When you're stocking electrician hand tools, the first question usually isn't which brand to grab-it's whether you need a complete starter set or one tool that handles daily wire work. Milwaukee offers two ways to answer: the electrician tool set at $39.98 and the standalone combination wire pliers at $18.99. That's about $21 between them, so the decision comes down to how much of your pouch is already filled.
Quick verdict
If you're building a pouch from scratch and want a screwdriver, knife, cutters, and stripper in one purchase, the tool set is the fuller choice. If you already have those basics and simply need one wire-handling tool for stripping, looping, reaming, and bolt cutting, the combination pliers is the more focused buy.
At a glance
| Product | Price | What's included | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48-22-6119 Tool Set | USD 39.98 | 4 pieces: multi-bit screwdriver, folding utility knife, cutters, and wire stripper | Building or rebuilding a starter kit |
| 48-22-3079 Wire Pliers | USD 18.99 | One combination tool: stripper, loop maker, reamer, bolt cutter | Daily wire and grounding work |
Where each product wins
The 48-22-6119 tool set wins when you need several tools in one order. The included multi-bit screwdriver stores 8 bits and 3 nut drivers, and the folding utility knife opens with one hand. It's the option to choose when your tool bag is missing more than just a pair of pliers.
The 48-22-3079 combination wire pliers wins when your work revolves around stripping and cutting wire, making grounding loops, reaming conduit edges, and trimming bolts. It's the option to choose when you want a single tool that covers those tasks without adding extra pieces to your kit.
Product notes
Milwaukee 48-22-6119 Electrician Tool Set
Choosing this set means getting several everyday tools in one package. The wire stripper/cutter uses a swing-lock design so it stays closed in a bag, and the cutters can handle #6 and #8 bolts. The 11-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver stores 8 bits and 3 nut drivers, and its visible ID markings make it easy to grab the right tip. The FASTBACK knife opens with a press-and-flip mechanism, which is handy when you only have one hand free. The limitation is that a multi-tool kit overlaps with tools you may already own; if your screwdriver and knife are still in good shape, some of this set could end up as backups rather than daily users.
Milwaukee 48-22-3079 Electrician Combination Wire Pliers
This single tool packs multiple functions into one head. It strips bare wire in 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 gauge, and stranded wire in 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 gauge. The center holes are built for making loops on 8-32 and 6-32 grounding screws, and the reaming head smooths pipe edges from 1/2 to 1 inch. You can also thread #6 and #8 bolts through the tool and cut them to length. Its curved cutting blade makes it easier to get through larger wires. The one-handed locking mechanism is convenient when you're reaching into tight spaces. The trade-off is that it's a specialized tool rather than a complete kit; you'll still need a screwdriver and knife in your bag for other jobs.
Final choice by use case
Choose the 48-22-6119 electrician tool set if you're outfitting a new pouch, replacing several worn tools, or want a screwdriver and knife alongside your cutting and stripping tools. Choose the 48-22-3079 combination wire pliers if your main job is stripping, looping grounds, reaming pipe, and cutting bolts, and you already have the rest of your basics covered.
