Locking pliers (also called Vise-Grips, a vice grip, Mole wrench or mole grips) are pliers that can be locked into position, using an "over-center" cam action. Locking pliers are available with many different jaw styles, such as needle-nose pliers, wrenches, clamps and various shapes to fix metal parts for welding. They also come in many sizes.
Are vice grips and locking pliers the same thing?
Locking pliers are more commonly known as Vise-Grips, which is a name trademarked by Irwin Tools.
Why are locking pliers called vise-grips?
Locking Pliers – how they work Once locked in place, the pliers literally grip material like a vice; to release the jaws, there is a separate lever built into the handle which instantly disengages them when it is pressed.
What do locking pliers?
Locking pliers are pretty much what their name implies—pliers that lock into position, allowing them to tightly grip objects with remarkable strength. The exact point at which the pliers go from “open” to “locked” is adjustable, allowing you to lock them on to items of different sizes, such as nuts and bolts.
What are adjustable pliers called?
slip-joint pliersAdjustable or slip-joint pliers offer two or more widths to accommodate a wider range of tasks. Handles are used to grip the pliers, a pivot allows the jaws to open and the head grips or cuts the material you are working with.
What is a vice grip tool?
Vice grips are the extra set of hands every DIYer needs. The locking feature allows them to be clamped tight and stay that way while you make a cut, measurement or free a stripped bolt. Common vice grips look like a heavy-duty set of pliers.
What do vice grips look like?
0:526:54how to use vise grips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight there like so or she'll show you the same thing on the bigger.MoreRight there like so or she'll show you the same thing on the bigger.
Who invented locking pliers?
William PetersenWilliam Petersen was a Danish immigrant who invented the first locking pliers in his blacksmith shop, and began selling them from the trunk of his car to farmers and people in surrounding towns.
Are channel locks pliers?
Channel lock pliers, named after the American company that produces them – Channellock -- are used for grabbing and pinching things. They're made from sturdy materials such as high-carbon steel, and their gripping jaws provide a strong grip on an object.
How do you use locking pliers to remove screws?
Key momentsLoosen the adjusting knob. Loosen the adjusting knob. 0:15.Adjust the pliers width. Match the screw head diameter. Adjust the pliers width. Match the screw head diameter. ... Then just loosen the screw. Then just loosen the screw. 0:41.Unlock with both hands. Just pull the handle. Unlock with both hands.
What are different names for pliers?
Pliers synonymstweezers. A small tool, consisting of two arms joined at one end, for plucking out hairs, handling little objects, etc. ... plyers. Plural form of plyer. ... pinchers. Alternative form of pincers. ... forceps. ... pair of pliers. ... pincers (related)
What are different kinds of pliers?
Types of PliersWater-Pump Pliers (Tongue-and-Groove Pliers) Water-pump pliers (also known as tongue-and-groove pliers) operate on the same principles as the slip joints. ... Locking Pliers. ... Linesman's Pliers. ... Cutting Pliers. ... Wire Strippers. ... Fencing Pliers.
What are 2 pairs of pliers called?
The plural form of pliers is also pliers. Find more words! Another word for.
What is the use of a pliers?
Pliers are made in various shapes and sizes and for many uses. Some are used for gripping something round like a pipe or rod, some are used for twisting wires, and others are designed to be used for a combination of tasks including cutting wire.
What are long nose locking pliers used for?
Long-nose locking pliers let you clamp on to small items such as staples, nails, pins and broken screws to pull them out from wherever they're stuck. Vise-grip pliers have a myriad of uses beyond removing broken screws and loosening frozen nuts.
How do you tighten locking pliers?
1:054:46How To Lock Vise Grips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAround the object to get the correct thickness you need to first close it and then turn the boltMoreAround the object to get the correct thickness you need to first close it and then turn the bolt clockwise. Until you can't rotate it any further then remove it. Then close it.
How do you adjust locking pliers?
0:572:03How do I adjust my Locking Grip Pliers? - #AmtechKnowhow - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo there's a lever here which then releases the plier the mole grip or the wrench you wind theMoreSo there's a lever here which then releases the plier the mole grip or the wrench you wind the handle in here which moves the bar. You can then clamp it if it's tight enough fine.
What is a locking plier?
Locking pliers being used as a substitute knob on an espresso machine. The bolt is used to set the jaws to a size slightly smaller than what is to be gripped. The jaws are then closed on the gripped object. Because of the lever action the jaws move only slightly but with much force. Locking pliers have four advantages:
What is the mechanism of locking pliers?
The principal mechanism of locking pliers is the over-centre clamp. When the pliers are closed on an object, the mechanism passes through a point of tightest clamping and as the handle levers are closed further, the jaws release slightly. The inherent flexibility of the pliers maintains a spring pressure on the jaws such that the handle needs to be pulled open to release the clamping pressure. Thus the pliers will safely remain clamped on the object without requiring continuous pressure on the handle levers.
What is the purpose of a lever on a locking plier?
One side of the handle of locking pliers includes a bolt that is used to adjust the spacing of the jaws, while the other side (especially in larger models) often includes a lever to push the two sides of the handles apart to unlock the pliers. "Mole" and "Vise-Grip" are trade names of different brands of locking pliers, yet mechanics and do-it-yourself hobbyists and craftspeople generically refer to locking pliers as "Vise-Grips" in the US, and "Mole grips" in the UK. In Ireland the tool is known as a "vice grip".
When were locking pliers invented?
The first locking pliers, named Vise-Grips, were invented by William S. Petersen in De Witt, Nebraska in 1924. In 1955 "Mole wrenches" were developed by Thomas Coughtrie (1917–2008), who was at that time managing director of M. K. Mole and Son.
What is a plier in Ireland?
In Ireland the tool is known as a "vice grip". Locking pliers are available in many different configurations, such as needle-nose locking pliers, locking wrenches, locking clamps and various shapes to fix metal parts for welding. They also come in many sizes.
Do pliers need to be pulled open?
The inherent flexibility of the pliers maintains a spring pressure on the jaws such that the handle needs to be pulled open to release the clamping pressure. Thus the pliers will safely remain clamped on the object without requiring continuous pressure on the handle levers.
What is a brake plier?
A brake spring plier is a multi-device built specifically for dealing with the springs, which is found in drum brakes. One jaw’s tip is rounded to release the springs, whereas the other jaw’s tip is turned to keep the springs in place. A rachet is included in one of the handles to remove the shoe hold-down pin.
What is a hose clamp plier?
Hose clamp pliers are designed to squeeze the hose and spring clamp, ensuring that the joint is secure. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It also is known as radiator hose pliers and spring clamp pliers. Every jaw of this plier seems to have a peg-shaped tooth that pinches the clamp. Some models used the hose directly.
What is a piler used for?
For cutting reasons, one side of the jaw is sharp. These pilers can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting cables, turning nails, and other tiny tasks. Insulated handles are used on electrical piling. A pair of pliers should never be used to cut an extremely hard metal since the edge will be ruined. Parallel slots are constructed on the inside of the door for a solid grasp of jobs.
What is tongue and groove pliers?
Tongue and groove pliers are a form of movable pliers with a jagged groove and an upper handle that allows the lower jaw to be locked in a variety of settings. This tool’s jaws make it ideal for twisting nuts and bolts. Channel locks is another name for it.
What is a crimping plier?
Crimping pliers are used as nutcrackers and have a fulcrum at the end. The wires are usually fed into the jaw jack first, followed by the connector. Crimping tools is another name for it. When you press the handle, the plastic coating is damaged and deformed, causing them to cling together and allow data to travel through. In networking and telecommunications, they’re widely used.
What is a diagonal plier?
The angled edge on the jaws of diagonal pliers is designed to cut through the thick wire. They’re quite durable and can even be used to trim nails. As a result, they’re helpful in carpentry and electrical operations. Wire cutter, the side-cutting plier, flush cut plier, and diagonal cutting plier is some of the other names for it.
What is a needle nose plier?
This needle nose plier’s version has a set of jaws that usually tilt at an angle in the middle. When several pliers are required, this permits them to fasten surfaces. As a result, they’re useful in the jewelry industry, electrical work, and other wire-shaping companies.
3. Combination Pliers
Very similar to lineman’s pliers, combination pliers offer a bit more versatility.
5. Needle Nose Pliers
This tool offers long, thin jaws that taper down to a very small size.
6. Bent Nose Pliers
A kind of fraternal twin of the needle-nose plier, bent-nose pliers are essentially the same tool but with, as you might imagine, a curve or bend at the end of the pliers’ jaw.
7. Nail Puller Pliers
These pliers, as the name says, are for pulling nails. They offer a pincer construction, designed to get as close to the surface the nail is in as possible before clamping down on the nail itself.
8. Round-Nose Pliers
Perhaps the polar opposite of nail pullers, round-nose pliers are for delicate work.
9. Bail-Making Pliers
Another jewelry-centric tool, bail-making pliers are summed up in the name.
10. Chain Nose Pliers
Chain nose pliers are very similar to bail-making pliers in design, construction, and use.
What are the different types of pliers?
Learn about five types of pliers: slip-joint, water-pump, linesman, locking and needle-nose.
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 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.
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, ...
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 is a plier?
I. Plier Basics. Pliers are a common tool used in all types of construction, plumbing and general repair. No toolkit is complete without at least one pair of pliers – and more are generally better. Pliers are used to grip, hold, bend and even cut a variety of objects. Pliers also help with the use of other tools, too.
How many different types of pliers are there?
Can you believe there are actually 16 different types of pliers? Yes there is and we list them out here with a brief description of specific uses, jobs and purposes. This is your epic pliers buying guide.
Why use a plier nose?
In many situations a cutter is quicker and easier to handle than a pocket knife. Pliers are also used to remove hooks from caught fish. The type of fish you plan to catch will determine the plier nose length. Generally, saltwater fishing requires a longer nose because the fish are usually pretty large.
What is an adjustable plier?
Adjustable pliers offer a lot of versatility. The jaw opening can be adjusted to fit items small and large. Jaws remain parallel so they can grip pipes, bolts and other circular items.
What is a tongue and groove plier?
Tongue and groove pliers have large jaws and long handles. Used to tighten metal plumbing pipes.
How much do pliers cost?
Pliers usually aren’t particularly expensive. You can find a solid pair of practically any type of pliers for around $10 to $30.
Where do you put pliers for cutting wires?
Many people are surprised to learn how often pliers are used for cutting wires. The cutter is usually put inside the handle or in the nose. You slip a wire into the cutter. Usually, the best type of cutter for general home improvement is the one inside the jaws, instead of in the handle.
What are Slipknot pliers?
Slipknot pliers are a type of pliers that are used to grip and hold onto objects. They are named after the band Slipknot because of their unique design that resembles the band’s logo. Slipknot pliers are made of two gripping jaws that are connected by a hinge. The jaws are lined with teeth that help to grip onto objects.
What are V jaw pliers used for?
V jaw pliers are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including gripping, twisting, and cutting wires. They are also often used to grip and bend small objects.
Why are they called pump pliers?
Pump pliers are a type of slip-joint pliers that were patented by Frederick P.W. Boneman in 1883. They are also sometimes called water pump pliers or Carlton pliers. The jaws of pump pliers are offset at an angle, which allows for more torque to be applied to a nut or bolt.
What are the two main kinds of pliers?
The two main kinds of pliers are slip-joint pliers and locking pliers.
What type of pliers are used to cut heavy duty wires?
The most common type is the diagonal cutting pliers. These pliers have a cutting blade on one side and a gripping jaw on the other, which allows them to easily grip and cut through thick wires.
Are groove joint pliers the same as channel locks?
Though both tools are designed to grip objects, channel locks and groove joint pliers serve different purposes. Channel locks are generally used to grip round objects, like pipes, while groove joint pliers are used to grip flat objects.
How do you use a pipe plier?
Pipe pliers, also known as slip-joint or adjustable pliers, are one of the most versatile tools available. Their jaws are adjustable, allowing them to grip a wide range of pipe sizes, and they can be used for a variety of tasks including tightening and loosening pipe fittings, holding pipes while cutting, and bending and shaping pipes.
Overview
Locking pliers (also called Vise-Grips, a vice grip, Mole wrench or mole grips) are pliers that can be locked into position, using an "over-center" cam action. Locking pliers are available with many different jaw styles, such as needle-nose pliers, wrenches, clamps and various shapes to fix metal parts for welding. They also come in many sizes.
History
The first locking pliers, with the trade name Vise-Grip, were invented by William S. Petersen in De Witt, Nebraska, United States in 1924.
Later, in 1955, in the United Kingdom, M K Mole and Son, a hand tool manufacturing company, under the managing direction of Thomas Coughtrie, began making nearly identical pliers.
Etymology
In the United States, the brand name "Vise Grips" is close to a generic name for this type of pliers. The same is true in the United Kingdom of the brand name "Mole Wrench".
The spelling "vise" is mentioned in Samuel Johnson's 1755 dictionary. This spelling is orthodox in the United States.
The spelling "vice" can be traced back to 1584, for the clamping sense of the word. This is the cu…
Mechanism
Locking pliers remain clamped to an object without requiring continuous pressure on the handles based on the "over-center" principle. After being properly adjusted using a threaded screw, the pliers are brought to bear by cam action. In the process of being closed on an object the mechanism passes through a point of maximum tightest clamping and as the handle levers are closed further, the jaws release slightly. This means that to open the jaws have to be tightened, t…
Operation
The bolt is used to set the jaws to a size slightly smaller than what is to be gripped. The jaws are then closed on the gripped object.
Because of the lever action the jaws move only slightly but with much force. Locking pliers have four advantages:
• Their lever action is stronger than that of ordinary pliers, so they can apply mu…
External links
• History of the Vise-Grip
• "New Tool Is Both Pliers and Wrench" Popular Science, December 1935, page 42
• "Wrench with Vise Like Grip Keeps Work from Slipping", Popular Mechanics, September 1935, page 326