone on the jaws for pulling and gripping
Precise induction hardened cutting edges for long life and easy cutting of soft, hard and ACSR wire
Additional gripping zone below the joint for strong gripping of wires and pulling wires
Dual-component grips for added comfort
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a lineman's pliers used for?

Lineman's pliers are used by electricians to straighten, cut, grip, twist, push, and pull wire. They are used to cut and bend light gauge metal and pull staples and nails. The angular edges on the outside edge of the jaws are designed to ream down ridges and burs on the inside lip of cut pipes.

2. What's another name for lineman's pliers?

Lineman's pliers (US English), Kleins (genericized trademark, US usage), linesman pliers (Canadian English), side cutting linesman pliers and combination pliers (UK / US English) are a type of pliers used by linemen, electricians, and other tradesmen primarily for gripping, twisting, bending and cutting wire, cable and ...

3. Why are they called lineman's pliers?

Lineman pliers are named for the occupation of electrical linesmen. The job of being an electrical linesman was born in the 1840s, with the invention of the telegraph. Telegraph lines were able to be strung between trees, however soon wooden poled were the preferred method of installing lines.

4. What are New England style lineman's pliers?

These Klein Tools Lineman's New England Nose Pliers are made of US-made forged steel with induction hardened blades. Their streamline design with ''handform'' handles also has unique handle tempering that helps absorb the ''snap'' when cutting. They have sure-grip jaws with cross-hatched knurling.

Editor's Notes

During our lineman's side-cutting pliers research, we found 24 lineman's side-cutting pliers products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 38,559 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lineman's side-cutting pliers list. We found that most customers choose lineman's side-cutting pliers with an average price of $27.28.

The lineman's side-cutting pliers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lineman's side-cutting pliers, including KLEIN TOOLS, Arrow Fastener, WORKPRO, KNIPEX. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.