Milwaukee High-Leverage Lineman's Pliers with Crimper

When I first got my hands on the Milwaukee High-Leverage Lineman's Pliers with Crimper, I was eager to see if they lived up to the high expectations set by their impressive feature list. At 9 inches long, these pliers are designed to provide maximum leverage, making wire cutting and other tasks more manageable. The tool is packed with features, including a crimper for both insulated and non-insulated terminals, a fish tape puller, and a cross-hatched knurled jaw for improved grip. But how does it perform in real-world applications?

First and foremost, the leverage provided by these pliers is immediately noticeable. The design of the handles and the optimized pivot point make cutting through various types of wire, including thicker gauges, much easier than with standard pliers. The hardened cutting edges are sharp and durable, easily slicing through copper and aluminum wires without much effort. I found that even after extended use, the cutting edges maintained their sharpness, which speaks to the quality of the materials used.

The crimper is a standout feature for me. Located just behind the pivot, it allows for secure crimping of both insulated and non-insulated terminals. In my experience, the crimper produces a very secure joint, ensuring that connectors stay put. This is particularly useful for electricians and tradespeople who need reliable connections in their work. The inclusion of this feature means one less tool to carry around, which is always a plus.

Another handy feature is the fish tape puller. Positioned behind the crimper, it provides a strong grip on metal fish tapes, making it easier to pull them through conduits without damaging the tape. This feature is especially useful when working on larger electrical installations where fish tape is commonly used. The cross-hatched knurled jaw also contributes to the tool's excellent grip, ensuring that wires and other materials don't slip while you're working.

One thing that stood out to me was the overall build quality of these pliers. They are forged for strength and come with rust protection, which is essential for maintaining the tool's longevity, especially in harsh working conditions. The handles are coated with a durable rubber material that provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when my hands were dirty or sweaty. Initially, the pliers were a bit stiff to operate with one hand, but after a few quick cycles of opening and closing, they loosened up and became much easier to use single-handedly.

The durability of these pliers is noteworthy. I used them for various tasks, including cutting through thick wire, reaming conduit, and even as a makeshift hammer for bashing knock-outs out of metal boxes. They held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or damage. The rust-resistant coating also proved effective, as I left the pliers outside in the rain for a few weeks and they showed no signs of rust.

However, it's worth mentioning that these pliers are not made in the USA, which may be a drawback for some users who prefer domestically produced tools. While this didn't affect the tool's performance, it's something to consider if country of origin is important to you.

In terms of weight, the pliers are well-balanced. At 1.00 lbs, they are heavy enough to feel sturdy and durable, but not so heavy that they become cumbersome to use over extended periods. The 9-inch length provides excellent leverage without making the tool unwieldy.

One minor gripe I have is with the dipped grips on the handles. While they are comfortable and provide a good grip, I personally prefer the newer non-slip grip versions that Milwaukee has released. That said, the dipped grips are easy to replace if they wear out, which is a small consolation.

Overall, the Milwaukee High-Leverage Lineman's Pliers with Crimper are a fantastic addition to any tool kit. They combine several essential functions into one well-designed tool, making them incredibly versatile and efficient. The high-quality materials and construction ensure that these pliers will stand up to tough working conditions and provide reliable performance for years to come.

Would I recommend these pliers? Absolutely. They offer excellent leverage, sharp cutting edges, a reliable crimper, and a fish tape puller, all in a durable and well-built package. Whether you're a professional electrician, a tradesperson, or a serious DIY enthusiast, these pliers are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. The limited lifetime warranty is the cherry on top, giving you peace of mind that Milwaukee stands behind their product. If you're in the market for a new pair of lineman's pliers, these are definitely worth considering.