Adam Savage's Favorite Tools: 3 Essential Pliers!

Soft-jaw eyeglass repair pliers: amzn.to/2DDBumg
Jeweler's pliers: amzn.to/3lWDyqH
Screw pliers: amzn.to/3jSPW9r amzn.to/2EUW4iL
Today's tool tips are a three-in-one: Adam recommends three sets of pliers that perform unique tasks for grabbing, gripping, and manipulating materials for shop work. There's soft-jaw pliers that are great for holding on to delicate parts without marring them, jeweler's pliers that are amazing for bending coat-hanger wire, and screw pliers that are essentially a handheld small parts vise. Make sure they're part of your plier collection!
Shot by Adam Savage
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[@tested]

Soft-jaw eyeglass repair pliers: amzn.to/2DDBumg Jeweler's pliers: amzn.to/3lWDyqH Screw pliers: amzn.to/3jSPW9r amzn.to/2EUW4iL

[@Mongo63a]

you need a set of parallel jaw pliers as well. www.amazon.com/Mazbot-Smooth-Chain-Parallel-Pliers/dp/B01FSVMGXY/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=parallel+jaw+pliers&qid=1603807652&sr=8-7

[@davidfletcher8197]

@@Mongo63a Agreed, I came down here specifically to ask why he missed the parallel pliers. I think it was another Adam video that introduced me to them in the first place and they were one of my most valuable purchases.

[@emmakai2243]

These look like great tools, but I wouldn't qualify them as "essential" pliers...more like niche-pliers. As a weekend/latenight hobbyist...budget is always a big concern, and I can't afford specialty tools that I'd only use a couple times a year. I can think of some very easy home hacks using needle-nose, vise-grips, and/or needle-nose vise-grips to accomplish tasks that these tools fix.

[@asyoz]

Adam, do you already have a set of angled needle-nose pliers? They're a truly beautiful thing...

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

Screw pliers also look like they’re good for manipulating small square bar

[@Gerald5000]

For anyone looking for what Adam called Jeweler's Pliers, they're actually 'Stepped Bail-Making Pliers'. It'll help your search.

[@nightnola]

These are my go to when installing outlets and want to bend wire around the screw downs. Easy, repeatable, accurate bends.

[@tiffanysandmeier4753]

I have a set. They are nice. Before he showed, I thought he was talking about chain nose pliers (I think they are called) that are like needle nose, but smooth inside. Also wire looping pliers are graduated round, small at the tip and larger at the base, so can make different sized loops, but not quite as consistent as the stepped loops.

[@FrozenThai]

@@nightnola ahh smart. Just wire bending in general, with different gauges and without damaging the insulation.

[@jhopk83388]

If you don’t like the Chinese ones on Amazon check out knipex 22-160.

[@Epiphalactic]

@@nightnola fyi, outlets come with their own way to perfectly bend the wire around the screw. Way easier.

[@manueldeubler1127]

Knipex Pliers wrench. If you don't have one, get one. You will find dozen of uses. They replace a whole set of open-end wrenches. In addition, I have used the perfectly parallel jaws to push in bearings, bend metal and push a button into a pair of jeans.

[@nickshepherd1935]

PREACH!

[@1pcfred]

If you think a pair of pliers can replace wrenches then you just do not know how to use wrenches.

[@nickshepherd1935]

@@1pcfred Or you end up repairing a lot of stuff previously attempted by people who really don't know how to use wrenches. Knipex pliers are great for ripping rounded or otherwise ruined fasteners off to be later replaced (and properly torqued with a socket that fits). Don't get some though, I don't get a commission and saving you effort is not my job.

[@1pcfred]

@@nickshepherd1935 I don't generally work on things others have. If I am dealing with a stripped fastener I am going to use Vise Grips in that situation. That's if I don't just drill it out and re-tap it. Or cut it off if it is a nut and bolt. Sometimes welding something on a stripped head helps too. Really depends on the situation. You'd be surprised what can be done with just a hammer and cold chisel. if I want to save effort I don't work on things.

[@Ryan.Rivera]

Came looking through the comments for this!! Knipex cobras are leagues ahead of blue channel locks

[@AllynWrench]

Just a tip here that I found very handy. I have a set of long reach needle nose pliers that I slid a square cut o ring onto. I work in the Automotive industry, they are the o rings that are on the bottom of oil filters. You could probably use rubber bands too but I found that the square cut shape of the o ring lets me "roll" it up and down the handles one handed. A regular round style o ring will just roll away. But the reason the o ring helps is it turns my pliers into a temporary locking plier that doesn't clamp like a vice grip. It is SO useful for something like holding a nut or a bolt or even a screw with one hand a spinning the other end of the fastener I am using. The rubber stretch of the o ring lets the pliers hold tight enough to be in control, but they will even kind of let go automatically if too much torque is applied. You can also make them grab harder by sliding the farther up the grips. Thank you for your videos Adam and all of the Tested team.

[@j.yossarian6852]

This is a gold tip

[@MrGlennJohnsen]

these are the type of comments that makes this community awesome, simple and functional "tricks of the trade" that applies to many different fields. Thank you so much! :D

[@AllynWrench]

Thank you!

[@jermlac]

I use a piece of bicycle inner tube to do the same thing with my Leatherman. I just carry the inner tube on the flap of the Leatherman case and can pull it off and use it around the end of the handles when I need the Leatherman to lock onto something.

[@breadbutt]

I've used rubber, electrical tape and even just a little cloth to get a grip without marring something. There's a guy with a restoration youtube channel who put hot glue on the serrations of his vise grips so that he could hold things without scratching them. at least I think it's hot glue, looks to hard to be silicone. whatever it is, it seems to work very well.

[@TheHappyKamper]

I could watch Adam talk about interesting tools all day

[@feelthepayne88]

You probably have some already, but parallel jaw pliers are awesome as well.

[@JamesBond-fx3zt]

Yeah, Bernard pliers!

[@deefdragon]

I was genuinely surprised that he didn't talk about these.

[@samueldeter9735]

Why? I've never used them, so they just look gimmicky to me.

[@feelthepayne88]

@@samueldeter9735 a regular pair of pliers is also pushing the part out of the jaws away from the pivot point as it clamps down. Parallel jaw pliers apply the force directly towards the opposing jaw.

[@samueldeter9735]

feelthepayne88 so useful for larger objects? Just trying to wrap my head around it

[@spasticmuse4262]

I would love for Adam to do a tool segment on "homemade tools"; the tools you either couldn't afford, couldn't acquire, or simply didn't exist for a job you needed to get done. SO... you make one!! I would think that's right up his alley and probably has a few he could show. My favorite example actually applies here: Rebuilding rear brake calipers on a import car(the kind some mechanics would know with the "twist in" piston). Part of the integrated parking brake mechanism is buried in the bottom of the piston well, held in by a c-clip. Long story short, no c-clip pliers could reach and do the job, so I ended up getting a pair of 8" hemostats, grinding points into the ends of the jaws, and they worked a treat! PS: Rebuilding those kinds of calipers is really only for those who are broke, desperate &/or ignorant. But doable.

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Plier jaws thanks guys we got this in the bag

[@spasticmuse4262]

@@Dragon-Slay3r My shop is currently in the state of a 'dog's breakfast'. But when I do get it orderly, those 8" hemostats will be on prominent display in a prized position!

[@dennisdjou634]

Knipex pliers are the bomb and I use them every day. Both the aggressive toothed as well as the non marring ones. Their ability to adjust and grip firmly is insane.

[@MaxWobbles]

One of my favorites have been the knipex pliers wrench. They're parallel jaws that essentially act like an adjustable wrench that won't slip. They also don't have any teeth to mar what you're working on. Great for an fittings and also surprisingly great for sheet metal.

[@agentchodybanks9120]

Came to comment this

[@bobbobberton1111]

I worked in an orthodontic lab for many years. The dental industry has some pretty interesting pliers. Probably similar to some jeweler's equipment. The 3-pronged pliers and bird beak pliers we're my bread and butter. I've made tens of thousands of retainers with them, and they're worth checking out for a shop.

[@DJ-xd3oy]

I'm definitely a nerd because tool tips are what I come to this channel for. I just love tools

[@enochjukie]

My favorite pliers are made by Knipex. They make some of the best quality tools available and many different styles.

[@daviddavis584]

Yeah, the germans know whats up.

[@wmgriffin5602]

Knipex is a very good example of "you get what you pay for". The grip you get from Kinpex Cobra's is miles ahead of any other pliers I've used. I own every size they make and use them all day at work

[@RunninGunner04]

@@wmgriffin5602 I even edc the 7 1/2 inch version

[@grantrettke4851]

Not a maker and don't have a shop yet now know I must own these three pliers. Love this show.

[@mark4j9f]

I was just working on bending spinner bait wire and complaining about how the needle nose didn’t make a proper loop. Boom. Ordered the jewelers pliers. Thanks fellow nerd.

[@johnegan4056]

Knipex pliers wrench Fantastic stuff They replace spanners as well

[@1pcfred]

No they don't.

[@johnegan4056]

@@1pcfred in what way? mine do for all sorts of jobs on my cars and bikes

[@whitewolf-po2nd]

@@johnegan4056 i love the knippex pliers wrench but i think they don't replace spanners but if you only have one kit of them the wrench is an superior addition

[@johnegan4056]

@@whitewolf-po2nd ok so there must be a few jobs that a spanner is superior However for most people the pliers wrenches will do 98% of job I haven't used a spanner since I got mine

[@whitewolf-po2nd]

@@johnegan4056 I agree i bought mine(180mm version)before I bought the Wera spannerkit but have to say that you have definitely more torque with the spanners. And if you have to hold the nut while tightening the bolt you need both. And its also a question of space which tool you should use. I think the pliers are a must have and they are very versatile(you know it 😂), but you should have both.

[@bbram000]

I have the screw pliers, they are great for loosening stripped screws as well.

[@staggerwings]

This. It's why I bought my pair, to take stripped-head hex screws out of vintage computers and accessories.

[@pargeterw]

@@staggerwings I made my own by taking a dremmel to some of the super cheap pliers he showed at the beginning, because I met a stripped screw!

[@kuangsheng3891]

It's really the main purpose isn't it?!

[@markmonroe7330]

Love you Adam. You make the world a better place.

[@elliotromokurek6981]

I've got two pairs of pliers that are worth mentioning, the first is the Knipex pliers wrench, I have the seven inch version and it literally changed my life. The grip that you can get with them is incredible and because of that, the jaws don't have to be serrated so they don't mark up parts. The second pair is a set of dentist's tooth extracting pliers, like the knipex they have a lot of holding power and the jaw shape is completely unique, their profile is designed to hug around a tooth and follow its contours. This one I use less frequently but its always in a situation where no other tool would work.

[@andrewdescant]

I've got the pocket sized (4in) one but with the pipe wrench teeth to bite into rounded off nuts. I looked at the non marking version but wasn't sure it could grip that hard. Sometime after that I read the thing that makes the jaws on yours stay parallel is a 7x force multiplier.

[@guenthersteiner8163]

@@andrewdescant the version without teeth is called the Knipex pliers-wrench. They’re somewhat pricy but the quality is top notch

[@dalesims1626]

I purchased a pair of the screw pliers (medium size)and used them 3 days later for the first time, removing stripped and damaged flathead screws. They worked great, l wish that I had known about them years ago. A MUST have for person working with broken/damaged bolts or screws. Looking to purchasing the jewelers and soft face pliers in the future Dale

[@ankh428]

Never thought I'd be interested in watching a video about pliers and feel so thrilled about it. Adam's excitement is infectious and I always en up learning new stuff.

[@papaarmo5028]

My favorite pair of pliers I use a for automotive factory hose clamps. They are hose clamp pliers. The working end is at the end of a long cable and the plier ends lock down so you can use both hands to free the hose clamp from the rubber hoses and easily pull the clamp away to remove the hose.

[@ultranitro437]

I have a set of 15" long double jointed needle nose pliers so they fully open without having to open the handle end all the way. Perfect for grabbing things down in a hole where theres no room to work.

[@TestSpaceMonkey]

Agreed! I got a set after a recommendation from Tom at Oxtools. They're the kind of things that you don't use a lot but when you need it, nothing else will do. There's another comment here about adding a stout o-ring as a quick lock that I'll try out too.

[@tildessmoo]

I love those things so much! Saved my life on many an occasion.

[@zorginternational6151]

those pliers you have shown in the videos all we are make in our factory. Appreciate your vidoes.

[@AllynWrench]

I didn't even know screw pliers was a thing! Thank you Adam! I am definitely getting myself a pair or few.

[@NAJALU]

I thought he was going to suggest parallel jaw pliers, which are also work well for screws.

[@cookingwithjesus]

I made my own from some needle nose and shaped them with a dremel

[@thomassmith9059]

The “Screw” Pliers are actually designed for screw and bolt extraction. Worth having a complete set! They are made in Japan with the tool quality you expect. The source brand is ‘Engineer’ or ‘Neli-saurus’. They are also available in US rebranded as ‘Vampliers’ . TIP:Sometimes you can find them cheaper on Amazon or eBay under the ‘Engineer’ brand. The brands all have the same quality. I have at least one pair in every tool bag and an array of them on the bench tool board. -- Note: there are a few more models available under the ‘Engineer’/‘Neil-saurus’ label than Vampliers. -enjoy!

[@kayzinwillobee]

OMG !!!!!!! I just paused your video and ordered some screw pliers on amazon. I wish I had know about this tool years ago. In my line of work I have to occasionally cut the heads off stuck screws and then back them out from the other side. I have the best needle nose vice grips money can buy and it does get the job done. But like you said I never get a good grip and the tool will slip off the screw multiple times during its extraction. Its really annoying. I cant wait to try these!!!! Thank you thank you thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@microwave221]

Engineer sells their screw pliers under the name Vampliers in the US. Was so excited to see Savage uses them too, always great to get second-hand validation from Senpai.

[@Dave_Metz]

I really like reversible Safety Wire Pliers. Had a Mac Tools pair prior to having all my tools stolen recently. Very fun to use and excellent for adding a measure of safety for critical bolts you don’t want to back out. Gradually trying to replace my collection. Will be on my list for sure.

[@john345ish]

oh those screw pliers - how many times i could have used those - thanks - this just might be your best tool tip!!

[@prowokator]

Parallel jaw pliers are something that every one making jewelry or other fragile and small thing should have. They are so so good for manipulating brass sheets etc.

[@nicholastubman3585]

I wish we could have had a shop teacher like you when in school that would have been awesome😀

[@sublimationman]

My favorite pliers are my Knipex parallel jaw pliers (smooth jaw).

[@50sKid]

Ahh, I did not know about those jewelers pliers!

[@timwrigley102]

www.gesswein.com/c-579-pliers.aspx I'm a gold smith. We have a lot of crazy pliers.

[@SaintedSirr]

I use two pairs of those for chainmaille. I just wish I could find ones with longer handles.

[@CeToxihuitl]

@@timwrigley102 agree

[@bc7495]

Same I need a spring for a gun that I can't even begin to try and describe to a search engine and am stuck making my own these will make that task super simple by pos mares up shitty spring

[@sirflamedrop6165]

I'm silversmith, and yep.... I can also testify that we've got lost of pliers. Some of those pliers are actually tapered and don't have steps, and I prefer those over the stepped ones for most applications

[@terrysarver9343]

as a tool and die journeyman the screw pliers are now on my list of tools to attain. never knew they existed.

[@philipzielinski]

And the Amazon algorithm goes bonkers on these three items. Someone at Amazon: “Huh, looks like Savage is talking about pliers today.”

[@richardmartin7179]

As a technician one thing that is super satisfying for me is having the right tool for the application! I definitely will be getting a pair of the jewelers pliers and soft jaw pliers! I have the new knipex twin grip on order and have been meaning to order engineer or vampliers screw pliers. In my line of work I could use them for screw extraction when a customer has stripped the heads on a screw in a less than spacious area.

[@sibat777]

Top tip on the eye glass repair marking problem, get hold of a normal pair of pliers of appropriate size, stretch cable heat shrink tape over the nibs and heat to fit, repeat with as many Layers you need to get softness you require. Alternatively get a tin of plastidip this is a liquid rubber that dries like the rubber grip on the handles of wire cutters etc.

[@angrychef56]

Great ideas! I have a few pliers that I wrapped tape around the tips and they work barely better than they look (embarrassing)!

[@sibat777]

@@angrychef56 sorry for all the typos - apple auto complete hates me grrrr🤪🤪🤪🤪

[@ionstorm66]

Hot glue works better. You can grab while it's still a bit hot, and it will form to the surface, and grip extremely well.

[@paulb4496]

I had a "Maker" friend that would have loved this video. He had a 'bot cave' in his basement where he built robots. He was eccentric and passionate about life like Adam. Sadly he got pancreatic cancer and passed away last year. I miss you Randy...you were truly Unique.

[@jonathan__g]

I'd love to see Adam curate a top 10/15 tool set that every maker should have in a set. And then potentially sell it :D

[@0rnery]

I have found a true kindred spirit! So nice to know I'm not the only one who is smitten with particular tools. Also, found at least a couple more I need to get my hands on. Speaking of hands, I notice I'm also not the only one who eschews gloves. So, I'm gladly subscribing to a fellow "Maker's" channel!

[@jovishark]

on the screw pliers, that gentle little 'lookit that,' gave me a huge Bob Ross feel. you can just hear his passion!

[@_dude..]

Got some Neji-saurus screw grip pliers - they are effing great.

[@NicholasKratzer]

I love these videos so much! I've wanted non-marking pliers for years, and would never have thought to look at eye glass tools. "Tools you need but haven't heard of" are the best kind of tools!

[@PelicanPines]

You missed one... Knipex Plier Wrench. Check them out... when you get these... you will want one in every size.

[@manueldeubler1127]

I agree. It's almost a pity that a tool nerd like Adam does not have a whole set of them.

[@ottopartz1]

A trick I learned for field expedient use is to put fish tank type tube over the jaws of plyers to make them non marking. A little blast from the heat gun on the end of the tube to make it plyable, slip it on and cut the excess off with a box knife. Also works with fuel line and the long straight jaw vice grips to make a hose clamp off tool to keep hoses from making a mess without damaging said hose.

[@jimgoodwin6440]

Damn it, Adam! Now I just had to spend another 45 bucks on Amazon!

[@scottmantooth8785]

*you're worth it*

[@jimmyeatshoe]

My wife bends wire almost daily for her small business and I have just put her onto the Jewelers Plyers... you should have seen her face light up! Thanks so much Adam!!

[@sdfsdf2205]

A video idea: on the fly quick tool mods for regular tools for various applications, instead of the perfect tool for it?

[@ethanevans1501]

These pliers will make a fine addition to my collection

I played the bass for Serrations for Gription in college.

[@1pcfred]

But can you tell cheap serrations from premium serrations? Cheap serrations only go one direction. Premium serrations are cross hatched. Cutting the serrations twice is an extra operation.

[@MvZiCMaN]

OMG!!!!! screw pliers are the pliers ive been dreaming of my entire life!!!! Ordering a set ASAP!

[@GPDIY]

Can't believe the youtube algoritme only showed me this channel today.

[@vallassy]

You have a lot of catching up to do :)

[@grandolddrummer]

Welcome to the party!

[@youthgaming6455]

Enjoy

[@MrAwesome583]

you are in for a treat

[@GPDIY]

@@grandolddrummer Thank you my friend.

[@glenmartin2437]

Thank you. Wish I had some of those tools when dismantling laboratory instrumentation for repair. I do home repairs, work our our car and work on amateur radio gear, so this is most helpful.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

7:14 ... but wouldn't the striations on the pliers damage the threads on the screw?

[@mad-0614]

My girl is a dentist surgeon. And I've always been fascinated with every special tool they have and end up buying a pair for me as well. I find basic surgery pliers and clamps and tools super use full for tiny projects.

[@mtoddohno]

“Grip-tion... ” Another Savage-ism.

[@tildessmoo]

Sorry I can't think of a way to start this other than the ubiquitously annoying "well actually...", but, well, actually, it's a common term in science and engineering (I think it may even have been in one of my junior high text books) for the total gripping force due to grip + friction. Basically, friction is a result of microscopic forces (electromagnetic attraction at the molecular level, grabbing from surface imperfections, etc.), and grip is a result of macroscopic forces, such as visible ridges and bumps, as well as outside mechanical interference adding to the normal force (which is actually increasing friction, since that's friction coefficient x normal force; just because it's sometimes used in science doesn't mean it's actually a clearly defined scientific term! Although, that can also cause ridges to dig in, where they'll directly pull on the material, which isn't friction) such as when you pull harder on the handles of a pair of pliers.

[@Merennulli]

@@tildessmoo If you find it annoying, you can just leave it off. "Well, actually..." is just linguistic padding like "um".

[@tildessmoo]

@@Merennulli "Um" is a meaningless interjection used solely to fill time with sound while your mind assemblies more words. "Actually" is a word indicating that the following sentence contains true information, especially as a response to an incorrect statement. "Well" is an interjection used to indicate a departure from the information to which you are responding (both in opposition and in changes of subject). "Well, actually" is also used to begin useless, pedantic arguments, often one that miss the point, so often that it has become a (generally unpleasant) trope. Thus, my word choice, my reluctance to use the words I ended up choosing, and now I've had to explain the joke to someone who probably _should_ have started their response with "Well, actually..."

[@Merennulli]

@@tildessmoo I was trying to be helpful since you expressed frustration at having to use a phrase. Don't worry, I won't respond to you again.

[@pssnyder]

I work with ball and socket joints on RC cars a lot and there are pliers specific to those needs that are pretty handy. I believe the specific name for them is Ball Link Pliers. They allow you to insert and remove ball joints from socket ends (the sphere and the end with the hole in it) much easier instead of using needle nose which usually ends with crushing the ball joint or pinching your fingers. They are basically needle nose but with forked ends and a little protrusion on the inside of one of the ends to either help pry a ball joint out of a socket hole or to help press it in. Pretty handy when you do that a lot. super specific use case but I use mine all the time.

[@sirfrankiii]

My eyes got really big when I realized how the screw pliers worked.

[@1pcfred]

I have a few pair of old gas pliers. They have that notch in the nose. Gas pliers are really cool. Great for gaslighting!

[@InsideAlan]

I cut a small v notch in my parallel pliers, I suspect they hold even better!

[@1pcfred]

@@InsideAlan mine all have grooves from the factory.

[@chadhill9901]

As a music teacher, I've been trying to find pliers that I I can use on instruments without marring them. Valve caps especially like to get stuck. Those eyeglass pliers are exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you for sharing these!

[@TheSuburban15]

Brass pliers are used for pulling stuck parts or runners out of very expensive molds. Also very handy for pulling apart dirty or tightly fitted parts.

[@richardporter1564]

Thank you, Adam! You are like the Johnson Smith Company catalog. "Things you never knew existed!" I will definitely add all three pliers to my Christmas stocking.

[@MikesFoggyIdea]

Man I love your tool tips!! I just bought 3 new pliers I never new existed but have needed for O so long, Thank you.

[@ezridonnangelo9412]

As someone who makes aesthetic Chainmail, my smooth jawed 90° needle nose jeweler's pliers are SOOO nice. Won't mar, and super easy for bending jump rings when combined with smooth flat nosed pliers

[@DrWibblyWobbly]

I've always loved welpers, or welding pliers. They have square needle nose tips, two different size oval cutouts for gripping round objects, cutters and a good size flat surface that is conveniently hammer shaped. Great all around pliers that I use often

[@nealwalden3543]

The screw grabbing pliers from Japan are called "Vampliers" and are incredibly effective at holding stripped screws and such, via the tip of the plier. Crazy useful.

[@drmouton]

Glad to learn something about pliers I didn’t know. My dad had those screw pliers, but I didn’t know until now what it was. Thanks.

[@shrekdaklown]

couple of my go to pliers are parrot jaw pliers for doing alignments on cars are just turning round metal with a positive grip and cannon plug pliers for delicate work on metal and plastic caps and tubes the nylon jaws dont damage the finish i love them

[@Nyubjub]

Parallel jaw Knipex pliers. *chef's kiss* . I use them quite a bit. Good for flattening / straightening things like a little mini vice. And good for pressing in roll pins.

[@trulsdirio]

When doing my apprenticeship wich included lots of repairing eye glasses I have learned about so many different specialized pliers they use, it was amazing. Not only the ones you showed, but ones specially for adjusting the nose pads, ones for closing the frame if it is screwed together while still allowing to screw in the screw through the jaw of the plier, a few different ones for precisely soldering on hinges in different spots, others that help with putting the sleeves on the end of wire frames, obviously also for getting the lenses into plastic frames and some for bending hinges to make them square again.

[@peterkelley6344]

My appreciation of pliers has grown by three more variations. Thanks Adam for the share.

[@TheThatoneguy12121]

I know this video came out last year but the best pliers for me that I just absolutely love and use for so much are my series of Kraeuter & Co. pliers from the early 1900s given to me from my grandfather in every size and shape, nothing can break those things.

[@dezg5791]

my new favorite pliers is the Knipex 8603180, the 7'' model is just the right size for putting in a pocket, the mechanical advantage these give you is crazy. Knipex also makes a grippy jaw version that i just bought but haven't had the opportunity to use yet. lineman's pliers are great for manipulating anything small and work as a hammer, cutter, and more. -bulletproof parallel pliers come in handy for bending and holding long/flat material without marring. extra long needle nose like the Knipex 28 71 280 Long Reach come in handy too, Klein makes some good ones as well

[@willg574]

I really recommend the Knipex Cobra pliers and Knipex Pliers Wrench. There are multiple sizes and all of them have a jewelers over mold attachment available. They are pricey, but are well with the money. I use them daily as an HVAC technician, and they have replaced multiple pliers I've had to carry before. Keep being being nerdy my friend!

[@Tenacious21]

LOL I literally JUST received my alligator forceps from your recommendation this afternoon! Looks like I may have to go back to amazon yet again! Also, as a fellow decades long Leatherman Wave user...I can't imagine something much more versitile to slip in my pocket daily! It is a fabulous multitool! Not the best for everything, but pretty darn good at much of it! IF mine ever breaks and IF leatherman's amazing warranty does not cover it, I'd probably move into the Charge TTi (but that's essentially the same tool but lighter and has interchangeable jaws). This content you've been putting out the last few months is excellent and I appreciate it.

[@joshuakeppel182]

Self locking hose pinch pliers...my younger brother turned me on to them. They come in handy more often than you might think.

[@EricEssen]

Glad you like them!

[@Hardcoreaireng]

As a professional trim carpenter, my go to pliers are the Visegrip 7LW. These locking pliers are made for holding bolts and nuts on three sides. However, my primary use is to pull out pins and brad nails. The rounded head allows you to pry the nail out without marring the wood.

[@malafanang0]

My most missed plier type tool is a pair of Knipex Pliers Wrench. They are expensive but for how useful they are they are worth it. I have not had the extra money to replace my Pliers Wrench (5” Pocket size) since mine were stolen but they are on my list. They come in many sizes but I only ever had the 5” and they handled most of my everyday wrenching and bending needs. Between them and my leatherman, there is not many things I can’t take apart and fix at least good enough to get through until a proper fix can be made. On another note I carry a lot of tools (by my restaurant coworkers standards) in my pants pockets and I highly Recommend an organizer like the Yellow Birch Outfitters PocKit organizer. I have used it to to cary my pen, pad, light, knipex and leatherman/or SAK handyman every day for the last 4 or 5 years.

[@benneboii8117]

Pin wises used in watchmaking is an excelent tool aswell for holding onto threads or screws, I love mine and could not live without them.

[@elijahvivio1996]

Oh those screw pliers are life changing. I have gaffer taped channel locks to hold screws. The gaffer has enough play to hold with no thread damage; while the channel locks allow a ton of pressure, but it's not perfect.

[@eovnu87435ds]

My favorite "everyday" pliers is the Knipex 31 11 160. They're super flat but with a 2.5mm square tip at the end, and sharp enough that you could use the ends as a flat head screwdriver if you wanted. So many "pointed" needle nose pliers are useless to me because they are too small in width, but these can get into tight spaces but still provide plenty of surface area to grab on tight with. The other thing that in general terms is great when needed are parallel jaw pliers. You can get a bit more surface area on a part than channel locks could give you to keep your part from rotating while you hold it.

[@69uremum]

Dental forceps are nice for hobby use. They are all stainless steel and the forceps used for manipulating braces and bending wire are just great.

[@davebrock6618]

excellent, have been looking at the Engineer pliers for a while but now this video pushed me over the edge to buy them.

[@matthewbrown435]

Always love listening to you Adam, you make even the most mundane subjects entertaining and informative, one way or another 👏👏

[@chemgeektim]

Wow! Pliers I never knew existed, but now have to get!

[@LilyJaneH]

I have a pair of channel lock type pliers that are made for finish plumbing work. They have replaceable nylon jaw inserts so that they can get an extremely positive grip on round things without marring them. I use them for repairing brass instruments when valve caps get stuck mainly, but I have used them for a multitude of other things as well.

[@goodwolf152]

Screw pliers are also super useful for removing stubborn screws whose heads have been stripped and also happen to be inaccessible with traditional pliers using lateral torque.

[@dream9weaver]

Those ENGINEER pliers known in Japan, where they originate, as tools for extracting screws stuck with messed head slots. I did not realize I could use them as you do. In US I found and bought a similar but much larger plier at flea market.

[@luisgonzalez58]

I love pretty much ANY Adam Savage video. One new one that would be fun to watch would be: "Adam gets a manicure." So many new tools there to discover.

[@henrikjensen3278]

One type of pliers I have found out is very useful is parallel grip pliers, they can get a tight grip on stuff with parallel surfaces, something normal pliers cannot. One of them I use is Knipex 86 05 180.

[@_emanmodnar]

“A lot of making is about how you grab stuff” … true that

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

Great vid! Love me some pliers. I'll add two: Knipex Cobras, the 9" size. Supremely useful, self-locking, and they'll fight over it when you're dead. The other is really not a plier, but yeah, it is: the hand vise. I have several (all antiques), and they are the perfect holder when making small metal and plastic parts.

[@Medevil9908]

I have those exact pair of PZ-57. There was a sheared shoulder bolt at work in a plate that was a pain to replace because of all the sensors mounted on it. Those pliers got hold of the small amount of material that was protruding and extracted it with ease. I wholly recommend those as well.

[@flippingdrummer]

Knipex plier wrenches are 10/10 the most valuable pliers I have, use them multiple times a day.

[@bamascubaman]

Just got a pair of the PZ-58 for Christmas. Thank you Luci!

[@markdmaker3173]

If no one else mentioned it already there are a pair of pliers called vam pliers. There used to remove broken screws, super strong positive grip.

[@RyanABaird]

I love this man’s energy

[@censusgary]

I like canvas-stretching pliers. If you need to stretch canvas or other yard goods, they are great. You can also use them to bend (some) sheet metal

[@Elkyblack]

knipex plier wrench, they're parallel jaw pliers. I really like these, i've found them to be very usefull for holding on and bending smal pieces of sheet metal.

[@AdamNDJ]

My life was changed when you showed us the parallel jaw plier. I picked up a set the next day. They have been one of my biggest gotos since.

[@monkeywrangler5200]

Vampliers (like screw pliers). They’re good. I love em. Also kiwi pliers which I also have a set I ground a groove in each for undoing those very annoying spring hose clamps more easily. You can get cheap knockoff kiwi pliers at advance auto stores. Love em. They’re angled and make some finer work on the hobby bench easier but like I say, I have em in the auto shop too.