Whether it’s a DIY enthusiast or an electrician, the right pliers will make any job easier. They are an essential tool, but if you don’t have the right set of pliers, you could be in serious trouble. You can’t use locking pliers when you need to cut a wire. Different types of pliers come with specific functions, and it’s important to choose the pair that meets the moment.
The Different Types of Pliers
Below, you will find the ten standard types of pliers and what they are useful for.
- Combination
For basic DIY as well as electrical engineering
For DIYers, combination pliers are the go-to. They are one of the most versatile tools. They serve two different purposes – you can cut and grip with combination pliers. They’re also useful for stripping, twisting, and bending.
- Slip Joint
For gripping and also have a variety of multi-purpose uses
Slip joint pliers are fairly versatile and can serve as an all-rounded. The adjustable pivot point allows the jaw to open wider, based on the object you need to grip. Along with their basic function, they are also useful for holding, cutting, crimping, and bending. They have flat, serrated jaws and can also be used to loosen and tighten bolts and nuts.
- Water Pump
For plumbing work
Water pumps or tongue and groove pliers have the same basic function as slip joint pliers do, but the biggest difference is the opening range of the jaw. As water pump pliers are for plumping work, they open much wider, so they can hold onto thicker objects. It can also remove screws.
- Needle Nose
For use in tight spaces
With a long, tapered, and conical jaw they share many functions with combination pliers, but they can reach where other pliers cannot. They can also place, cut, hold, and place. They are commonly used for electrical work, jewelry making, and radio and television tasks.
- Diagonal Pliers
For cutting
Diagonal pliers are essential for carpentry and electrical work because of their compact, diagonally angled jaw and long handles. They can cut through wires and some thin screws or nails.
- Locking Pliers
For hands-free tightening
Locking pliers lock into place which means you can lock an object in place, and work with both hands.
- Crimping Pliers
For crimping electrical applications
Crimpers are a necessity for electricians, particularly when installing network connections, LAN, fibre, and TV cables.
- Snap Ring Pliers
For mechanical and vehicle engineering
A snap ring plier is used exclusively to install or remove a vehicle’s snap ring.
- Wire Strippers
For stripping wire insulation
Wire strippers are mostly used by electricians, though some DIYers may also make use of them. They are made to strip insulation from wires to access the wiring underneath. Always ensure the power is turned off, so you are not handling live wires.
- Fencing Pliers
For maintaining and installing pliers
Fencing pliers look like a hammer, but they are a tool that is key for installing and maintaining a fence. They can be used to cut, hammer, and remove staples.
There is a set of pliers for any and every task; it’s merely a case of selecting the correct one for the job you plan to do, view the complete range at RS.