月: 2023年1月

What Are Linesman Pliers?

Linesman Pliers are tools mainly used for electrical work and electronic construction.

They are mainly used to crimp terminals and other parts onto electrical wires. They are sometimes equated with crimping pliers, which are commonly used to crimp terminals. 

However, the functions of the two are very different. In the field of linesman pliers, there is a distinction between crimping pliers that simply only crimp wires and crimp terminals, and linesman pliers that, in addition to the crimping function, also have cable cutter functions for cutting wires and wire strippers for stripping wire sheaths.

Usage of Linesman Pliers

Linesman Pliers are used to perform a series of crimping operations of terminals to wires. They are useful for electronic work and wiring repair work in confined spaces.

Although it is possible to crush terminals and connect them to wires with radio pliers or other tools, the claws are made to bite into the wire sheath to prevent the terminals from coming loose, so the correct crimp shape cannot be formed during crimping, which reduces the reliability of the electrical connection.

Linesman Pliers can be used to crush the terminal to produce a firm claw, which bites into the sheath of the wire and prevents the terminal from coming off easily.

In addition to crimping the terminals, cutting the wire, stripping the sheath, and cutting the bolts can also be done with linesman pliers, making it unnecessary to use other tools when working.

Principle of Linesman Pliers

The following is the principle of linesman pliers, and how they differ from crimping pliers. 

1. Die (Terminal Crimping Part)

The die refers to the tip part that tightens the crimp terminal. Many crimping pliers are specially designed for each crimp terminal, so the finish after crimping is clean and the wire can be securely connected. Some of them can also be used for crimping terminals of different sizes by replacing the die.

Linesman Pliers, on the other hand, have a strong aspect as a general-purpose product and can be used for crimping work as long as the size matches, without being able to replace the die.

2. Cable Cutter Function

Linesman Pliers also have a function for cutting wires, allowing work without having to prepare separate tools such as nippers, etc., and without having to change tools.

3.Wire Stripper Function

Linesman Pliers also have a function for stripping wire sheathing, allowing you to complete a series of crimping terminal operations with a single pair of pliers.

How to Select Linesman Pliers

When selecting linesman pliers, please note the following:

1. Intended Use

Linesman Pliers have a variety of uses, and each product has different features. For example, they are equipped with a bolt cutter, can strip 3 wire coats at once, and other extra functions, so you need to select the product that meets your needs. 

2. Grip

When crimping wires and terminals, it is necessary to crush the terminals with strong force, so it is important that the shape of the grip is easy to grip.

There are products with a shape and material designed to be easy to grip, as well as those with a spring-loaded assist, so it is advisable to select a product according to your needs. 

3. Type of Crimp Terminal to Be Used

Since the terminals used differ depending on the equipment, such as flat connection terminals and connector terminals, linesman pliers should be selected for each type of terminal. If pliers that are not suitable for the intended terminal are used, problems such as disconnection of the joint or breaking of the wire may occur.

Some linesman pliers are compatible with more than 100 types of terminals, so please check in advance whether they are compatible with the crimp terminals you plan to use.

What Is a Socket Wrench?

A socket wrench is a tool consisting of a wrench, which is the handle, and a socket, which is the part attached to the wrench. It is used for the maintenance of facilities and equipment.

The socket is detachable. By choosing the right one for the situation, such as hex bit sockets for hexagon socket bolts (cap bolts) or 6-point sockets for hexagonal bolts, you can perform various tasks.

One set of socket wrenches allows you to handle multiple fastening parts, making it a useful tool for those in the maintenance field.

How to Use Socket Wrenches

Socket wrenches are used by fitting a socket of the correct size and shape for the fastening part into the handle. Insert the socket into the head of the fastening part and turn the handle in the direction of rotation to tighten or loosen the screw.
The socket should be inserted into the head of the fastener firmly and deeply, and never at an angle. If the socket is not inserted deeply enough into the head, it might dislodge when force is applied, potentially striking the hand. Furthermore, with an extended handle, greater torque is necessary, which could lead to secure fastening but might also risk damaging the fastening component.

How to Select Socket Wrenches

When selecting socket wrenches, choose a socket that is compatible with the fastening part. 6-point sockets and hex-bit sockets are used for hexagonal bolts and cap bolts, which are commonly used in equipment. Long sockets may be used for hexagonal sockets to remove nuts located in deep places. An extension bar can also be used to reach the nuts and bolts that are located in the back.

The key to choosing a socket is not only the shape of the socket but also that of the handle. Various shapes are available, including a T-shaped handle that allows for a secure grip with both hands and a screwdriver handle for quick turning. Hence, it is also important to choose a handle with good work efficiency.

Socket wrenches have an insertion angle on the socket side and a drive angle on the handle side. Each must be the same size to be inserted. The larger the insertion angle (drive angle), the larger the handle itself will inevitably be. Since the insertion angle varies depending on the size of the socket used, it is necessary to prepare different sets for different sizes if you are handling bolts of widely different sizes.

What Is a Hook Spanner?

A hook spanner is a tool mainly used to tighten or loosen an adapter nut. As the name suggests, it is shaped like a hook and is used by hooking the hook spanner’s claw part into the groove of the adapter nut.

Since all you have to do is hook and turn it, it is easy and safe to tighten and loosen.

However, if the size of the hook spanner is not selected to match the size of the adapter nut, the hook spanner’s jaws may come off during operation, which could result in injury. Therefore, size selection should be done carefully.

How to Use the Hook Spanners

Hook spanners are mainly used to tighten or loosen grooved nuts called adapter nuts.

First, to use the hook spanners, select hook spanners of the appropriate size for the adapter nut, and hook the claw on the tip of the hook spanner into the groove of the adapter nut. Then, place the base of the arc called the “jaw” against the adapter nut.

Turn the handle clockwise to tighten the nut and counterclockwise to loosen it. At this time, a large force is generated by the principle of leverage, with the claw as the point of action, the jaw as the point of force, and the handle as the point of force.

How to Choose Hook Spanners

When choosing hook spanners, you must first select a size that fits the adapter nut perfectly.

If the hook spanner is too small for the adapter nut, the jaws will not go deep enough into the groove, and the hook spanner will not be able to get a good grip. Also, the hook spanners will not be able to exert sufficient force, which may result in insufficient tightening or loosening torque.

If the hook spanner is too large for the adapter nut, the jaws will be too long for the depth of the groove, resulting in shallow jaw engagement. Also, the fulcrum will hit somewhere in the arc instead of the jaw, and the hand force will not be transmitted properly. In addition, if the tightening torque becomes too large, the screw will be damaged.

As mentioned above, the size selection of the hook spanners is important for safety. Basically, it is safe as long as the arc of the hook spanners is in line with the outside diameter of the adapter nut. To work safely, make sure that the jaws are firmly hooked and in contact before applying force.

What Is a Chain Wrench?

A chain wrench (or chain tong) is a tool for turning pipes and other objects that cannot be firmly fixed and gripped due to their round shape (cross-section).

Wrapping the object with the chain and turning it in the required direction of rotation tightens the chain and allows the object to rotate. Then, by turning it slightly in the opposite direction, the tightening is loosened and the object can be removed. It is necessary to wind the chain in the correct direction of tightening and rotation.

By changing the mounting position of the chain, it can be used for various pipe sizes.

Uses of Chain Wrenches

Chain wrenches are used for installing and removing oil filters in automobile repair shops and screwing pipes and fittings at plumbing installation sites.

Chain wrenches are especially suitable for tightening pipes in narrow places, close to walls, or with large outer diameters, where pipe wrenches cannot be used.

How to Select Chain Wrenches

The following points should be considered when selecting chain wrenches:

1. Outer diameter of the pipe
   The model number of the wrench varies depending on the outer diameter of the pipe that can be inserted. The pipe’s outer diameter determines the length of the chain. Some wrenches can also be used for larger pipes by adding a commercially available chain.
2. Guaranteed Torque
   Guaranteed torque varies depending on the model and material. Therefore, it is necessary to select a model with guaranteed torque suitable for the work.
3. Others
   The following other types are available and should be selected after careful consideration of the intended use:

   a. Models with jaws with two opposite blades (metal fittings for gripping the object) so that they can be used in both directions of rotation without having to replace the wrench, and can be used like a ratchet.
   
   b. The jaws can be replaced when they are worn or damaged.

   c. Equipped with a mechanism to prevent the chain from falling off under its own weight.

What Is a Pin Spanner?

A pin spanner is a tool used to insert a pin in a part with a hole or to hook and rotate a pin in the groove of a part.

There are two types of pin spanners: the hook type, which hooks the pin on the side of the object, and the open-mouth type, which hooks the pin on the top of the object. The hook type is suitable for turning threaded parts, such as nuts, while the open-mouth type is suitable for turning threaded parts.

Both types are used for turning screws, but note that the method of use is different.

How to Use Pin Spanners

The use of pin spanners varies greatly depending on the type used. Here, we would like to explain how to use the hook type and the open-mouth type.

• Hook type
  The hook type is mainly used to turn nut-shaped screws. A hole or groove is cut in the side of the nut, into which the pin on the end of the pin spanner is hooked. The opposite side of the arc is then placed against the nut and turned in the tightening or loosening direction.
• Open Mouth Type
  To use the open-mouth type, insert the pins at the tips of the two arms into the two holes in the object to turn it. The arm width can be adjusted with a screw or freely moved.

How to Choose Pin Spanners

There are different ways to select pin spanners, depending on the thickness of the pin and the way to adjust the width of the arm opening. Here, we would like to explain how to select an open-mouth type.

• Selecting by pin thickness
  When choosing pin spanners by pin thickness, you need to select a size that fits perfectly in the hole. If the pin is too large, it will not fit in the hole, and if the pin is too small, it may break when force is applied. It is necessary to check that there is no gap when the pin is inserted into the hole.
• Selecting by arm width adjustment method
  There are two main ways to adjust arm width.

The first is the free-type adjustment method, in which two arms are connected only by a fulcrum pin. There is no limit to the width of the arm opening, and this has the advantage of allowing quick opening and closing. However, since the width tends to shift, it must be adjusted each time it is inserted into the hole.

The second type adjusts the arm width with a screw. The advantage of this type is that the arm width can be easily fine-tuned and does not shift when the pin is removed from the hole. When doing the same job over and over again, efficiency is increased because there is no need to adjust the width. However, it takes time to adjust the width of the hole at the beginning.