Milwaukee Comfort Grip Pliers Kit - 3 PC

As a professional who frequently relies on a range of pliers for various tasks, the Milwaukee Comfort Grip Pliers Kit immediately caught my attention. Over the years, I've come to expect a certain level of quality and durability from Milwaukee, and this set promised to deliver on multiple fronts. The kit includes three essential types of pliers: 8-inch long nose, 7-inch diagonal cutting, and 10-inch straight jaw. Each tool boasts unique features designed to enhance its functionality and usability on the job site.

Upon unboxing the set, the first thing I noticed was the robust build quality. The forged design of these pliers exudes strength and durability. They feel solid in hand, which is reassuring when you’re about to undertake heavy-duty tasks. The rust-resistant coating is another welcomed feature, especially for those of us who often work in less-than-ideal conditions. The bright red handles are not just aesthetically pleasing but also make it easier to spot the tools in a cluttered workspace.

Starting with the 8-inch long nose pliers, they are indispensable for tasks requiring precision in tight spaces. The comfort grips are a standout feature here—they are not only designed to withstand jobsite conditions but also make extended use less fatiguing. I found the on-board fish tape puller to be a practical addition. The jaws are well-machined and rigid, providing excellent grip and control. These pliers also double up as a reamer for pipes, which I found to be particularly useful during electrical installations.

Next, the 7-inch diagonal cutting pliers, although generally praised for their iron carbide cutting edge, fell short in one crucial aspect—leverage. While the cutting edge is sharp and supposed to offer extended cutting life, I found that cutting through thicker wires, such as 10/2, required considerable effort. The handle design, while ergonomic, doesn't provide the necessary leverage for heavier tasks. This is an unfortunate drawback, especially when I compared it to my older, more basic side cutters which breezed through similar tasks effortlessly. However, for lighter gauge wires, these pliers performed adequately.

The 10-inch straight jaw pliers are, without a doubt, the workhorse of this set. They feature exposed metal handles designed for punching, which I found highly effective. The jaws align perfectly and grip pipes and nuts firmly without slipping. The reinforced surface area on the jaws provides a solid grip, and the tongue and groove adjustment works smoothly. One minor downside is the lack of a push-button adjustment, which would have added a bit more flexibility. Nonetheless, these pliers proved to be reliable and sturdy, handling various tasks from plumbing to automotive work without any hiccups.

Using these tools over several weeks, I appreciated the overall craftsmanship. The high-end construction and the soft grips make these tools a pleasure to use. Even during repetitive tasks, I didn’t experience any discomfort, thanks to the ergonomic design of the handles. The hinges move cleanly, and there’s a noticeable absence of any "springy" feel which can often be a nuisance in cheaper tools.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Straight out of the package, I noticed the straight jaw pliers had some issues with alignment. When squeezed, the handles would sometimes cross over each other and get stuck—a clear indication of a loose bolt. This was frustrating as it affected the tool's usability right from the get-go. Despite this flaw, once I tightened the bolt, the issue was mitigated, and the pliers performed as expected.

Another minor issue was a bit of grit in the lineman’s pliers initially. Although it worked itself out after some use, it was an unexpected inconvenience. It's a small quality control issue that Milwaukee could easily address to improve the user experience right out of the box.

For those concerned about longevity, these tools appear to be built to last. The comfort grips are designed to withstand jobsite conditions, and the iron carbide cutting edge on the diagonal cutters and needle nose pliers suggests a long lifespan. Regular oiling, as with any hand tool, will keep them in top condition for years.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Comfort Grip Pliers Kit - 3 PC offers a solid combination of durability, comfort, and functionality. While the diagonal cutting pliers could benefit from a redesign to improve leverage, the long nose and straight jaw pliers more than make up for this shortfall. They are versatile, robust, and well-suited for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The set is attractively priced, offering substantial value for money given the quality and features of the tools included.

I would recommend this tool set for anyone looking to upgrade their pliers collection. The minor issues can be overlooked when considering the overall performance and durability of the set. Milwaukee has once again produced a reliable and effective tool kit that should find a place in any toolbox. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic DIYer, this set is likely to meet your needs and exceed your expectations in many aspects.