LRM GROUP TEST VERDICT
IT’S only when you try consecutive pliers or wire cutters in a test situation their strengths and differences shine through. A case in point is the difference in wire cutting ability. The Sealey cutters are excellent and even managed to cut the black 16 square mm battery cable seen in the photos without fuss. Silverline’s wire cutters also managed this tall order, whereas all the similarly-sized other pliers couldn’t. The smaller precision pliers of Siegen and Draper performed well, although certainly going on jaw finish, the Siegen pliers are more accurately manufactured which can be critical for holding very thin wires or snip away using just the jaw end, for example.
Kamasa’s handles’ design is worthy of an honourable mention for its excellent slip guard/thumb stop feature. The Kamasa jaws and cutting edges are also well-engineered and able to please those who like jaw serrations that mesh correctly. Siegen’s broad range set offers good value for anyone wanting an occasional set they won’t abuse too much. Draper’s more specialist precision set is ideal as a broad set for finer work although the cutting jaws on our test set didn’t all close in strict parallel. At the other end of the spectrum, Clarke’s sub-£10 set is perfect for non-specific general use. I’d happily leave them with my welding gear or pack them in an onboard emergency tool kit. The Pro Award honours then go to Sealey for their excellent set. The pliers are the largest on test which no doubt helps their leverage, but they are comfortable to hold and the water pump pliers are excellent, while the wire cutters were a joy after using my old similarly sized cutters. From zero to hero, the DIY starter set award is Siegen’s for a good range and decent quality at a very affordable price.