Best Tongue-and-Groove Pliers of 2026

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026

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Tongue-and-groove pliers, also known as Channellock pliers, are versatile hand tools used by professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. These pliers have a unique design that allows the jaws to be adjusted to fit a range of different sizes, making them ideal for gripping and turning objects with varying diameters. They are commonly used for plumbing, electrical work, and automotive repairs, and are known for their durability and long-lasting performance. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice DIYer, tongue-and-groove pliers are a must-have tool for any toolbox.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basics 12" Quick Release Water Pump Pliers Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics 12" Quick Release Water Pump Pliers
ftb score rating icon 9.8
STANLEY FATMAX 12'' Multigrip Pliers Cover #TOP 2
STANLEY FATMAX 12'' Multigrip Pliers
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Bluespot 250mm Box Joint Water Pump Pliers Cover #TOP 3
Bluespot 250mm Box Joint Water Pump Pliers
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Tongue-and-Groove Pliers

#TOP 1

Amazon Basics 12" Quick Release Water Pump Pliers

Amazon Basics
DS-12QGP
Black
Amazon Basics 12" Quick Release Water Pump Pliers Cover
Amazon Basics Quick Release Water Pump Pliers 12" Grooved Slip Joint, Black

The Amazon Basics Water Pump Pliers offer a secure, non-slip grip on various shapes, making them versatile for different tasks. Constructed from high-quality alloy steel, these pliers feature hardened teeth and a corrosion-resistant finish, ensuring durability. You can easily release the lower jaw with a button and adjust with one hand, providing convenience during use. The slim head design allows access to tight spaces, while the ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, making your work more efficient.

What We Like
Secure, non-slip grip
Durable alloy steel construction
Easy one-handed adjustments
Access to tight spaces
Comfortable ergonomic handle
#TOP 2

STANLEY FATMAX 12'' Multigrip Pliers

84-649
Black/Gray
12 Inch
STANLEY FATMAX 12'' Multigrip Pliers Cover
STANLEY FATMAX Multigrip Groove Joint Pliers 12'' Multicolour

The STANLEY FATMAX Pliers are designed for your convenience and comfort. With a PushLock adjustment button, you can quickly and easily modify the size to suit your needs. The ergonomic bi-material handles ensure a comfortable grip, allowing you to maintain control during use. Made with drop forged construction and induction hardening, these pliers offer exceptional strength and durability, ensuring they can withstand tough tasks. Additionally, their 17 button locked positions provide precision for various gripping applications.

What We Like
Quick size adjustments
Comfortable grip
Strong and durable
Precision gripping
#TOP 3

Bluespot 250mm Box Joint Water Pump Pliers

06436
Blue
Bluespot 250mm Box Joint Water Pump Pliers Cover
Bluespot 06436 250mm (10") Box Joint Water Pump Plier

The Bluespot Water Pump Pliers are designed for durability and comfort. With a drop forged and heat-treated construction, these pliers can withstand tough jobs. The epoxy coating adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring they remain in excellent condition over time. The soft grip handles provide increased comfort during use, making them ideal for extended tasks. Additionally, the fully polished finish not only looks great but also makes cleaning easier, allowing you to maintain the pliers without hassle.

What We Like
Durable construction
Comfortable soft grip
Easy to clean
Wide jaw opening
Polished finish
#TOP 4

MAXPOWER 250mm Adjustable Multigrip Pliers

M29553
MAXPOWER 250mm Adjustable Multigrip Pliers Cover
MAXPOWER Water Pump Plier, 250mm Quick Change Adjustable Multigrip Groove Joint Pliers Plumbing Clamp Tools Tongue-and-Groove Pliers with Non-Slip Rubber Handle

The MAXPOWER Multigrip Pliers are designed for versatility and ease of use. Their multigrip feature allows you to adjust the lower jaw to different positions, ensuring a perfect fit for various room sizes. You will appreciate the ergonomic design, which adapts to your hand size, reducing the risk of crush injuries. The serrated jaws made from high carbon steel provide strength and durability, making adjustments quick and simple. Plus, the durable chrome-vanadium steel construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear.

What We Like
Versatile jaw adjustment
Ergonomic design for comfort
Durable high carbon steel jaws
Quick adjustment mechanism
Resistant to corrosion
#TOP 5

SHALL 3-Piece Adjustable Groove Joint Pliers Set

SGJ3-12-9.5-7
Chrome
SHALL 3-Piece Adjustable Groove Joint Pliers Set Cover
SHALL 3-Piece Groove Joint Pliers Set (12, 9-1/2, 7 Inch), Push-Lock Water Pump Pliers in Cr-v Steel, Fast Adjustable Tongue and Groove Pliers with Tool Roll Bag for Home Repair & Plumbing

The SHALL Groove Joint Pliers are a versatile set that includes three sizes: 7”, 9.5”, and 12”. This variety makes it easier for you to tackle different tasks with efficiency and safety. Made from high-quality chrome vanadium steel, these pliers are durable and resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance. The push-lock design allows for quick adjustments, letting you securely grip various shaped objects, while the ergonomic handle provides comfort and reduces hand fatigue during use.

What We Like
Quick adjusting feature
Durable chrome vanadium steel
Ergonomic and comfortable grip
Versatile for different tasks
#TOP 6

KRETLAW 3-Piece Quick-Adjustable Pliers Set

KRETLAW
K180002
Red Black
180mm 250mm 300mm
KRETLAW 3-Piece Quick-Adjustable Pliers Set Cover
KRETLAW 3-Piece Groove Joint Pliers Set (300mm & 250mm & 180mm), Quick-Adjustable Water Pump Pliers,Cr-V V-Jaw Tongue and Groove Pliers for Home Repair & Plumbing

The KRETLAW Groove Joint Pliers offer exceptional durability thanks to their construction from drop forged Cr-V steel, making them perfect for heavy use. The corrosion-proof blackened surface ensures longevity, allowing you to rely on them for years. Their effortless push-lock mechanism simplifies adjustments, providing you with quick locking and releasing capabilities. With a precision-machined V-jaw, these pliers can secure various workpiece shapes, enhancing your efficiency in different tasks.

What We Like
Durable Cr-V steel construction
Corrosion-resistant design
Easy push-lock adjustment
Versatile gripping capabilities
Comfortable ergonomic handles
#TOP 7

WORKPRO Adjustable Water Pump Pliers Set 200mm 250mm

W001309
200mm et 250mm
WORKPRO Adjustable Water Pump Pliers Set 200mm 250mm Cover
WORKPRO Water Pump Pliers, 40/52mm Wide Jaw Capacity, Quick Change Adjustable Plumbing Grips and Slip Joint Plier Set, 200mm and 250mm, 2-Piece

The WORKPRO Water Pump Pliers offer easy adjusting with tongue and groove jaws, allowing you to quickly fit different sizes of components. The extra wide jaw opening up to 40 and 52mm, combined with a push button quick release, makes changing grips effortless. These pliers are versatile, gripping round, flat, square, and hex shapes, which helps you easily tighten or loosen nuts, bolts, pipes and fittings. With nonslip handles, they provide a secure and comfortable hold, making your tasks safer and more comfortable.

What We Like
Easy size adjustment
Wide jaw opening
Multi-shape gripping
Comfortable nonslip handles
Lightweight for ease
#TOP 8

SATA ST70412ST 10-Inch Waterpump Pliers

ST70412ST
Green
10-Inch
SATA ST70412ST 10-Inch Waterpump Pliers Cover
SATA ST70412ST 10-Inch Straight Jaw Tongue-and-Groove/Waterpump Pliers, with Chrome Vanadium Steel Body and Dipped Handles

The SATA Waterpump Pliers are designed for durability and ease of use. Their positive interlocking tongue-and-groove design ensures that they maintain their shape, even under intense pressure, making them reliable for tough tasks. The induction-hardened angled teeth provide a secure grip, preventing slipping or rounding while you work. With multiple jaw positions and an optimised handle span, you’ll find these pliers comfortable to use, allowing for extended periods of use without discomfort. The chrome vanadium steel handles further enhance their strength and longevity.

What We Like
Durable chrome vanadium steel
Comfortable for prolonged use
Secure grip prevents slipping
Multiple jaw positions available
Resistant to intense pressure
#TOP 9

Knipex Cobra® 180 mm Water Pump Pliers

87 01 180
Black
180 mm
Knipex Cobra® 180 mm Water Pump Pliers Cover
KNIPEX Cobra High-Tech Water Pump Pliers with Non-Slip Plastic Coating 180 mm, 87 01 180

The Knipex Cobra® Pliers offer exceptional convenience for users. The push button for adjustment allows you to easily adapt the tool to various workpiece sizes, ensuring a comfortable grip. With fine adjustment, you can achieve the perfect handle width, making it easier to work for extended periods. The self-locking feature prevents slipping on pipes and nuts, which not only enhances safety but also reduces the effort needed to apply force. The specially hardened teeth provide high wear resistance, ensuring stable gripping on different materials.

What We Like
Easy push button adjustment
Comfortable grip and handle width
Self-locking for safety
High wear resistance teeth
Stable gripping on materials
#TOP 10

WORKPRO 305mm Water Pump Pliers with Quick Adjust

W031333A
Blue
305mm
WORKPRO 305mm Water Pump Pliers with Quick Adjust Cover
WORKPRO 305mm Water Pump Pliers, 50mm Wide Jaw Capacity Quick Adjustable Tongue and Groove Plier, Cr-V Steel Slip Joint Pipe Grips Tools with Non-Slip Handle

The WORKPRO 305mm Pliers feature a spring-loaded push-button for quick and easy adjustments, allowing you to fit the jaws securely and swiftly without hassle. With a wide 50mm jaw capacity and 12 adjustable positions, you can comfortably grip various fasteners and materials of different sizes and shapes. The V-Jaw design offers multiple contact points, providing a strong grip on pipes, rods, and fasteners whether they are flat, round, square, or hexagonal. Additionally, the ergonomically designed plastic dipped handles ensure a non-slip, comfortable hold, reducing hand fatigue during longer tasks.

What We Like
Fast push-button adjustment
Wide 50mm jaw capacity
Strong V-Jaw grip
Comfortable non-slip handles
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are tongue and groove pliers used for?

Tongue-and-groove pliers provide a wide jaw-capacity range to grip and turn pipes, fittings, fasteners, and other items. Also known as multigrips and groove-joint pliers, they have an adjustable pivot point for moving their lower jaw up or down a grooved channel to set the distance between the jaws.

2. What is another name for tongue and groove pliers?

The other names associated with tongue and groove pliers are channel locks, arc-joint pliers, multi-grips, water pump pliers, and groove-joint pliers.

3. Why are tongue and groove pliers so handy?

Tongue and groove pliers are one of the many tools that are used by commercial electricians, especially when working with conduit. One of the main reasons is because of the compression couplings that are used to put conduit together, but also, they just plain come in handy.

Editor's Notes

During our tongue-and-groove pliers research, we found 205 tongue-and-groove pliers products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 94,830 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tongue-and-groove pliers list. We found that most customers choose tongue-and-groove pliers with an average price of £20.40.

The tongue-and-groove pliers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tongue-and-groove pliers, including STANLEY, Blue Spot Tools, MAXPOWER, Shall, KRETLAW.

Written by
Jennifer Fraser Avatar

Jennifer Fraser is a licensed contractor specializing in sales, maintenance, and kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances, tools, and utilities. She owns a store in Leeds where you can get any home and tool appliance. Jenny has a degree in literature, but she combines her knowledge and experience with her degree to publish DIY articles on solving home appliances issues to keep up the family enterprise.