In the world of everyday carry (EDC), most of us have trusty tools we rely on, but there’s one thing a lot of EDC multi-tools don’t include: pliers.
You probably love a good pocket knife for its compactness and multi-functionality, but maybe you’ve been in a situation where you wished you also had a solid pair of pliers. Sure, you could carry a plier-based multi-tool, but that doesn’t always feel right for everyone, and they can be pricey. That’s why I’m diving into EDC pliers today. I’ll take you through 10 options, from budget-friendly to premium picks. I’m confident one of these will suit your EDC needs perfectly.
Check out my top 10 picks and see if there’s a pair of pliers ready to sneak into your EDC lineup!
Why Consider Dedicated EDC Pliers?
When I first explored carrying dedicated pliers, I was skeptical. I didn’t want to add unnecessary bulk, and I thought, “Why carry something extra when my multi-tool does the job?” Well, it turns out there’s a ton of value in splitting up your tools. Dedicated pliers can handle some things no multi-tool can, especially bigger tasks. Once you try them out, it’s easy to become a fan of separate EDC tools.
Let’s break down the lineup from affordable to premium gear.
Crescent RT24: Budget-Friendly Workhorse
If you’re just testing the waters, the Crescent RT24 is a fantastic starting point. At only about $10, it’s a steal. I’ve got two of these myself—one I’ve abused for years, and it’s still alive and kicking! Despite brutal testing, where I twisted and cranked on it, it hasn’t failed me yet. This little guy opens the door to trying out pliers in your EDC without making a big financial commitment.
I can confidently say that for $10, these are worth a shot if you’re curious about adding pliers to your setup but not 100% sold yet. A small price to pay for peace of mind!
Channel Lock 524: Slip Joint Pliers With Extra Functionality
Next up, meet Channel Lock 524. It’s a 5-inch slip joint plier that feels like a natural partner to any Swiss Army Knife. What I love about this set? It’s got Cutters! You’d be surprised how handy that could be when you don’t want to carry full-on wire cutters.
Here’s the kicker: this tool opens wider than your average multi-tool, giving you a better grip on larger nuts and bolts. That extra grip makes a difference, especially since this set weighs less than high-end multi-tools like the Leatherman Charge G10 but still gets the job done. And, it's made in the USA!
Knipex 03 01 140 Combination Pliers: Germany’s Budget Option
Okay, so you’re ready to step up your game, but you don’t want to blow your budget? Enter the Knipex 03 01 140. These German-made premium pliers check all the boxes. They’ve got bigger, better Cutters, sharper teeth, and incredible gripping power. This tool is built so well that you can twist and turn with less fear of snapping your pliers.
The only downside? It’s a little bulky for in-pocket carry. It’s the kind of tool you’re more likely to toss in an EDC organizer or bag. While it’s not always my favorite, it holds a permanent spot in my “maybe to-go” pile. You decide—would you pocket it or bag it?
Knipex Mini Plier Wrench (86 04 100): Almost There, But Not Quite
Here’s where I got disappointed. I had high expectations for the Knipex Mini Plier Wrench (86 100). By all means, it should’ve been awesome, but there was one big problem... it kept slipping. Every time I used it, the joint slipped, which drove me nuts. I still prefer the 125 variant (just a tiny bit longer), mainly because it has locking positions and is way more stable.
Despite this downside, this wrench does offer some cool perks. It has parallel jaws, which are awesome if you don’t want to mar soft materials. It’s great for tasks where a gentle grip matters, but overall, I’d say look at the slightly longer variant if you’re serious about using this style of plier regularly.
Knipex 08 21 145: Solid and Reliable Combo Pliers
The Knipex 08 21 145 nearly made my top five, but its length makes pocket carry awkward. Don’t get me wrong—it’s a fantastic combo plier with some seriously cool features like aggressive teeth and a true needle nose. What makes it stand out, though, is this little angle on the head that grips even better when grabbing flat objects. I didn’t even realize how useful this was until I saw it in action.
If you’re choosing between this and a cheaper Knipex, spend the little extra—they’re worth it. Especially good for tossing in your bag as a versatile EDC tool.
Knipex Plier Wrench (86 03 125): The Small, Stealthy Powerhouse
Now we’re in my top five, and let’s be honest, I love this thing. It’s the Knipex 86 03 125 plier wrench, and it’s basically my MVP. Its secret weapon is its locking pivot, meaning you have a much better handle on things (literally). I’ve done things with this that blew my mind—it’s small but ridiculously powerful.
Because it has non-marring jaws, it’s perfect for delicate tasks, but it also works great with tougher materials. I’ve carried this tool more times than I can count, and even got a custom leather sheath to pair it with my full-size multi-tool. The slim design makes it an ideal companion tool, and it complements a lot of EDC setups without redundancy.
Knipex Cobra (87 01 125): The Compact Beast
The Knipex Cobra (87 01 125) has earned its spot in my top five for a reason—it’s just built differently. The gripping power on this thing is a serious upgrade from anything a multitool can offer, thanks to its wide opening jaws.
Although I personally prefer the plier wrench for more delicate work, the Cobra shines when you need maximum force. I’ve seen these things take on nuts and bolts many times their size. This mini version is incredibly tough and it's compact enough to team up with your go-to EDC.
Irwin 4-Inch Vice Grip: The Underrated One That Does It All
This wasn’t even on my radar until someone pointed it out, but Irwin’s 4-inch Vice Grip earns its place at number three. It offers decent wire-cutting ability and has a clamp-like grip for tasks that require force. It’s also budget-friendly, priced around $11-$15, which makes it a fantastic little partner for your EDC.
But there’s a fun hack: with a simple mod, you can turn this vice grip into a multi-use tool holder. Just cut a slot in the teeth, and now, you can clamp reciprocating saw blades, scalpel blades, even hex bits. This tweak takes an already solid tool to the next level.
Snap-on 4-Inch Slip Joint Pliers: Precision Meets Comfort
If you’re looking for precision, the Snap-on 4-inch slip joint pliers are your guy. These pliers rock a precise grip and cross-hatch teeth that hold onto even the smallest items. While their wire-cutting ability isn’t top-notch, they’re excellent for tougher wires, not soft ones.
One huge selling point is how comfortable they are to hold for extended amounts of time—plus, Snap-on offers a great warranty. So while it may be one of the pricier options, it’s got the durability and design to back it up and then some.
Knipex 87 100 Mini Cobra: The Baby of the Bunch
Oddly enough, shorter is better when it comes to the Knipex 87 100 Mini Cobra. Though smaller than the 125, it’s a ninja when it comes to getting into tight spaces. It’s incredibly durable, sharp, and even fits in your wallet (yes, I tested that).
Unlike bigger versions, this has a narrower head, so it’s perfect for those hard-to-reach spots. You might not think a tool this small could be that powerful, but don’t underestimate its bite—I’ve carried this one more than any others on the list, and it’s earned its spot at the top.
Wrapping It Up: What’s Your Pick?
So, there’s my breakdown of the top 10 EDC pliers—from ultra-affordable to premium, every-one-has-a-purpose. Whether you’re brand new to EDC pliers and looking for something basic or you’re ready to upgrade to a high-end Knipex, the right pair of pliers can make all the difference.
I’ve tried them all, and while they’re all standouts, you've gotta find the one that clicks with your setup. Take a chance, and your EDC just might get a little bit more plier-perfect!
