Steel quality definitely varies around the world and each country uses its own designations to signify the blend. However, when possible, we like to use tools made in the USA with US steel. We make an effort not to draw the line on USA steel. Dropping tools from height makes for a bad work experience and lost productivity. Regardless of which you choose, the best pliers won’t slip out of your hands when you get a little oil or grease on them. Many of these tools come in both, and we find that personal preference often leads the way here. Dipped handles excel for basic tools that you want to grip quickly and get into tighter areas. Molded handles work best for when you need a secure grip and lots of applied pressure. For other models, we waver between nice molded comfort handles and plastic-dipped.
Insulated pliers clearly have a particular requirement for handle materials. Our goal is to tell whether a pair of pliers really does what it says-or whether it just has a “neat” marketing gimmick. The best pliers should grip securely and allow you to twist, pull, or otherwise maneuver material as needed to get the job done. If it strips wire, we test both the top and bottom gauges to see how accurately and consistently it works.įor products with knurled teeth and gripping force, we grab onto both flat materials as well as EMT pipe. If it has a cutting edge, we cut through appropriate material-Romex, copper wire, straps, steel cabling, and more. Add on top of that a staff of people who use, review, and test tools all day long for their profession, and you have a lot of practical experience.
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Our crew consists of professional electricians and plumbers as well as contractors, auto mechanics, and handymen. At around $35 for the pliers, you won’t go back. If you haven’t used these, check them out. It’s like a pair of linemen pliers and Klein Kurve strippers had a baby.Īlso made in the USA, these pliers have all the great features of the first-gen Kurves but with a bit more. Not only do they strip heavier gauge wire than the prior model, but the knurled jaw also lets us easily grab and twist wire. They quickly became our vote for best wire strippers as soon as we started using them.
The Klein Kurve heavy-duty wire strippers made something already great even better. When they came out with their heavy-duty model, however-we did a double-take. We find them ergonomic, quick, and versatile. We’ve used Klein Kurve wire strippers for years. Best Wire Strippers Klein Kurve Heavy-Duty Wire Stripper Hopefully, this article helps you find the model that fits your needs or application. In the end, we can’t just recommend a single tool for everyone. We also bring in professional tradesmen to get their hands on these tools and lend us additional thoughts and feedback.
Our recommendations come after hours of hands-on testing and real-world use.