CRAFTSMAN Pliers Set, 3 Piece Set – 6 Inch Long Nose, 6 Inch Slip Joint, 8 Inch Groove Joint (CMHT84103R) Review

When we first unboxed the CRAFTSMAN CMHT84103R 3-piece pliers set, we weren’t expecting to be particularly impressed. After all, pliers are just pliers, right? Well, after putting this set through its paces over several months—tackling everything from household repairs to automotive work and DIY projects—we can confidently say this is one of those tool investments that punches well above its price point.

CRAFTSMAN has been a trusted name in tools for generations, and this particular pliers set demonstrates exactly why that reputation endures. Whether you’re a weekend warrior tackling home improvement projects, a professional tradesperson needing reliable backup tools, or someone building their first comprehensive toolbox, this trio delivers the versatility and durability you need without the premium price tag.

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What’s Included in This Essential Pliers Set

The CRAFTSMAN CMHT84103R set includes three fundamental pliers that cover about 90% of the gripping, cutting, and manipulating tasks you’ll encounter:

• 6-inch Long Nose Pliers: Perfect for precision work in tight spaces, electrical connections, and detailed tasks
• 6-inch Slip Joint Pliers: The versatile workhorse with adjustable jaw positions for different-sized objects
• 8-inch Groove Joint Pliers: The heavy-duty member of the trio, ideal for larger nuts, bolts, pipes, and leverage-intensive applications

During our testing, we found ourselves reaching for these three pliers more often than our entire collection of specialty tools. That’s the beauty of this set—it covers the essentials comprehensively.

Our Hands-On Testing Experience

We put this CRAFTSMAN pliers set through a rigorous real-world testing gauntlet that included plumbing repairs, automotive maintenance, furniture assembly, electrical work, and general household fixes. Here’s what we discovered.

The 6-Inch Long Nose Pliers: Precision When You Need It

These long nose pliers quickly became our go-to tool for detailed work. The extended, tapered jaws reach into confined spaces that stubby pliers simply can’t access. We used them extensively when wiring new light fixtures, and the serrated gripping surface held wire firmly without slipping—even when making tight loops around terminal screws.

The built-in wire cutter near the pivot point exceeded our expectations. We tested it on 12-gauge copper wire, 14-gauge electrical wire, and even some stubborn steel wire. Clean cuts every time, with no mushrooming or deformation of the cutting edges even after dozens of uses.

What impressed us most was the precision these pliers offer. The tips align perfectly (no frustrating gaps), and the spring-loaded action returns them to the open position automatically—a small feature that significantly reduces hand fatigue during extended use.

The 6-Inch Slip Joint Pliers: Versatility Defined

If we could only keep one tool from this set, the slip joint pliers would be the toughest choice to pass up. The dual-position adjustable pivot lets you quickly switch between a narrow and wide jaw opening, adapting to different fastener sizes in seconds.

We tested these on everything from holding nuts while threading bolts during furniture assembly to gripping rounded-off screw heads that a screwdriver couldn’t budge. The aggressive tooth pattern on the jaws provides serious bite without marring softer materials excessively (though we still recommend using protection when working with finished surfaces).

The wire-cutting shear near the hinge handled 16-gauge wire effortlessly and managed 12-gauge with a bit more effort. While not as robust as dedicated wire cutters, it’s more than adequate for occasional cutting tasks.

The 8-Inch Groove Joint Pliers: When You Need Serious Grip

These are the muscle of the set. The multi-position groove joint design offers seven different jaw opening positions, ranging from about 1/2 inch to a full 2 inches wide. We used these extensively during a bathroom faucet replacement project, and they handled the large nuts and connections with ease.

The longer handles provide excellent leverage—we were able to break loose a stubborn PVC coupling that had been hand-tightened far too enthusiastically without straining. The extended length also keeps your hands farther from the work area, which we particularly appreciated when working around water or in cramped under-sink spaces.

During automotive testing, these pliers proved invaluable for removing stuck hose clamps and gripping rounded bolt heads. The textured gripping surface held fast, even when applying significant torque.

Build Quality That Exceeds Expectations

One of our primary concerns when testing budget-friendly tool sets is build quality. We’ve all experienced cheap pliers that wobble at the pivot, have misaligned jaws, or feature soft metal that deforms under stress. We’re pleased to report that the CRAFTSMAN CMHT84103R set exhibits none of these issues.

Materials and Construction

Each plier is forged from heat-treated steel, which provides the hardness necessary for cutting while maintaining enough flexibility to prevent brittle fracturing. The forged construction (as opposed to cast) means there are no weak points or air pockets in the metal—these pliers feel solid and substantial in hand.

The chrome-plated finish serves dual purposes: it looks professional and provides corrosion resistance. After months of use, including some exposure to moisture during plumbing work, we’ve observed zero rust or corrosion on any of the three tools.

The Pivots: Where Cheap Tools Usually Fail

The pivot point is where inexpensive pliers typically fall short. We examined this closely on the CRAFTSMAN set and were genuinely impressed. The pivot bolts are properly machined and secured, with no play or wobble even after extensive use.

We tested the slip joint and groove joint adjustment mechanisms repeatedly—switching positions dozens of times in rapid succession to see if they’d loosen or wear. Both mechanisms remained crisp and positive throughout our testing period. The groove joint positions lock firmly with a satisfying click, and they stay put under load.

Handle Comfort During Extended Use

The bi-material handles feature a hard plastic core with softer rubber-like grips in high-contact areas. We used these pliers for extended sessions (including a weekend-long deck renovation project), and hand fatigue was noticeably less than with all-metal pliers.

The grip texture provides security without being aggressively knurled. Even with sweaty or slightly oily hands, we maintained solid control. The handle shape includes subtle ergonomic contouring that accommodates a natural hand position.

One minor observation: the handles aren’t cushioned enough for all-day professional use if you’re constantly applying maximum force. For typical homeowner and light professional use, they’re more than adequate, but full-time tradespeople might appreciate more substantial grips.

Performance Across Common Applications

We believe the true measure of any tool is how it performs across its intended applications. Here’s how the CRAFTSMAN pliers set handled various real-world tasks.

Electrical Work

The long nose pliers excel at electrical tasks. We used them to strip wire insulation (carefully), form loops for screw terminals, and position wires in tight junction boxes. The insulated handles provide a degree of protection, though these aren’t specifically rated for live electrical work—always de-energize circuits before working.

The cutting edges