Editing Pliers

{{Short description|Hand tool}}
{{For-multi|the Jamaican singer|Pliers (singer)|the song|Service Merchandise (album){{!}}''Service Merchandise'' (album)}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2009}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
[[File:Ferreiro ou metalúrgico tradicional.jpg|thumb|A [[blacksmith]] using pliers]]
[[Image:Tool-pliers.jpg|thumb|Slip joint pliers]]
[[File:Verwendung einer Elektrozange.gif|thumb|Cutting wire with [[diagonal pliers]]/side cutters]]
'''Pliers''' are a [[hand tool]] used to hold objects firmly, possibly developed from [[tongs]] used to handle hot metal in [[Bronze Age]] Europe.<ref name="EB">{{cite web|title=Hand Tools:Tongs, pincers, and pliers|url=http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/254115/hand-tool/39226/Tongs-pincers-and-pliers|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=14 March 2013}}</ref> They are also useful for [[bending]] and [[Compression (physical)|physically compressing]] a wide range of materials. Generally, pliers consist of a pair of [[metal]] [[Lever#Classes of levers|first-class levers]] joined at a [[lever|fulcrum]] positioned closer to one end of the levers, creating short ''jaws'' on one side of the fulcrum, and longer [[handles]] on the other side.<ref name=EB /> This arrangement creates a [[mechanical advantage]], allowing the [[force]] of the [[grip strength]] to be amplified and focused on an object with precision. The jaws can also be used to manipulate objects too small or unwieldy to be manipulated with the [[finger]]s.

'''Diagonal pliers''', also called '''side cutters''', are a similarly shaped tool used for cutting rather than holding, having a pair of stout blades, similar to [[scissors]] except that the cutting surfaces meet parallel to each other rather than overlapping. Ordinary (holding/squeezing) pliers may incorporate a small pair of such cutting blades. [[Pincers (tool)|Pincers]] are a similar tool with a different type of head used for cutting and pulling, rather than squeezing. Tools designed for safely handling hot objects are usually called tongs. Special tools for making [[crimp connection]]s in electrical and electronic applications are often called '''crimping pliers''' or '''crimpers'''; each type of connection uses its own dedicated tool.

'''Parallel pliers''' have jaws that close in parallel to each other, as opposed to the scissor-type action of traditional pliers. They use a box joint system to do this, and it allows them to generate more grip from friction on square and hexagonal fastenings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maunindustries.com/blogs/what-are-parallel-pliers-and-how-do-they-work/ |title=What are parallel pliers and how do they work? |website=Maun Industries |access-date=April 27, 2023}}</ref>

There are many kinds of pliers made for various general and specific purposes.

==History==
[[File:Kneifzange HH-Harburg.jpg|thumb|Medieval pincers found in Hamburg-Harburg (15th/16th century)]]
As pliers in the general sense are an ancient and simple [[invention]], no single inventor can be credited. Early metal working processes from several millennia [[BCE]] would have required plier-like devices to handle hot materials in the process of [[smithing]] or [[Casting (metalworking)|casting]]. Development from [[wooden]] to [[bronze]] pliers would have probably happened sometime prior to [[3000 BCE]].<ref>Bellis, Mary. [http://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20120427190122/http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blpliers.htm "The History of Hardware Tools"]. Inventors.About.com. Accessed 16 December 2008.</ref> Among the oldest illustrations of pliers are those showing the [[Greek god]] [[Hephaestus]] in his [[forge]].<ref>{{cite book|title=A Concise Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities |page=313|first=Francis |last=Warre Cornish|year= 1898|publisher=Spottiswoode & Co. |location=London|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0vQwAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA313}}</ref> The number of different designs of pliers grew with the invention of the different objects which they were used to handle: [[horseshoe]]s, [[fasteners]], [[wire]], [[Pipe (material)|pipe]]s, [[electrical]], and [[electronic component]]s.

==Design==
The basic design of pliers has changed little since their origins, with the pair of ''handles'', the ''pivot'' (often formed by a [[rivet]]), and the ''head'' section with the gripping jaws or cutting edges forming the three elements.

The materials used to make pliers consist mainly of [[steel]] [[alloy]]s with additives such as [[vanadium]] or [[chromium]], to improve strength and prevent [[corrosion]]. The metal handles of pliers are often fitted with grips of other materials to ensure better handling; grips are usually [[Insulator (electrical)|insulated]] and additionally protect against [[electric shock]]. The jaws vary widely in size, from delicate [[needle-nose pliers]] to heavy jaws capable of exerting much pressure, and shape, from basic flat jaws to various specialized and often asymmetrical jaw configurations for specific manipulations. The surfaces are typically textured rather than smooth, to minimize slipping.

A plier-like tool designed for cutting [[wire]]s is often called [[diagonal pliers]]. Some [[Lineman's pliers|pliers for electrical work]] are fitted with wire-cutter blades either built into the jaws or on the handles just below the pivot.

Where it is necessary to avoid scratching or damaging the workpiece, as for example in [[jewellery]] and [[musical instrument]] [[repair]], pliers with a layer of softer material such as [[aluminium]], [[brass]], or [[plastic]] over the jaws are used.

==Ergonomics==
Much research has been undertaken to improve the design of pliers, to make them easier to use in often difficult circumstances (such as restricted spaces). The handles can be bent, for example, so that the load applied by the hand is aligned with the arm, rather than at an angle, thus reducing [[muscle fatigue]]. It is especially important for factory workers who use pliers continuously and helps prevent [[carpal tunnel syndrome]].

==Types==
<gallery>
Image:Pliers slip 01CJC.png|[[Slip joint pliers]]
Image:Side cutters.jpg|[[Diagonal pliers]] or side cutters
File:Klein lineman's pliers.jpg|[[Lineman's pliers]] or combination pliers
Image:Long-nosePliers.jpg|[[Needle-nose pliers]]
File:Small green bent nose pliers - D.jpg|Bent nose pliers
File:Pincers.jpg|[[Pincer (tool)|Pincer]]s
Image:Pliers crimp 01CJC.png|Electrical wire stripping and terminal [[Crimp (joining)|crimping]] pliers
Image:Crimper HDF200.jpg|Crimptool for N, R-SMA, TNC connectors for RG174, RG58 and HDF/LMR200
Image:Crimping-pliers-pro-RJ-0a.jpg|Heavy duty crimping pliers for [[modular connector|modular connectors]] that have interchangeable [[Registered jacks|RJ]] heads
Image:Hand crimp tool MH-17 opening.jpg|Hand crimp tool
Image:Multiple pliers.jpg|[[Tongue-and-groove pliers]], also known as channel-locks after the Channellock brand
Image:Locking pliers.jpg|[[Locking pliers]], also known as a vise-grip
Image:Retaining ring pliers.jpg|[[Circlip]] pliers, for fitting and removing [[retaining ring]]s
Image:Klieste na segerove poistky.jpg|[[Round-nose pliers]], for making loops in wires
File:Wiper pliers.jpg|Wiper pliers used to adjust the wipers and spring-sets on electro-mechanical relays.
File:Knipex_Pliers_Wrench_type_86.jpg|Contemporary 'Pliers Wrench' with high mechanical advantage parallel-gripping jaws.
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Nipper (tool)|Nipper]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Pliers}}
{{Wiktionary}}
* [http://science.discovery.com/tv-shows/how-its-made/videos/how-its-made-mini-episodes-pliers.htm How pliers are made] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329031644/http://science.discovery.com/tv-shows/how-its-made/videos/how-its-made-mini-episodes-pliers.htm |date=29 March 2013 }} (video)
*[https://marinerspoint.in/types-of-pliers-their-uses-with-pictures/ Types of Pliers]

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