Introduction
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A reliable set of MIG pliers is an essential tool for every MIG welder. They make it easy to remove nozzles, loosen contact tips, remove spatter, and cut wire. However, poor-quality pliers can be frustrating and require frequent replacements. To save you time researching, I’ve scoured the market and found the best MIG pliers that you can trust. Let’s dive right in…
Quick Comparison
| Product | Image | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Choice: Welper YS-50 |  |
Professional grade MIG pliers made in Japan. | Check Prices |
| Great Value: Eastwood Mig Pliers |  |
Spring-loaded, knurled grabber, and hardened knives. | Check Prices |
| IRWIN VISE-GRIP 8″ |  |
Spring-loaded, dip handle, and lifetime warranty. | Check Prices |
| YESWELDER 8″ Rustproof |  |
Anti-rust treatment, HRC60 hardness, and nickel-plated. | Check Prices |
| Strong hand 8 inches |  |
Built-in hammer, fine and coarse files, and nozzle grabber. | Check Prices |
| Ergonomic Quality: Lincoln K4014-1 |  |
Ergonomic design, soft silicone handle, and flat and crown hammers. | Check Prices |
1. Welper YS-50 MIG Welding Gun Pliers
- 6 functional design
- Wire side cutter
- Splash Removal Jaws
- Die forged tool steel
- Nozzle remover
Advantages:
- Spring-loaded handle
- Square head
- Bushing changer
- Integrated hammer
- MIG torch changer
Shortcomings:
- Top of the price range
- Knives wear quickly on 316 stainless steel
Overview:
The Welper YS-50 MIG Welding Gun Pliers are renowned for their comfort and quality, making them a favorite among professional welders. This original MIG exclusive pliers design is made in Japan. The name itself, short for “welder’s helper,” speaks to their indispensability in any workshop. While they may be a little pricey for beginners, they are definitely worth considering when it’s time to replace your original equipment.
These MIG-specific pliers feature square jaw tips that are ideal for removing slag and spatter from the tip of a MIG welding gun. Some users have reported that the knives wear down quickly when working with 316 stainless steel wire, but overall, the performance of these pliers is outstanding. They easily grip the tip and nozzle for effortless removal and installation, and the integrated hammer comes in handy when you need to hit something or remove slag. Many experienced welders have relied on Welper pliers for over a decade, and they even come with a beautiful leather holster for easy storage.
2. Eastwood Mig Welding Pliers
- Square tip
- Knurled grip surface
- Rubber handle
- Nozzle circular groove
- Spring-loaded
Advantages:
- Comfortable grip
- Solid structure
- Hardened blade
- Tip and nozzle changer
- Needle nose clip
Shortcomings:
- Handle may come loose
- Smooth outer surface of the jaws
Overview:
Eastwood Mig Welding Pliers are part of the high-quality automotive and fabrication tools offered by restoration supplier Eastwood. Alongside their range of top-notch welders and helmets, they provide a superb set of MIG welding pliers. These pliers feature rubber handles and spring-loaded tension, making them easy to handle even while wearing gloves.
The square-shaped narrow nose of these pliers is perfect for removing splatter, and there are two circular grooves behind the jaws—a larger one for the nozzle and a smaller one for the tip. The knurled surface of the grooves provides enhanced grip when handling these components. Unlike some other designs, the outside of the jaws on Eastwood Mig Welding Pliers have a smooth finish rather than a knurled or filed one.
Homeowners consistently give rave reviews for the value and quality of Eastwood Mig Welding Pliers. They are a great addition to Eastwood’s line of superior MIG welders, which we have thoroughly covered in our MIG welder reviews. If you’re ordering an Eastwood welder, it’s always a good idea to include a pair of these pliers in your shipment.
3. IRWIN VISE-GRIP 8″ MIG Pliers
- Specially designed nose
- Induction-hardened tool
- 8 inches long
- Maintenance/slag hammer
- Spring-loaded
Advantages:
- Rubber-dipped handle
- Splash clean jaws
- Multiple gripping surfaces
- Tapered jaws
- Lifetime warranty
Shortcomings:
- No slots on the outside of the jaws
- Springs can be too long at times
Overview:
Vise-Grip is a name familiar to workers across various industries, including mechanics, construction workers, technicians, and welders. Irwin Vise-Grip 8″ MIG Pliers are an excellent addition to any toolbox alongside other Vise-Grip pliers.
The Irwin Vise-Grip 8″ MIG Pliers feature a built-in hammer surface for pounding parts or removing slag. The square needle nose jaws are perfect for efficiently removing splatter. Unlike some other tools, these pliers don’t have knurling or filing on the outer surface of the jaws. The rubber-dipped handle is superior to the sleeve type found on many other designs, ensuring a secure grip throughout use.
While some owners have reported that the springs in the Irwin Vise-Grip pliers can be too long, preventing the jaws from fully closing, this issue can easily be resolved by removing the spring and shortening it slightly. Irwin stands behind the quality of these pliers with a lifetime warranty.
4. YesWelder 8″ Welding Gun, Rustproof MIG Welding Gun
- HRC60-rated steel
- Nickel-plated
- Knurled nozzle changer
- Padded grip
- Spring-loaded
Advantages:
- Sharp jaws
- Anti-rust treatment
- Hardened knives
- Two hammerheads
- Toothed needle nose
Shortcomings:
- Can be stiff initially
- Flat hammer only
Overview:
Like other MIG pliers, the YesWelder 8″ Rustproof MIG Welding Pliers feature square needle nose jaws with sharp edges for quick and efficient cleaning of MIG nozzles. These pliers have two round gripping surfaces—one small surface for the tip and a larger one for handling and removing the nozzle. The gripping surfaces of the jaws are knurled, providing excellent grip and preventing slippage.
YesWelder 8″ Rustproof MIG Welding Pliers are crafted from high-carbon steel with an HRC60 hardness rating, ensuring long-lasting durability. The cutting edges are also hardened, and the pliers are nickel-plated to resist rust. Molded grips are securely mounted on the handles, preventing slipping.
Some users have noted that these pliers can initially be stiff and tight, making them a bit challenging to use. However, the spring-loaded mechanism becomes smoother with use. Applying a light grease, penetrating oil, or similar lubricant can help ease the stiffness. Despite this minor issue, the YesWelder 8″ Rustproof MIG Welding Pliers offer great value.
5. Strong 8″ MIG Welding Tongs
- Integrated hammer
- Built-in file
- Ergonomic handle
- Leverage V-notch
- Hardened knives
Advantages:
- Fillet hammer face
- Flat hammer surface
- Rough-pattern file
- Xihua stall
- Tether
Shortcomings:
- Right-handed only
- Handle may slip off
Overview:
Strong 8″ MIG Welding Tongs feature ergonomically designed handles to minimize fatigue and bruising during use. This thoughtful design combines two hammer faces with a coarse and fine metal file, making it perfect for cleaning the inside diameter of torch nozzles. Whether you’re cutting solid or flux-cored wire, the cutting jaws align well and create a clean square chisel tip.
One issue reported by several owners is that the handle cap comes off earlier than expected. However, this can easily be fixed with some silicone or gorilla glue. These pliers withstand significant abuse and are favored over standard MIG Welper pliers by many owners.
The jaws of Strong 8″ MIG Welding Tongs are designed with a diamond V shape for gripping and pulling nozzles during MIG welding torch servicing. There is also a tether chain for attaching these pliers to your flashlight rack or MIG cart, but it’s worth noting that some owners find the chain to be weak. This is a minor issue that can be easily and affordably resolved, and it doesn’t diminish the overall value or usefulness of this product.
6. Lincoln Electric K4014-1 MIG Welding Gun
- Drop-forged steel
- Bends to fit your hand
- Spring-loaded
- 6 functional design
- Soft silicone grip
Advantages:
- Built-in file
- Two hammer faces
- Edge cutter
- Nozzle grabber
- Cutting-edge processor
Shortcomings:
- Doesn’t open as wide as others
- Designed to keep in one orientation
Overview:
The Lincoln Electric K4014-1 MIG Welding Pliers offer excellent value in their price range, providing a well-designed set of forged MIG pliers. They feature the standard MIG plier characteristics, including needle nose jaws with a square tip for slag removal from MIG torch nozzles.
What sets these pliers apart is the inclusion of serrations on the outside of the jaws. These serrations offer more versatility when servicing MIG torches and cleaning spatter compared to smooth-jawed pliers. The pliers also have two knurled circular areas—one for handling the nozzle and the other for the contact tip. The hammer face consists of a flat and crowned face. The handle is ergonomically shaped and equipped with a soft silicone grip for enhanced comfort.
One downside is that the Lincoln Electric K4014-1 MIG Welding Pliers don’t open as wide as some other models, which can be slightly inconvenient if you need to flip them upside down to use the flat hammer face, for example. This design drawback is associated with the ergonomic handle. Despite this minor drawback, these pliers offer great value and usefulness.
About Jeff Grill
Jeff Grill, an avid welder, hails from Long Island—a 118-mile stretch of land extending from the shores of Manhattan to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. His passion for welding developed at a young age, evident from the scars on his body from working with various metals.