Looking for a good pair of all-in-one pliers to keep in my boat that will cut braid, open up spilt rings, etc. What is your favorite for under $40?

Just a cheap pair of Kobalts. Gets the job done. 

BPS always has their house brand or the XPS on sale.

I don't have a brand preference, but I use and recommend using aluminum pliers.  Other pliers rust quickly even if you take care of them (at least in humid Indiana) but aluminum never rusts.

I went to lowes and picked up 3 pairs and put one in the front, middle and back of the boat. They do everything I need them to do and didn't need to spend very much. 

A Leatherman Wave doesnt open split rings but they handle a lot of jobs  .I dont have the Wave I have the  Charge which is the same thing with a better steel used on the knife blades . I use it constantly every time I fish and the diamond file is a great hook sharpener . I would   get another if it became lost .

Should have a file or two in the boat at all times. I'm always touching a hook up. Especially rubber worm fishing. 

Get a set of pliers that will do what you want but get a boomerang snip for cutting the braid.

I have these and they work really well...

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/KVD-Mustad-5-Split-Ring-Pliers/23704230

 

I carry the Buck 732 fin X-tract multi-tool. Pliers, knife, scissors, flat and phillips screwdrivers. All tools can be opened with one hand.

 

Best of all its priced under $40

 

Comes with a case and sharpening stone.

I'm trying to understand this.....you guys are using long nose pliers and expect to cut braid with them as well? I've never seen any pliers that cut braid worth a darn. I use a Boomerang for that purpose and a simple long nose pliers for just about everything else. I'm also not impressed with the combination of long nose and split ring pliers, all in one. I have separate pliers for split rings. Combination tools just don't seem to do any one job as well as a tool designed for just that one purpose. You can easily carry specialized pliers in many tackle bags these days without much inconvenience.

ChannelLocks, ChannelLocks 6" needle nose, & Klein Tools D213-9NE 9-Inch High Leverage Side Cutting Pliers

> Rapala Superline Scissors

> Bakers 6.5" Shorty Hookout (bought in 70s, used in saltwater, still going strong)

> Needle-nose Pliers         

 

All are stored upright in a small plastic cup

that I keep in my wet box on the open deck for a quick grab.

 

Roger

 

Believe it or not these work well.  And Yes, they do cut braid.  Along the lines of the KVD above, only cheaper!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-Steel-Fishing-Pliers-Split-Ring-Cutters-Hook-Remover-Scissors-Tackleqw/272683275348?_trksid=p2045573.c100506.m3226&_trkparms=aid%3D555014%26algo%3DPL.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D41375%26meid%3Da5d53dc38f48479697f8f5953850804c%26pid%3D100506%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26

Hemocuts.  Get then at Bass Pro Fly Shop:

 

I've had a pair of large shimano pliers for years...find the larger size gets it done a lot easier.  A pair of Swisker scissors (spelled wrong sorry) have also worked for years and sharpen them occasionally with my Bass Pro diamond file.  Also all by itself  is the split ring pliers.  I do have a boat and it's where I keep all my tackle...should I go with someone in their boat a pocket on my carry bag carries all the same items....(just not as good a quality)

22 hours ago, Crestliner2008 said:

I'm trying to understand this.....you guys are using long nose pliers and expect to cut braid with them as well? I've never seen any pliers that cut braid worth a darn. I use a Boomerang for that purpose and a simple long nose pliers for just about everything else. I'm also not impressed with the combination of long nose and split ring pliers, all in one. I have separate pliers for split rings. Combination tools just don't seem to do any one job as well as a tool designed for just that one purpose. You can easily carry specialized pliers in many tackle bags these days without much inconvenience.

 

I have a pair of Ross pliers with carbide cutters that cut braid better than any scissor or cutter I've ever used.  

I agree with split ring pliers.  Texas Tackle factory makes the best for the money.

 

Francho- Those William Joseph Hemo-cuts are the best thing since sliced bread. I have four or five around. 

Lews with the braid cutters,Great pliers

I use Gander Mountain's aluminum pliers with braid cutter. I guess they're a collector's item now that Gander is going out of business.

Rapala 3 Tool set with magnetic holder (Diagonal cutter/Forcep pliers/Scissors type line cutter) from TW

 

For split rings use a Texas Tools Split Ring Plier

1.  Sargent tools fishing pliers-  for rigging and cutting hooks (these are made for saltwater, but are nice anyway.  I got them as a gift for surf fishing but use them when tying on hooks and such.  You can probably get them under 40 if you look hard enough or get a sale)

 

2.  Hemostats- for unhooking fish

 

3.  Cheap pair of split ring pliers-  got 5 pairs for $0.99 each at the local tackle shop, they come in handy for replacing hooks, crimping split shots, and unhooking fish in a pinch

 

4.  Cheap scissors- for cutting braid.  Get the kind with a Phillips head center lock so you can keep them tight 

 

 

 

 

For cutting string I use a sharp knife . Either the blade on a Leatherman or a pocketknife  . My blades  are always razor sharp .

I have a rather unique solution.  When my father came home from the Korean war, he had somehow hooked on to a Army field surgical instrument kit.  It includes scissors, 3 hemostats, probes, tweezers, even a scalpel.  All are stainless steel.  Makes a good fishing kit.  I do have Rapala split ring pliers, which also cut mono just fine.

I have a set of compound dewalt pliers that are 100% overkill but never have (and likely never will) let me down.  You could cut a 1/8" stainless welding rod without trying and the reach on them is very good. Torque for days with those things!  

 

Split rings are a re a different story though- I ONLY use a Texas tackle split ring plier set, and have been totally pleased with them.  Very nice tool, as I find regular pliers just don't cut the mustard for split rings.

Popsnagger...braid cutter, eye popper, hook sharpener, line threader, pliers all in one tool.