Pliers Common Uses and Safety Guidelines

Pliers are an important tool in every toolbox because they can be used both at home and in industry. Pliers are multi-purpose hand tools that are mostly used for cutting, bending, and gripping. Two crossed metal limbs provide tough leverage that increases the user’s hand strength.

Although there is typically a one-size-fits-all model that works well, there are various plier categories available for particular purposes. Selecting the appropriate pair of pliers for a given task may improve productivity and safety. Let’s begin by understanding the uses of pliers today.

1. Gripping

Pliers are mostly used for grasping. They can be used to remove pins, nails, or other fasteners, grasp items for stability, and tighten or loosen bolts.

For example, Slip joint pliers are a type of utility pliers used for gripping and transmitting torque. Their jaws are rather flat, with teeth for tiny object holding and a rounded, toothed opening gripping larger objects, such as nuts and bolt heads

2. Bending/Straightening

The pliers can also be used for straightening or bending. The exceptional torque force of pliers’ cross brace allows them to bend and twist materials like wires, nails, and sheet metal.

Any kind of pliers will work to bend anything, so the type you select will primarily rely on what you need to bend. Use long-nose or needle-nose pliers to hold onto small, potentially hard-to-reach objects. Lineman’s pliers are typically used by electricians to bend wires and cables.

3. Cutting

A few types of pliers can also cut nails and wires. The main purpose of side-cutting and diagonal-cutting pliers, often known as wire cutters, is to cut and sever wires. The majority of the time, wire cutters’ jaw design makes them less effective at gripping bulky items like bolts. But because they can remove and grip nails so well, they are still considered to be pliers.

4. Splicing Wires/Stripping Insulation

Electricians use a range of special pliers to splice wires and remove them. Lineman’s pliers are a common tool for this kind of work. You can remove a tiny portion of one wire’s insulation to expose the bare wire inside by using the wire cutter feature to cut through the insulation. The pliers can be used to assist in joining or splicing two wires together if you repeat the process with a second wire.

Safety Tips for Using Pliers

• Wear Protective Gear: When working with pliers, especially those with cutting edges, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Inspect Before Use: Before using pliers, inspect them for any damage, such as worn-out jaws or loose handles. Damaged pliers should be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent accidents.
• Use the Right Tool for the Job: Select pliers that are suitable for the task at hand. Using the wrong type of pliers can damage both the tool and the workpiece.
• Position Your Hands Properly: Avoid placing your hand in the path of the pliers’ jaws when applying force. Position your hands on the handles and away from the work area to minimize the risk of injury.
• Store Properly: Store pliers in a dry place away from moisture and corrosive materials. Proper storage helps maintain their functionality and prolongs their lifespan.
• Seek Training: If you’re unfamiliar with using pliers or performing a specific task, seek proper training or guidance from experienced individuals to avoid accidents and mistakes.

Choose JCBL Hand Tools To Get High-Quality Pliers

JCBL Hand Tools is a leading name in the realm of pliers manufacturing, renowned globally for its unparalleled quality and innovation. Meticulously crafted using cutting-edge technology and superior materials, each JCBL plier embodies precision engineering and durability. Our extensive range of pliers caters to diverse industries and applications, meeting the exacting standards of professionals and enthusiasts alike.