Gripping Hand Tools
For most household and work tasks, there is nothing as handy as a pair of pliers. Pliers are a toolbox standard because of their ease of use and versatility. They can crimp, turn, cut and hold objects in a way the human hand is incapable of doing. Although basic needle nose pliers can accomplish a lot, there are different types of pliers specifically designed for special tasks that make any job quick and easy.
- Pliers are hand tools, designed primarily for gripping an object by using leverage. Pliers are made in various shapes and sizes for many purposes, and require different jaw configurations to grip, pull, turn or crimp a variety of things. Pliers are made from tool steel that is forged, machined, tempered, for superior strength. Pliers are a very tempting tool to use because one pair can grip a wide variety of fastener sizes.
- Cutting pliers are designed for professional use. They have a cold forged edge and can be used to cut and strip an array of wires. The handles are coated with a slip resistant material, which provides ease in handling and safety. They range in size from miniature wire cutters to extra large bolt cutters. The cutting edges are induction hardened to provide effective cutting ability and lasting durability.
- Gripper pliers have a toothed opening and snub nose. Frequently used for removing damaged screws or holding objects in place while they are being worked with, the pliers allow for strong stability. Specialty grippers are made to remove fish-hooks from the mouths of fish when engaging in that sport.
- Flat nose pliers – have long, narrow flat jaws. They are a stronger tool than pliers with a thinner jaw like needle-nose pliers, and allow for more resistance to be transferred to the leverage. Flat nose pliers are good in flush or blunt jobs, but do not work well in confined spaces.
- Groove joint or tongue and grove pliers are slip joint pliers with adjustable jaw sizes, which are designed to grip different sizes of flat, round or hex shaped objects.
- Needle nose pliers are a finesse tool that allows you to get into confined spaces and deftly maneuver objects that are too small for your fingers. Needle-nosed pliers taper to a fine point and are great for holding small parts in place.
- Nail pulling pliers have an adaptation of the end nipper used for cutting wire; the jaws are curved allowing the nail to be pulled out by using a rocking motion on the surface in which it was driven.
- With their range of uses and ability to make complex jobs simple, pliers are a must-have tool for every workshop.