Best Locking Pliers (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Five locking pliers for clamping, twisting and holding work, compared by jaw type, size, material and grip.
On this page
Top picks at a glance
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- 1
Best OverallSK Locking Pliers Set9.7/10View on Amazon - 2
Best 3-Piece SetKlein 38665 3-Piece9.6/10View on Amazon - 3
Best 2-Piece SetKlein 38660 2-Piece9.6/10View on Amazon - 4
Best Long NoseDURATECH Long Nose9.5/10View on Amazon
A bolt with a rounded head will not turn with a wrench, and a panel that needs holding in place takes a third hand you do not have. That is the job locking pliers are made for: clamp on, lock, and the grip stays put while both hands work. The best locking pliers hold fast without slipping, adjust to the work, and release with one hand.
This guide compares the best locking pliers by jaw type, size, material and grip, using only what each listing states.
GarageToolHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Quick picks
- Best Overall SK Locking Pliers Set: 5 pieces in curved jaw and long nose, CR-V steel with a rolling pouch. Check price on Amazon
- Best 3-Piece Set Klein 38665 3-Piece: Long nose 6 in with curved jaw 7 and 10 in, molded grips and pinch-free release. Check price on Amazon
- Best 2-Piece Set Klein 38660 2-Piece: Curved jaw 7 and 10 in with a thumb knob and rust preventative coating. Check price on Amazon
- Best Long Nose DURATECH Long Nose: 6.5 in long nose for tight spaces, holding round, hex and square shapes. Check price on Amazon
Picks for the garage
SK 5-Piece Locking Pliers Set
A 5-piece set of curved jaw and long nose locking pliers in CR-V steel, with a rolling pouch.
Pros
- 5 pieces: 3 curved jaw and 2 long nose
- CR-V steel with a nickel-plated finish
- Screwdriver through-hole adds leverage
- Rolling pouch keeps the set organized
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety certification is stated
- Only the 5-piece set is listed, with no single pair option
- Classic trigger release rather than the lever-less release on the Klein sets
Klein Tools 38665 Locking Pliers Set
A 3-piece set with a 6 in long nose and 7 and 10 in curved jaw pliers, with molded grips and pinch-free release.
Pros
- 3 pieces: long nose 6 in, curved jaw 7 and 10 in
- Molded grips for all-day comfort
- Lever-less quick release handles are pinch-free
- Rust preventative coating
Cons
- No warranty term is stated, only call the vendor for warranty
- No safety certification is stated
- No rolling pouch is listed
- No wire cutter is stated
Klein Tools 38660 Locking Pliers Set
A 2-piece set of 7 and 10 in curved jaw locking pliers, with molded grips and pinch-free release.
Pros
- 2 curved jaw pliers: 7 and 10 in
- Molded grips for all-day comfort
- Lever-less quick release handles are pinch-free
- Rust preventative coating
Cons
- No warranty term is stated, only call the vendor for warranty
- No safety certification is stated
- Curved jaw only, no long nose
- No storage pouch is listed
DURATECH 6.5" Long Nose Locking Pliers
A 6.5 in long nose locking plier in chrome vanadium steel for tight spaces.
Pros
- Long nose reaches into narrow spaces
- Holds round, hex and square shapes, flat stock and sheet materials
- Chrome vanadium steel, heat-treated
- Trigger design opens with one hand
Cons
- Title names a wire cutter but is cut off, and the bullets never mention one
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety certification is stated
- Single plier only, no set or pouch
IRWIN Pliers, Curved Jaw, Locking
A 10 in curved jaw locking plier with a screw adjustment that stays set for repetitive use.
Pros
- Stays adjusted for repetitive use
- Turn screw to adjust pressure and fit the work
- 10 in curved jaw
- Package weight of 1.05 lb
Cons
- Bullets and spec table give different weights
- No warranty term is stated
- No safety certification is stated
- Short listing with few details beyond adjustment
Compared on paper
| Model | Shop Score | Pieces | Jaw | Size | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SK Locking Pliers Set | 9.7/10 | 5 | Curved jaw, long nose | 5, 7, 10 in; 6.5, 9.5 in | CR-V steel |
| Klein 38665 3-Piece | 9.6/10 | 3 | Long nose, curved jaw | 6, 7, 10 in | Not stated |
| Klein 38660 2-Piece | 9.6/10 | 2 | Curved jaw | 7, 10 in | Not stated |
| DURATECH Long Nose | 9.5/10 | 1 | Long nose | 6.5 in | Cr-V steel |
| IRWIN Curved Jaw 10 | 9.4/10 | 1 | Curved jaw | 10 in | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 3 November 2026. Where a listing contradicts itself, both figures are shown.
How the points were given
Each pair is scored on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, with the weights published on the How We Pick page. None of the listings states a safety certification or a warranty term, so all 5 score zero on safety and warranty.
| Product | Shop Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SK Locking Pliers Set | 9.7 | 30 | 22 | 21 | n/a | 0 |
| Klein 38665 3-Piece | 9.6 | 29 | 21 | 20 | n/a | 0 |
| Klein 38660 2-Piece | 9.6 | 29 | 21 | 19 | n/a | 0 |
| DURATECH Long Nose | 9.5 | 27 | 20 | 19 | n/a | 0 |
| IRWIN Curved Jaw 10 | 9.4 | 26 | 19 | 18 | n/a | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.
What the listings tell you
5 locking pliers listings were compared. Three are sets of 2, 3 or 5 pieces, and 2 are single pliers. None stated a safety certification, and none gave a clear warranty term. Two list CR-V steel, and 3 list a rust preventative coating or a nickel-plated finish. One listing gives its weight 2 ways, and one title is cut off mid-word.
Buying guide: the best locking pliers for your garage
Jaw type
The listings name 2 jaw types: curved jaw and long nose. Four listings include a curved jaw, 3 include a long nose, and 2 sets include both. The DURATECH long nose reaches into narrow spaces and holds round, hex and square shapes, flat stock and sheet materials.
Size
Sizes run from 5 in to 10 in across the listings. The SK set covers 5, 7 and 10 in curved jaw and 6.5 and 9.5 in long nose, the Klein sets cover 6, 7 and 10 in, and the singles are 6.5 in and 10 in. A set covers more jobs than a single pair.
Material and finish
Two listings name chrome vanadium steel: the SK set and the DURATECH. The SK set adds a nickel-plated finish, and the Klein sets list a rust preventative coating. The IRWIN listing names no material or finish.
Adjustment and release
The Klein sets adjust with a thumb knob, and the SK, DURATECH and IRWIN adjust with a screw. The Klein sets release with lever-less quick release handles, and the SK and DURATECH use a trigger release. The IRWIN stays adjusted for repetitive use, per its listing.
Sets or singles
Three listings are sets: a 2-piece, a 3-piece and a 5-piece set. The SK 5-piece set is the only one that lists a rolling pouch. The DURATECH and IRWIN are single pliers for one job at a time.
Use rated jack stands on solid ground, wear eye protection with power and air tools, keep fuel-burning equipment out of a closed garage, and follow the manual for every tool. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Garage Fit Check
- Check the jaw: 4 listings include a curved jaw and 3 include a long nose, and 2 sets include both.
- Check the sizes: sets run from 5 in to 10 in, while the singles are 6.5 in and 10 in.
- Check the finish: the Klein sets list a rust preventative coating, and the SK set lists a nickel-plated finish.
- Check the release: the Klein sets use lever-less quick release handles, and the SK and DURATECH use a trigger release.
- Check the pouch: only the SK set lists a rolling pouch for storage.
FAQ: garage tools
What are locking pliers used for?
The listings describe tightening, clamping, twisting and turning, and holding round, hex and square shapes, flat stock and sheet materials. The Klein listings describe a secure hold with maximum locking force.
What is the difference between curved jaw and long nose locking pliers?
The listings name 2 jaw types: curved jaw and long nose. The DURATECH long nose reaches into narrow spaces and holds round, hex and square shapes, flat stock and sheet materials. Two sets here include both jaw types, and the Klein 2-piece set is curved jaw only.
How do locking pliers adjust?
Turn a screw or a thumb knob to set the jaw opening and clamping pressure. The Klein sets use a thumb knob, and the SK, DURATECH and IRWIN use an adjustable screw. The IRWIN stays adjusted for repetitive use, per its listing.
Do locking pliers come in sets?
Three of these listings are sets: a 2-piece, a 3-piece and a 5-piece set. The SK 5-piece set includes a rolling pouch.
Do any of these locking pliers have a warranty?
No. None of the 5 listings states a warranty term. The Klein listings say to call the vendor for warranty, and the other listings state no warranty at all.
Related: the best locking pliers for mechanics, the best locking pliers for rounded bolts, the best locking pliers set with case and the best pliers set. Also see our engine and shop equipment hub.
