Best Locking Pliers (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023

Our top picks for the best locking pliers will help you get the job done right

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Ever feel like you need an extra pair of hands? Locking pliers are a handy solution to grabbing tightly onto all those places you need it most. We’ve put together this informative buying guide to help you find the best locking pliers on the market. No matter what type you choose or what you use them for, locking pliers are a staple for any garage.

Irwin Vise-Grip The Original Locking Pliers Set with Wire Cutter

WORKPRO Three-Piece Locking Pliers Set

Crescent Five-Piece Locking Pliers Set with Wire Cutter

Defined by long angled arms that form a point, this type of locking pliers forms the shape of a C in order to clamp around girthier objects. C-clamp locking pliers are best for jobs where you need more clearance to get around objects. For instance, C-clamp locking pliers are a good tool to use when clamping flat pieces of wood together after they’re glued. An adjustment screw and trigger release handle are integrated into these pliers, too.

You’ll quickly be able to tell the difference between round- and long-nose locking pliers. Round-nose pliers are curved like a bird's beak, whereas long-nose locking pliers are formed like a pair of needle-nose pliers. Both types of pliers feature teeth within the inner sides of the jaws. The biggest difference between these two nose types is that round-nose pliers work well on rounded objects like tubes while long-nose pliers clamp well onto flat surfaces.

There are two types of jaw designs: curved and straight. Curved-jaw locking pliers are round-nosed and have serrated teeth inside the jaw to clamp onto rounded objects. It's best to use curved-jaw locking pliers set on anything cylindrical in shape. Straight-jaw locking pliers can either be round- or long-nose. Most, if not all, long-nose locking pliers are straight-jaws, while round-nose pliers can be straight or curved.

Based out of North Carolina and founded in 1885, Irwin Vise-Grips is a name you have probably heard around the shop. If you’re not a fan of the picks we chose above, check out this GrooveLock Pliers Set, which adjusts to help you out in a variety of situations.

Headquartered in Maryland, Crescent was founded in 1907. If you’re looking for a pair of Straight Jaw Locking Pliers, look no further. Crescent has the tools you need at a price point you can afford.

Housed under the Black and Decker family name, Craftsman has been in the business for over 90 years. From their headquarters in Connecticut, Craftsman produces such items as the Straight Jaw 10-Inch Locking Plier. Equipped with easy-grip handles, this tool nearly cracked our top three list.

The biggest factor distinguishing one set of locking pliers from another is the size. The size is the measurement between the jaws when they are fully extended. When you open the locking pliers, the distance from one jaw tip to the other is the size of that particular tool. For example, five-inch locking pliers will have jaws that open up to five inches.

Setting a pair of locking pliers might seem like the easiest part of the process, but the best locking pliers include an easy-release handle that relieves the pressure of the hold so you can remove the pliers with ease. These handles sometimes have gripping material installed over them, but even in bare metal form, they save a lot of muscles. These handles are typically referred to as trigger release handles.

Locking pliers are made from all types of durable metal, from steel to chrome vanadium. The best locking pliers will be sturdy and durable and able to withstand the abuse typically seen in any mechanic's garage. Teeth should be broad-based and angled to prevent them from breaking off at a crucial moment. In short, all components of the best locking pliers are extremely durable.

Like the trigger release handle, a pressure adjustment screw should aid in the clamping process. Tighten the screw to add pressure and loosen it to relieve pressure. The best locking pliers will have pressure adjustment screws that are easy to grip due to knurling. You can set the screw before or after you clamp the pliers.

The best set of locking pliers will come fitted with gripping handles that are made from rubber-like materials. These handles typically fit over both arms of the locking pliers, but can also be fitted over the trigger release handle for added gripping power. These gripping handles also cut down on hand fatigue.

Best Overall

Can you hand me the Vise-Grips? This is probably a question you have heard at some point in your lifetime, especially if you have spent any time in a garage. Irwin's Vise-Grips are a household name, and once you have used a pair of their locking pliers, you’ll see what all the hype is about. Read on to find out more.

This particular packaging of Vise-Grips includes seven-inch curved-jaw round-nose pliers, along with six-inch needle-nose straight-jaw pliers. Both locking pliers have wire cutters built into the jaw, so you can clamp down and cut with just one tool. These Vise-Grips are made from alloy steel and include both a trigger release handle and a pressure adjustment screw. The hardened teeth are durable and bite deep to ensure a tight hold. Irwin also backs its products with a lifetime warranty.

Our biggest concern with these Vise-Grips is that they don't come fitted with gripping handles. The bare metal may be hard to grip when you’re covered in grease or oil. They are a bit more expensive than other brands as well. At the same time, these Vise-Grips from Irwin are an essential tool you’ll want to add to your collection.

Best Value

You can never have enough clamps, no matter what line of work you’re in or what projects you work on in your spare time. WORKPRO has created the ultimate three-piece package, including both curved- and straight-jaw locking pliers, so you can clamp both round and flat pieces. What will you clamp next?

The 10-inch curved-jaw locking pliers are great for larger pieces that you need to clamp in place. The seven-inch curved-jaw pliers and the six-and-a-half-inch straight-jaw needle-nose pliers handle the smaller items, so you can free up one hand while still holding your work in place. Each of the three locking pliers has strengthened teeth that won't let go easily. The electro-plating resists rust and corrosion and the whole assembly is riveted together for added durability. These ergonomic and versatile locking pliers include a quick-release trigger lever and TPR plastic handles, so you can grip them easier for a better hold.

One drawback we found with these locking pliers set is that you only get one pair of needle-nose locking pliers. Having another set would round out the trio well. Also, you don't get duplicates of the same pliers, but that's not to say you couldn't find a use for any and all three of these locking pliers.

Honorable Mention

Shopping for a set of locking pliers to round out your toolbox? This five-piece set from Crescent is perfect for the job. You’ll inevitably want to add to your collection as the years pass and the projects pile up, but for now, Crescent's five-piece locking pliers set is the perfect addition to your stock in tools.

Crescent includes a 5-inch, 7-inch, and 10-inch curved-jaw pair of locking pliers, along with a 6-inch and 9-inch pair of needle-nose pliers in its five-piece set. All five locking pliers are equipped with a built-in wire cutter. They meet ASME standards for quality and are nickel-plated to be rust- and corrosion-resistant. The narrow profile of these locking pliers makes it easier to get them into tight spaces where a firm hold is key. The angled teeth in each pair of locking pliers allow for a non-slip grip. The power adjustment screw and trigger release handle aid in precision clamping.

We found it hard to overlook the fact that while Crescent does equip the trigger release lever on each of these locking pliers with grippy rubberized material, the power adjustment screws don't include the same amount of gripping power. Also, since these pliers are just nickel-plated, they may not be as strong as other brands. That being said, nearly anyone of any experience level can find a use for this five-piece set of locking pliers.

Honorable Mention

The Irwin Vise-Grip series includes many locking pliers worthy of your attention. This particular model has a long nose and measures four inches. The extra compact design makes it perfect for challenging tasks when you need to reach tight areas and grip small objects. Because these pliers weigh only 0.24 pounds, you'll be able to carry them around with ease and store them wherever convenient.

These pliers are made from alloy steel and have a long straight nose. They provide a secure grip that comes in handy in narrow and hard-to-reach areas. You can tighten, clamp, twist, and turn even the smallest screws and bolts with them. There's also a built-in wire cutter you can use to shorten wires. You can even adjust the pliers at your convenience and lock them in the desired position. Also, the heat-treated alloy steel makes these pliers durable.

There are only a couple of things to keep in mind before the purchase. Firstly, the pliers might turn out to be smaller than expected. They are quite convenient for tacky projects, but not for demanding ones when you need a bulky tool. Secondly, the pliers are not heavy-duty and require careful handling. For a more durable option, you'll have to check

out pricier options on our list.

Honorable Mention

These Craftsman pliers are ideal for demanding tasks and challenging situations. They are made from heat-treated alloy steel and provide outstanding strength and durability. With them, you'll be able to grip small and large objects with security and precision. On top of that, you'll enjoy these pliers' efficiency for quite a while.

Along with being precise and stable, these pliers are also user-friendly. The handles are coated in quality materials for comfort and control so that you won't feel fatigued after extended use. The 10-inch straight jaws are also adjustable, and the easy-release mechanism allows for one-handed operation. Additionally, you'll get a lifetime warranty in case you run into any issues.

Although you can find a less expensive set of locking pliers on the market, these are top-quality. You'll add a few bucks to get a quality and durable tool that will last for a long time. When it comes to the tool's design, the only thing that might bother you is the sturdiness of the locking feature. You might need to apply extra pressure to lock and unlock the pliers, although they should loosen up a little over time.

Honorable Mention

If you're looking for rugged locking-pliers, Irwin offers a quality model. These are designed to fit the hand perfectly and reduce fatigue on extended use. Along with being ergonomically designed for user convenience, the pliers are also efficient and reliable.

The thing that makes this tool special is the enhanced gripping power. The jaws are sturdy and can withstand high pressure and prevent slips and strips. They grip the object securely and give more control to the user. You can even adjust the pliers for a better grip and use them with just one hand. Additionally, the tool is incredibly durable, and you'll enjoy its benefits for a while.

However, these pliers are not very useful in tight spaces. The tips are not that long to reach narrow areas and grip small objects. Long-nose pliers would work better for that type of application. Another drawback regards the locking feature as it's quite stiff—you might need to apply some extra pressure.

Honorable Mention

Due to the quality design and innovative handles, these pliers are highly-favored among professionals and DIYers. The set includes long-nose locking pliers and curved-jaw locking pliers, so you'll get everything you need for most home applications.

Both included models are compact and lightweight. They are easy to handle and don't cause hand fatigue. The coated handles feel comfortable and ensure more control over the tools. You also have an option to adjust pressure and lock the jaws in a proper position. From then on, you can tighten, clamp, twist, and turn all kinds of bolts, nuts, wires, and other objects.

These Irwin pliers have a smaller gap between the handles, which means they might be a little less convenient to use, especially when locking and unlocking. The pliers are also very compact, so they might not be ideal for gripping heavy and large objects.

Honorable Mention

Knipex is well-known for producing tools and accessories of outstanding quality. Therefore, the fact that these pliers are among the most popular ones on the market doesn't come as a surprise. The tool is medium-sized, lightweight, and feels great in your hand. You can use it for a variety of applications and get projects done in a breeze.

The tool is made from chrome vanadium electric steel and proves to be super durable. The round jaws are strong and adjustable, so you can set them in a position that works the best for you. All in all, the tool is designed to withstand daily abuse and provide reliable performance at all times. With the help of the sturdy and sharp steel, you'll cut, bend, twist, and reshape objects within minutes.

The pliers feel a little stiff at first, and even though they break in after a short period of use, they still might be somewhat tricky to lock and unlock in the beginning. Another minor inconvenience comes from the handles. The coat doesn't reach all areas, especially not the space around the screws, allowing some rust to build up.

Honorable Mention

These pliers are among the best inexpensive options on the market, mostly because it includes five high-quality pieces for different applications. The set counts 5- , 7-, and 10-inch pliers with curved jaws, and 6- and 9-inch long-nose pliers. These tools will help you tackle most home projects as well as professional tasks.

The included tools are made from nickel-plated alloy steel resistant to rust and corrosion. They all have adjustable locking mechanisms with a trigger-release for easy use and ultimate control. The pliers are convenient, comfortable, and efficient, and you can use them for a wide range of applications. You'll even get a roll-up pouch and a lifetime warranty.

However, don't forget that these pliers are inexpensive. You'll have to settle with lower quality for the price, which means less durability. Although the pliers are useful and efficient, they are also not as durable as some pricier options on our list.

A: There are a lot of people who swear by certain types of metal when it comes to locking pliers, but all you need is something that will resist rust and corrosion. Most of the metals used in any type of tool these days provide that protection.

A: Locking pliers are great for any job where you need to hold something in place. For example, you can use locking pliers to clamp off hoses so the fluid captured within them does not leak out. You can also use locking pliers on non-liquid applications, such as compressing brake calipers if you replace your own brakes.

A: Milwaukee, Stanley, Knipex, TEKTON, and CH Hanson all make locking pliers of various sizes and types. If you’re not satisfied with the three picks we featured here, check out what these brands have to offer.

Our top pick for the best locking pliers is the Irwin Vise-Grip The Original Locking Pliers Set with Wire Cutter. Experience the tradition of superb pliers with above-average locking power.

For locking pliers that won't cut off your cash supply, purchase the WORKPRO Three-Piece Locking Pliers Set. It's a great value buy that will round out any toolset.

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, "wisdom of the crowd" assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.