Crescent has been a name long trusted in the hand tool world, so when they make changes to their classic lineup of pliers, I am surely going to pay attention! Let’s check out some of the newest Crescent tools in the Crescent Z2 Pliers Review.

About the Brand

Crescent Z2 Pliers Review

Crescent tools have been around for over 100 years, with the brand officially founded in 1907. While they were a huge part of the early days of automobiles, you most likely know them as the original maker of the “Crescent Wrench”. The first adjustable wrench or Crescent Wrench was created in 1908. In 1930 Crescent followed up their original adjustable wrench with an improved model using alloy over carbon steel to reduce weight.

With so much history to pull from and over 100 years of innovation in hand tools since their Z2 lineup of pliers is another promise of their commitment to the trades and their desire to evolve even the most basic of tools to perform better.

Z2 Pliers Lineup

Crescent Z2 Pliers Review

Crescent launched their new and improved lineup of Z2 pliers with a wide range of models. Today we’re focusing in on the five of the models that I have used and tested here in the shop.

12 Inch Z2 K9 Straight Jaw Dual Material Tongue and Groove Pliers

• Model RTZ212CG

• K9™ jaw is designed to give the best grip, no matter what angle and material you’re working with.
• Aggressive tooth design for grip and additional torque
• Crescent included 8 jaw positions for incredible capacity overall.
• Slim jaws for increased access, especially useful in hard-to-reach applications.
• Ergonomic Grip Zone™ handles for comfort.
• Tether point designed for ideal grip and increased safety

Specs-

• Max Jaw capacity is 2.6 inches,
• .42-inch-thick Jaws
• 8 inches long Jaws

Retails for $19.97

9-1/2 Inch Z2 Dual Material Lineman’s Pliers

• Model Z20509CG
• High leverage joint design provides up to 35% greater cutting power
• Laser hardened cutting edges for better quality cuts and increased edge life.
• Cross hatched jaw for gripping and pulling, especially useful on difficult material
• Fish tape channel for additional versatility
• Ergonomic Grip Zone™ handles for comfort.
• Tether point designed for ideal grip and increased safety

Specs

• Overall length of 9.6 inches.
• Max jaw capacity of 1.6 inches.
• .9 inch cutting length,
• .62-inch-thick jaw

Retails at $20.99

8-Inch Z2 Dual Material Diagonal Cutting Pliers

• Model Z5428CG

• High leverage joint design increases cutting power
• 20° head angle for flush cutting
• Laser hardened cutting edges for better quality cuts and increased edge life.
• Ergonomic Grip Zone™ handles for comfort.
• Tether point designed for ideal grip and increased safety

Specs-

• 6-inch overall length
• .75-inch jaw capacity
• .75-inch cutting length
• .53-inch jaw thickness

Retails at $20.97

6-inch Z2 Dual Material Diagonal Cutting Pliers

• Model Z5426CG

• High leverage joint design increases cutting power
• Laser hardened cutting edges for better quality cuts and increased edge life.
• 20° head angle for flush cutting
• Ergonomic Grip Zone™ handles for comfort.
• Tether point designed for ideal grip and increased safety

Specs-

• 5-inch overall length.
• Jaw Capacity of .75 inches
• .4-inch-thick Jaw
• .75 inch cutting edge length

Retails at $16.99

6-inch Dual Material Long Nose Pliers

• Model # Z6546CG

• High leverage joint design provides up to 35% greater cutting power
• Laser hardened cutting edges for better quality cuts and increased edge life.
• Cross-hatched jaw for gripping and pulling
• Fastener grip area for turning nuts and bolts
• Ergonomic Grip Zone™ handles for comfort.
• Tether point designed for ideal grip and increased safety

Specs-

• Overall length of 6.6 inches
• .6 inch cutting edge length
• 2-inch jaw length
• .37-inch jaw thickness
• .12-inch jaw width

Retails at $15.99

My Thoughts

Crescent Z2 Pliers Review

As someone who reaches for pliers virtually every single day, these have quickly become my tried-and-true favorites! From installing the Water System to small electrical work, and the general construction of expanding the shop, I have used the new Crescent Z2 Pliers constantly over the last few months.

One of the things I really think Crescent did a great job on with these pliers is the grips. There are some great pliers and hand tools on the market that generally fail to bring the same quality to the actual handles that they have on the jaws. Here, Crescent clearly sought to make these pliers tools that outlived every job you throw at them and remain comfortable too.

The cutting edge has been phenomenal on the Z2 Pliers too, offering me a solid method of cutting material of different thicknesses without waste and while staying accurate. The joints on the pliers too, specifically on the diagonal pliers do offer a significant increase in cutting power and certainly make a large difference in what material you are able to cut through.  As well, the Crescent Z2 Pliers have an excellent design on the jaws. Specifically, on the Long Nose Pliers and the Linemen’s pliers, the jaws grab a hold of the material and keep that grip more efficiently than most I have used.

All in all, I have become a huge fan of the crescent Z2 Plier lineup. While they are among the best I have used, they are also priced incredibly well to offer an incredible value to boot. As Crescent continues to push its tools to improve even basic functions, I am eager to see what they come up with next!