How to choose pliers

A good pair of pliers grips, turns, and holds the fittings, fasteners, and wire you meet on an irrigation or repair job. Tongue-and-groove (channel-type) pliers adjust across a range of jaw widths, so one tool handles couplings, nuts, and pipe of different sizes.

Size the pliers to the work: our Channellock straight-jaw pliers run from about 9.5 in. up to 16.5 in., and the longer handles open wider and give more grip on big fittings. Keep a mid-size pair in the box for everyday work and a larger one for stubborn connections.

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