What are pliers: types of tools, what they are for

Many types of tools can be found in any household. One of the most common are pliers. Despite the fact that we have known them since childhood, many confuse them with another hinge-pliers device - pliers.

If you are often involved in repairs, then you need to know what is the difference between the tools. Let's take a closer look at the pliers and find out where they will be most useful.

What is this tool - pliers

Pliers are hand tools. On one side of the device there are two handles, on the other - a kind of "lips" that allow you to grip. They are flat, and shallow notches can be found on their working surface.

With this device, it is convenient to grip small objects, various surfaces, bend sheets of metal and wire, removing parts and performing a range of other plumbing and electrical manipulations.

Reference. Some call pliers pliers, which unites them with their closest relative, the pliers. But unlike them, there are no notches on the surface of the gripping part of the pliers. This is the main difference between the tools.

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The main characteristics of the device are spelled out in the corresponding article of State Standard No. 11563 94. According to the regulations, the length of the tool can vary from 125 to 220 mm. In addition to the length, GOST prescribes the materials from which it must be made. Carbon steel of the U7-A type is standard. The material is double-hardened, giving the steel extra strength. The surface of the tip is covered with a special varnish compound that protects it from corrosion. It is applied using three different technologies:

1. Chemical oxidation. As a result, the pliers take on a graphite shade, with a dark gray tint.
2. Chemical phosphating. The tip has a characteristic matte gray color. Moreover, it can be either light or darker.
3. Chrome plating. With this method, you can achieve maximum anti-corrosion performance.

What are the pliers

There are several options for tools, which greatly complicates the selection of the most suitable fixture. They can vary in size, be wide or narrow, and be equipped with a special retainer. However, the main distinguishing feature is the differences in the work surface. According to this indicator, instruments are divided into the following types:

1. Round nose pliers. Their elongated working surface is tapered. Often, such models are supplemented with nippers. Thanks to the plastic attachments, the tool is easy to use. It is most practical when you need to process cable cores, fix parts while soldering. If the model has a working surface at a slight angle, it will comfortably get to hard-to-reach parts.
2. Sliding. They are also called wedges. They are usually used to bend metal sheets or dismantle clamps. It is also convenient for them to carry out other manipulations associated with metal processing.
3. Adjustable. In their manufacture, extremely durable carbon steel is used, which is coated with galvanic spraying. The result is a tool that can be used on assembly lines, in auto repair shops.
4. Crimp. The devices, made of extra strong steel, are multifunctional and small in size. They are used to crimp a variety of cables, such as telephone or fiber optic cables.
5. Dielectric. The material of manufacture is a special electric steel, so dielectric pliers are often called an "electrician's tool". To impart special properties during production, they are quenched in oil, and the edges of the working surface are provided with additional reinforcement. The result is a device that can be used to work with any kind of cables.
6. Elongated. The second name is platypuses. This is due to the elongated working surface, which is convenient for gripping small parts. In addition, the surface is particularly durable.
7. Curved. The working surface is slightly curved. Thanks to this design, it is convenient to work with miniature parts with pliers. Therefore, they are in great demand among jewelers.
8. Mounting. Their tip is equipped with special attachments. This allows you to work with fragile elements.

What are we for

The main purpose of the pliers is to grip, hold and manipulate various elements. Therefore, the device "knows how":

• hold parts - washers, electrical wires, metal sheets and other elements;
• bend a variety of objects, such as wire.

This convenient and practical tool can be of various shapes and sizes, which allows you to carry out any locksmith and electromechanical manipulations. But it is not recommended to expose any model to high temperatures, use it as a hammer, and lengthen small pliers. They also need to be properly looked after by regularly lubricating the hinges with oil.