Milwaukee Long Nose Pliers

Long nose pliers are a staple in any toolbox, and Milwaukee's 48-22-3068 model has quickly become one of my favorites for a multitude of reasons. These pliers bring a level of versatility and durability that stands out, making them an indispensable tool for both professional electricians and DIY enthusiasts alike.

The first thing that catches your attention with these pliers is their robust construction. The forged alloy steel gives the tool maximum strength, ensuring it can handle a variety of tasks without showing signs of wear and tear. This durability is further enhanced by a rust-protection coating that increases the tool’s lifespan by reducing corrosion. For someone who often stores tools in less-than-ideal conditions, like a humid basement, this feature is a game-changer.

One of the standout features of these pliers is the reaming head design. Milwaukee has cleverly included a patent-pending reaming head that smooths the edges of metal pipes and EMT, making it easy to clean up the rough edges on pipes ranging from 1/2" to 1". This is an invaluable feature for anyone working with metal pipes, as it saves time and effort, eliminating the need for a separate reaming tool.

In addition to the reaming head, the pliers also come with a built-in loop maker that handles up to 10GA wire. This feature makes it incredibly convenient to create loops for electrical work without needing a separate looping tool. The wire stripper capabilities are also impressive, accommodating both solid wire (10-14 AWG) and stranded wire (12-16 AWG). This versatile functionality means that you can handle a wide array of wiring tasks with just one tool.

The cutting edges of the pliers are laser-hardened, allowing them to cut through wire, bolts, screws, and even nails with ease. I tested these pliers on 12AWG Romex, and they cut through it like butter. The same goes for stripping 14 stranded wire; it performed flawlessly without damaging the wire braids. This precision and ease of use are crucial for maintaining the integrity of electrical connections.

The comfort of using these pliers is another area where Milwaukee excels. The handles are designed to provide a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use. However, there is a minor drawback: the strong construction makes the pliers a bit stiff, especially when they are new. Initially, they can be somewhat difficult to open and close, which might hinder one-handed operation. After some use and a bit of lubrication, this stiffness does ease up, but it’s something to be aware of when you first start using them.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the jaw capacity and design. With a jaw capacity of 1-3/4" and a jaw length of 2-1/4", these pliers offer a wide range of gripping options. The waffled texture on the jaws provides an excellent grip, making it easy to pull up nails or hold onto small components securely. This makes them not only useful for electrical work but also for general-purpose tasks around the house or workshop.

Milwaukee has clearly put a lot of thought into the design and functionality of these pliers. Each feature seems to be geared towards making the tool as versatile and user-friendly as possible. This thoughtful design is why I find myself reaching for these pliers more often than any other pair in my toolbox. Instead of carrying multiple tools like diagonal cutters, strippers, crimpers, and needle-nose pliers, I can rely on this single versatile tool to handle most of my tasks.

The tool also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind that Milwaukee stands behind the quality and durability of their product. This is a significant advantage, especially for professionals who rely on their tools day in and day out.

In summary, Milwaukee's long nose pliers (model 48-22-3068) are a fantastic addition to any toolkit. They offer a combination of strength, versatility, and thoughtful design that makes them suitable for a wide range of tasks. While the initial stiffness of the pliers may be a minor inconvenience, the benefits far outweigh this small drawback. The reaming head, built-in loop maker, wire stripper, and laser-hardened cutting edges all contribute to making this a highly functional and reliable tool.

Would I recommend these long nose pliers? Absolutely. Whether you’re a professional electrician looking for a dependable tool or a DIY enthusiast seeking a versatile addition to your collection, these pliers are well worth the investment. Milwaukee has set a high bar with this model, and it’s clear that they are serious contenders in the hand tool market.