Tongue and groove pliers, also known as channel-lock, adjustable, or water-pump pliers, are a must-have in any toolbox. These versatile tools feature an adjustable sliding jaw that can grip a variety of shapes and sizes with ease. The half-curved and half-straight jaw (instead of a straight jaw), along with multiple grooves (similar to locking pliers), make them perfect for tasks that require a strong and precise grip. If you’re in the market for a new set of adjustable pliers, we’ve got you covered with our list of the 5 best tongue and groove pliers for 2024.

Let’s look at what makes these tools stand out from the rest.

Tongue and groove pliers have so many different names. They are not only known as channel-lock, adjustable, or water pump pliers but also as:

• Groove-Joint pliers or Groovelock pliers
• Arc Joint pliers
• Multi-Grips
• Tap or Pipe spanners
• Swan Neck pliers
• Slip Joint pliers

Who knows why one pair of pliers has so many names, but there you go. These versatile pliers are designed with a unique mechanism that sets them apart from most other set of pliers.

To truly appreciate the value of these tools, it’s important to understand their mechanism and how it works.
At first glance, tongue and groove pliers may seem like your average adjustable pliers. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice a key difference. These pliers feature an adjustable sliding jaw that can grip a variety of shapes and sizes. The jaw is half curved and half straight, allowing both round and flat surfaces to be securely engaged.

One of the standout features of tongue and groove pliers is the multiple grooves in the jaw design. These grooves enable you to adjust the width of the jaws to accommodate different sizes of objects. This versatility makes them suitable for various tasks, from tightening nuts and bolts to gripping pipes and fittings.
When using tongue and groove pliers, it’s important to select the appropriate groove size for the job at hand. The grooves provide a secure grip on the object, preventing slippage and ensuring a precise and reliable hold. This mechanism allows you to exert more force and leverage, making these pliers ideal for tasks that require a strong grip, such as plumbing, automotive repair, and construction work.

Their adjustable sliding jaw, half-curved and half-straight design, and multiple grooves make them a versatile and reliable tool for any DIY enthusiast or a professional tradesperson.

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional tradesperson, these types of pliers offer numerous benefits that make them a must-have.

One of the main reasons you need good tongue and groove pliers set in your toolbox is their versatility. The tongue and groove design allows for a secure grip on round and flat surfaces.

In addition to their versatility, a good set of tongue and groove pliers is made with exceptional strength and leverage. The multiple grooves along the jaws allow you to adjust the width and grip on objects of different sizes. This ensures these pliers don’t slip, allowing you to exert more force when needed.

When choosing the best tongue and groove pliers, a good pair of adjustable pliers will have a precision-machined adjustable jaw. The best adjustable pliers are also made from very durable steel or hardened alloy and have a very precise adjustment mechanism.

1. Size and Length: Tongue and groove pliers come in various sizes and lengths. Consider the type of tasks you will use the pliers for, and choose a size that provides a comfortable grip and enough leverage for those specific tasks. Longer pliers with a larger jaw width may offer more leverage, but they can be bulkier and more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

2. Jaw Opening Capacity: You are looking for the best pliers on the market. Check the maximum jaw capacity of the pliers. This determines the maximum size of objects you can grip with the pliers. Choose pliers with a wide enough jaw opening to accommodate the sizes of objects you typically work with.

3. Material and Construction: Look for pliers made from high-quality materials, such as forged steel or chrome vanadium. These materials offer superior strength and durability, ensuring the pliers can withstand heavy-duty use without breaking or bending. Additionally, consider pliers with ergonomic handles that provide a comfortable grip and reduce hand fatigue during prolonged use.

4. Adjustable Grooves: The number and design of grooves along the pliers’ jaws can impact their versatility and gripping capability. Groove joint pliers with more grooves allow for finer adjustments and a more precise fit on objects of different sizes. Look for pliers with grooves that are well-spaced and easy to adjust.

5. Additional Features: Some tongue and groove pliers may have additional features that enhance their usability. These can include built-in wire cutters, pipe wrench features, or insulated handles for electrical work. Consider your specific needs and choose pliers with the additional features that will be most useful to you.

These pliers are a top choice for many professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. They feature a durable nickel chromium steel construction. They also have a comfortable ergonomic handle with anti-pinch and non-slip pro touch grips. These grips are comfortable and allow more control for prolonged use without hand fatigue. The adjustable grooves have twice the groove positions of other groove joint pliers. I can confirm they do provide precise grip adjustments.

Their biggest party trick is that a simple button push adjusts the lower jaw. This makes it so much faster than traditional groove joint pliers – and more satisfying to use than most other larger pliers. This seemingly small feature should be on your mind when choosing the best pliers for your toolbox.

Whether you’re working on plumbing projects or automotive repairs, these pliers won’t disappoint. These pliers have also won many other pundits pliers of 2023.

With their high-quality forged steel construction and their precision machined adjustable jaw, these pliers are built to withstand heavy-duty use. The jaw opening capacity is impressive, allowing for a wide range of object sizes to be securely gripped. The multiple grooves offer excellent adjustability, making them versatile for various tasks. Plus, the ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip for extended periods of use.

The real party trick with these excellent pliers is the handy Auto-Bite lever. This enables you to work one-handed and adjust the jaw with only one hand engaged!

With the Auto-Bite lever engaged and you squeeze the handles, the jaw automatically adjusts to a strong grip.

This can be useful in many scenarios, from plumbing repair to essential home maintenance.

These Knipex Cobra water pump pliers are ubiquitous throughout the United States. So many tradespeople use these types of tongue and groove pliers for all manner of jobs.

These Knipex pliers are known for their exceptional strength and durability. These 10-inch pliers are constructed from Chromium-Vanadium Steel. They can handle tough jobs without breaking or bending.

They are very well known for their push button system. Many pliers offer a similar system, but few work as well as those from Knipex. These pliers are tried and tested and are a really good pair of pliers. The teeth of these pliers are impressive, giving you a massive range of adjustment.

These pliers are also thin and lightweight, which is always a bonus. The insulation on the handles is also very ‘sticky.’ These pliers are the way to go if you don’t want banged-up knuckles. They are the easiest pliers to grip on this list.

You will not go wrong putting these in your toolbox. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, these pliers will serve you well.

In most 10 best tongue and groove pliers lists, the Channellock 430 or Channellock 440 tongue and groove pliers will always feature. They are the classic pliers to choose if you have been around long enough. They are like the Kleenex of the adjustable wrench world.

These tongue and groove pliers have serrated teeth that have an excellent grab on them. They are constructed from durable High Carbon Steel and last a long time. Buy a set of these, and it will outlive you. These pliers are the best for durability.

The jaw makes most jobs easy. The 2-inch jaw capacity is impressive and ensures these pliers are a versatile tool. Last but not least, these pliers offer a combination of versatility and affordability. They may not have all the fancy features of the other pliers, but they are one of the best tools to get the job done. The adjustable grooves and strong grip make them suitable for various tasks, while the comfortable grip handle ensures ease of use. This is why they are always on the list of the best adjustable wrenches.

These pliers are best if you are looking for big capacity in the smallest possible pliers. If you have a mobile toolbox with limited space, some emergency plumbing always calls for really large pliers.

These made-in-France tongue and groove pliers measure 8-3/4 from tip to tip (they should be called 9″ pliers). With different types of pliers, you get jaws with different movements. These jaws only move 3/4″ of an inch from open to closed. You then have to adjust the pliers to fit the project. This is not a lot of jaw swing between open and closed. However, they do have an extensive opening size for 8″ pliers. When you squeeze the handles at max open; you’ll get three ratchet clicks to the first useable notch. At that location, these pliers are set at a max open of 2.25″, much more than the advertised 1.5″ (it is 1.5″ closed at max opening). That’s pretty serious capacity. This is a lot of opening on any plier, let alone an 8″ plier.

These pliers offer a thumb button adjuster. You press it to adjust, and it is straightforward.
The depth of these jaws is very impressive. From throat to tip of the jaw is a whopping 2″. These are some serious deep-throat pliers. The pliers are constructed from durable performance alloy steel and are as comfortable as they look. Bahco plier’s products look well-made and durable.

To ensure the longevity of your tongue and groove pliers, proper maintenance is essential. Following a few simple steps, you can keep your pliers in excellent condition and extend their lifespan. Here are some tips on maintaining your tongue and groove pliers for durability.

1. Clean Regularly: After each use, clean your pliers thoroughly. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt, debris, or residue that may have accumulated.
2. Lubricate the Joints: Apply a small amount of lubricant, such as oil or silicone spray, to the joints and pivot point of the pliers.
3. Store Properly: When not in use, store your tongue and groove pliers in a clean and dry place. Avoid exposing them to moisture or extreme temperatures, which can cause rust or damage. Consider using a tool organizer or a dedicated toolbox to keep them organized and protected.
4. Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your pliers for any signs of wear and tear. Check the jaws, grooves, and pivot point for any signs of damage, such as cracks or bent edges.
5. Avoid Excessive Force: While tongue and groove pliers are designed for heavy-duty tasks, it’s important to use them within their intended capacity. Avoid applying excessive force or using them for tasks they are not suitable for.

Following these maintenance tips, you can keep your tongue and groove pliers in excellent condition for years. So, take the time to clean, lubricate, store properly, check for wear and tear, and use them responsibly. Your pliers will thank you with many years of reliable service.