What Are Locking Pliers?
Grip pliers, also called “locking pliers” or “vice grip pliers,” are a type of plier that has a threaded lock on the grip that allows the pliers to be locked while gripping an object.
Depending on the shape, there are various types such as curved type, straight type, long nose type, C-clamp type, and so on.
They are convenient tools that can be used in place of monkey wrenches, nippers, pliers, vices, etc. They can be bent and turned while maintaining the object in a fixed position, so choosing the appropriate product according to the work to be performed will improve efficiency.
Uses of Locking Pliers
Locking pliers are used to improve work efficiency in a wide range of fields, including woodworking, sheet metal, welding, machine work, maintenance, plumbing, and DIY work.
Specific examples of use are as follows:
- Plumbing work, screwdriver assistance, and grinder work
- Maintenance work for cars, machines, motorcycles, and ships
- Fixing small-diameter pipes
- Removing broken screws
- Fixing square iron materials and panels
- Temporary fixing of hardware, welding work
- Use as a wire cutter
- Holding small items such as broken screws, small screws, split pins, etc.
Principle of Locking Pliers
The construction and use of locking pliers are simple. Open the mouth according to the thickness of the object to be clamped, adjust the width with the adjusting screw at the rear end, and lock the mouth width by gripping the handle tightly. After work, make sure to lower the release lever on the handle to unlock and release the fixed object.
The mouth opening width can be freely changed to suit the object, but it may come off in the middle of the work if it is used in an unreasonable manner. Also, if the adjustment screw is not tightened with the proper strength, the lock may not engage or may become wobbly, so care must be taken to ensure that the object is securely fastened.
Automatic-type locking pliers, which do not require adjustment of the mouth opening width, can be used to easily gripping the object without any force, so there is no need to adjust the size and tightening strength.
The lock release mechanism is based on the principle of small force gaining large force, and can be released smoothly by applying moderate force.
How to Select Locking Pliers
There are many types of locking pliers. The shape and length of the pliers vary depending on the application, so choose the pliers that suit you best.
- Combination type” is the standard type.
- C-type clamping pliers” are tools with a wide jaw opening. It is a very convenient plier that combines the functions of a vise and pliers. The main uses are to grip, twist, and cut steel plates and wires.
- “Long arm type” The jaws will open longer than normal pliers, with a total length of over 300 mm. The jaws are longer than those of ordinary pliers, with a total length of over 300 mm, and the jaws are open longer.
- “Long nose type” has a thin and pointy tip, which can grip and turn small screws, bolts, and nuts in narrow places.
- “Pad clamp type” The swivel pad at the end of the pliers is movable, so it can be used to secure inclined objects. It is useful for fixing panels and welding work.
- “Pliers for welding” These pliers are specially designed for welding. The jaws and handles are far apart to prevent burns.
- “Pliers for sheet metal.” These pliers are used for bending and temporary fixing.