Tools · Skill 03 of 06
Use Pliers
Pliers give you a stronger, safer grip than your fingers. Knowing which pair to reach for is most of the skill.
Companion
Pliers grip. They don't replace a wrench, and they aren't wire cutters.
- Slip-joint pliers
- Standard
- A 6–8 inch pair from any hardware store.
- Low cost
- A discount-store pair — fine for light household gripping.
- Already have
- Any pliers already in the house, even old ones.
- Needle-nose pliers
- Standard
- A 6 inch pair, ideally with a wire cutter at the base.
- Low cost
- A dollar-store craft pair works for light wire and jewellery.
- Already have
- Tweezers can stand in for very small, light work.
Safety
Never use ordinary pliers on live electrical wiring. Household pliers are not insulated for that, and cutting an energised wire can injure you and damage the circuit.
- 01Know the two pairsSlip-joint pliers open wider and grip flat or round things. Needle-nose reach into narrow gaps, hold small parts and bend wire neatly.
- 02Grip near the jaw, squeeze at the handlePut the object as deep in the jaws as it will go. The closer to the pivot, the more force you get and the less it slips.
- 03Use the slip jointSlip-joint pliers have two positions. Open the joint for thicker objects so the jaws stay parallel instead of gripping on one corner.
- 04Bending wireHold the wire where you want the bend and roll your wrist. Bend in small stages rather than forcing one sharp angle, which weakens the wire.
- 05Protect the finishPliers leave marks. Wrap a rag or a piece of tape around chrome fittings, taps or anything visible before you grip it.
- 06Know when to stopIf you're straining hard on a nut or bolt, put the pliers down. That's a job for the correct size wrench or socket.