Pliers: The Ultimate Guide to Every Tool You'll Ever Need

Pliers: The Ultimate Guide to Every Tool You'll Ever Need

Pliers are the unsung heroes of the toolbox, versatile and essential for a wide range of tasks. Whether you're a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the various types of pliers and their uses can make your projects easier and more efficient.

What are pliers?

Pliers are handheld tools consisting of two lengths of steel riveted together at a pivot point, with clamps on one side and handles on the other. The design may vary depending on the specific type of pliers, but the fundamental components remain the same.

Plier design

While different types of pliers may have slight variations in design to suit specific tasks, they all share common features. Here are the key parts:

• Handles: Where the user applies force to operate the pliers.
• Pivot point: The central point where the two lengths of steel are riveted together, allowing for movement.
• Jaws: The clamps at the end of the pliers used to grip, twist, or cut materials.
• Cutters: Some pliers have cutting edges built into the jaws for cutting wires or other materials.
• Pipe grip: A feature on some pliers designed to grip pipes or cylindrical objects securely.
• Tip: The pointed or flat end of the jaws used for precise gripping or manipulation.

What are pliers best used for?

Pliers are incredibly versatile tools used for gripping, twisting, pulling, or shearing materials. They allow users to apply torque or rotational force, making them essential for various building, maintenance, engineering, or repair tasks.

Typical uses include attaching or detaching small components, cutting wires, bending or shaping materials, and more. Different types of pliers are designed for specific applications, ensuring you have the right tool for the job.

Different types of pliers

Pliers come in a wide range of designs tailored to specific tasks. Here are some of the most common types you'll encounter:

Circlip pliers

Circlip pliers are designed for installing or removing circlips, circular metal clips used to hold rotating bearings or components in place. They come in various sizes and types, including internal and external circlip pliers.

Combination pliers

Combination pliers combine wire cutting and insulation stripping with serrated jaws for gripping, twisting, and compressing materials. They are versatile tools used in both professional and DIY settings.

Cutters

Cutters are designed primarily for cutting materials such as wires, bolts, or nails. Diagonal cutters, also known as wire cutters, are commonly used for cutting and splicing wires.

Flat nose pliers

Flat nose pliers are used for reshaping wire or attaching crimp beads. They are widely used in jewelry making and other precision work.

Locking pliers

Locking pliers, such as Vise-Grips or Mole wrenches, lock firmly into place for tasks requiring a secure grip. They are commonly used in metalworking or welding.

Long nose pliers

Long nose pliers, also known as needle nose pliers, are used in confined spaces for gripping, bending, or cutting wires. They are popular among electricians and engineers.

Pincers

Pincers have rounded jaws for pinching, twisting, or cutting materials. They are commonly used in construction, carpentry, or DIY projects.

Slip joint pliers

Slip joint pliers have adjustable pivots for varying the distance between the jaws. They are versatile tools used for adjusting nuts, bolts, or other fittings.

Wire twisting pliers

Wire twisting pliers are used for precise wire work, allowing users to quickly cut and twist wires into durable strands.