Pliers are a type of hand tool that is used for a variety of tasks, including gripping, twisting, bending, and cutting a wire or other small objects.
Pliers are a toolbox essential. We all use them. But what other jobs could pliers help you with? And what do pliers do that they’re not yet doing for you?
What is a plier?
A plier is a hand tool used for gripping and holding objects. It consists of a pair of opposing jaws that can be squeezed together to grip an object, or opened to release it.
The jaws are typically made of metal and are attached to a handle, which is typically made of plastic or composite material.
There are many different types of pliers, including needle-nose pliers, slip-joint pliers, and adjustable pliers, each of which is designed for a specific purpose.
Pliers are commonly used in a variety of settings, including construction, mechanics, and household tasks.
What material is used in making pliers?
Mostly, the material used in making pliers is an alloy of steel, vanadium as well as chromium. Vanadium is popularly used in industries because of its different types of features like preventing corrosion, malleability, ductility, and others. These materials are corrosive resistant and increase the strength of the instrument.
Pliers Construction
Pliers are typically made of a combination of metal and handle material, such as plastic or composite material.
Pliers only have a couple of parts to them, but all of the parts have important jobs. Without these features, no set of pliers could perform its primary function.
The jaws of the pliers are made of metal, which gives them the strength and durability needed to grip and hold objects.
The pivot point is the jaws and handles connect, and also serve to create the force needed for the plier’s jaws to do their job.
The handle of the pliers is typically made of a lightweight, durable material that is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time.
What Are Pliers Used For?
Some are used for gripping something round like a pipe or rod, some are used for twisting wires, and others are designed to be used for a combination of tasks including cutting wire. There are also tools that are used just for cutting wires (as opposed to wire cable and rope). Use the correct pliers or wire cutters for the job.
Pliers are commonly used in a variety of industries, including construction, automotive repair, and manufacturing, as well as in household tasks. They are an essential tool for anyone who works with wire or small parts, as they provide a strong and secure grip and allow for precise manipulation of the material being worked on
We’ve listed a few key examples of what a plier is used for below. To help you get inspired. Make the most out of your tools. And get more jobs done, faster.
Pliers used for straightening or bending wire
There are several types of pliers that can be used for straightening or bending wire:
- Flat nose pliers: These pliers have flat, smooth jaws that can be used to straighten wire or make precise bends.
- Round nose pliers: These pliers have rounded jaws that can be used to bend the wire into curves or loops.
- Chain nose pliers: These pliers have pointed jaws that can be used to grip wire tightly and make precise bends.
- Needle nose pliers: These pliers have long, thin jaws that can be used to reach into small spaces and bend the wire in tight corners.
- Linesman pliers: These pliers have jaws with a serrated edge that can be used to grip wire securely and straighten it out.
- Combination pliers: These pliers have jaws that can be used for both gripping and cutting wire. They can also be used to straighten the wire.
It’s important to choose the right type of pliers for the job, as each type is designed for specific tasks. For example, flat nose pliers are better suited for straightening wire, while round nose pliers are better for bending wire into curves or loops.
Pliers used for cutting wires
To use pliers for cutting wire, you can place the wire between the jaws of the pliers and squeeze the handles together to cut the wire. Some pliers have a built-in wire cutter, which can be used to cut wire by squeezing the handles together.
Pliers used for Splicing Wires/Stripping Insulation
Pliers can be used in electrical work, automotive repair, and home maintenance. They are useful tools to have in any workshop or tool kit.
Pliers can be used for splicing wires and stripping insulation from electrical wires. To splice wires, you can use a pair of wire stripper pliers, which have a built-in wire stripper and wire cutter.
First, use the wire stripper to remove the insulation from the ends of the wires you want to splice. Then, hold the wires together and use the wire cutter to cut off any excess wire. Finally, wrap the spliced wires together using electrical tape or wire connectors.
To strip insulation from electrical wires, you can use a pair of wire stripper pliers or a wire stripper tool. To use the pliers, you can place the wire in the jaws of the pliers and squeeze the handles together to cut through the insulation.
Alternatively, you can use a wire stripper tool by placing the wire in the appropriate size slot and squeezing the handles together to strip the insulation.
Both wire stripper pliers and wire stripper tools are useful for working with electrical wiring and can save time and effort when compared to using a knife or other tool to strip insulation.
Pliers use to adjust nuts or bolts
Pliers can be used for gripping and holding objects. They are often used to adjust nuts or bolts by providing a strong, firm grip on the object and applying pressure to turn it. To use pliers to adjust a nut or bolt, follow these steps:
- Choose the appropriate size and type of pliers for the job. For example, needle-nose pliers may be more suitable for smaller nuts and bolts, while slip-joint pliers may be better for larger ones.
- Position the pliers around the nut or bolt, making sure that the jaws of the pliers are fully seated on the object.
- Hold the pliers firmly with both hands and apply pressure to turn the nut or bolt in the desired direction.
- Continue turning the nut or bolt until it is tightened or loosened to the desired level.
It’s important to use caution when adjusting nuts and bolts with pliers, as excessive force or improper technique can damage the object or cause injury. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands and improve your grip on the pliers.
Multifunctional
What other jobs could pliers help you with? Pliers can be used for a wide range of tasks beyond their primary use for gripping and manipulating wire or small parts.
The jaw configuration of these pliers allows users to perform both cutting and holding operations. Popular models include linesmen and long and bent nose pliers.
Here are a few other examples of tasks that pliers can be helpful for:
- Removing nails: Pliers can be used to grip and remove nails that are difficult to pull out by hand. Turning screws: Pliers can be used as makeshift screwdrivers, especially in situations where a screwdriver is not available.
- Bending sheet metal: Pliers can be used to bend sheet metal into different shapes, making them useful for tasks such as shaping sheet metal ductwork or repairing a car’s body.
- Holding objects: Pliers can be used to hold small or irregularly shaped objects in place while you work on them, such as when soldering or gluing.
- Crimping: Some types of pliers, such as crimping pliers, are specifically designed for crimping wire or other materials.
What about all-purpose pliers?
All-purpose pliers, also known as multi-purpose pliers or combination pliers, are a type of pliers that are designed to be versatile and useful for a wide range of tasks.
They typically have a combination of different types of jaws, such as long, narrow jaws for gripping small objects, and wider, flat jaws for holding and bending wire.
All-purpose pliers are often used as general-purpose tools that can be used for tasks such as gripping, twisting, bending, and cutting a wire or small parts. They are a useful tool to have in any toolbox, as they can be used in a variety of settings, including construction, automotive repair, and household tasks.
All-purpose pliers are often larger and sturdier than specialized types of pliers and are designed to be able to handle a wide range of tasks with ease.
Summary
Overall, pliers are versatile tools that can be used for a wide range of tasks beyond their primary use for gripping and manipulating wire or small parts.
There are several different types of pliers, each of which is designed for a specific purpose. For example, needle-nose pliers have long, narrow jaws that are useful for reaching into tight spaces or gripping small objects.
Slip-joint pliers have a hinge that allows the jaws to open to a variety of different widths, making them useful for a range of tasks. Adjustable pliers have a mechanism that allows the jaws to be adjusted to different widths, which can be useful for gripping a variety of different sizes of objects.
In addition to the jaws and handle, pliers may also have additional features, such as a wire cutter, a wire stripper, or a bolt cutter. These features can be useful for a range of tasks, such as cutting wire or bolts or stripping insulation from the wire.
