What Is a Pincer?
Pincers are one of the tools used for gripping, twisting, and fixing.
The difference between pincers and pliers is that pliers are often jagged on the inside to increase holding power, whereas pincers are flat. Also, pliers can cut at the base, while pincers cannot.
There are also general flat types and those for specific work, such as with a clamp, which can be used for more delicate and intricate work. They are indispensable tools for accessory production.
Uses of Pincers
There are two main types of pincers, the round pincer and the flat pincer, which are used for different purposes.
Round Pincer
The tip of the jaw is rounded and can be used to neatly curl pins and wires. It can also be used to pinch parts. However, the rounded tip makes it slippery. As with the flat pincer, the round pincer becomes thinner toward the end. The round pincer is also used primarily to curl the end of a pin to make a stopper. Rounding at the tip produces a small stopper while rounding towards the inside produces a larger stopper. It is also excellent for making curves without leaving marks.
Flat Pincer
The flat tip of the jaw grips the material firmly and is used for bending and twisting (used for clamping parts and bending pins). The jaws get thinner toward the end, increasing the gripping force. It is also used for tasks such as flattening crimp beads.
How to Choose a Pincer
Selecting by Tip Length
A short-tipped tool is easier to use for detailed work that requires more controlled force, such as opening and closing metal fittings. When two pincers are used, the tips are less likely to interfere with each other, allowing smooth operation. On the other hand, the type with a long tip, the diameter of which gradually decreases toward the tip, is easy to adjust when rounding a metal clasp. The diameter can be finely adjusted depending on where the tip is bent.
Selecting by Grip Ease
In work that requires continuous concentration, it is important that the tool is easy to grip. A type with a grip made of soft elastomer material is less tiring to work with for a long time and reduces the burden on the hand. Plastic grips have the advantage that they do not hydrolyze and do not become sticky, making them comfortable to work with.
Selecting by Jaw Material
The same type of pliers can have different jaw materials. Soft materials are less likely to damage parts, but can also be slippery. Hard (rough) materials provide a good grip but may cause damage to parts if too much force is applied.
Select by Jaw Length
Pincers come in two lengths: long and short. Most round pincer jaws are long. Since round pincers taper toward the tip of the jaw, a long round pincer jaw allows you to freely change the diameter of the ring being formed. Short pincers are easy to use and are recommended for beginners in handmade crafts.