Best Tongue-and-Groove Pliers of 2026

"I've added these mini pliers to my daily kit and they've quickly become indispensable. They’re compact, fit into any pocket, and deliver a surprisingly solid grip for their size. The construction feels robust, and I’m impressed by their overall sturdiness. Highly recommend to anyone needing a small, reliable pair of pliers."

"What stood out to me is the impressive build quality and perfect jaw alignment—there’s no slop or side play at all. They handle both plastic and metal with ease, and the adjustment mechanism is smooth and precise. For the price, these are a fantastic buy. I’d absolutely purchase them again."

"I was genuinely surprised at how well-made these are. The finish is clean, the adjustment button works flawlessly, and they’re extremely pocket-friendly. I added a small paracord loop for easy access. This is now one of my favorite EDC tools, and I recommend it 100%."

"As someone who's used various water pump pliers, I can confidently say these are the best I've owned. The KNIPEX Cobra's comfortable grip and solid, non-slip handles make extended work a breeze. They're versatile enough for plumbing and automotive tasks, and the build quality is second to none. Highly recommended for anyone who values reliability and durability in their tools."

"After comparing several brands, I chose these pliers for their superior engineering and toughness. They are lightweight yet robust, easily fitting into my pocket organizer. Even after heavy use and regular exposure to sweat and water, they show no signs of rust. Although the upfront cost is higher, their longevity makes them a smart investment."

"Being an older woman with less hand strength, I found these pliers to be a game-changer. They offer more power and control than my mini-multitool, and can handle both delicate and heavy tasks. If I had to pick just one tool to carry, it would be these. They excel in both versatility and ease of use."

"I’ve been using Craftsman tools since the ‘90s, and I still rely on them because of their solid construction, lifetime warranty, and comfortable grip. These pliers helped me fix bathroom issues easily and saved me money by avoiding plumber calls. Shipping was fast and I definitely recommend having this in your toolbox."

"As someone who missed Craftsman when Sears closed, I was really happy to see their tools on Amazon again. These 8" and 10" pliers are well-made, durable, and truly live up to the Craftsman reputation. They feel sturdy and reliable, and I’m confident they’ll last me for years of regular use."

"I previously bought a cheap set of no-name pliers and the adjustment was awful. These Craftsman pliers, while a bit pricier, have smooth adjustment slots and noticeably better quality. I’m glad I paid a little more for ease of use and durability."

"I've been using these pliers daily for the past three months, and they're now a staple in my maintenance pouch. The jaws align perfectly, there's no wiggle, and they handle just about any quick task I throw at them. They're as reliable as my classic Cobras but more versatile in tight spots. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a multi-purpose tool!"

"As someone with a lot of experience using different brands, I can say Knipex stands out for its quality and value. I own tools from SnapOn, Klein, Milwaukee, and others, but these are now my go-to. The premium is totally justified by the durability and performance—I don't buy anything else these days."

"I recently had to remove a #8 screw from a cramped area, and these pliers handled it with ease. The updated design grips tightly even at the tips, and the overall build is top-notch. I have no doubt these will outlast me and serve the next generation just as well."

"I’m really impressed with the quality and value of these pliers—they’re as solid as tools costing twice as much. I keep a set in my car, one in my garage, and even gave some to friends who are picky about their tools. Very dependable and durable—absolutely a great buy."

"As an electrician, I find these pliers to be far above ‘basic’—great quality and performance at a budget-friendly price. The three-piece set covers all my needs, and I genuinely think every electrician should have them on hand."

"While these aren’t quite Knipex, for the price, they’re an excellent choice for everyday jobs or fieldwork where you don’t want to risk your top-tier tools. Steel quality is good, and the mechanism works well. The jaw opening and grip are a bit less than premium brands, but they get the job done for most tasks."

"These pliers have amazing grip strength and the push-button adjustment makes switching tasks effortless. The finish is durable and high-end, and I use them for everything from plumbing to automotive work. I’ve even started giving them as gifts. Highly recommend for anyone needing a reliable tool."

"After doing lots of research, I picked Knipex for their superb craftsmanship and comfortable, slim handles. The button adjustment works flawlessly, and the multi-angle jaws grip any surface well. They’re pricier than others, but the quality is absolutely worth it. I expect them to last a lifetime."

"I own several sizes of these pliers, and each one performs far beyond expectations. They’re smooth, strong, and grip tightly. Even though they cost more, I believe in 'buy once, cry once.' Knipex makes outstanding tools—these pliers are my top pick for quality and reliability."

"I was really surprised by the quality and solid build of these pliers, especially at this price. The adjustable size is smooth and the grip feels secure. They’ve been a fantastic value—definitely exceeded my expectations."

"Using these pliers for various repairs around the house has been a breeze. The jaw capacity and grip are excellent, and I appreciate how comfortable the handles feel during long use. The adjustment stays firm and reliable, saving me hassle on every project."

"I needed something affordable for occasional jobs, and these fit the bill. While they’re not top-tier tools, they’re sturdy enough for small tasks and the steel seems solid. For someone who doesn’t use pliers often, they’re a practical and budget-friendly choice."

"I find these pliers incredibly handy for working in confined areas. The V-jaw offers a secure grip on pipes and fasteners, and the GrooveLock adjustment makes size changes fast and easy. They’re well built and comfortable to use, so I highly recommend keeping them in your tool kit."

"After using both the 8" and 10" versions, I can say the 6" model is perfect for delicate, intricate tasks. The narrow jaws reach places bulkier pliers can’t, and the multiple size settings keep things secure. As long as you use them for lighter work, I expect them to last for years."

"The GrooveLock Pliers are well-crafted and convenient for small tasks. The locking mechanism is smooth and reliable, but I did notice they feel a bit small for anything heavy-duty. Great for precision jobs, but for bigger projects, you might want something larger."

"I picked up a second set for the house because these channel locks have become my go-to tools. They're sturdy, versatile, and handle every household job I throw at them. The different sizes are practical for the price, and as long as I keep them dry, they hold up well."

"These pliers are smooth right out of the box, already oiled and ready to use. I find there's always a need for reliable channel-locks like these in my toolbox!"

"The grip is excellent and the design feels rugged—they really get the job done without fuss. Definitely happy with my purchase."

"I always keep these compact pliers in my pocket at work. They’re lightweight yet tough, and the grip is comfortable. After months of use in tough industrial settings, they’re still going strong. Absolutely recommend these for anyone needing a reliable, portable tool."

"I was surprised by how well these work! The pliers are well-oiled, grip tightly, and feel stronger than they look. This was my first try with this brand, but I’m definitely buying more tools from them in the future."

"As a budget-friendly option, these pliers have been very handy for everyday carry. The size is just right—not too big or small. They’ve saved me time on the job and I plan to get more for my cars. Great value for the price."