Pliers are a type of tool that works to grip, rotate, pull, cut, and loosen objects. Pliers are also a building tool that is often used in activities related to electricity, repair, automotive, and so on.
In general, pliers are made of steel and iron. The handle is covered with a sturdy rubber material so that the grip is not too slippery when used. Most pliers are made in small sizes or just about a handful of hands.
There are many types of pliers that come with different functions and ways of working. But this time, we will discuss in more detail one type of pliers, namely combination pliers or linesman pliers.
This one tool is called combination pliers because it can be used in a variety of different job combinations. By definition, the ends of these combination pliers can be used to cut thin cables, wires, or fibers.
The middle of the pliers, which are oval and serrated, have a function as a clamp or rotator of the workpiece, be it a bolt or a nut.
As mentioned above, these versatile combination pliers come with several components that turn out to be made for a specific function. Here’s a full explanation:
Handles
Almost all combination pliers sold in the market always have sturdy plastic or rubber-coated handles to provide the user with additional comfort and grip. Usually, the size and length of these handles are adjusted according to the size and purpose of using the pliers.
For example, combination pliers specially designed for electricians and linemen can ensure that they always have complete insulation handles. That way, these pliers can be used to install electrical cables because they are considered safer.
Jaws
The next part of combination pliers is the jaws that have a flat enough edge so that they can be used to grip other objects.
Typically, the jaws on combination pliers are of a square type. However, there are also jaws that are made serrated so that they can produce a certain amount of friction when they are used for grasping or gripping. The jaws on these combination pliers have a scissor-like opening and closing motion.
Cutters
Usually, cutters are found in the jaws of combination pliers. Its position is very close to the pivot point so that it can generate maximum leverage when used. Basically, these cutters are deliberately designed to cut wire or cable.
Pivot Point
Handles on combination pliers are attached to a hinge which is known as a pivot point. This is what allows the handles to open and close.
Indirectly, this movement also affects the function of jaws when cutting or gripping an object.
Pipe Grip
The next component of the combination pliers is the pipe grip which refers to a round and jaw-shaped cut in the jaws area. The function of the pipe grip itself is to hold round objects such as cables or pipes of a certain size.
This component has a round shape to reduce the risk of the material crumbling that could occur when using flatter edges.
Most of the combination pliers have pipe grips, but some are not equipped with this one component according to their respective functions.
Wire Strippers
Next there are wire strippers which you can only find on combination pliers specifically for the use of electrical tools.
As the name implies, wire strippers are shaped like small round cutting tools that function to cut the plastic insulation around the wire so that it is easier to remove without damaging the main wire.
Nail Pullers
As the name implies, combination pliers also have a component called nail pullers which functions to pull standard-sized nails from certain surfaces such as walls or wooden frames.
Those are some components of combination pliers and their functions that you need to know. This one tool is one of the items that must be owned at home because it has many uses other than those mentioned above. While you’re at it, also check out types of rules.