How to select the right pliers for the job

Ever try working in hard-to-get-at areas with slip joint pliers when a pair of long nose pliers is needed? Anyone who has must understand that one pair of pliers is not enough.

The Hand Tools Institute points out that there are many types, sizes and shapes of pliers, each designed and manufactured for a specific use.

Some important points to remember about pliers are:
• Use slip joint pliers for gripping, turning and bending.
• Use flat nose pliers for gripping in close space areas.
• Use utility pliers to grip round, square, flat and hexagonal objects.
• Use end-cutting pliers to cut wire, nails, rivets, etc.
• Use diagonal-cutting pliers for electrical, electronic and general work involving cutting and skinning. Also use them to remove cotter pins.

Important safety rules include:
1) Don’t use pliers for cutting hardened wire unless they are specifically made for this purpose.
2) Always cut at right angles; never rock from side to side or bend the wire back and forth against the cutting blades.
3) Never use pliers as a hammer. They can crack or break, or blades can become nicked.
4) Never extend the length of handles to secure greater leverage. Use a larger pair of pliers or a bolt cutter.
5) Wear safety glasses when cutting wire nails or other material.
6) Don’t get zapped. Plastic-dipped handles are designed for comfort, not electrical insulation.

Back to top                          Back to Safety stories archives