No matter what type of pliers you have, be they linesman pliers, screw removal pliers, or any other kind of pliers, there are some basic safety tips to follow for their safe use.
Pliers come in many different shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific use or as a combination; regardless, pliers are very versatile and can be adapted for many uses.
Some basic safety tips for using pliers include:
- Never expose pliers of any kind to excessive levels of heat. It can change the properties of the tool and render it useless.
- Never attempt to use your pliers to cut a “HOT” wire.
- Never use your pliers as a hammer; also don’t use a hammer on plier handles. The pliers may become nicked or even crack and break if you do so.
- Don’t use pliers on large nuts or bolts. The tool to use on these is a wrench.
- Only use pliers to cut hardened wire if they have been made specifically for that purpose.
- Don’t use lightweight pliers to bend stiff wire. This can damage the teeth of the pliers; use a heavier set.
- If cutting with pliers, cut at right angles and don’t bend the wire against the cutting edges of the pliers.
- Your pliers should be occasionally oiled at the joint (just a drop of oil is enough). This will not only make using the pliers easier, but it will extend the life of the tool.
- Whenever you use pliers to cut wire or even to remove a stripped screw, it’s advisable to wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes in case any small parts fly.
- Note that unless you are using lineman pliers that are insulated, comfort grips on regular pliers don’t offer any protection against electric shock. Never use any pliers near live electric circuits unless you’re certain they are safe for use.
- If pliers are damaged, cracked, sprung, or the cutting or gripping edges are deformed in any way, it’s time to discard them and invest in a new set of pliers.
Here at Vampire Tools, we recommend our VAMPLIERS for many different applications, including as the best damaged screw extractor on the market. Check out our full range today!