What are pliers? Purpose, types, characteristics and choice

Many people, when working with these tools, are faced with the fact that they do not know what to call them correctly. There are many comparisons on the Internet; even a few sellers in construction tool stores do not know how to distinguish pliers from pliers.

What's the difference between them? There are significant differences between these two tools. Still, how to distinguish pliers from pliers? It's simple: flat-nose pliers, without grooves. The jaws have grooves for gripping. The purpose of this tool is to grab parts, such as wires, wires. Pliers have flat jaws for gripping, a round notch with edges, and cutters for biting. Pliers are more versatile than pliers and have wider functionality. Pliers are used to grip sheets, threaded nuts, and bolts. This is their difference.

Below are photos of pliers

Next photo of pliers with wire cutting function

The device of the pliers is shown below in the photo.

How to choose pliers

Important parameters:

• The first thing to consider when choosing a tool is what purpose it is needed for. If the product is required as a working hand tool for a craftsman, then you need to consider their professional types.

Varieties intended for domestic purposes are not suitable for constant use and increased loads.

• The second criterion is the manufacturer. A high-quality tool, if properly used, can last for many years.
• You need to pay attention to the performance and functionality of the pliers. Electricians should definitely choose electrically insulated models. It is advisable for professionals to have several types of products for different types of operations.
• It is advisable to choose ergonomic handles for tools that follow the anatomical shape of the hands. In case of prolonged use during a work shift, the technician’s hands will get less tired.
• When choosing hand tools, their color matters because, for example, black pliers are difficult to find in dark rooms.

Therefore, it is advisable to give preference to models with brightly colored handles. Nowadays you can even buy pliers with fluorescent coated handles that glow in the dark.

• When choosing a product, you need to check it by squeezing the handles. In this case, the jaws of the tool should close tightly and evenly.
• The desire to save money on hand tools and purchasing goods from other than authorized dealers may lead to the purchase of non-original products.

This will be a waste of money as they will not last long. A fake will not meet safety requirements.

Secondary parameters:

1. It does not matter what decorative coating the body of the product has (chrome, nickel, etc.), that is, the external beauty of the instrument. This absolutely does not affect the functionality and other essential characteristics of the product.
2. The presence of additional functions in highly specialized models (most likely, they will not be useful).

Pliers tools

Such instruments were first used in Ancient Greece. The pliers used to handle hardened workpieces at the time of blacksmithing were practically irreplaceable. Over time, a huge number of varieties of this design appeared; pliers and pliers became widespread. The following versions are also available:

1. Wire cutters.
2. Round nose pliers.
3. Ticks.

Each group is characterized by its own specific characteristics; the difference between pliers and pliers is significant. There is also a multifunctional carpentry installation tool that has a complex shape of the working part. There are models equipped with additional functions of wire cutters. Due to the application of notches, the possibility of the working part slipping off at the time of applying significant force is eliminated.

If you know what the difference is, then, as a rule, there are no serious problems with the choice.

The best combination pliers (pliers)

Rating:

• The best combination pliers are Knipex. Their manufacturer is a German company that produces high-quality hand tools according to VDE standards.

The pliers from this company can cut through hard wire. They are the most expensive, but at the same time durable, ergonomic and highly productive.

• Bahco brand (Sweden) are among the best and are produced in factories in Western Europe and the USA.

Products comply with ISO standard. All Bahco combination products are electrically insulated.

• Tools under the IRWIN (USA) brand are also professional and of high quality.

This manufacturer's electrically insulated combination pliers comply with VDE standards, but they have a shorter service life than the above models.

The combined product has wire cutters in the middle and on the sides (side slots in the hinge area). In addition, the pliers have a notch with teeth for gripping round objects of small diameter.

This model is designed primarily for gripping and manipulating wire and cylindrical objects. Modern pliers can be equipped with a return spring or an adjustable hinge for adjustment to pipes of different sizes.

Pros:

• multifunctionality,
• versatility.

Minus: most often household-oriented.

What to look for when choosing pliers

The types and sizes of pliers vary greatly, but when choosing them you need to look at about three things, which we will discuss below.

Material of manufacture

Each tool must first of all be of high quality

Working tools, such as pliers, are made from different materials, but it is better to pay attention to options made of chrome-monadium, tool or chrome-molybdenum steel - they will definitely serve their owner for many years

If you are not involved in electrical installation work, choose the material of the handles according to your personal preferences: rubber, polyvinyl chloride or plastic, etc.

Dimensions and parameters

Classic pliers are available in formats: 130, 160, 180 and 200 mm. However, there are also specific models that are more needed by specialists than by ordinary people.

The density of the metal used in the product is much more important - by international standards it should be in the region of 43-50 HRC. If the indicators are lower, then it is undesirable to use such a tool.

Additional functions

It’s good when a tool has several functions at once - its versatility allows a person to work with several objects at once, using only one device.

Best pliers with nylon tips

Rating:

• BeadSmith products are high quality with silicone coated handles that are non-slip and fit well in the hand.

They are ideal for straightening wire and working with brittle material, but are quite expensive.

• Model HTP-18 with nylon nozzles from Micron is the most popular in Russia due to its excellent combination of price and quality. It has high functionality, despite the budget price.
• Tools with nylon tips made by Beadalon (USA) are functional and easy to use, but their quality is no better than that of the cheaper Micron model.

Pliers intended for jewelry making and other similar work are made with nylon nozzles (tips).

This is a tool with non-slip handles and soft protection on the jaws, which prevents scratching fragile parts. They can also be used for household purposes.

Since this model is not designed to operate on live electrical installations, its handles are not properly insulated from electrical current.

In addition, such tools are not reinforced and do not have a large margin of safety. They cannot be used for other purposes, as they will quickly become unusable due to improper use.

Main features and differences

A fairly common question is what is the difference between pliers and pliers. The main features include the following:

1. The working part may differ significantly. With pliers it is smooth and does not have large indentations. An exception is combination pliers. They are designed to transmit enormous force, which determines the use of alloys with increased hardness and strength.
2. Only pliers have a multifunctional hinge for adjusting the gap, as well as the degree of transmitted force at the time of work.
3. The pliers are simply characterized by a huge number of functions, which is due to the presence of special side edges. Due to this, you can perform work related to cutting wire and much more.

Despite a fairly large number of different signs of difference, visually both instruments are similar and have their own specific properties, which we will discuss in more detail later.

Best Wire Stripping Pliers

Rating:

• BAHCO wire stripping pliers made of high quality alloy steel with plastic coated handles are treated with oxidation and anti-corrosion treatment; capable of cleaning wires up to 5 mm.
• Electric pliers for stripping KRAFTOOL are made of high-quality carbon steel with plastic handles and have an anti-corrosion coating.

These products are of good quality at an average price, but can only strip wires up to 2.5 mm.

• Insulation stripping pliers “ ZUBR ELECTRIC ”, high-voltage, made of high-quality tool steel, have a durable chromium-nickel coating.

Wire stripping pliers are electrically insulating. They are suitable for use on electrical equipment with voltages up to 1000 V (AC) and 1500 V (DC).

Using such tools you can strip wires up to a maximum of 5 mm. Their mechanism allows you to remove insulation without damaging the current-carrying conductors.

Such products are safe and functional, but cannot be used for other purposes.

What are they made of?

The purpose of the tool is determined by its design.

Pliers consist of the following elements:

• Two sponges that are made of metal. The hinge connects these elements to each other.
• A handle that is a continuation of the jaws. It is usually processed using special materials.

In many ways, the characteristics of the pliers depend on the materials used and the build quality of the tool.

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Comfort of operation depends on the handles

The design of pliers is in many ways similar to pliers. However, in the first case there are several features:

• Connecting two parts using a hinge.
• The handle is characterized by a curved shape. The working surface is different in that it is flat.
• The handle is often made of plastic or rubber.

The scope of application of pliers is narrower than that of pliers.

Best Adjustable Pliers

Rating:

1. BAHCO 2713 A made of vanadium steel with nickel-chrome plating and anti-corrosion treatment.
2. Adjustable pliers USAG (Italy) made of chrome-vanadium special steel with 7 positions and enamel finish.
3. ProsKit PN-P010N (254 mm) made of S45C steel with insulated handles.

Adjustable pliers are a type of pliers tool that allows you to change the opening width of the jaws depending on the size of the object you want to grasp.

Such models have clamps to set a certain opening width. They can grip both flat and round objects.

When squeezing the handles, the jaws of such a hand tool should come together tightly.

The regulation mechanism is carried out with a rearrangement of the hinge:

• in holes;
• in half-holes;
• with fixation of protrusions in grooves.

The ability to change the position of the jaws is an absolute advantage of this variety, but the disadvantage is a certain bulkiness.

What is the difference between pliers?

Having understood the design, purpose and types of pliers, it is worth finding out - what are pliers and what is the difference between these very similar tools?

The key difference between pliers and pliers is that the latter type of tool has a groove with notches on its working surface, which allows you to hold the parts as firmly as possible while working. The jaws of the pliers are most often of a combined shape, and their outermost part is made in the form of pliers. Some tool models have not one, but two recesses with different sizes, which is convenient, since it becomes possible to fix and hold elements of various shapes and sizes.

The key difference is the shape of the sponges

On sale you can find pliers with a hinge element that moves in the grooves. By moving the hinge, you can adjust the compression force as needed, as well as the amount of opening of the jaws. This type of pliers is considered universal: it can be used for working with parts of different sizes.

Most device models are equipped with side cutters, which are used to strip insulation from cables; some pliers have special edges for cutting hard wire. The tool is used in plumbing and electrical installation work, so the voltage value at which it is safe to use the pliers must be marked on their handle.

Having studied the design and types of pliers, we can conclude that the tool will differ from pliers in the following properties and characteristics:

• Pliers have a flat working surface, without grooves;
• The design of the pliers provides the maximum possible compression force, so the tool is produced from higher quality steel alloys;
• Using pliers, you can adjust both the compression force and the size of the gap between the jaws.

Pliers are more functional, since the tool has side cutters, and in some cases, edges; these elements allow you to use the tools in different types of work.

The best dielectric (electrically insulated) pliers

Rating:

1. Electrically insulated models from Knipex are available in combination (regular and special power), as well as in the form of extended pliers.
2. Bahco pliers are electrically insulated (side cutters, wire cutters, pliers, round nose pliers, bolt cutters). The quality of these products is almost as good as Knipex, but the price is slightly lower.
3. Electrically insulated combination models, duckbills, wire strippers, side cutters and needle nose pliers under the IRWIN (USA) brand are of high quality and safe.

This type allows you to service electrical installations with alternating voltage up to 1000 V or constant voltage up to 1500 V.

Dielectric pliers are equipped with well-insulated handles, which ensure the safety of the operator from electric shock. The electrical insulation of good instruments consists of several layers. They are easily recognized by the thicker coating on the handles.

Different models of pliers tools can be dielectric. This increases their functionality and safety. However, some manufacturers' models do not have limiters.

Types of pliers

The popularity of instruments has led to the fact that a wide variety of models can now be found. A set of pliers will help solve many problems. By area of ​​use, tools are divided into types:

• installation;
• curved combined;
• platypuses;
• elongated;
• reinforced;
• dielectric pliers;
• adjustable, sometimes called pipe;
• energy saving;
• lever;
• for eyelets;
• folding;
• mini pliers;
• adjustable;
• clamping;
• metalwork;
• fishing;

Types of pliers are divided by size:

• for fine work – 10 cm;
• for installation and plumbing – 16-20 cm;
• for industrial work – 20-30 cm.

The best sliding (adjustable) pliers

Rating:

1. Adjustable pliers – KNIPEX made of chrome vanadium steel, forged, oil-hardened. Quickly rearranged with the press of a button.
2. Bahco adjustable pliers with 11-12 positions, switching with 1 button.
3. IRWIN adjustable pliers made of forged carbon steel with pinch protection.

Sliding models allow you to grip round, hexagonal, square and flat objects as tightly as possible. The jaws of such a tool are curved.

The dimensions of sliding pliers are larger than those of simple types. The opening width of the jaws is adjustable in some cases by pressing a button and can be adjusted with one hand. The working width is up to 45 and 65 mm.

Best side pliers (side cutters)

Rating:

1. KNIPEX side cutters made of vanadium steel, melted in an electric furnace, hardened in oil, with precision processing for a long service life.
2. Bahco side cutters (high-quality alloy steel with anti-corrosion treatment) with progressive cutting edge geometry.
3. IRWIN diagonal cutters made of chrome-nickel steel with a hardened cutting edge.

Side pliers have a cutter on one side of the jaws. In fact, these are wire cutters designed for cutting (biting) objects made of various materials.

Side cutters can be used to work with wire of various stiffnesses, plastic, sheet metal, cardboard, etc.

When using this model, you need to take into account that the variety designed for cutting copper will not cope with elements made of harder materials (iron, steel). This will damage the cutters of the tool.

Which pliers are best to choose?

How do you choose the best pliers, you ask me. Well, there is a fairly simple answer to this. You will need to understand specifically for what purpose you need them. If you prefer to do small needlework, then you should opt for pliers that are designed for eyelets. They will be useful to you for performing various works and masterpieces.

If you need to do small various types of repair work in the house, then you should opt for combination pliers.

And finally, I would like to give a few rules that will help you choose the right tool:

If you work in a specific industry, then you need to choose a specific specialized work tool related to your profession. And for ordinary housework, ordinary combined small pliers will be enough.

When directly selecting a good tool, you should take into account that it is made of high-quality steel and is from a well-known brand. It follows that it will not be cheap.

The lighter the tool is in your opinion, the longer and easier it will be to work with it. Your arm muscles will get tired less. But, however, a small weight cannot always judge the quality of a given instrument. Therefore, it is worth choosing pliers according to your optimal option.

Properly selected handles also provide great convenience when using pliers. First of all, they should be rubberized so that your hand does not slip off the handle.

Most often, professional pliers can be found in sets with other tools. They are sold in specialized suitcases for easy storage.

The best long-nose pliers

Rating:

1. KNIPEX long nose pliers .
2. Products with long jaws Bahco .
3. Long nose pliers IRWIN .

Models with elongated jaws are called long-nose pliers, duckbill pliers, or needle-nose pliers. They are designed to grasp and manipulate objects (primarily wires) at a greater distance than conventional models.

Such tools may be equipped with cutters for cutting wires.

Most often, this model is used for inserting wiring into distribution boxes, when laying wires, and also when connecting electrical installations. They are also widely used by jewelers to set stones in jewelry.

Photo of pliers

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Best round nose pliers

Rating:

1. KNIPEX round nose pliers made of forged chrome vanadium steel, oil-hardened, able to withstand heavy loads.
2. Model with Bahco made of high quality alloy steel with anti-corrosion treatment.
3. IRWIN round nose pliers made of chrome-nickel steel.

Tools with semicircular jaws are designed for working with wire. They come without cutting edges or with them. If there are cutters, such products, in addition to grabbing and manipulating the wire, can also cut through it.

Semicircular jaws are specially designed for gripping uneven surfaces. They are made of hardened steel. The tool is in demand for plumbing, installation and repair work.

Advantages of the type: you can work in hard-to-reach places with round holes. At the same time, their weak point can be called the small working surface area.

Recommendations for choosing a product

When considering how to choose the right tool, you should pay attention to the basic recommendations. They are as follows:

1. If you have the required financial resources, you need to purchase professional pliers and pliers. The difference between professional and household offers is significant. A low-quality product fails almost immediately after several stages of use.
2. Pay attention to the quality of the hinge, since even minor play can lead to serious consequences. At the time of operation, the movement should not stop, it should go smoothly - this is what indicates a high-quality assembly.
3. In the initial position there should not be a serious gap between the two jaws. If they do not touch, this indicates significant defects.
4. When making the handle, care must be taken to ensure that it sits securely in its place and that even minor slipping of the hands is not allowed. To a greater extent, this rule applies to pliers and pliers used when working with live parts.

It is necessary to purchase products from well-known manufacturers, since the stated parameters always correspond to the real ones. When servicing electrical equipment, you should not use a low-quality product, as electrical damage is very high.

Best Multifunctional Pliers

Rating:

1. Recycling pliers AIST made of chrome vanadium steel.
2. Matrix impact tools made of chrome vanadium steel.
3. Multifunctional fishing products Frichy FPN 02 made of polished stainless steel, equipped with a fixation for safe wear.

Multifunctional (mechanical impact) pliers can be used for their main purpose, and also as a hammer.

This model is equipped with long handles and a metal striker for impact on various objects (nails, etc.). Such products have quite a large weight and increased dimensions.

There is also a multifunctional (recycling) model.
In addition, there is a folding model on the market that comes with a knife, opener and screwdriver set. This product is best suited as part of a camping kit. Advertising from sponsors: // // //

Pliers - a universal tool

The basis of pliers are pliers, which appeared much earlier and were intended to perform the simplest functions. As a result of modernization, they turned into and became a sought-after multifunctional tool. equipped with small side cutters, two small cutters located on the sides. In the middle there is a round grooved hole through which small bolts and nuts can be tightened.

Installation and plumbing work cannot be done without pliers. They perform the functions of pliers and can perform many additional operations. Thanks to numerous accessories, they successfully work with various parts, regardless of their configuration. Thus, they acquired the universal qualities of many instruments at once. They became simultaneously pliers, side cutters and cutters, capable of cutting wire in a wide range of sizes and diameters. Some samples have the ends of the insulated handles with an awl and a screwdriver.

To perform installation and plumbing work, mainly dielectric and combined ones are used. The first option refers to an electrical installation tool, the handles of which are insulated with special dielectric plastic. The second design is considered more universal, combining various tools. This allows you to perform many locksmith works of the widest range and focus.