Plumbing Pliers

Pliers for plumbing and mechanical work: tongue-and-groove, linesman, needle nose, diagonal cutters and specialty basin and strainer pliers.

Tongue-and-groove pliers are the plumber's default because the jaw stays parallel across the whole adjustment range, so the grip does not slip off a nut as the opening changes. Cheaper pliers lose that parallelism at the wide end and round off fittings.

On chrome and finished trim, use smooth-jaw pliers or tape the jaws. Serrated teeth will mark a visible escutcheon or supply nut permanently, and the mark shows up after the job is done rather than during it.

Handle length is leverage, not comfort. A 12" plier delivers noticeably more torque than an 8" on a seized fitting, but the shorter tool is the only one that fits under a vanity.

Brands include Milwaukee, Mill Rose, REED and J.C. Whitlam.

Popular in this collection: REED 2650 10" Water Pump Pliers, Milwaukee MT550 9" Lineman's Pliers, Milwaukee MT555 8" Long Nose Pliers.

Frequently asked questions

Are tongue-and-groove pliers the same as water pump pliers?

Yes. Tongue-and-groove pliers, water pump pliers and slip-joint channel pliers are names for the same adjustable plier, with a grooved joint that lets the jaws open wide while staying parallel.

What size plumbing pliers should I buy?

A 10" tongue-and-groove plier covers most supply nuts and trap fittings. A 12" or larger plier gives more reach and leverage for big slip nuts and pipe.

How do I avoid scratching chrome with pliers?

Use smooth-jaw pliers or wrap the jaws with tape on finished trim. Serrated jaws grip better on bare pipe but will mark chrome and plated nuts.