Pliers and pliers: what are these tools, the differences between them, how to choose the right tool, an overview of popular models, their pros and cons

Pincers and forceps - the most ancient devices known since prehistoric times. According to historians, they were initially used in blacksmithing, but very quickly formed a large group of pliers. Today, the number of varieties of such devices is very large; not every master can list them all at once. They are usually called pliers or pliers, although almost every design option has its own name.

It is noteworthy that significant changes in the design of such instruments have not been made for a very long time, despite noticeable changes in the appearance of other devices. In addition, the specific use does not imply the creation of a power tool from these devices. Let's take a closer look at them.

What are pliers and pliers?

1-Pliers 2-Pliers
Both types are the most common and extensive types of pliers. They all have a similar design - two identical (most often) elements connected by a hinge. On one side there are handles, the other part is the working part.

The difference between all types consists of two positions:

Sponge shape . This indicator determines the name and purpose of the tool.
Hinge type . The classic type is a fixed hinge, but detachable options are often found that allow you to change the size of the working base (the grip width of the jaws).

The purpose of the tool is determined by the shape of the jaws. It can have cutting edges, cutouts that provide a stronger and tighter grip, and form a kind of template for bending various parts.

The following varieties exist:

Pliers.
Pliers.
Wire cutters.
Side cutters.

Round nose pliers.
Long nose pliers.
Needle nose pliers.
Ticks.

Expert opinion

Levin Dmitry Konstantinovich

In everyday life, any type of tool at the disposal of a craftsman is often called pliers. This is wrong, but it is not important for a home master. However, when communicating between specialists or in a store, you should be precise and understand the differences between the tools.

Types of pliers

Tools are classified according to the type of working surface:

Devices with elongated jaws are used to perform work in narrow and cramped spaces.
For electrical work, models with jaws that are elongated and curved at a certain angle are more often used.
Duckbill pliers are used like tweezers: their jaws have a maximum length and are strongly extended forward. Another key advantage of the model is its increased compression force.
When working with fragile materials, pliers are used, the working surface of which either does not have notches or is additionally equipped with a softening coating. For this type of tool, you can additionally buy soft silicone tips.
There are also combined models that have a special recess on the working surface that allows you to securely hold round parts. Pliers are also available with a cutting edge.
Sliding models will help you firmly grip hexagonal, round or square-shaped parts. The jaws of such pliers have a strong bend, and the tool itself is larger in size than models of other types.
Side pliers can be easily distinguished from other types by the cutter on one side of the jaws. A tool is used to cut elements from different materials: wire, plastic, sheet metal, cardboard.

When purchasing side-type pliers, check which materials the model is intended to work with, since using a tool for copper and cardboard on materials that are more rigid and durable can easily damage the tool.

Pliers with semicircular jaws are used when working with wires. The working surface of the tool may or may not have cutting edges. If edges are present, pliers can be used to cut wire material. The shape of the tool's jaws allows you to grip uneven surfaces, and therefore this type of pliers is in demand in plumbing and repair work.

A separate type of tool are dielectric models that have insulating handles, which allows the pliers to be used in live work. The permissible operating voltage must be indicated on the tool handle. Typically its value is 1000 Volts.

Difference between pliers and pliers

The difference between both types is not fundamental, but quite definite.
Pliers are designed for gripping, squeezing, and bending various parts or workpieces. The working surfaces are straight, usually with fine corrugation to prevent the material from slipping when gripping.

Pliers are a universal tool. They are capable of performing a significantly larger number of operations and tasks, since their jaws are equipped with various recesses, grips, and cutting edges on both the inside and outside.

A typical set of functionality typical of pliers:

Capturing, clamping parts.
Bending wire or sheet metal.
Biting wire, nails, screws, etc.

The versatility of pliers makes them the main type of pliers. They are used by electricians, mechanics, technicians, and other specialists. Due to their capabilities, they are included in the mandatory set of tools and devices required to perform most technical or construction tasks. Often pliers are equipped with additional tools - a grip on the other side of the hinge, auxiliary devices at the ends of the handles (screwdriver or awl). The demand and popularity of the instrument is confirmed by the large selection of manufacturers and models available on store shelves.

Pliers: design and purpose

Pliers have their own separate state standard - GOST 17438-72. According to this GOST, pliers are a tool designed for gripping and clamping pipes and parts of various shapes.

To grasp such cylindrical objects, the pliers have one or two notches with toothed notches on the inner surface.

Below, in the photo, there are old Soviet pliers; similar grooves are clearly visible on them.

Features, technical specifications

The main technical characteristics of pliers and pliers are:

Size (total). Usually ranges from 10 to 20 cm.
Width of jaws. standard - 2-3 cm.
Opening angle of working surfaces. Depends on the type of hinge and specific design features.
Set of functions (for pliers). The presence of cutting surfaces, the ability to cut through steel wire using a groove on the outer surface of the jaws, a return spring, etc.

Hinge type. There are fixed or adjustable designs
Availability of rubber, PVC or plastic linings for handles
View
Coatings: Tools are available in chrome or blued finish.

The main feature of the tool is the presence of two handles that perform dual functions:

Used for holding in hands.

Adjust the amount of opening and compression force of the jaws.

Expert opinion

Levin Dmitry Konstantinovich

Working with insulated handles allows you to protect yourself from electric shock and provides comfort when using the tool in severe frost. However, there are pliers and pliers that do not have additional elements. They are usually used for working with hot objects when the safety of the handles cannot be ensured. In such situations, hand protection is necessary - mittens, suede gloves, etc.

What is the difference between pliers?

Having understood the design, purpose and types of pliers, it is worth finding out - what are pliers and what is the difference between these very similar tools?

The key difference between pliers and pliers is that the latter type of tool has a groove with notches on its working surface, which allows you to hold the parts as firmly as possible while working. The jaws of the pliers are most often of a combined shape, and their outermost part is made in the form of pliers. Some tool models have not one, but two recesses with different sizes, which is convenient, since it becomes possible to fix and hold elements of various shapes and sizes.

The key difference is the shape of the sponges

On sale you can find pliers with a hinge element that moves in the grooves. By moving the hinge, you can adjust the compression force as needed, as well as the amount of opening of the jaws. This type of pliers is considered universal: it can be used for working with parts of different sizes.

Most device models are equipped with side cutters, which are used to strip insulation from cables; some pliers have special edges for cutting hard wire. The tool is used in plumbing and electrical installation work, so the voltage value at which it is safe to use the pliers must be marked on their handle.

Having studied the design and types of pliers, we can conclude that the tool will differ from pliers in the following properties and characteristics:

Pros and cons of the tool

The advantages include:

Multifunctionality, versatility of use, ability to perform various tasks.
Compact, light weight, easy to carry the tool with you.
Wide choice of size, shape, additional functionality.
Affordable price.

Flaws:

The metal is prone to corrosion, so it is necessary to organize appropriate conditions for storing the tool.
The fixed hinge is subject to loss of mobility and requires periodic lubrication.
The handles wear out quite quickly and require replacement.

The disadvantages can be considered design features, since they are equally inherent in all pliers. The high demand and demand for pliers and pliers is well confirmed by the presence of one or several copies for every specialist and home craftsman.

Criterias of choice

You can choose a high-quality and convenient tool based on the following criteria:

Purpose, main tasks to be solved. Determine the size and width of the sponges, check the comfort of the hand grip and other organoleptic indicators;
Set of functions. For electricians, it is important to have insulating pads on the handles. In addition, it is necessary to inspect the working part and find out what operations are available when using this instance. It is recommended to choose the most multifunctional tool possible, although some additional functions may be redundant;
The color of the handles should be bright enough so that you can immediately find them in low light conditions;
The tool manufacturer must be well-known and reliable. There are a large number of products from Southeast Asian countries on the market. They do not provide sufficient strength and are made from the wrong steel. Sometimes the handles or jaws of such specimens simply break during operation. It’s better to pay more, but get a high-quality and durable tool;
There are household and professional pliers. The first ones are produced for home use, are not durable and are intended for occasional use. The latter are noticeably more expensive, but fully meet all quality requirements. It is recommended to give preference to professional samples that are guaranteed to perform all available tasks;
It is necessary to check the tool by squeezing the handles. Ideally, the jaws should compress tightly, without gaps. The cutting edges are adjacent to each other. The movement of the jaws is soft, without resistance.

Expert opinion

Levin Dmitry Konstantinovich

You should not save on buying a tool. The result will be the need to soon go to the store again and spend money again, so it is better to immediately choose a high-quality copy, even if it is somewhat more expensive than other varieties.

Popular makes and models

The number of manufacturers producing various types of pliers is very large. When purchasing, you may find yourself in a situation where all offers are of good quality and functionality.

Let's consider several popular models:

KNIPEX KN-0306160

A tool with dielectric pads that can withstand voltages up to 1000 V. The shape of the jaws is narrowed towards the end to make it easier to work in hard-to-reach places. There are cutting surfaces and a cutout for comfortable grip of round parts.

INFORCE 200 mm 06-18-03

A convenient tool for working with electrical wires. On the cutting edges in the upper part there is a special cutout that keeps the wire itself intact, cutting only the insulation. The large size (20 cm) provides access to terminals or other parts in hard-to-reach places.

NWS CombiMax 180mm, C5.2, H2.2, K12

An excellent choice for installers of metal containers, panel elements and other work with threaded fasteners. The side cutters are combined with a special gear-type crimp that securely holds the bolt head. Comfortable handles with a projection for one-handed operation.

Delo Techniki 413160 160 mm

Lightweight and convenient tool with massive stops on the top of the handles to prevent slipping. Optimal for installation work in narrow, hard-to-reach places. Weight is only 150 g. The shape of the jaws is narrow, curved, making it easier to install small elements.

STANLEY CONTROL-GRIP 200 mm

Classic-type pliers with comfortable insulated handles. Manufactured from carbon steel and easy to move. The weight is quite large - 400 g, which is explained by the strength and reliability of the tool.

MATRIX 16906, 200 mm

An optimal and compact example of pliers suitable for any work. They have all the necessary functions and are equipped with a groove for cutting wire on the outer sides of the jaws. Tool weight: 380 g.

NIH 2212-1-20

Pliers, which belong to the group of household tools, but in terms of functionality and quality are practically no different from professional ones. They have high stops on the handles, precise and tight connection of the jaws, and have cutters and a groove for cutting nails or wire. With a large length (20 cm) they weigh only 290 g.

Ombra 400107

A convenient tool with a smooth ride thanks to the abundant lubrication of the hinge. The handle covers have a two-component design with an anti-slip coating on the outside. With a length of 18 cm, the tool weighs 200 g. The side edges can cope with wire up to 3 mm thick.

WEDO 160 mm 41-160/30R7

The pliers are distinguished by precise German assembly, which allows you to securely clamp the thinnest materials. Made from C60 tool steel. The weight of the instrument is 300 g. Among the disadvantages is the relatively high price.

KNIPEX KN-0202180

Expensive professional tool made of tool steel 63 HRS. It undergoes forging and heat treatment, which makes the cutting edges capable of cutting through the hardest materials, even piano wire. In addition, the length of the side cutters allows you to work with cables up to 11 mm thick. Based on test results, it was determined that working with these pliers requires 35% less effort.

It is impossible and impractical to list all the quality tools. The number of offers on the market is too large. When purchasing, you should consult with a consultant who can recommend the most suitable option for existing conditions.

Tips from experienced users

To increase the service life of the tool, you should not use it for unusual work. Sometimes pliers are used as a stand when riveting metal parts with a hammer, or to hold live contacts. This leads to loosening of the hinge, and a strong spark when the contacts open can melt the jaws like welding. It is necessary to lubricate the pliers in a timely manner, wipe them from moisture with a rag, and clean them from aggressive chemical compounds. A careful and careful attitude will help keep the linings on the handles intact and increase the overall service life of the tool.

Which tool do you use most often?

PliersPliers

Pliers tools

Almost any type of locksmith work uses similar tools. All of them consist of a head, a handle and a movable axial joint . Since ancient times, blacksmiths have used large pliers in their work, with the help of which they held the workpiece on the anvil.

Over time, society, craft and tools changed. Simple pliers have evolved into a whole range of multifunctional and useful devices. Round nose pliers, wire cutters, pliers and pliers appeared.