Types of pliers and their uses: a guide for Kenyan fundis and shops
The main types of pliers and their uses are simple to learn: combination pliers grip, twist and cut wire; long-nose pliers reach into tight spaces; diagonal pliers cut wire close to the surface; locking pliers clamp onto a part and hold it; circlip pliers fit and remove retaining rings; and cable strippers take the insulation off wire. In Nairobi in October 2026, AHIHQ Traders sells all of these wholesale by the carton, from KSh 11,310 for a carton of 60 Knicker Super Pliers 8" (works out at about KSh 189 a piece).
This guide explains which pair suits which job, how the sizes differ, and what each carton costs.
Types of pliers at a glance
| Type | Main use | Sizes in the range | Wholesale pack and price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combination pliers | Gripping, bending, twisting and cutting wire | 8" combination; 6" diagonal; 6" long nose | KSh 22,620 for a carton of 60 |
| Diamond pliers | Everyday gripping and wire work | 6", 7", 8" | KSh 17,400 for a carton of 120 |
| Heavy-duty pliers | Harder gripping and cutting work | 8" | KSh 14,355 for a carton of 60 |
| Super pliers | General gripping and cutting | 8" | KSh 11,310 for a carton of 60 |
| Electrical pliers, insulated | Electrical installation work | 8" electrician; 6" diagonal; 6" long nose | KSh 26,100 for a carton of 60 |
| Locking pliers, curved jaw | Clamping and holding a part | 10" | KSh 20,300 for a carton of 40 |
| Circlip pliers | Fitting and removing circlips | 7" internal and external, bent and straight | KSh 33,060 for a carton of 120 |
| Cable stripper pliers | Stripping insulation from cable | One size | KSh 26,100 for a carton of 120 |
What are combination pliers used for?
Combination pliers are the general tool of the set. The flat jaws at the tip grip and bend, the rounded section behind them holds pipe or round stock, and the cutting edge near the joint cuts wire. Most fundis carry a pair whatever their trade. The Knicker Combination Pliers (8" & 6") are made of forged steel with a polish finish, according to the maker's catalogue. The 8" carded pair costs KSh 22,620 for a carton of 60, which works out at about KSh 377 a piece.
The same product line includes a 6" diagonal and a 6" long-nose pair, each at KSh 19,140 for a carton of 60 (works out at about KSh 319 a piece).
Long-nose pliers vs diagonal pliers
Long-nose pliers have thin, tapered jaws for holding small parts, bending loops in wire and reaching into a box or a tight corner. Diagonal pliers, often called side cutters, have no gripping jaw at all: the blades cut wire and cable ties close to the surface. If the job is holding or shaping, take long-nose. If the job is cutting, take diagonal.
Diamond, super and heavy-duty pliers
These are everyday gripping pliers for general site and workshop work. Knicker Diamond Pliers (6", 7" & 8") come in three lengths. The 6" is KSh 17,400 and the 7" is KSh 18,270, each for a carton of 120. The 8" is KSh 11,745 for a carton of 60. Those work out at about KSh 145, KSh 152 and KSh 196 a piece.
The Knicker Pliers, Heavy Duty 8" are listed in the catalogue as forged steel with a nickel finish and a bi-colour plastic handle, at KSh 14,355 for a carton of 60 (works out at about KSh 239 a piece). The Knicker Super Pliers 8" are the lowest-priced 8" pair in the range at KSh 11,310 for a carton of 60.
A longer pair gives more leverage for cutting thicker wire. A shorter pair is lighter and easier to control on small work.
Electrical pliers: what does "insulated" mean here?
The Knicker Electrical Pliers, Insulated (8" & 6") are for electricians. The maker's catalogue describes these pliers with the words "1000 Volt", "Insulated" and "Combination Pliers". That is the maker's own description. AHIHQ Traders has not tested these pliers to any voltage rating, and you should not treat the handles as your protection. Always switch off and isolate a circuit before you work on it. Retire any pair whose handle covering is cracked, cut or worn through.
There are three versions: the 8" electrician pliers (carded) at KSh 26,100 for a carton of 60 (works out at about KSh 435 a piece), and a 6" diagonal and a 6" long nose, each at KSh 20,880 for a carton of 60 (works out at about KSh 348 a piece).
What are locking pliers used for?
Locking pliers clamp onto a part and stay shut without you squeezing. You can use them to hold two pieces together for welding or drilling, to grip a nut or bolt head that has rounded off, or as a small temporary clamp. A screw in the handle sets the jaw opening, and a lever releases the grip. The Knicker Locking Pliers, Curved Jaw 10" have plastic handles. The catalogue lists them as "CRV Nickel, HRC52-HRC56" with a "Max Opening 50MM". They cost KSh 20,300 for a carton of 40, which works out at about KSh 508 a piece.
Circlip pliers: internal or external?
A circlip is a sprung steel ring that sits in a groove to hold a bearing, gear or pin in place. Internal circlips sit inside a bore, and the pliers squeeze them smaller to fit or remove them. External circlips sit on a shaft, and the pliers open them wider. The Knicker Circlip Pliers 7" (Internal & External) come in four 7" versions: internal bend, internal straight, external bend and external straight. Bent tips help when the ring is hard to reach. Each version is KSh 33,060 for a carton of 120 (works out at about KSh 276 a piece). Mechanics and motorbike workshops usually want both internal and external.
Cable stripper pliers
A cable stripper cuts through the insulation on a wire without cutting the copper, so the end can go into a terminal cleanly. It is quicker and neater than stripping with a knife. The Knicker Cable Stripper Pliers are forged steel with a black finish, at KSh 26,100 for a carton of 120 (works out at about KSh 218 a piece). For taping joints afterwards, see insulating tape.
Which one should you buy?
- One pair for everything: 8" combination pliers.
- General site use at a lower carton price: diamond pliers or super pliers 8".
- Harder gripping work: heavy-duty pliers 8".
- Electricians: insulated electrical pliers plus cable stripper pliers.
- Holding, clamping or a rounded nut: locking pliers 10".
- Mechanics fitting bearings and shafts: circlip pliers, internal and external.
Where to buy
Every line in this guide is in the hand tools collection, part of the Tools & Hardware range at AHIHQ Traders. The range is sold wholesale only, by the carton, bag or bundle, never as a single piece. If you need only one or two tools, share a carton with other fundis or shops, or buy a carton to hold as stock. Collect from the trade counter at Royal Business Park, opposite Complast, Old Mombasa Road, Nairobi, Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 17:30. Countrywide delivery is a flat KSh 350, and free on orders over KSh 15,000. Pay by M-Pesa or card. Hardware shops and contractors can request a trade quote at /pages/trade, or send a list on WhatsApp +254 724 505 919.
Related guides
- Types of hammers and uses: claw, mason, sledge, mini and tack hammers
- Adjustable spanner vs pipe wrench: which tool for which job
- Tools a fundi needs by trade: mason, carpenter, plumber and electrician
Common questions
What is the difference between combination pliers and long-nose pliers?
Combination pliers have short, strong jaws for gripping, twisting and cutting. Long-nose pliers have thin, tapered jaws for small parts and tight spaces, but they are weaker for heavy gripping.
How much are pliers wholesale in Nairobi?
In October 2026, carton prices at AHIHQ Traders run from KSh 11,310 for a carton of 60 super pliers 8" to KSh 33,060 for a carton of 120 7" circlip pliers. Per piece, that is about KSh 189 for the super pliers and KSh 276 for the circlip pliers.
Are insulated pliers safe for live wires?
The maker's catalogue describes these electrical pliers as "1000 Volt" and "Insulated", but AHIHQ Traders has not tested that rating. Switch off and isolate the circuit before you work, and do not rely on plier handles for protection.
Can I buy just one pair of pliers?
No. This range is sold by the carton only. If you need one or two pairs, share a carton with others or buy for stock.