Pliers are tools used to hold objects firmly and have been around since Bronze Age Europe where they were used in shaping metal.
This is the reason why they are typically made with long handles and jaws capable of exerting great gripping force.
They are also useful for working and shaping a wide range of materials.
People often use pliers as simple pincers, to grip and bend wires, for example. Others use them as clamping devices by placing the object to be clamped in the jaws and then tightening a screw or bolt on the handles making pipes easier to cut.Some other pliers are also specifically designed for electrical work, such as wire strippers. These have blades that strip away the insulation from electrical wires. There are also locking pliers, which can be used as a vice to hold objects firmly in place.
There are various kinds of pliers that are differentiated by their size, shape, or function.
Diagonal-cutting pliers, also known as wire cutters, are a hand tool used to cut hard materials like wires and tough plastic bands. It is one of the most common tools found in workshops. The diagonal pliers can be distinguished from other types of cutting pliers because their jaws open at an angle; the lower jaw slides forward with respect to the upper jaw which remains fixed during the cut.
Long nose pliers, sometimes called needle nose pliers, are another type of spring-loaded gripping tool that works best when you need to manipulate small objects. This type of plier is not only used with jewellery but is also useful for electrical work or general repair. The types of pliers used for electrical work are insulated against electric shock.
Slip joint pliers, as the name suggests, can be adjusted to fit objects with different thicknesses, either small or larger like bolt heads. They have relatively flat jaws with teeth on their gripping surface to help hold small objects. Some have scissors-like cutting-edges to cut wires. Which makes them ideal for working on plumbing and automotive projects alike.
Bolt cutters are used for cutting metal and designed to cut through smaller objects like nails or bolts. Bolt cutters are much larger than wire cutters and have serrated jaws which allow you to grip an object before it is cut.
Pipe-cutters, also known as tube-cutters, are particularly useful when you need to make clean cuts in copper tubing or other soft metal pipes. These types of pliers consist of a pipe cutter blade attached to one end of the handle.
Tongue-and-groove pliers have two flat gripping surfaces separated by a thin web that comes in different sizes. These pliers are perfect for gripping pipes, and holding, or pulling objects made of soft metal like copper, aluminium and lead.
Channel lock pliers, also known as groove joint pliers, contain an adjustable flat jaw with serrated teeth placed inside an adjustable sliding upper jaw.
The first thing you need to consider is the width of the jaws because this determines how large your workpieces can be. For instance; if you're using it to strip wire then it's best to go for a pair of pliers with larger jaws. However, if you're using it for jewellery then small or medium-sized adjustable pliers will do just fine.
Construction material is another factor you should consider before buying your pair of pliers. Pliers made from electrical steel are capable of tackling tough tasks since they have a higher tensile strength and malleability compared to non-electrical steel. This means that they can withstand a lot more strain without breaking apart or becoming deformed.
Lastly, choose the manufacturer carefully as well because there are those manufacturers who offer pliers which are not up to standard. For instance, some manufacturers use poor quality materials in their pliers which can lead to the pliers breaking easily. So, always do your homework on the different brands before settling for one.
Pliers are not only used for gripping and holding objects but can also be used for cutting. However, there are some objects which pliers should not be used to cut. Wire cutters should not be used to cut nails or bolts as this can damage the blades of the wire cutter. It's best to use bolt cutters or a hacksaw for metal objects that need to be cut. Pipe-cutters should not be used to cut through metal pipes as this can damage the blades of the pipe cutter. It's best to use a hacksaw for metal pipes that need to be cut.
Slip joint pliers are the type of pliers where the jaw can be adjusted by pulling out or pushing in the flat handles. Slip joint pliers have two to three positions for the pivot point. This allows you to grip objects of varying sizes while minimising pinching your hands.
Needle-nose pliers, also known as precision pliers, are ideal for tasks requiring fine motor skills like jewellery making and electronics because it allows you to pick up small items easily. Needle nose jaws usually contain teeth that help maintain a firm grip on smaller objects which also minimises slipping during use. Furthermore, needle nose pliers come with long handles that are easy to grip, making them ideal for delicate tasks.
Wire cutters are used for cutting wire by forcing the wire against a flat serrated blade running along one or both edges of the jaws. Wire cutters usually have curved handles with an L-shaped handle section and a smooth notch where you can place your index finger while cutting wires. This allows you to make cleaner cuts when using it in tight spaces like electrical ducts and wiring conduits because your hand is well-concealed from the sharp blades.
No matter what tools you are using you need to keep safe. WorkSafe Tasmania has a handy guide to workshop safety.