Best Water Pump Pliers | Reviews and Buyers Guide
Looking for the best-rated water pump pliers on the market? Our team evaluated various products and selected the top 5 based on price, performance, material, reputation, and more.
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A water pump plier is a tool used by plumbers and DIYers to turn tight or rusted fittings and is typically made of durable materials like stainless steel or carbon. These pliers are used in different tasks, such as turning valves on and off, adjusting hoses, and so much more! They are one of the essential tools for any homeowner performing routine maintenance.
What kind should you get? There are quite a few factors to consider when purchasing this type of tool. For starters, it’s essential to think about what it is that you’ll be using the pliers for. If you’re only going to use them infrequently, there isn’t any need for expensive ones; however, if they’re something you use every day, you’ll want to spend a little more to ensure they last.
The other factor is, of course, the cost of the product. Whether it be cheap or expensive, checking out its price will give you an idea of your options before buying one for yourself. Although cheaper pliers might be tempting, you never really know if they’re going to last or not. Spending a little more money on durable pliers will save you the headache of having to replace them continually.
Now comes the fun part! There are so many different types of pliers out there in the world today that it can be hard to choose which one is the best for you. In this article, we review 5 of the best currently available.
Comparison of our favorite Water Pump Pliers
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Title | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Channellock GS-3 3 Piece Straight Jaw Tongue and Groove Pliers Set | Buy Now | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
 | CRAFTSMAN Pliers, 8 & 10-Inch, 2-Piece Groove Joint Set (CMHT82547) | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
 | MAXPOWER Water Pump Pliers Set | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
 | KNIPEX Tools - Cobra Water Pump Pliers (8701250) | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
 | IRWIN VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 |
Best Water Pump Pliers | Reviews
1. Channellock GS-3 – Best Overall
- For tasks around the home, minor car repair, and other chores that involve tight spaces, this Channellock GS-3 water pump pliers set gives you more options to take care of any job.
- With short and long jaws in 6-, 9- and 12-inch lengths with a right angle design for working in close quarters or at right angles. The laser heat-treated hardened teeth grip better and last longer than traditional jaw surfaces while providing excellent control. The undercut tongue & groove design prevents slipping, so they stay on task even when wet or oily.
- And because its a Permalock fastener model, these pliers wont snap apart like typical other models--you can work more quickly with less effort.
- The Channellock GS-3 water pump pliers are your go-to for tough jobs. Its patented reinforced edge means that it will last through hard times, and its high-carbon steel conducts less stress to the part exposed to overuse-meaning you can get more out of it than before. Plus, the Channellock GS-3 water pump pliers are rustproof, so theyll always look like new.
2. CRAFTSMAN Groove Joint Pliers (CMHT82547) – Best Value
- No matter the task, you can count on CRAFTSMAN pliers to provide comfort and control. These pliers have multi-zone grips for a comfortable fit in your hand while offering strength and durability from their drop-forged steel body. The precision-machined jaws are designed with secure grip points for tough jobs. With a lifetime warranty, these work wonders without breaking a sweat!
- Craftsman Pliers are perfect for novice and expert plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and other household projects. The 8 plier is the perfect size to grip many narrow items with ease, while the 10 plier has a larger surface area that allows it to handle more significant, more bulky pieces.
3. MAXPOWER Water Pump Pliers Set
- With these adjustable pliers, the jaw opening is right at your fingertips. Place the upper jaw on your workpiece and push to tighten or loosen for a secure fit without having to worry about an adjusting screw coming loose again.
- The long handle offers enough room between utensils for you to accommodate any size job and its lightweight design makes it easy to carry with you on the go. This MAXPOWER water pump pliers set includes three adjustable models: one 7″ inches (30mm), one 10″ inch (38mm), and one 16″ inch (95mm).
- These MaxPower pliers are super compact and lightweight for easy storage in the toolbox. Whether youre popping off an old radiator cap or chasing down a pesky coolant leak, these pliers have all the variety of different jaws youll need to make a good grip on any size of a nut.
- With its lifetime warranty backed by the manufacturer against any defects, its no wonder why it is considered one of the most reliable tools out there today!
4. KNIPEX Tools – Cobra Water Pump Pliers
- These Knipex Cobra pliers are a formidable, high-quality pair of tools you can depend on. Theyre perfect for getting in and out of tight spaces, and the built-in lock gives them the edge against corrosion.
- Its just what you need to tackle any tricky plumbing job or DIY at home with ease - handymans best friend! The handles have soft grips that do not hurt hands when used all day long—a reliable design ideal for anyone who likes taking care of things themselves.
- The KNIPEX pliers are as elegant as they are versatile. They come with a self-locking grip and hold onto valves, nuts, and most pipes regardless of the size or weight. With adjustment at the touch of a button directly on the workpiece, these pliers make quick adjustments easy for any project in mind!
5. IRWIN VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set
- These pliers have jaws that grip on round, flat, square, and hex shapes. The press-n-slide buttons allow for quick changes of the jaw position to adjust them to the size you want to hold in your hand. This is great for when you are working with different object sizes or many objects at once! These tri-grip pliers are non-slip and reduce hand fatigue with cushioned rubber grips.
- IRWIN GrooveLock Pliers are like having an extra pair of hands for gripping, turning, and seeing what youre working on. It will improve your day not to have to worry about accidentally dropping a bolt into the engine as you adjust it because IRWINs locking mechanism means tight grips without ever having to release them.
- They also come in handy when getting that stubborn nut off, with the lower jaw being easily adjustable by just pressing and sliding the handle. The pliers set includes 8 and 10 GrooveLock locking pliers - which makes handling anything from automotive repairs to plumbing jobs easy and safe!
Video: How to Use Water Pump Pliers
Water Pump Pliers Buying Guide
What is a water pump plier, and how does it work?
Water pump pliers are used for manipulating water pumps to tighten or loosen fittings. These pliers have a handle usually made from metal and can be either straight or curved, depending on the design. These types of pliers will be needed by any person working on plumbing.
They are a tool with serrated jaws that are angled for optimal grip. The teeth on the jaw allow it to be set at an angle so there is enough leverage which means they can turn nuts/bolts more effectively.
The lower jaw should be in the correct position to work on nuts and bolts. The user can move this part into place when it is time to align ideally before getting started.
By utilizing their design, you can make sure that the fittings are correctly tightened. If the fittings are not tight enough or too loose, this will cause problems with your plumbing system. When pipes do not have a secure fit, there is a greater chance of leaks developing inside of them.
This is when they come into play. Water pump pliers can ensure that the fittings are correctly tightened and then locked into place. This tool is designed to ensure that your plumbing system components are not loose, which will reduce the chance of leaks developing in those pipes.
These types of tools are essential in ensuring that you have a solid foundation throughout your plumbing system.
Advantages of using water pump pliers
One of the best things about them is that you can use them for various tasks. They’re designed to make it easier to work on your plumbing system, but you can also use them on furniture and other small items. Water pump pliers are so versatile that you’ll end up using them in many more situations than just your plumbing system.
This is because they can handle tight or rusted fittings and much more. If you’re looking for a reliable way to maintain your plumbing system without any extra hassle, then they could be the perfect option for you.
Buy on AmazonWhat to look for when purchasing water pump pliers
When it comes time to purchase the water pump pliers, you’ll need to make sure that you’re getting a quality tool. You wouldn’t want to purchase low-quality ones just because they are cheap, as this can lead to them breaking or not working correctly. By taking your time and researching the different brands of pliers available, you can find the best ones for your needs.
At the top end of the scale, those made from chrome vanadium steel mean more durability and strength and are longer lasting but cost slightly more.
Buy on AmazonAdjustable design
One of the most important things that you’ll need to consider when purchasing these is whether or not they are adjustable. This feature will allow them to fit the different types of fittings you might need to work with. For example, a set that can fit round, square, hex, or flat fittings will be way more valuable.
The adjustable design makes them easy to use. This is because you can move the jaws to fit your specific plumbing needs. By adjusting them, you can better fit the different pipe sizes you need to work with each time. The unique adjustment feature on these types of pliers only adds to their usefulness.
A decent set should have a feature that makes it easy to adjust while gripping the pipe and preferably only using one hand.
Many are adjustable with a push-button ratchet, although some do not have this feature, and it’s essential to understand what you need before making a purchase.
Buy on AmazonMaterial
Another thing to consider is the quality of the materials used for the tools themselves. Your new pliers must be made from high-quality metals, as this will ensure that they last for a long time. It’s also essential that you look into the warranty options available. This way, you can make sure that you have them replaced if anything happens and they break.
Rust is the enemy of any metal tool and so look for a product that has features to combat this. This is important regardless of how often you will use them. For example, if you store your pliers away in your garage and you need them only in an emergency, it’s going to be a disaster if they are rendered useless due to rust.
Buy on AmazonComfort grip handles
The comfort-grip handles of water pump pliers are the perfect way to ensure that you aren’t experiencing any hand fatigue throughout your plumbing repairs. These new designs have been created to help prevent any issues from occurring because your hands are sore. The soft rubberized grips make you work on plumbing tasks quickly and without any concerns about your hand or wrist being uncomfortable.
Not every set will come with comfort grip handles, so you’ll need to be sure to look into this feature before making a purchase.
Storage case
Having a storage case included with your purchase is also going to be of great benefit. Whether you are traveling or storing them away in another location, it’s handy to have them contained in one place. If you don’t have access to a storage case, you’ll find that the tools may get damaged, defeating the whole purpose of having them in the first place.
Protecting your plumbing tools is a great idea, especially when so many of us lack storage space. When you’ve got a nice little case to put them in, it makes it that much easier to keep things organized and neat. This can be the difference between using your water pump pliers consistently or not at all. If they get left out in a garage or something similar, the chances are high that they’ll eventually rust and be rendered useless.
You will need the case to keep them protected from humidity and spills, and even dust. It’s easy for you to wipe down the case itself when needed, which is the perfect way to keep it clean. If buying a set, a storage case is a must-have.
Buy on AmazonJaw width
Not all water pump pliers are created equally, and so you’ll need to take some time to look into this feature. Pliers with a 7-inch jaw width work well for most jobs, but some people will want to invest in something that has a larger capacity.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different sets to choose from. You must learn about each of them and their unique features before deciding which one is right for your needs. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be when it comes time to make a purchase. You needn’t only look at the price, but also durability and comfort.
Pliers will only be practical if they’re comfortable for you to use in the first place; otherwise, your hands will get tired quickly, which is a recipe for disaster. No one wants to deal with soreness after completing a job. Instead, you should be able to move from one project to the next with ease.
Our Best Overall pick went to Channellock GS-3. It combines the long-lasting strength of high carbon steel with an innovative permalock washer, so they never fail again. Its patented reinforcing edge helps amplify performance on the job site and offers ultimate rust prevention with its special coating while maintaining legendary quality standards.
Our Best Value choice went to CRAFTSMAN Pliers (CMHT82547). These pliers will grip securely and reliably so that you can tighten bolts or loosen tight nuts with precision. Different zones on the handles comfortably fit your hands, so they won’t cramp easily – no matter how hard you’re squeezing! Plus, drop-forged steel means these are strong enough to cut anything in your way! There’s not an obstacle too challenging for Craftsman pliers.
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Here are our favorite Pliers Sets
| Image | Model | Price | Walt's Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top
Top | IRWIN VISE-GRIP GrooveLock Pliers Set (2078712) | Check Price | Best Overall |
Top | CRAFTSMAN Pliers (CMHT82547) | Check Price | Best Value |
Top | CHANNELLOCK HD-1 Pliers Set | Check Price | 4.7 / 5 |
|
Top | Channellock GS-3 | Check Price | 4.7 / 5 |
Top | Kobalt 5-piece Pliers Set | Check Price | 4.5 / 5 |
Top | FASTPRO | Check Price | 4.2 / 5 |
Top | WORKPRO Mini Pliers Set | Check Price | 4.1 / 5 |
Top | IRWIN VISE-GRIP Pliers Set with Case (2078714) | Check Price | 4.6 / 5 |
Top | TEKTON Pliers Set | Check Price | 4.7 / 5 |
Top | Stalwart 75-HT3005 | Check Price | 4.2 / 5 |
When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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