LITTLE ROCK — What makes one set of pliers different from another?
Most consumers don't realize that there are many types of pliers for just as many uses, some of which are highly specialized. Many people end up using the wrong type of pliers for a particular job - creating headaches, more trips to the store and the addition of unplanned time on a project. To ease confusion, consider the following tips from Channellock, manufacturer of pliers and hand tools.
1. Pliers are not wrenches.
Pliers are designed primarily for gripping objects or cutting by using leverage. They require different jaw configurations to grip, turn, pull, crimp or cut a variety of items.
They are a tool common for many dexterous trades and occupations.
A wrench is a single-handled tool. Adjustable wrenches utilize a jaw adjustment mechanism, while open-end and box-joint wrenches feature a single fixed jaw to accommodate different sizes of bolts, nuts or other items.
2. There are several types of pliers that perform a variety of functions.
Some common types include tongue-and-groove pliers, cutting pliers, linemen's pliers, needle-nose pliers and slip-joint pliers.
Tongue-and-groove pliers feature multiple jaw capacity adjustments by means of grooves or channels. They're especially good for gripping and applying torque to round, square, flat and hexagonal objects. Tongue-and-groove pliers can be used primarily on plumber's supply lines, drain lines, nuts and bolts and automotive applications.
Cutting pliers include end-cutting nippers and side cutters. Endcutting nippers have cutting blades on the end and are used to make clean cuts flush with a working surface. Cutting pliers are great for pulling small nails, rivets and wire ends. Side cutters or diagonal pliers are the most common cutting pliers and are used on electrical wiring and automotive applications.
Linemen's pliers are perfect for cutting, holding, shaping and twisting wire. Some have built-in crimpers for electrical terminals.
These are heavy-duty, side-cutting pliers designed for all regular wirecutting needs. In addition to cutting edges, the pliers have gripping jaws. Linemen's pliers can handle moderate to heavy-duty commercial and residential wiring tasks.
Long-nose pliers, also referred to as needle-nose pliers, feature a long pointed nose for working in tight places. These are mostly used for electrical and electronics work.
Needle-nose pliers excel at retrieving items in tight areas, cutting wire, holding items in place and tightening nuts in close confi nes.
Slip-joint pliers can be found in nearly everyone's toolbox. They areversatile tools that provide two jaw positions. One adjustment forms a jaw-to-jaw mating of the two halves - perfect for grabbing extremely thin objects. The second adjustment leaves a gap between the jaws and allows for a larger overall jaw capacity. Slip-joint pliers can be used in gripping and turning operations including removing hose clamps and pulling steel strapping bands, along with a host of traditional nut-and-bolt turning operations. Some slip-joint pliers feature integrated wire cutters.
3. Always follow safe practices when using pliers.
When using any tool, wear safety glasses for eye protection. Never extend the length of handles to secure greater leverage; use a larger pair of pliers instead. Discard any tool that is cracked, broken, sprung or has nicked cutting edges. Make sure to inspect, clean and oil pliers occasionally - a drop of oil at the hinge will lengthen tool life and assure easy operation. Unless specified as insulated handles, the cushion grips on pliers are not intended to give any protection against electric shock and shouldn't be used on live electrical circuits.
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HomeStyle, Pages 43, 45 on 10/27/2007