Linesman Pliers

Linesman pliers are hand tools used to grip, pull, bend, cut and, on select models, crimp wire. They are commonly used by electrical, utility, telecommunications, maintenance and trade professionals for wiring equipment installation, linework, electrical maintenance and routine shop tasks.

Product Display:
Helpful Buying Guide

Choose linesman pliers for the wire-handling work at hand

This category includes insulated, standard, bare-handle, round nose and high-leverage linesman pliers. Compare the handle and insulation configuration, jaw style, cutting features, overall length and integrated functions to match the tool to your work.

Visual Guide

Popular examples in this category

1000V Insulated Linesman Pliers, 9-1/2 Inch1000V Insulated Linesman Pliers, 9-1/2 InchWBB30817238-1/2 Inch Electrician’s Linesman Pliers8-1/2 Inch Electrician’s Linesman PliersWBB31914097-Inch Industrial Electrician's Linesman Pliers7-Inch Industrial Electrician's Linesman PliersWBB31913921000V Insulated Lineman Pliers1000V Insulated Lineman PliersWBB3081725
Use Cases

Grip, pull, cut and bend wire

Use linesman pliers for wire handling during electrical installation and maintenance, utility linework, telecommunications work and routine shop tasks. Select models also add fish tape pulling or crimping capability.

How to Choose

Match insulation, size and functions

For work on or near energized components, compare the 1,000V-rated insulated options. For general wiring work, choose among 7-inch, 8-inch, 8-1/2-inch and 9-1/2-inch formats, then consider grip style and added functions.

Applications

Support electrical and trade work

These tools are represented for utility electrical work, telecommunications, wiring equipment installation, electrical maintenance, wire pulling, and grasping or bending wire in maintenance and shop settings.

Additional Information

Compare jaws, cutters and handles

Diamond-serrated, flat serrated, tapered and knurled jaws support different gripping needs. Available handle configurations include insulated Nylon 11, double-dipped plastic, oil-resistant dipped handles and bare steel handles.

1,000VInsulated tool rating

Available on select models for nominal-voltage work near live parts.

7–9-1/2 in.Listed lengths

Formats range from 7 inches to 9-1/2 inches.

4Handle configurations

Insulated, plastic-dipped, oil-resistant dipped and bare steel options are represented.

2Added functions

Select models include fish tape pulling and crimping features.

Comparison Guide

Compare linesman plier types

Use this overview to narrow the selection by insulation, handling and integrated functions.

Plier typeBest suited forFeatures represented
Insulated linesman and combination pliersUtility electrical and telecommunications work on or near energized components1,000V rating; Nylon 11 insulation; serrated or tapered jaws; side cutters; select fish tape puller
Standard or bare-handle linesman pliersWiring installation, maintenance and general wire handlingDiamond-serrated jaws; induction-hardened cutting edges; polished faces or head; plastic grips or bare steel handles
Round nose or high-leverage linesman pliersBending, pulling, cutting and multifunction wire workOil-resistant dipped handles or high-leverage design; sharpened cutters or wire-cutting edges; select fish tape puller and crimping point
Planning Guide

Plan the right fit before choosing

Start with the work environment

Choose insulation when working near energized components

Insulated linesman and combination pliers in this selection are rated for nominal voltages up to 1,000 volts for work on or near live parts. One insulated lineman style is 100% inspected, tested to 10,000 volts and rated to 1,000 volts. Nylon 11 insulation is featured on insulated options, including a 9-1/2-inch style with cut, abrasion and impact resistance across a -40°F to 158°F operating range.

  • Choose 1,000V-rated tools for stated energized-component work.
  • Consider compact 8-inch insulated combination pliers for gripping and cutting.
  • Select the 9-1/2-inch insulated format when a fish tape puller is needed.
Compare gripping and cutting designs

Select jaws and cutters that fit your wire-handling tasks

Standard linesman styles feature diamond-serrated jaws for a firm grip on wire, while insulated designs may combine flat serrated and tapered gripping areas. A high-leverage option uses knurled jaws and includes wire-cutting edges for soft and hard wire, nails and piano wire. Round nose pliers are designed for grasping, bending and cutting wire, with individually sharpened cutting edges for soft and hard wire.

  • Diamond-serrated jaws are featured on standard and bare-handle models.
  • Flat serrated and tapered jaws handle different workpiece shapes.
  • Induction-hardened cutting edges are designed to stay sharp longer.
  • Double knife-edge side cutters combine cutting with gripping in one tool.
Review handling and integrated functions

Choose the handle configuration and extras you use most

Double-dipped plastic grips provide comfortable, durable handling on several standard styles, while bare steel handles offer a no-grip configuration. Round nose pliers use oil-resistant dipped handles for oily work environments. If multiple operations are needed, compare fish tape pullers, a universal crimping point and high-leverage construction.

  • Bare steel handles suit users requiring exposed steel handles.
  • Oil-resistant dipped handles support grip in oily environments.
  • A fish tape puller is available on select insulated and high-leverage styles.
  • The high-leverage model includes a crimping point below the joint.
FAQ

Common questions before buying

What are linesman pliers used for?

They are used to grip, pull, bend and cut wire during electrical, utility, telecommunications, maintenance and shop work.

Which linesman pliers are rated for work near energized components?

Select insulated models are rated to 1,000V for work on or near live parts at nominal voltages up to 1,000 volts.

Are fish tape pullers available?

Yes. Select insulated and high-leverage models include a fish tape puller.

What handle options are represented?

The selection includes Nylon 11 insulation, double-dipped plastic grips, oil-resistant dipped handles and bare steel handles.

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