What are pliers

Pliers are hand tools, designed primarily for grippingGripping pliers (used to improve grip)
objects by using leverage. Pliers are designed forCombination pliers or lineman's pliers
numerous purposes and require different jawFlat nose pliers
configurations to grip, turn, pull, or crimp a variety ofRound nose pliers
things. They are a tool common to many dexterousLong-nose or needle-nose pliers, which have long,
trades and occupations. Many types of pliers alsonarrow jaws for gripping in confined spaces
include jaws for cutting.Water pump or channel lock pliers - with adjustable
Historyjaw sizes, which are designed to grip various sizes of
Pliers were first invented in Europe around 2000 BC toround, hexagon, flat or similarly shaped objects
grip hot objects (principally iron as it was being forgedRetaining ring or circlip pliers, which are used for fixing
on an anvil). Among the oldest illustrations of pliers areor loosening retaining rings
those showing the Greek god Hephaestus in hisLocking pliers
smithy. Today, pliers intended principally to be used forNail pulling pliers - an adaptation of the end nipper used
safely handling hot objects are usually called tongs.for cutting wire; the jaws may be asymmetric, allowing
The number of different designs of pliers grew withthe nail to be pulled out with a rocking motion on the
the invention of the different objects which they weresurface in which it is imbedded.
used to handle: horse shoes, fasteners, wire, pipes,Cutting pliers (used to sever or pinch off)
electrical and electronic components.Combination pliers or lineman's pliers
DesignDiagonal pliers (wire cutters, side cutting pliers or side
The basic design of pliers has changed little since theircutters) not really pliers as it is only used for cutting
origins, with the pair of handles, the pivot (often formedPinching pliers (end nippers)
by a rivet), and the head section with the gripping jawsWire stripping pliers - cuts and removes insulation on
or cutting edges forming the three elements. Inelectrical wire while leaving the wire intact
distinction to pair of scissors or shears, the plier's jawsNeedle-nose pliers - designed for gripping, but typically
always meet each other at one point.incorporate a cutter for 'one-tool' convenience.
In technical terms, pliers are an instrument that convertCrimping pliers
a power grip, the curling of the fingers into the palm ofFor crimping electrical terminals and connectors
the hand, into a precision grip, which directs the power(solderless connections)
of the hand's grip in a precise fashion on the object toFor crimping metal rings or tags on livestock
be gripped. The handles are long relative to the shorterFor crimping metal security seals on cargo carriers
nose of the pliers. Therefore, they act as levers,For crimping an impression on a document - as in a
concentrating and, in effect, amplifying the force in thenotary's seal
hand's grip on a work piece.For crimping laboratory vials
Common typesFor crimping bottles with sprayer tops, such as
Lock jaw pliers, also called vise grips or "mole grips".perfume bottles
NOTE: Vise-Grip is a trade name of IRWIN IndustrialRotational pliers
Tools pliersdeveloped by NASA engineers to enable an astronaut
Enlargeto turn a nut in zero gravity. The clamping motion of
Lock jaw pliers, also called vise grips or "mole grips".the hand is converted to rotational motion to drive a
NOTE: Vise-Grip is a trade name of IRWIN Industrialsocket wrench
Tools pliers