What Are Combination Pliers? Types and Selection Criteria
Combination pliers are multi-purpose pliers that combine a serrated gripping jaw, a gripping notch and a side cutting edge in one body.
Combination pliers are multi-purpose pliers that combine a serrated flat gripping jaw, a gripping notch for round parts and a side cutting edge near the joint in one body. In electrical installation they are used to hold, bend, twist and cut conductors, and in general assembly and maintenance to grip small parts. Doing several jobs in one tool, they are basic kit for electricians and maintenance staff.
Parts of combination pliers
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Serrated flat jaw | Holds and bends sheet, wire and small parts |
| Gripping notch | Grips round parts and conductor bundles, twists conductors |
| Side cutting edge | Cuts wire with the highest force because it sits close to the joint |
| Handle | Transmits force; on insulated models it protects against electric shock |
Types
- Standard (non-insulated) combination pliers: The handle has a plastic coating that makes gripping easier; this coating is not electrical insulation. They are used on de-energised circuits and for general work.
- 1000 V insulated electrician's combination pliers: The handle and body are insulated and tested for working under voltage. They carry the 1000 V marking and the double-triangle symbol.
Selection criteria
- Length: Long handles give more cutting and clamping force; short handles move easily in tight spaces. 160 mm is preferred for work inside panels and junction boxes, 180 mm for general electrical work and 200 mm for thick wire and heavy work.
- Insulated or not: For work on or near live parts, choose 1000 V insulated pliers. The handle coating on pliers without the 1000 V marking gives no protection.
- Wire to be cut: The cutting edge is for copper and soft steel wire. Cut thick stranded cable with cable shears, and hard wire such as spring steel with a cutter specified for that job.
- Handle and grip: For pliers used all day, a handle that fits the palm and does not slip reduces fatigue. Compare the series' handles on the product pages.
Common mistakes
- Working on live parts with non-insulated pliers: The handle coating is for grip; it does not protect against electric shock.
- Continuing to use insulated pliers with damaged insulation: Cracked, cut or crushed insulation does not protect; even with insulated tools, switching off the power comes first.
- Cutting wire thicker or harder than the rated capacity: The cutting edge gets notched and will no longer cut cleanly.
- Tightening nuts with pliers or hitting the pliers like a hammer: The corners of the nut round off and the joint is damaged; use a spanner and a hammer.
Related standards
- ISO 5746: Specifies the dimensions and test values (cutting and strength tests) of combination pliers.
- IEC 60900: Specifies the requirements for insulated hand tools used for live working up to 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC. Tools made to this standard are identified by the double-triangle symbol.
Combination pliers in the catalog
The Combination Pliers category has 9 active products, all from İzeltaş. Seven of them are combination pliers:
| Series | Length and stock code |
|---|---|
| 1000 V insulated electrician's | 160 mm `3020126160`, 180 mm `3020126180` |
| Opak series | 160 mm `3020122160`, 180 mm `3020122180`, 200 mm `3020122200` |
| Kraft series | 160 mm `3020123160`, 180 mm `3020123180` |
The category also lists a 125 mm electronics pliers and a 225 mm hole punch. To cut wire close to the surface, see the Side and End Cutters category; to grip in tight spaces and bend wire ends, see Long Nose Pliers; for other types of pliers, see the Pliers and Cutters page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between combination pliers and side cutters?
Combination pliers hold, bend, twist and cut; they are multi-purpose. Side cutters only cut, but they cut wire closer to the surface and more cleanly.
What length of combination pliers should I buy?
160 mm is a common choice for panels and tight spaces, 180 mm for general electrical work. Choose 200 mm if you will cut thick wire or do work that needs more force.
How can I tell if pliers are insulated?
They carry the 1000 V marking and the double-triangle symbol and are made to IEC 60900. Pliers whose handles are only plastic-coated are not insulated.
Are insulated pliers enough on their own for live working?
No. An insulated tool is one layer of protection; switching off the power, verifying that no voltage is present and wearing personal protective equipment come first.