Best Long Nose Pliers

Long nose pliers are designed for precision in tight spaces or awkward angles.

Appreciated by electricians, jewellers, technicians, vehicle repairers and DIY’ers alike.

But which type is best for your needs?

In this post, we go through our top picks for 2025, based on reach, grip, comfort, and cutting performance.

Best Long Nose Pliers for General Use

Our pick: Long Nose Parallel Plier 200 mm

Made for controlled gripping, straightening and wire manipulation in everyday tasks.

The parallel-action jaws grip evenly along their full length, offering accuracy where scissor-action pliers can slip. The 200 mm length provides useful reach for working inside recessed areas.

Reasons to buy

• Parallel-action jaws provide even, full-length contact, ideal for gripping wire, fixings and small components securely.
• Long tapered jaws offer clear visibility in tight or recessed spaces, improving accuracy during placement or retrieval.
• 70 mm usable jaw length gives added stability when straightening or guiding longer sections of wire.
• 13 mm jaw opening allows extra clearance when holding larger fixings or awkward shapes.
• Case-hardened serrated jaws (HRC 57) provide durable, long-lasting grip performance.
• Open-throat design lets you work along the full length of the wire, for controlled straightening and de-kinking without constantly changing positions.

Ideal for

Electricians, technicians and general users needing precise gripping and manipulation in confined or difficult-to-access spaces.

Best Long Nose Pliers for Tight Spaces

Our pick: Long Nose Parallel Plier 160 mm

Compact and accurate, this 160 mm long nose plier delivers full-length, even gripping in areas where space is restricted. Ideal for tasks requiring delicate positioning or manipulation inside enclosures.

Reasons to buy

• 160 mm compact length improves control inside tight housings, panels or assemblies.
• Parallel-action jaws provide stable, full-length grip, preventing slippage on small parts.
• 50 mm usable jaw length offers balanced control when working with shorter wire lengths or compact components.
• 10 mm jaw opening suitable for fine gripping work in restricted access zones.
• Long tapered jaws improve sightlines for accurate placement in confined areas.
• Case-hardened serrated jaws (HRC 57) ensure durability for repeated gripping tasks.
• Open-throat design lets you work along the full length of the wire.

Ideal for

Electronics technicians, computer repairers, model builders and electricians working inside compact enclosures and equipment housings.

Best Long Nose Pliers for Electrical Work (Non-Live Circuits)

Our pick: Long Nose Parallel Plier 200 mm

Designed for accurate handling of conductors, terminals and fixings on isolated circuits. Parallel-action jaws prevent twisting and slipping when positioning components inside panels.

Reasons to buy

• Parallel jaws apply force evenly for stable, full-length grip on terminals and connectors.
• Long tapered jaws reach into panels and distribution boards with improved visibility.
• Case-hardened jaws (HRC 57) provide consistent grip for preparing and positioning wire.
• 70 mm usable jaw length supports neat straightening of longer conductors.
• 13 mm jaw opening offers flexibility for holding small fittings or angled parts.
• Open-throat design lets you work along the full length of the cable, helping with smooth alignment of ends prior to termination.

Ideal for

Electricians and installers working on isolated circuits, cable management, panel construction and precise conductor placement.

Best Long Nose Pliers for Cutting and Gripping Wire

Our pick: Long Nose Side Cutter Parallel Plier 200 mm

A combination tool for gripping, bending and cutting. The high-leverage cutter sits on the outside edge, leaving the full jaw length free for secure gripping while producing clean cuts on a wide range of wire types.

Reasons to buy

• High-leverage cutter multiplies hand force by approximately 23x, ideal for cutting piano wire up to 2.0 mm, hard wire up to 2.5 mm and soft wire up to 4.0 mm.
• Cutter positioned on the outside edge preserves full jaw length for gripping and bending.
• Parallel-action jaws maintain full-length, stable grip, preventing slippage when manipulating wire.
• 200 mm length provides reach for gripping or cutting inside cabinets or enclosures.
• 70 mm usable jaw length improves accuracy when straightening longer wire sections before cutting.
• Case-hardened jaws and blades (HRC 57) ensure durability and clean, repeatable cutting performance.
• Tapered jaws offer visibility and access in confined areas.

Ideal for

Electricians, maintenance engineers and technicians needing one tool to grip, straighten, bend and cut wire efficiently.

Best Long Nose Pliers for Tight Spaces and Fast Repetitive Cutting

Our pick: Long Nose Side Cutter Parallel Plier Return Spring 160 mm

Built for speed and efficiency in compact spaces, this 160 mm combination plier pairs parallel jaws with a high-leverage cutter and a return spring to reduce fatigue in repetitive tasks.

Reasons to buy

• High-leverage cutter multiplies hand force by around 25x, suitable for cutting piano wire up to 1.6 mm and soft wire up to approximately 3.0 mm.
• Return spring speeds up repetitive gripping and cutting with reduced effort.
• Parallel-action jaws grip evenly along their full length, ideal for securing small components securely during manipulation.
• 50 mm usable jaw length supports accurate straightening of short wire sections before cutting.
• Tapered jaws improve access inside compact assemblies or control boxes.
• Case-hardened jaws and blades (HRC 57) built for consistent performance.

Ideal for

Assembly technicians, electricians and mobile engineers who need a compact, efficient combination tool for repeated grip-and-cut work in tight areas.

Best Long Nose Pliers for Reduced Fatigue and Long Sessions

Our pick: Long Nose Parallel Plier Return Spring 200 mm

Designed for extended use, this long nose plier combines a 200 mm reach with a return spring for reduced hand strain during repetitive gripping and positioning tasks.

Reasons to buy

• Return spring reopens the plier automatically, reducing fatigue during frequent adjustments.
• 200 mm length offers extended reach for working deep inside assemblies.
• Parallel-action jaws apply even pressure for stable gripping without twisting.
• 70 mm usable jaw length supports accurate straightening of longer conductors and wire lengths.
• Case-hardened jaws (HRC 57) deliver consistent performance throughout prolonged use.

Ideal for

Technicians, electricians and craft workers performing repeated gripping and adjustment tasks over long periods.

Best Heavy Duty Long Nose Pliers

Our pick: Long Nose Side Cutter Parallel Plier 200 mm

Made for demanding wire handling tasks, this 200 mm combination plier pairs a high-leverage cutter with full-length parallel jaws. Ideal for cutting harder materials while maintaining strong gripping performance.

Reasons to buy

• High-leverage cutter multiplies hand force by about 23x, suitable for piano wire up to 2.0 mm, hard wire up to 2.5 mm and soft wire up to 4.0 mm.
• Cutter located on the outside edge keeps the full jaw length available for gripping and bending heavy materials.
• Parallel jaws maintain even, full-length contact, providing vice-like stability when manipulating tough or rigid wire.
• 200 mm length offers reach for industrial or agricultural tasks.
• 70 mm usable jaw length supports accurate straightening of longer, stiffer wire.
• Case-hardened jaws and blades (HRC 57) built for demanding, long-term use.
• Rust-resistant, zinc-plated handles ensure durability in harsh environments.

Ideal for

Maintenance engineers, agricultural users and mechanical technicians working with heavy wire, rigid components and applications requiring both strong grip and cutting capability.

Best 160 mm Long Nose Pliers

Our pick: Long Nose Side Cutter Parallel Plier Return Spring 160 mm

A compact combination tool for gripping, straightening and cutting in confined areas.

The return spring reduces fatigue during repetitive work, while the parallel-action jaws hold components securely along their full length. The side cutter, positioned on the outside edge of the tool, multiplies hand force for clean, accurate cuts without interfering with the main gripping jaws.

Reasons to buy

• Return spring enables faster, low-effort operation during repetitive gripping and cutting tasks.
• Compact 160 mm length offers excellent control in tight, awkward spaces.
• Parallel jaws grip evenly along their full length, helping stabilise small components during assembly or adjustment.
• High-leverage cutter multiplies hand force by 25x for efficient cutting with minimal effort.
• Cuts up to 1.6 mm piano wire, 2.0 mm hard wire and 3.0 mm soft wire.
• 50 mm usable jaw length supports accurate manipulation and straightening of short wire sections.
• Open-throat design allows wire to be threaded fully along the jaw line for better control during shaping.
• Case-hardened jaws and blades (HRC 57) ensure long-term durability.

Ideal for

Assembly workers, electricians, technicians and maintenance teams handling repeated gripping, positioning and cutting tasks in restricted areas.

Best 200 mm Long Nose Pliers

Our pick: Long Nose Side Cutter Parallel Plier 200 mm

A full-size combination tool offering extended reach with powerful cutting performance.

Parallel-action jaws provide secure, even grip along the entire workpiece, while the high-leverage side cutter on the outer edge multiplies hand force for clean cuts through hard and soft wire. The longer 200 mm body improves reach into deeper recesses.

Reasons to buy

• 200 mm length provides extended reach into deep or obstructed areas where shorter tools cannot access.
• Parallel-action jaws stay parallel for full-contact, vice-like grip, ideal for gripping delicate or angled surfaces without twisting.
• High-leverage cutter multiplies hand force by 23x for efficient cutting with minimal effort.
• Cuts up to 2.0 mm piano wire, 2.5 mm hard wire and 4.0 mm soft wire without strain.
• 70 mm usable jaw length improves accuracy when straightening longer lengths of wire.
• 13 mm jaw opening provides additional clearance when gripping larger fixings or components.
• Side cutter is positioned on the outside edge near the fulcrum, leaving the full jaw length free for gripping and manipulation.
• Case-hardened serrated jaws and blades (HRC 57) built for long-lasting performance in daily professional use.
• Open-throat design allows wire to run down the jaw for controlled shaping and de-kinking.

Ideal for

Maintenance engineers, installers, automotive technicians and metalworkers who need a long-reach plier capable of gripping, positioning and cutting hard wire in a single tool.

What are Long Nose Pliers?

Long nose pliers are engineered for precision gripping in tight or awkward spaces. They feature long tapered jaws that improve visibility at the working point and allow you to reach where standard pliers cannot. When fitted with parallel-action jaws, they also apply even pressure along the full length of the workpiece, improving control and reducing the risk of slippage.

What Are Long Nose Pliers Used For?

Long nose pliers excel at tasks that require reach, precision or controlled grip. Common uses include gripping wires deep inside enclosures, bending or shaping metal in confined areas, retrieving small parts from restricted spaces, and holding fastenings steady during assembly.

Their shape also makes them valuable for pulling, twisting and aligning components without obstructing your line of sight. When the pliers use a parallel-jaw mechanism, the even, full-length grip improves stability on delicate or round materials.

Why Choose Parallel-Action Long Nose Pliers?

Traditional scissor-action long nose pliers grip at a single point. When the jaws close, the tips splay outward, reducing stability and increasing the risk of slipping or damaging the workpiece.

Parallel-action long nose pliers solve this problem.

The jaws remain perfectly parallel throughout their movement, creating an even, full-length grip along the workpiece. This improves accuracy, especially when straightening wire, gripping round objects, or holding fastenings securely at awkward angles.

Other benefits include:

• Greater contact area for improved stability.
• Less force required to achieve a firm grip.
• Better control when manipulating or de-kinking wire.
• Reduced risk of distorting or marking delicate materials.

This jaw mechanism is why people choose Maun and what makes these tools ideal for professional environments.

Long Nose Pliers vs Needle Nose Pliers

 

Although often confused, long nose pliers and needle nose pliers serve slightly different purposes.

Long nose pliers have a tapered jaw that narrows to a fine point while maintaining jaw strength. They are built for precision work without sacrificing grip or durability.

Needle nose pliers, by comparison, taper more aggressively to a thin tip, making them ideal for micro-precision but less suited to high-force gripping or manipulating heavier materials.

If you need strength, stability and control, long nose pliers are the better choice. If you’re forming fine loops in jewellery wire or handling tiny components, needle nose pliers may offer more finesse.

Safety Tips

To use the tool safely and prolong its lifespan:

• Always isolate circuits before working on electrical components.
• Use eye protection when cutting wire or manipulating metal.
• Avoid applying excessive force to the nose tips.
• Inspect jaws regularly for debris that could affect grip.
• Store the tool in a dry environment to protect against corrosion.

Final Summary

Those are our top picks for long nose pliers in 2025.

If you have any feedback or improvements you’d recommend for this post, we’d love to hear from you.

This post was brought to you by Maun, experts in tools since 1944.

Scroll back up to re-read any key points, browse our related pages below, or contact us with any questions:

• Types of Pliers
• What are Long Nose Pliers
• How To Use Long Nose Pliers
• Can Long Nose Pliers Cut Wire?

You can browse all Maun pliers here.