4.8(1,059)Amazon rating$9.59300+ bought last month
Our verdict
The CRAFTSMAN CMHT81712 is a top-rated slip-joint plier at 4.8 stars from 1,059 buyers, built with an alloy steel handle and weighing 0.21 kilograms, all for $9.59, making it one of the best value-to-rating deals in the entire category.
Value hunters who want a well-reviewed, alloy steel CRAFTSMAN slip-joint plier at a sub-$10 price with a near-perfect rating
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You need a plier with published jaw capacity or length specs, or want premium-finish materials beyond what this price point delivers
Handle Alloy Steel
Weight 0.21 Kilograms
Priced 43% below the category median ($16.70 across 26 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.8/5overall
Owner rating4.8/5
4.8 average across 1,059 owner ratings
Popularity3.8/5
1,059 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other hand tools and workshop hand tools we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
At $9.59, the CRAFTSMAN CMHT81712 delivers one of the most compelling ratings in the slip-joint plier segment: 4.8 stars from 1,059 buyers, with 300 units sold in the most recently tracked month. For a sub-$10 plier from a major American tool brand, that combination of demand and satisfaction is rare and meaningful.
The CMHT81712 uses an alloy steel handle construction and weighs in at 0.21 kilograms (210 grams). Alloy steel is a strong and durable material that resists bending under load, and the 210-gram weight falls in the light-to-mid range for slip-joint pliers, making it manageable for extended use without feeling flimsy. This is a step up in material terms from rubber or plastic-only handle designs at similar prices.
For most DIYers and occasional trade users, the CMHT81712 punches well above its price. The CRAFTSMAN brand carries a lifetime warranty tradition on hand tools, and the alloy steel build aligns with that promise. Buyers who want a reliable everyday slip-joint plier from a recognized brand without spending more than $10 will find this one of the strongest choices in the category.
Pros
4.8-star rating from 1,059 buyers is among the highest in the slip-joint plier category
Alloy steel handle construction offers durable, rigid performance over cheaper materials
Weighs 0.21 kilograms (210 grams), a practical balance of heft and manageability
At $9.59, exceptional value relative to its rating and brand pedigree
300 units bought last month confirms strong, active ongoing demand
Cons
Detailed specs including jaw capacity, overall length, and finish type are not published in the available product data
At under $10, fit and finish tolerances may not match premium pliers priced 2 to 3 times higher
Specifications
Handle
Alloy Steel
Weight
0.21 Kilograms
Performance notes
The CRAFTSMAN CMHT81712's alloy steel handle contributes to structural rigidity and resistance to grip deformation under load, a notable advantage over plastic or rubber-only constructions at this price. Weighing 0.21 kilograms, it is light enough for precise one-handed work while heavy enough to feel substantial. Slip-joint function allows jaw position adjustment for different grip widths. Full jaw capacity range and overall length are not specified in the product data, limiting pre-purchase fit assessment.
What buyers say
Owner sentiment is strongly positive across 1,059 reviews at 4.8 stars. At a $9.59 price point from a well-known brand, buyers typically highlight ease of use, grip confidence, and the value relative to cost. The 300-unit monthly purchase rate suggests this is not just a one-time novelty buy but a repeat staple. High ratings at volume usually indicate minimal persistent quality complaints.
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