Every handyman or tool using either professional or amateur uses different kinds of pliers. Pliers are available in a variety of types and sizes. Everyone differs in their work, but they are versatile, so adaptable for multiple jobs.
Basic safety rules for using pliers
- Never use pliers to cut tough wires unless designed for that specific purpose.
- Never bend the wire back and forth or rock from one side to another against the plier’s cutting edge.
- Never expose them to excessive heat because it can change material properties thus ruining the tool.
- Never cut hot wire.
- Never use pliers to hammer because such abuse can break or crack the tool or the edges can be nicked.
- Never use light pliers to bend the stiff wire. Longnose pliers can get damaged if used to bend very large wires with their tips – use a sturdy tool.
- Never use pliers on bolts or nuts because it can damage the fastener. Use wrench because it is less risky.
- Never extend plier handles to gain great leverage, instead, use the large pliers.
- Occasionally, oil pliers will assure easy operation and better performance for years.
- Wear goggles, while cutting wires for eye protection.
Make sure that you organize the pliers in a robust rack to avoid the chances of losing them. You can look for Plyworx PLR16 plier’s rack that mounts on the pegboard or fits in the toolbox drawer or sits on top of the workbench. The rack holds 16 pliers and has a tilt feature.
Importance of oiling
When you buy a new plier, closing and opening them is not smooth or easy at the start. It is not a flaw but a sign of newness.
Use lubricant to ease the movement.
- Use silicone lubricant to spray the pliers at the joint.
- Dip them in dry fine sand. Grit gets in the joint, for some time work with the pliers to slacken the joint.
- Soak the plier in the lubricant again and flush grit residue from the joint.
- Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe pliers clean.
Regularly oiling the pliers will not just keep them working smoothly but even keep away the formation of rust and corrosion. Clean them after each use with a dry cloth and store them in the plier rack.
Few common types of pliers
- Combination pliers – Used to remove wire insulation with its rough jaws. They are even used to cut, grip, twist, and bend wires.
- Lineman’s pliers – Used for cutting, bending, and straightening electrical wires.
- Tongue & groove pliers – Used to turn and hold the bolts & nuts. They are also great at gripping irregular objects.
- Diagonal pliers – For cutting tempered steel, aluminum, iron, brass, and copper wires.
- Needle nose pliers – Used in small areas, where other pliers don’t reach.
- Locking pliers – Control forced is applied using the locking pliers.
- Battery pliers – Used to tighten the battery terminal bolts.
- Oil filter pliers – Used to remove oil filter casings.
- Hose grip pliers – Used in plumbing applications.
There is special kind of pliers used in the jewelry making and automobile sector. The kind of pliers you have doesn’t matter. It is crucial that you use it safely, keep them maintained and well-organized in a piler rack.