Pliers
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Frequently asked questions
How do combination, long nose and diagonal cutting pliers differ in use?
Combination pliers both grip and cut wire for general work. Long nose pliers reach into tight spaces and form small wire but have weak tips that should not be twisted hard. Diagonal cutters are for cutting only, with induction-hardened edges for copper and soft steel wire.
Can cutting pliers cut hard steel or piano wire?
Only if the edges are rated for hard wire, usually with a maximum diameter marked on the tool. Ordinary cutters chip on the first cut of hard wire. Always cut at the base of the jaw near the pivot for maximum leverage.
Which circlip pliers do I need?
Internal circlips (in a bore, DIN 472) need pliers that close, external circlips (on a shaft, DIN 471) need pliers that open. Choose straight or 90 degree tips by access, and the tip diameter must match the lug holes so the ring does not slip and fly off.
How many adjustment positions should water pump pliers have?
Water pump pliers use a sliding or push-button joint to set several jaw openings for gripping pipes and large nuts. Push-button types lock more securely under load than slip-groove types. The nominal size (for example 250 mm) is the tool length, which governs the maximum opening.
Do plier joints need oiling?
Yes, a drop of machine oil in the pivot from time to time, then opening and closing a few times, keeps pliers moving freely and stops the joint rusting tight. Wipe excess oil off handles and jaws so they are not slippery. Pliers with a lot of play in the joint cut off-center and should be replaced.
Are insulated pliers different from pliers with plastic grips?
Insulated pliers to IEC 60900 are tested at a voltage above their rating and have hand guards that stop the hand sliding toward the jaws. Plastic on ordinary pliers is only for comfort. Insulation that is cracked, torn or burned means the pliers must be withdrawn from electrical work.
When are locking pliers used?
Locking pliers have a mechanism that holds jaw pressure without squeezing, suiting holding parts for welding, removing rounded bolts or acting as a temporary clamp. The screw at the end sets jaw opening and the lever releases the lock. Do not use them instead of a wrench on undamaged bolts, as the serrations mark the head.
Are wire strippers chosen by wire size?
Manual strippers have cutting holes marked in square millimeters or AWG, and the wire must sit in the correct hole to cut the insulation without nicking the copper. Automatic strippers grip and strip in one action, suiting many wires of the same size. Nicked conductors break under vibration and raise contact resistance.
