Lineman’s pliers are distinguishable from other pliers by their stub nose, flat gripping surfaces, large cutting edges, and their angular edges on the outside of the jaw. Lineman’s pliers are primarily used by electricians
Electrician
An electrician is a tradesman specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure. Ele…
What are line Lineman pliers?
Lineman pliers are named for the occupation of electrical linesmen. The job of being an electrical linesman was born in the 1840s, with the invention of the telegraph.
What are the characteristics of a plier?
They are the most common and useful type of plier and are characterized by their stub nose and flat gripping surfaces that enable a large force to be applied to small and thin objects. Most also have large cutting edges for cutting wire, as well as angular edges on the outside of the jaws for deburring the inside of electrical conduit.
Where did the name of the pliers come from?
Almost every toolbox has at least one set of these handy tools, but where on earth did they get their unique name? Lineman pliers are named for the occupation of electrical linesmen. The job of being an electrical linesman was born in the 1840s, with the invention of the telegraph.
What is the difference between needle nose and linesman pliers?
Smaller in scale than linesman’s pliers, the needle-nose pliers are particularly well suited to working with wire in confined spaces like electrical boxes, though they are also useful for bending and holding metal fittings. Their jaws taper to a point, and at the nose have serrations on the gripping surface.
Why Should You Get Lineman’s Pliers?
Which lineman's pliers are the most durable?
What is a pliers jaw?
What is channellock pliers?
How to sharpen lineman pliers?
What is a thickened metal plier?
Why are pliers cushioned?
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What is a lineman plier?
0:482:32How to use Linesman Pliers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo really nice tool for electrical projects the cutting blades cut very easily through wire. And ifMoreSo really nice tool for electrical projects the cutting blades cut very easily through wire. And if you're doing cable work it'll cut through cable. Very easily too and also a linesman pliers is
What's another name for lineman pliers?
Linesman's Pliers Linesman pliers – aka electrician's pliers, side-cutting pliers, or “Kleins” hinge at a set pivot point.
How do you use linesman pliers?
Straighten and Bend Wires, Sheet Metal, and Cables The lineman pliers are a user-friendly tool to bend or to straighten the wires and sheet metals. First, using the nose of the pliers, hold tight in the place where you want to bend the wires or cables. Then, tilt the angle of the straight plier to 90 degrees.
Why are they called linesman pliers?
Lineman pliers are named for the occupation of electrical linesmen. The job of being an electrical linesman was born in the 1840s, with the invention of the telegraph. Telegraph lines were able to be strung between trees, however soon wooden poled were the preferred method of installing lines.
Why do linesman pliers have a gap?
For the cutting edges there is a distance between them and the gripping area so that nothing will be cut accidentally.
Can you crimp with linesman pliers?
The Lineman's Crimping Pliers feature a crimping die behind the hinge. This provides superior leverage when crimping non-insulated connectors, lugs, and terminals. The rivet on these pliers are closer to the cutting edge which provides 46-Percent more cutting and gripping power than other pliers.
What are terminal pliers used for?
Use to grip small objects, reach awkward places, holding wires, bend loops, and attach wires.
How do you twist wires with linesman pliers?
0:202:15Wiring Tips: Twisting wiring on your electrical project - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHold the wires side-by-side grab the end with a pair of linesman pliers and twist clockwise twistMoreHold the wires side-by-side grab the end with a pair of linesman pliers and twist clockwise twist them together like a candy cane. Don't leave one wire straight while you twist the other around.
What type of pliers are used to cut wires?
End-cutting pliers - also known as nippers, are used to cut nails, wires, rivets, and bolts. Due to the almost flat head design, the user can get flush with the surface to cut the object, without digging into it.
Do I need lineman pliers?
Every home electrician's tool belt should carry at least one pair of lineman pliers. Used by people in the electrical trade, these tools can cut, straighten, and bend wire as well as twist wires together when making splices.
Are combination pliers the same as linesman pliers?
The biggest difference is that combo pliers have a round jaw for grabbing nuts. Where as lineman pliers have a knurled jaw and cutters. Lineman pliers tend to be a bit larger and heavier. Europeans tend to use combo pliers and here in the USA we use lineman pliers.
What can I use instead of pliers?
If you don't own pliers or can't find yours, try a pair of sturdy kitchen tongs as a replacement. Pinch the tongs around the object as tight as possible to do the work. If you're working with a small object, metal tweezers can be easier to use because they're closer in scale.
What are terminal pliers used for?
Use to grip small objects, reach awkward places, holding wires, bend loops, and attach wires.
What is lineman's side cutting pliers?
Lineman's pliers (US English), Kleins (genericized trademark, US usage), linesman pliers (Canadian English), side cutting linesman pliers and combination pliers (UK / US English) are a type of pliers used by linemen, electricians, and other tradesmen primarily for gripping, twisting, bending and cutting wire, cable and ...
What is a side cutting plier?
Diagonal cutting pliers are used for cutting wires, screws and nails. They are known by many different names: side cutting pliers, side cutters, nippers and wire cutters, to name but a few! They are called diagonal cutting pliers because the cutting blades are at an angle to the handles.
What kind of tool is long-nose pliers?
Needle-nose pliers, also known as long-nose pliers and snipe-nose pliers, are both cutting and holding pliers used by artisans, jewellery designers, electricians, network engineers and other tradesmen to bend, re-position and snip wire.
What is a Linesman's plier?
Like most tools, linesman’s pliers are a force multiplier. They are the most common and useful type of plier and are characterized by their stub nose and flat gripping surfaces that enable a large force to be applied to small and thin objects.
What to do if you don't have linesman pliers?
If you don’t yet have any linesman’s pliers, get a pair. You will find so many opportunities where they will make your job and life easier. I don’t do any electrical work (my brother is a sparky) and they are still one of my most used tools in the workshop.
What is a combination plier?
Those with a cutting area in the jaws (almost all of them now days) are known as combination pliers. Some models also have crimping or fish tape pulling areas in the crotch behind the jaws.
What is a Klein plier?
Klein is an American company that has been making specialty tools for the electrical industry since 1857. You know a company is serious about their linesman’s pliers when their logo is of an actual linesman. Even the term ‘Klein’s’ has become synonymous with any pair of linesman’s pliers.
Do linesman's pliers have insulated handles?
Many linesman’s pliers have insulated rubber handles which offer some protection against electrical shock. Obviously you should never rely on these, but it is comforting to know a level of protection is there. While insulated handles are a great feature for the electricians, I personally would purchase the basic plastic dipped handled version if I was to buy again. They are less chunky and a little bit cheaper.
Can you go wrong with Linesman's pliers?
If I was buying new pliers today, I would be choosing from these three manufacturers. Each shines in their own special way and you could not go wrong with any of them.
Do linesman pliers touch when closed?
Most modern day linesman’s pliers’ jaws don’t touch when closed. This is not a defect, it actually serves an important purpose. Remember when I said one of the pliers main purposes was to cut and twist wire? Well small wires are easily crushed and damaged when the powerful plier jaws meet in the middle. The gap is there so that small wires can be gripped and twisted without being completely crushed.
What is a lineman's plier?
Lineman's pliers (US English), Kleins (genericized trademark, US usage), linesman pliers (Canadian English) and combination pliers (UK / US English), or side-cutting pliers are a type of pliers used by linemen, electricians, and other tradesmen primarily for gripping, twisting, bending and cutting wire, cable and small metalwork components.
What is the difference between a Lineman's pliers and a needle-nose plier?
The main differences are that the slender nose of the needle-nose pliers enable it to form small diameter bends, and position or support items in awkward places.
What is the durability of pliers?
Like most hand tools the durability and useful working life of pliers vary greatly according to load, frequency of use and the specific design and quality of the tool. They may be forged out of alloyed or unalloyed tool steel.
What is needle nee pliers?
Needle-nose pliers typically have a lower handle/nose length ratio, reducing the force that can be exerted at the tip. Also, needle-nose pliers tend to be available in smaller sizes (for electronics applications, they may be found as small as 1/10 scale of the full-size version).
Do pliers have grips?
They usually have grips for better handling than bare metal handles; the grips may also provide insulation for protection against electric shock when working with live circuits, although most models are marked as not listed for such use. Some pliers are certified to withstand a specified voltage, e.g. 1000 V.
What is a lineman plier?
The main purpose of lineman pliers is in the name: Linemen and women, whether dealing with electrical or other cable installations, work with wires and cables all day. These professionals need a robust tool that can strip back insulation and cut, bend, twist, or splice the bare ends. However, lineman pliers also offer tremendous versatility.
How long is a lineman plier?
Lineman pliers typically range in length from 6 inches to 10.5 inches. Smaller pliers are easier to handle and a better option for those who need to work in confined spaces, while larger pairs can exert substantial amounts of force for heavy-duty wire cutting, metal bending, and so on.
What are Crescent lineman pliers made of?
These 8-inch lineman pliers from Crescent are made from chrome vanadium steel, one of the optimal materials for these tools thanks to its toughness, ductility, and rust resistance. Using a clever compound lever mechanism, these handy pliers deliver up to 50 percent more cutting or gripping pressure for the same physical input as standard pliers. Their lifespan is further improved thanks to their induction-hardened cutting edges, and a heat-treated joint rivet ensures smooth, consistent operation.
What are Klein Tools 9 inch lineman pliers made of?
Aimed at professionals but user-friendly enough for anyone’s tool box, Klein Tools’ 9-inch lineman pliers are made from tough forged steel with crosshatched jaws for secure grip and induction-hardened cutters for improved edge retention. There are channels which close securely on both ⅛-inch or ¼-inch fish tapes, allowing for strong pulling without causing damage, something that can be a problem with low-cost models.
How comfortable are lineman pliers?
Some simpler models may just have the handles dipped in molten polyethylene. On quality tools, this provides a tough nonslip skin between the metal handles and the user’s hands.
How much does a lineman plier weigh?
The tool is clearly marked with the latter specification, an important feature to check when buying insulated lineman pliers. Weighing in at just over 1 pound, these pliers offer a bit of heft in hand.
What tools do electricians use to cut wire?
Every home electrician’s tool belt should carry at least one pair of lineman pliers. Used by people in the electrical trade, these tools can cut, straighten, and bend wire as well as twist wires together when making splices. Whereas professionals often buy separate tools for wire cutting and stripping, the best lineman pliers can tackle both tasks and thus save money, particularly for occasional DIY users.
What makes lineman pliers unique?
What makes lineman pliers unique is that they are safe for electrical work and their design maximizes force through leverage. Grips are insulated and ergonomically better than bare metal, as well as much safer to use.
Why are lineman pliers called lineman pliers?
Have you ever wondered why lineman (or linesman) pliers are called by their name? Almost every toolbox has at least one set of these handy tools, but where on earth did they get their unique name? Lineman pliers are named for the occupation of electrical linesmen.
When were electrical lines invented?
The job of being an electrical linesman was born in the 1840s, with the invention of the telegraph. Telegraph lines were able to be strung between trees, however soon wooden poled were the preferred method of installing lines. Linemen were those laborers who set the poles in place and strung the telegraph wires or lines between them. These same workers installed telephone lines after their invention in the 1870s, and continued when electrical wires were first created in the 1890s.
Why did Klein forged a new half?
Klein forged a new half to repair the broken tool, only to have the lineman return soon after to have the now broken original part remade. Klein took advantage of the demand for good quality and durable hand tools for telegraph work after the US Civil War.
When were linemen first introduced?
Part of the safety standards implemented for linemen included creation and use of the proper tools. The first linesman pliers were created in 1857 by Mathias Klein, a German immigrant in Chicago. A telegraph lineman brought a broken pair of side-cutting pliers to Klein’s forge shop.
Who were the linemen?
Linemen were those laborers who set the poles in place and strung the telegraph wires or lines between them. These same workers installed telephone lines after their invention in the 1870s, and continued when electrical wires were first created in the 1890s.
Is working with electrical lines dangerous?
Working with electrical lines was far more dangerous than telegraph or telephone lines, as there was a high risk of workers being electrocuted; in fact, from 1890 to the 1930s, being a lineman was widely considered to be one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
How long are nail pliers?
Using them to cut nails will dull them quickly. Though the pliers are sold in various sizes, with lengths from five to 10 inches, the eight-inch size serves most needs ( view example on Amazon ). Buy a pair with plastic grips, but keep in mind that the plastic alone is not sufficient to protect you from electric shock.
What are the different types of pliers?
Learn about five types of pliers: slip-joint, water-pump, linesman, locking and needle-nose.
How do slip joint pliers work?
Like most pliers, they are operated by opening and closing the handles, which produces an opening and closing action of the jaws. But slip-joint pliers have the added advantage of an adjustable pivot point, which allows the two parts of the jaws to be shifted with respect to one another.
What is a small scale electrician's plier?
Smaller in scale than linesman’s pliers, the needle-nose pliers are particularly well suited to working with wire in confined spaces like electrical boxes, though they are also useful for bending and holding metal fittings. Their jaws taper to a point, and at the nose have serrations on the gripping surface. At the throat of the tool near the pivot there is a side cutter.
What is an adjustable plier?
These adjustable pliers are designed to be used as a hand-held vice or clamp that locks firmly onto a workpiece. Also called plier wrenches, lever-wrench pliers, and by the proprietary name Vicegrips, they have a double-lever action. Their jaws are closed like those on other pliers by squeezing the handles together.
What is a slip joint plier?
The slip-joint pliers were the tool that I first learned to call pliers. Only later did I discover that there were more kinds of pliers than there were kids in my neighborhood.
How long is a water pump plier?
Water-pump pliers come in various sizes, ranging from four to 16 inches in length, and the models in the middle of that range are the most generally useful ( view example on Amazon ). On all models, the handles are long in proportion to length of the tool, providing for maximum leverage. Water-pump pliers are made of steel, ...
Why Should You Get Lineman’s Pliers?
But why should you go for lineman’s pliers? Also known as side-cutting pliers, lineman’s pliers offer you multipurpose uses in your line of duty.
Which lineman's pliers are the most durable?
Among all the lineman’s pliers reviewed here, IRWIN Tools are the most durable. With a lot of emphasis on quality and durability, this plier has easily become the most searched for in the market.
What is a pliers jaw?
It features machined jaws that ensure you have a solid grip when pulling or bending wires. The jaws are also responsible for delivering accurate cutting, especially when measurements are of the essence. Regardless of the thickness of the wire, pliers cut it hassle-free. Moreover, the cutting edges are toughened through induction to ensure durable sharpness.
What is channellock pliers?
Channellock is a well-known pliers brand that comes from one of the best manufacturers of linemen’s pliers. It is popular for distributing high-quality kinds of pliers that are available at amazingly affordable prices.
How to sharpen lineman pliers?
Another way to sharpening lineman pliers is by using a bench grinder. When you use a bench grinder, you can adjust the angle to whatever suits your needs best.
What is a thickened metal plier?
With thickened metal portion, it will save you force whenever cutting the wires or stripping cables. The pliers also have joint with reserved reasonable gas, which significantly reduces friction. This makes its use easy, thus ensuring you don’t tire quickly.
Why are pliers cushioned?
Furthermore, the best pliers are cushioned in order to deter electrostatic discharge damage to crucial components and electronics.