Almost every home toolbox in Egypt has a pair of pliers in it. But there are several types of pliers, and each one is made for a specific job: some grip and twist, some reach into tight spaces, some only cut, and some strip and crimp wires. Using the wrong one can damage the wire or the fastener, or even hurt your hand.
In this guide we cover the main types of pliers you need at home, what each one is used for, how to use it properly, and which one to buy first if you are still building your toolkit.
1. Combination Pliers
These are the pliers everyone knows. The jaws are wide and serrated for a firm grip, with a cutting edge close to the pivot.
What are they used for?
- Holding small parts steady while you work.
- Bending and twisting wires.
- Cutting thin wires with the cutting edge near the pivot.
- Turning a small nut or a damaged screw head in an emergency.
How to use them correctly
Grip with the serrated part of the jaws, not the very tip, for a stronger hold. Do not use them as a permanent replacement for a wrench; the teeth chew up nut edges. When cutting wire, place it as close to the pivot as possible for more force with less effort.
A good starting point is the TOTAL 3-Piece Professional Pliers Set, which includes an 8" combination plier, a 6" long nose plier and a 6" diagonal cutter, made of Chrome Vanadium (Cr-V) steel with ergonomic handles.
2. Long Nose Pliers
Long, thin jaws designed for places regular pliers cannot reach.
What are they used for?
- Holding small screws and nuts inside electrical boxes or appliances.
- Forming a loop at the end of a wire to wrap around a terminal screw.
- Retrieving something that fell into a narrow gap.
How to use them correctly
The thin nose is not made for heavy force or hard twisting, which can bend or spread the tips. Keep them for precise work and leave heavy gripping to combination pliers.
3. Diagonal Cutters
Diagonal cutters (side cutters) do one job: cutting. Their angled, sharp edges give a clean cut without crushing the wire.
What are they used for?
- Cutting electrical wires and thin cables.
- Trimming cable ties and excess wire ends.
How to use them correctly
Do not cut nails or thick steel wire beyond their capacity, as this chips the edge. Point the piece being cut away from your face, since wire ends can fly off.
4. Wire Strippers and Crimpers
For home or car wiring, you need to strip insulation without nicking the copper and crimp terminals onto the wire for a solid connection.
What are they used for?
- Stripping wire insulation in different sizes.
- Crimping terminals onto wires.
- Fitting network and telephone connectors onto cables.
How to use them correctly
Choose the stripping hole that matches the wire size exactly: too small cuts the copper, too large will not strip. After crimping, give the terminal a gentle pull to make sure it holds.
To save space, the 5-in-1 Interchangeable Head Pliers Set gives you one handle and five heads: combination pliers, wire stripper (AWG 10–22), terminal crimper (1.5–6 mm²), cable cutter and tin snips, all in a storage case.
For network or phone cables, the TOTAL Professional Networking Crimping Tool cuts, strips and crimps RJ45, RJ11 and RJ12 connectors.
Which Pliers Should You Buy First?
- Building a home toolkit from scratch: start with combination pliers, then long nose pliers and diagonal cutters. Together they cover most household jobs.
- Doing a lot of electrical work: you will need cutters, a wire stripper and a terminal crimper.
- Installing network cables: a network crimping tool is the one for the job.
Safety Tips When Using Pliers
- Switch off the power at the breaker before touching any wire, and confirm there is no current with the TOTAL 190mm Electric Test Screwdriver.
- Do not rely on plier handles as electrical insulation unless they are clearly marked as insulated for live work.
- Wear work gloves and safety glasses when cutting wire, to protect against sharp ends and flying pieces.
- Wipe your pliers after use and add a drop of oil to the pivot to prevent rust and keep the action smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pliers and diagonal cutters?
Combination pliers grip, twist and can cut thin wire as a side job, while diagonal cutters are made only for cutting, with edges designed for a clean cut.
Can I use pliers instead of a wrench?
In an emergency, yes, but not regularly; plier teeth damage nut edges. It is better to use a wrench of the right size.
How do I strip a wire without cutting the copper?
Use a wire stripper, pick the hole that matches the wire size exactly, squeeze and rotate slightly, then pull the insulation off.
Order Your Pliers from EQUIPE
Browse all pliers and hand tools in our Hand Tools collection, or check out TOTAL Tools. Cash on delivery, shipping to all Egyptian governorates with delivery in 2–3 business days, and returns within 14 days. Need help choosing? Message us on WhatsApp at 01124686343 or email sales@equipe-eg.com.