Milwaukee 7-In-1 High-Leverage Combination Pliers

Milwaukee's 7-In-1 High-Leverage Combination Pliers have quickly become an essential part of my toolkit. As someone who frequently tackles a variety of electrical tasks, I appreciate tools that offer versatility without compromising on performance. These pliers manage to do just that, combining multiple functions into a single, robust tool.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about these pliers is their solid build. Made from high-quality steel, they feel sturdy and durable in hand. The pliers are 9 inches long, which is an ideal size for providing substantial leverage while still being manageable for detailed work. The handles are coated with a comfortable grip that ensures they won’t slip, even when my hands are sweaty or dirty. This is a vital feature when working in less-than-ideal conditions.

Versatility and Features

One of the standout aspects of these pliers is their versatility. The 7-in-1 functionality includes a wide jaw for grabbing and twisting wire, a wire cutter, a wire stripper, a loop maker, a crimper for both insulated and non-insulated terminals, a reamer for conduit, and a bolt cutter for #6 and #8 bolts. Each feature works as advertised, making this tool a jack-of-all-trades for anyone involved in electrical work.

Wire Cutting and Stripping

The wire cutter is sharp and effective, capable of cutting up to four 12 AWG wires with ease. I tested it on various wire types, including 10/3 AWG copper and smaller aluminum wires, and it performed admirably. The wire stripper is equally efficient, handling 8-18 AWG solid and 10-20 AWG stranded wire without any issues. These features save me the hassle of switching between multiple tools, speeding up my workflow significantly.

Crimping and Loop Making

The crimper is another valuable addition, especially for those who frequently work with terminals. It provides a secure crimp, ensuring that connectors stay firmly attached to the wires. The loop maker is a small but handy feature that simplifies the process of creating loops for grounding wires.

Reaming and Bolt Cutting

The built-in reamer is designed for 1/2" to 1" conduit, and it does an excellent job of deburring and smoothing out the edges. This is particularly useful when working with metal boxes and conduits, where rough edges can be a problem. The bolt cutter is another impressive feature, easily cutting through #6 and #8 bolts without much effort.

Performance and Comfort

High-leverage handles make cutting and crimping tasks easier, reducing the strain on my hands. Despite their robust build, the pliers are relatively lightweight at 0.75 lbs, which adds to their ease of use. The handles are ergonomically designed, fitting comfortably in my hand and allowing for prolonged use without causing discomfort.

Durability and Maintenance

Durability is a significant factor for any tool, and these pliers do not disappoint. The steel construction is rust-resistant, which is a crucial feature for anyone working in wet or humid environments. Even after leaving them out in the rain, I found no signs of rust or corrosion. The black paint, however, does scratch easily, but this is a minor aesthetic issue that doesn’t affect performance.

Limitations

While these pliers are highly functional, they are not without their limitations. One minor drawback is that they can be a bit stiff to operate with one hand initially. However, after a few quick opening and closing motions, they loosen up and become more manageable. Another point to consider is that while they are made in China, this hasn’t affected their quality or performance in any noticeable way.

Comparison to Other Brands

Having used various brands over the years, including Klein and Channel Lock, I find the Milwaukee pliers to be on par with these well-known names. They offer similar features and performance, but with the added benefit of multiple functionalities in one tool. The price point is also competitive, making them a cost-effective option for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Milwaukee's 7-In-1 High-Leverage Combination Pliers are a versatile and reliable tool that deserves a spot in any electrician's toolkit. Their multiple functionalities, combined with a sturdy build and comfortable design, make them a practical choice for a wide range of electrical tasks. While they have a few minor drawbacks, these are easily outweighed by their numerous benefits.

I highly recommend these pliers for anyone looking for a multi-functional, high-quality tool that can handle various electrical jobs with ease. Whether you’re a professional electrician or a DIY enthusiast, these pliers will undoubtedly make your work more efficient and enjoyable.