How Do I Sharpen the Cutting Edges of My Pliers?
by Rico
Diagonal pliers, diagonal cutters, or cutting pliers all refer to a type of pliers designed to cut. Generally speaking, these pliers have tapered jaws that come to a point, with a bevel cutting edge between them. While the edge isn’t typically extremely sharp, enough pressure applied will cut through a surprising amount of materials. Diagonal pliers are useful for cutting a range of items. They can cut electrical wires, steel braided cable, nylon packing straps, wire ties, and so much more. However, because of their beveled edges, they aren’t useful for gripping or twisting anything. Best for: cutting wire, cable, straps, and other objects
Pliers, for holding and gripping small articles or for bending and cutting wire. Slip-joint pliers have grooved jaws, and the pivot hole in one member is elongated so that the member can pivot in either of two positions in order to grasp objects of different size in the most effective way. On some pliers the jaws have a portion that can cut soft wire and nails. For bending wire and thin metal , round-nose pliers with tapering, conical jaws are used. Diagonal cutting pliers are used for cutting wire and small pins in areas that cannot be reached by larger cutting tools. Top 20 auto mechanic tools
25 Types of Pliers and How to Use Them
Pliers are indispensable tools that find applications in various tasks, making them essential for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. With a wide array of pliers available for different jobs, it's crucial to understand their unique features and purposes. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 25 types of pliers and delve into their specific applications, helping you make informed decisions when choosing the right pliers for your projects.
Common Pliers for Everyday Projects
- Slip-Joint Pliers are incredibly versatile tools designed to grip and adjust objects with ease. Their adjustable pivot point allows them to adapt to various positions, making them ideal for minor repairs and adjustments around the house. Whether you need to tighten a loose nut or grasp a small object, slip-joint pliers are a reliable choice.
- Water-Pump Pliers feature angled jaws that excel at gripping pipes securely. These pliers come in different configurations and sizes, catering to various needs. Their ability to grip pipes between joists and work in tight spaces makes them valuable companions for plumbing and other related projects.
- Linesman's Pliers have a long history of popularity among electricians and sheet-metal workers. They boast specific features, such as shallow serrations for firm gripping and built-in side cutters for cutting wires. Choosing the right size is important, and these pliers are equipped with a recommended size for most tasks, along with safety precautions to ensure user protection.
- Locking Pliers If you need a hand-held vice or clamp, locking pliers are the go-to choice. With their double-lever action, these pliers can apply tremendous force to hold objects securely in place. Available in various configurations, locking pliers can replace multiple tools like pipe wrenches or clamps, making them versatile additions to your toolkit.
- Needle-Nose Pliers are designed for precision work in confined spaces like electrical boxes. Their small-scale design and long, tapered jaws enable delicate maneuvering of small objects and wires. Some models come with optional bent tips for specific applications, making them an invaluable tool for intricate tasks.
Specialty Pliers for Specific Tasks
- Crimping Pliers play a crucial role in electrical work, where they are used to squeeze electrical terminals onto wires securely. These pliers come with varying jaw sizes to accommodate different terminal types. Moreover, they often feature interchangeable dies, further enhancing their adaptability. Crimping pliers find their most common application in electronic wiring installations, ensuring reliable connections in intricate electrical systems.
- Hose Clamp Pliers sport a unique design, featuring swiveling metal jaws that grip hose clamps firmly. These pliers find extensive use in automotive settings, where they come to the rescue when dealing with pesky hose clamps in cramped engine spaces. Additionally, they prove useful in various projects that involve manipulating radiator hoses, ensuring a hassle-free experience when performing automotive maintenance.
- Snap Ring Pliers Installing snap rings can be a daunting task, but snap ring pliers are here to make it a breeze. These pliers boast pointed jaws with small pegs that securely grip snap rings, allowing for easy installation or removal. Their applications extend to various repairs and projects, from automotive work to equipment maintenance. With snap ring pliers in your toolkit, you'll be ready to handle snap rings like a pro.
- Fencing Pliers feature an unconventional shape that may resemble a hammer on one side. These unique pliers are primarily designed for installing fencing, making staple driving and pulling a breeze. Additionally, their versatile features allow them to twist metal wire tightly, making them ideal for agricultural fencing projects. Furthermore, they come with slots on either side of the pivot, enabling users to cut wire ties to the desired length. Though their primary job is installing fencing, they can also lend a helping hand in tasks like pulling nails and fasteners from wood or cutting wire.
- Ironworker Pliers When heavy-duty cutting and twisting tasks are on the agenda, ironworker pliers step up to the challenge. These pliers boast a heavier-duty design compared to linesman's pliers, making them ideal for cutting and twisting heavy-duty rebar wire. The longer handles and wider jaws provide the leverage needed to tackle hardened wires with ease. Whether you are working with rebar or any heavy-duty cutting scenario, ironworker pliers are your go-to tools for reliable performance.
Pliers for Craftsmanship and Specialized Tasks
- Wire-Twisting Pliers
Purpose: Wire-twisting pliers are indispensable tools in construction tasks that involve tying rebar or installing fences. These pliers are designed specifically for the efficient and precise twisting of wires. The Process: To use wire-twisting pliers, begin by aligning the wires you wish to twist. Place the wires in the jaws of the pliers, ensuring they are held securely. Now, simply rotate the pliers, and the jaws will twist the wires uniformly and cleanly. Applications: Wire-twisting pliers find applications in various construction tasks, such as tying rebar to reinforce concrete structures or installing fences on a property. They are essential tools for achieving sturdy and reliable wire connections.
- Nail Puller Pliers
Unique Design: Nail puller pliers feature wide, curved pivot points that provide excellent leverage when pulling nails. This design ensures that removing nails becomes a less strenuous task. Application: Nail puller pliers are a go-to tool for renovation or restoration projects, where the goal is to remove nails from reusable wood without causing unnecessary damage. The pliers' gentle yet firm grip on nails minimizes the risk of splintering or chipping the wood. Minimizing Damage: These pliers are specifically designed to minimize damage to wood surfaces. With their careful grip, nail puller pliers protect the wood from unsightly marks or indentations.
- Oil Filter Pliers
Challenges of Removing Oil Filters: Anyone who has ever attempted to remove a slippery oil filter knows the struggles involved. Oil filter pliers are designed to overcome these challenges and ensure a firm grip on the filter. Secure Grip: Oil filter pliers feature long, curved jaws with multiple sets of teeth that securely grip the oil filter. This strong grip enables easy removal, even from tight spaces under the hood of a vehicle.Adjustable Feature: Oil filter pliers often come with an adjustable mechanism, allowing them to fit different filter sizes. This adaptability ensures that you can tackle various vehicle models without the need for multiple tools.
- Running Pliers
Application in Glasswork: Running pliers are essential tools for artisans working with glass. They excel in snapping glass panes at precise points, providing clean and accurate breaks. The Method: To use running pliers, first score the glass along the desired cutting line using a glass cutter. Then, position the running pliers over the scored line and apply gentle pressure. The running pliers will apply even force, and the glass will break cleanly at the score mark. Material Variations: Running pliers are available in various materials, including metal and plastic. The choice of material depends on the specific project and the glass type being used.
- Soft Jaw Pliers
Purpose: Soft jaw pliers are valuable tools for plumbing installations where exposed pipes need a firm yet gentle grip. Gentle Grip: Soft jaw pliers come with rubber, plastic, or silicone gripping pads that prevent marring on exposed pipes. This ensures that the pipes remain undamaged during installation. Versatility: These pliers are versatile and can be used for standard plumbing repairs as well. The removable soft gripping pads make them adaptable for various tasks.
Welding Pliers for Efficient Welding Tasks
- Welding Pliers
Specific Use: Welding pliers play a crucial role in various welding tasks, such as cleaning slag and spatter from welds. They are indispensable tools for welders, providing assistance in achieving clean and polished welds. Multiple Features: Welding pliers often come with multiple features that enhance their functionality. These may include gripping MIG welding wire, hammer surfaces for minor adjustments, and built-in cutters for trimming welding wire. Convenience: One of the significant advantages of welding pliers is their convenience. By combining several functions in a single tool, welders can work more efficiently without the need to switch between different instruments.
Welding pliers are valuable assets in any welding workshop, providing the necessary assistance to ensure precise and professional welds. Now, let's move on to the next section, where we'll explore a range of pliers designed for specialized tasks and craftsmanship.
Pliers for Precision and Specialized Craftsmanship
- Wire-Twisting Pliers
Purpose: Wire-twisting pliers are specifically designed for tying rebar and installing fences in construction projects. Process: To use these pliers, position the wire between the jaws and twist the handles, allowing the pliers to create clean and uniform twists in the wire. Applications: Wire-twisting pliers find applications in specific construction tasks, such as reinforcing concrete structures and securely fastening fencing wires.
- Nail Puller Pliers
Unique Design: Nail puller pliers feature wide and curved pivot points, providing excellent leverage for pulling out nails from reusable wood. Application: These pliers are invaluable for renovation or restoration projects, where nails need to be removed without damaging the wood. Minimizing Damage: The design of nail puller pliers helps minimize damage to wood surfaces, ensuring that the material remains intact for reuse.
- Oil Filter Pliers
Challenges: Removing slippery oil filters can be a challenging task, requiring a specialized tool like oil filter pliers. Advantages: Oil filter pliers come with long, curved jaws equipped with multiple sets of teeth that grip oil filters securely. Adjustable Feature: These pliers often have an adjustable feature, allowing them to fit different filter sizes, making them versatile for various automotive applications.
- Running Pliers
Application: Running pliers are commonly used in glasswork for snapping glass panes cleanly and precisely. Method: To use running pliers, score the glass along the desired cutting line, then use the pliers to apply pressure at the score mark, cleanly snapping the glass along the line. Limitations: While running pliers are effective for glass, they may have limitations depending on the material, such as metal or plastic.
- Soft Jaw Pliers
Purpose: Soft jaw pliers are ideal for gripping pipes in fashionable plumbing installations, where exposed pipes need protection from marring. Gripping Pads: These pliers come with rubber, plastic, or silicone gripping pads that provide a cushioned surface for gripping, preventing damage to the pipe's finish. Versatility: Soft jaw pliers are also useful for standard plumbing repairs, as the gripping pads are often removable.
With this, we've covered various types of pliers, ranging from common ones for everyday projects to specialty pliers for specific tasks and craftsmanship. Each type of pliers plays a vital role in different applications, providing efficiency and precision in various projects.