PRODUCT GROUP TEST 29 | 5 | 2024
Every week, we extensively test all the latest car kit from tyres to trim cleaners. Log on to www.autoexpress.co.uk to look through our huge online test archive
Dave Pollard
PLIERS are a tool-box essential when it comes to working on your car. There are dozens of types available, many of them very specific and likely to be used only once in a while, so it’s more cost effective to start with a basic set and build up when you need more.
The three most common types are: combination for heavy work, long nose for delicate, tricky tasks, and side-cutters for use on plastics, rubber and cables. With these three, you can hold and cut most things, although adding slip-joint pliers, as some sets do, makes such collections even more versatile.
So which is the set to get a grip on your car maintenance? We put the squeeze on eight rivals to find out.
How we tested them
PLIERS usually work hard for a living and so we placed a lot of emphasis on build quality. We also looked for comfort when applying a lot of force, and for the tools not to become slippery when they were doused in oil or liquids.
We measured the combination opening and checked that all jaws gripped well and moved easily – a spring action makes life simpler. We assessed the grip by turning nuts that were tightened to ever-increasing torques.
Using the cutter on the combination and long nose, we tried to cut through a 3mm mild-steel chain, standard three-core electrical cable, and thicker cooker wire. We also cut through several small strands of copper to check for jaw-build accuracy. A box, tray or bag is handy to keep a set together and clean. Finally, we checked the best online prices.
Silverline VDE Expert Pliers Set 282501
Price: £23.77 Number of pliers included: Three
Contact: silverlinetools.com Rating: _____
BEST BUY OUR last winner remains at the head of the pack, with its archetypal set of 180mm combination and 160mm needle nose and side cutters. The pliers come in a blow-moulded plastic case that can be carried or wall mounted, and has a flip-down front to keep them together.
The huge 37mm jaw gap of the combination tool will grasp most bolt heads, and the various cutters worked well on our cables and the copper strands. We like the comfortable, grippy handles, which have horns at the base to protect fingers. The VDE testing to 10,000V is a b
