Pump pliers, also known as water pump pliers or Channellocks®, have an adjustable fulcrum that allows the jaws to accommodate objects of various sizes. They come in sizes from 4 to 24 inches and are commonly used in plumbing applications. They are made from high carbon steel with chrome plating and rubberized grips. The first design was marketed by the Champion-DeArment Tool Company in the 1930s.
Pump pliers are a type of tool designed to be used to grip, hold, compress, or apply torque to an object. These tools may also be referred to as water pump pliers, Channellocks® or tongue and groove pliers. The distinguishing feature of this type of pliers is the design using an adjustable fulcrum, which allows the jaws to accommodate objects of various sizes. Depending on the size of the tool, the jaws can operate from a closed position to several inches (several centimeters) apart.
The pump action collet design features an elliptical opening that allows the pin to slide through and utilize any of several channels that have been machined into the jaw grips. A protrusion or tab in the opposite handle then slides through the selected channel, maintaining the desired gap between the jaws of the forceps. This allows the user to comfortably grip or squeeze objects of varying sizes, as the handles stay in the same relative position.
Pump action pliers come in sizes determined by the length of the handles. The tool can be as short as 4 inches (about 10 cm) and can be found in lengths of up to 24 inches (about 60 cm). Typically, homes and garages use clamps in the 6 to 12 inch range (about 15 cm to 30 cm). Unlike more common slip joint pliers, the jaws of pump action pliers are angled. The grips are offset 45 or 60 degrees from the jaws. An advantage of this is the ability to maneuver in tight spaces as well as allowing for greater adjustability.
This type of pliers are often used in home or automotive plumbing applications. The variable jaw width combined with the offset grips make it ideal for tightening or loosening water pipe fittings and spring clips, both of which require a relatively wide jaw opening. The extended length of the grips combined with the ease of gripping provide greater leverage and compressive strength.
Pump pliers are commonly made from high carbon steel. They may also have chrome plating as an aesthetic feature and rubberized grips on the handle. Some collets will be made from brass to avoid sparks when working in explosive atmospheres or with objects containing flammable liquids. On rare occasions, inserts or other means of protection are used to prevent damage to the object from the action of the jaws.
Pump pliers were originally designed for tightening and removing water pump packing nuts. The first design was marketed by the Champion-DeArment Tool Company under the brand name Channellock® in the 1930s. The company later changed its name to match its product.
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