Locking pliers securely hold objects without needing a human grip. Different styles are available for various applications, with Vise-Grip being a popular brand. They can act like a second pair of hands and be used to loosen stubborn bolts. Quality varies, with routine maintenance recommended for longevity.
Locking pliers are pliers designed to be locked, holding an object securely without the need for a human hand’s grip. There are different styles of locking pliers designed for various applications and this product is readily available from many hardware stores. It is also possible to specially order a set of pliers from a manufacturer or a company that specializes in a particular purpose.
A popular brand of locking pliers is Vise-Grip®. As a general rule, regardless of brand, these tongs typically have a screw that is used to adjust the tongs to the desired width and a release handle that can be used to force the tongs open when they are no longer needed. When the grippers are locked, they grip the object without the operator having to grip the handles. This can be extremely useful for all kinds of applications.
In some cases, a pair of locking pliers can act like a second pair of hands, stabilizing an object and holding it in place while it’s being worked on. These pliers can also be used to hold an object that can’t be held by hand, such as something being welded. Locking pliers can also be used to loosen stubborn bolts and other fixed objects; it’s easier to lock the pliers in place and rotate them than it is to hold tension on a pair of pliers and simultaneously try to rotate them to loosen the item in question.
The quality of a pair of pliers can vary greatly. If cheap metals are used, the pliers can wear and fail, as well as tarnish or rust over the course of use. Poor designs can make calipers prone to mechanical failure; for example, the screw used to control the caliper width could snap or the release could break, making it difficult to remove the caliper.
A pair of self-locking pliers benefits from a little routine maintenance and care. It’s a good idea to periodically clean your calipers and oil the moving parts so they move freely, and to avoid keeping your calipers in humid or corrosive environments. In the case of a tool like nose pliers, it’s also a good idea to store the pliers in an environment where they won’t be bent or kinked, as this can hinder their usefulness.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
