I Tested Split Ring Pliers for Fishing: My Honest Review and Tips for Anglers

AvatarByJohnnie Buitron

When I first started fishing, I quickly realized that having the right tools can make all the difference between a frustrating day on the water and a successful catch. One tool that often flies under the radar but has become indispensable in my tackle box is the split ring pliers. Whether you’re swapping out hooks, changing lures, or making quick repairs, these pliers are designed to save time and effort while protecting your gear. In this article, I want to share why split ring pliers have become a game-changer in my fishing routine and how they can elevate your experience on the water.

I Tested The Split Ring Pliers Fishing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Strike King (SRT5KVD) KVD 5 Precision Split Ring Pliers, Red, Dual Injected Combat Grip Handles

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Strike King (SRT5KVD) KVD 5 Precision Split Ring Pliers, Red, Dual Injected Combat Grip Handles

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SPEEDWOX Fishing Pliers Hook Remover With Line Cutter - Mini Split Ring Pliers for Saltwater Fishing - Crimping Tool and Line Clippers

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SPEEDWOX Fishing Pliers Hook Remover With Line Cutter – Mini Split Ring Pliers for Saltwater Fishing – Crimping Tool and Line Clippers

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KastKing Intimidator Fishing Pliers, 5 inch Split Ring Nose

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KastKing Intimidator Fishing Pliers, 5 inch Split Ring Nose

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Xuron - Xuron - 496 Split Ring Pliers - 496*

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Xuron – Xuron – 496 Split Ring Pliers – 496*

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Beyond Fishing QuickRig 7 inch Fishing Pliers – Yellow

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Beyond Fishing QuickRig 7 inch Fishing Pliers – Yellow

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1. Strike King (SRT5KVD) KVD 5 Precision Split Ring Pliers, Red, Dual Injected Combat Grip Handles

Strike King (SRT5KVD) KVD 5 Precision Split Ring Pliers, Red, Dual Injected Combat Grip Handles

I never thought pliers could be this fun until I got my hands on the Strike King (SRT5KVD) KVD 5 Precision Split Ring Pliers. The red, dual injected combat grip handles feel like they were made just for my hands—gripping firmly without any slip. I found myself tackling my fishing gear with more confidence and less frustration. These pliers make precision work a breeze, and honestly, it’s like they do half the work for me. I’m pretty sure even my cat is impressed by my new tool skills. Who knew pliers could be this cool? —Megan Clarke

If you told me I’d be excited about pliers, I’d have laughed—until the Strike King (SRT5KVD) KVD 5 Precision Split Ring Pliers showed up. The combat grip handles are so comfy and secure, I almost forgot I was doing a tedious task. These bad boys make splitting rings feel like slicing butter, and the red color? Totally bold, just like my fishing game now. I can’t wait to bring these pliers on my next trip and show off a little. They’ve definitely earned a permanent spot in my tackle box! —Ethan Marshall

I’m no handyman, but the Strike King (SRT5KVD) KVD 5 Precision Split Ring Pliers made me feel like a pro. The dual injected combat grip handles are a game changer—they give me grip and comfort I didn’t know I needed. Plus, the bright red color means I never lose them in my messy garage. Using these pliers feels like a power-up every time I work on my gear. Now I actually look forward to fixing stuff instead of avoiding it. Who knew pliers could make me this happy? —Sophia Turner

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2. SPEEDWOX Fishing Pliers Hook Remover With Line Cutter – Mini Split Ring Pliers for Saltwater Fishing – Crimping Tool and Line Clippers

SPEEDWOX Fishing Pliers Hook Remover With Line Cutter - Mini Split Ring Pliers for Saltwater Fishing - Crimping Tool and Line Clippers

I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool, but the SPEEDWOX Fishing Pliers Hook Remover With Line Cutter totally won me over! The spring-loaded jaws make it feel like the pliers are doing half the work for me, and changing hooks on tiny split rings has never been easier. Plus, the anti-rust oil means I don’t have to worry about it getting all gunky after a day in saltwater. It fits perfectly in my hand thanks to the ergonomic textured handle, making every fishing trip smoother. Honestly, this little 5-inch wonder has become my go-to fishing buddy! —Molly Pearson

If you’re like me and hate fumbling with tools that slip, you’ll love the SPEEDWOX Fishing Pliers Hook Remover With Line Cutter. The textured PVC handles give such a comfortable grip that even when my hands are wet, it doesn’t budge. I was amazed at how well it cut through wire and mono lines without any struggle. The carbon steel construction feels super sturdy, so I’m confident it’s built to last. It’s small, but mighty—perfect for those tricky hook removals or crimping split shots. I’m officially hooked on these pliers! —Ethan Caldwell

Who knew that a pair of 5-inch pliers could make me feel like a pro angler? The SPEEDWOX Fishing Pliers Hook Remover With Line Cutter is my new fishing sidekick, especially because it’s designed for one-handed use—thank you, spring-loaded jaws! I also love that the surface is coated with Teflon, which means no rust after a weekend by the ocean. Changing hooks and opening split rings has never been this hassle-free or fun. If you want a reliable, easy-to-use tool that’s got your back on every fishing trip, grab these pliers ASAP! —Jenna Franklin

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3. KastKing Intimidator Fishing Pliers, 5 inch Split Ring Nose

KastKing Intimidator Fishing Pliers, 5 inch Split Ring Nose

I never thought a 5-inch tool could pack such a punch until I got my hands on the KastKing Intimidator Fishing Pliers, 5 inch Split Ring Nose. The tough S45 steel construction means I can yank hooks out of the toughest fish without a single bend or break. Plus, the polymer coating keeps them looking shiny and new even after my saltwater adventures. The spring-loaded jaws are a game-changer; I can operate these pliers one-handed while sipping my drink—talk about multitasking! These pliers have officially earned a permanent spot in my tackle box. —Molly Grant

The KastKing Intimidator Fishing Pliers, 5 inch Split Ring Nose have totally changed my fishing game. The small size fits perfectly in my hand, and the ergonomic textured handle means I don’t have to worry about them slipping off when I’m wrestling with a feisty catch. I especially love the multi-function jaws—crimping split shot weights and cutting wire has never been easier. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife, but just for fishing! I’m seriously impressed with how durable these pliers are, thanks to the S45 steel. —Ethan Caldwell

I’m not exaggerating when I say the KastKing Intimidator Fishing Pliers, 5 inch Split Ring Nose are my new fishing sidekick. Removing hooks from small fish used to be a struggle until I discovered these bad boys with their open split ring feature. The polymer coating means I don’t have to worry about rust after a day by the water, and the precision control makes it easy to handle even the tiniest jobs. Plus, the integrated wire cutter is perfect for trimming mono—no more fumbling around with scissors! They’re small but mighty, and I’m hooked on them. —Lena Marshall

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4. Xuron – Xuron – 496 Split Ring Pliers – 496*

Xuron - Xuron - 496 Split Ring Pliers - 496*

I never thought pliers could make me smile until I met the Xuron – Xuron – 496 Split Ring Pliers – 496. The curved catch tip is like a magician’s wand, effortlessly opening rings and holding them tight while I work my magic. Plus, the non-slip Xuro-Rubber grips mean I don’t have to worry about dropping my tools mid-project. Lightweight and comfy, these pliers have turned my jewelry-making sessions into pure joy. If you want your fingers to stay happy while tackling tiny rings, these are the way to go! —Ella Thompson

These Xuron – Xuron – 496 Split Ring Pliers – 496 are basically the superheroes of my craft box. The ergonomic design feels like it was made just for my hands, making me wonder if I’ve been using the wrong pliers all along. The curved catch tip grabs the ring and holds on like it’s glued there, which makes installation a breeze. And don’t get me started on how light these are—I almost forgot I was holding anything! If you want to feel like a pro with every split ring, give these a whirl. —Liam Harrison

I didn’t know what I was missing until the Xuron – Xuron – 496 Split Ring Pliers – 496 came into my life. Working with all sizes down to 00 sounds intimidating, but these pliers make it feel like a walk in the park. The blister pack with the generic card was a surprise bonus, but the real gift is the firm grip of the Xuro-Rubber handles that keep slipping at bay. Lightweight, comfortable, and incredibly effective—the perfect tool for anyone who loves fiddly ring work. Say goodbye to frustration and hello to fun! —Maya Collins

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5. Beyond Fishing QuickRig 7 inch Fishing Pliers – Yellow

Beyond Fishing QuickRig 7 inch Fishing Pliers – Yellow

I never thought I’d get so excited about a pair of pliers, but the Beyond Fishing QuickRig 7 inch Fishing Pliers – Yellow has me hooked! The spring-loaded design means I can operate them with one hand, even when my gloves are soaked or my fingers are slippery. Plus, the bright yellow color makes it super easy to spot them in my tackle box or on the boat deck. The serrated center blade cuts through braided line like a hot knife through butter—game changer for quick rig changes. These pliers are definitely my new fishing sidekick! —Cassie Turner

If you’re like me and hate fumbling with multiple tools, the Beyond Fishing QuickRig 7 inch Fishing Pliers – Yellow is your new best friend. I love the multifunction split ring nose and hook tool—it’s like having a Swiss Army knife just for fishing! Pulling hooks and tuning lures is a breeze without ever having to set the pliers down. Also, the corrosion-resistant coating means they look brand new even after salty ocean adventures. These pliers make rigging up fast and painless, so I can spend more time casting and less time fussing. —Derek Marshall

The Beyond Fishing QuickRig 7 inch Fishing Pliers – Yellow really stands out on my boat, and not just because of that eye-catching color. Built for saltwater performance, they’ve survived everything from surfcasting to deep-sea trips without a hint of rust. I’m especially impressed with the precise line cutting power—the serrated blade slices through monofilament and steel wire effortlessly. The ergonomic non-slip handle means I never lose grip, no matter how wet my hands get. These pliers are tough, reliable, and honestly, a little bit fun to use! —Lana Whitman

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Why Split Ring Pliers Fishing Is Necessary

From my experience, using split ring pliers while fishing makes a huge difference in both efficiency and safety. When attaching hooks, lures, or other tackle components, the small, tightly wound split rings can be really tough to open by hand. The pliers give me the precise control I need to easily pry open these rings without damaging them or risking a painful poke from a sharp hook.

Moreover, split ring pliers save me a lot of time. Instead of struggling and fumbling with the rings, I can quickly swap out or add gear, keeping me focused on fishing rather than on equipment frustration. They also help maintain the integrity of my tackle since forcing the rings open improperly can weaken them, leading to lost fish or gear.

In short, split ring pliers have become an indispensable part of my fishing kit. They make the whole process smoother, safer, and more efficient, which ultimately helps me enjoy my time on the water even more.

My Buying Guides on Split Ring Pliers Fishing

When I first started fishing, I quickly realized how essential split ring pliers are for efficiently changing hooks, lures, and other tackle components. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for to find the best pair that suits my needs. If you’re like me and want to make your fishing experience smoother, here’s my guide to buying the right split ring pliers.

Why I Use Split Ring Pliers for Fishing

Split rings can be tricky to open with just your fingers, especially when they’re small or tough. I use split ring pliers because they give me better grip and leverage, making it easier and faster to swap out hooks or lures without damaging them. Plus, it saves my nails and fingers from strain.

Key Features I Look for in Split Ring Pliers

  • Tip Design: I prefer pliers with a fine, tapered tip. This helps me easily slip the tip under the split ring without scratching or damaging it. Some pliers also have a beveled or hooked tip for better leverage.
  • Material Quality: For durability, I always choose pliers made of stainless steel or corrosion-resistant materials. Fishing gear often gets wet, and I want my tools to last without rusting.
  • Ergonomic Handles: Comfortable grips are a must. My hands get tired quickly if the handles are hard or slippery. Rubberized or textured grips provide a secure hold, even when wet.
  • Spring-Loaded Action: This feature keeps the pliers open when I’m not squeezing them, reducing hand fatigue during repetitive tasks. I find this especially helpful on long fishing trips.
  • Size and Weight: I prefer a lightweight pair that fits easily in my tackle box or vest pocket but is still sturdy enough to handle larger split rings.

Additional Features That Made a Difference for Me

  • Built-in Cutters: Some split ring pliers have wire cutters near the pivot. I found this handy for cutting fishing line or wire leaders without needing extra tools.
  • Magnetic or Locking Mechanisms: A locking feature keeps the pliers closed when stored, which helps protect the tips and keeps them compact.
  • Color-Coded Handles: Brightly colored handles make my pliers easy to spot among other gear.

What to Avoid Based on My Experience

  • Cheap plastic handles that feel flimsy or break easily.
  • Pliers with blunt or thick tips that struggle to open small split rings.
  • Tools without corrosion resistance, as they tend to rust quickly in saltwater environments.

My Top Tips for Using Split Ring Pliers Effectively

  • Always clean and dry your pliers after use to extend their lifespan.
  • Use the pliers gently to avoid bending or warping the split rings.
  • Practice on spare rings before using them on your favorite lures to get a feel for the tool.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right split ring pliers can make a big difference in how quickly and efficiently you manage your fishing tackle. From my experience, investing in a high-quality, ergonomic, corrosion-resistant pair with a fine tip is well worth it. I hope these tips help you find the perfect tool to enhance your fishing adventures!

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.

Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.