Pliers are so much more than your run-of-the-mill fixing tool. Although people often overlook them, they’re the unsung heroes of your toolbox, ready to lend a hand in a wide array of tasks. These powerful hand tools can be more than your toolbox’s loyal worker.
Their versatility makes them valuable for a wide range of uses other than just simple repairs. In the DIY world, pliers can tackle tasks as diverse as crafting delicate jewellery pieces to nut-cracking. Read on to learn how to unlock the potential of your DIY pliers.
How Pliers Work
As cited on Maunindustries.com, pliers work using the principle of the “law of the lever”, which helps them generate more force than you apply, and so making them useful tools. They work like a personal strength booster, amplifying your grip to make tasks easier. They take the force you apply by squeezing the handles, and, through the magic of mechanics, they amplify it, delivering more power where it counts—at the jaws.
This feature is why pliers are such a handy tool. They turn a squeeze into a formidable grip, making them a tool of impressive strength. However, not all pliers are created equal. The design and function can differ vastly, opening up various use cases.
Pliers Diagram by Maun
Uses Of Pliers Beyond Conventional Tasks
From needle-nose to diagonal, the different pliers have unique attributes that make them suitable for different tasks. Slip-joint, long-nose, diagonal cutting, linesman, and locking pliers (also known as vice grips) are common types that are popular in DIY circles.
Each plier type boasts different jaw designs, gripping capabilities, and advantages, making them ideal for specific tasks.
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Pull Out Nails
Their unique locking mechanism allows vice grip pliers to latch onto and hold objects securely. They’re a fantastic tool to own if your hammer doesn’t include a claw and you need to remove nails. Vice grip pliers can perform the job and easily remove stubborn nails from most surfaces.
Lock the pliers onto the head of the nail, apply steady pressure, and the nail will come right out, causing minimal damage to the surrounding material.
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Grip Nails To Hammer Them
In DIY projects, safety always comes first. Use your long-nose pliers to hold the nail in place to protect your fingers while hammering nails. For more security, wrap a rubber band around the jaws of your DIY pliers while they hold the nail. It’ll keep it from opening on its own while you hammer it down.
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Remove Old Bathtub Spouts
Need to replace a leaky bathtub spout? Don’t fret. Your DIY plumbing sessions will be much easier with a pair of pliers.
The sturdy jaws of linesman pliers are designed to provide a solid grip, making them perfect for gripping and twisting off a stubborn spout. Their design makes them well-suited for getting into tight spaces that other tools can’t reach.
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Extend Your Blade’s Lifespan
One unexpected use of your diagonal cutting pliers is helping you make the most of your blades. You’re left with a fresh, sharp edge after carefully using the pliers to snap off the worn-out section of a knife or cutter. This technique extends the utility of the blade and saves you some dollars. Remember to wear safety goggles and gloves to avoid injury.
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Take Off Electrical Staples
During your home renovations, you may encounter stubborn electrical staples. Your long-nose or diagonal-cutting DIY pliers come into play here. Their elongated design lets them reach into tight spaces and grip onto those tough staples, effectively pulling them out.
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Grind Small Objects
While they aren’t professional grinders, your slip-joint pliers can be handy in a pinch. Need to reduce small items like screws? Grip it with the pliers and grind it safely against a grinding wheel. Just remember to keep your goggles and gloves on while working.
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Pull Out Loose Teeth
Pliers in your mouth seem scary and unconventional. But clean pliers can do the trick in the presence of a stubborn tooth or a dentist’s absence. Just ensure you sanitize them properly beforehand and use a gentle touch when pulling a tooth off your child’s gums.
Take care to use this technique sparingly or in emergencies, though. Loose teeth still have nerves connected, which may hurt when pulled out unprofessionally.
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Crack Nuts Open
Your pliers are an indispensable tool in your kitchen, and they’re not only helpful for tightening your sink pipes. They could serve as a nutcracker when the latter goes missing. Nuts with hard shells, like almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts, are no match for sturdy pliers with a firm grip.
Pliers with powerful jaws, like linesman pliers, are great for cracking nuts. Secure the nut in the jaws, apply pressure, and enjoy your treat without a fuss.
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Open Wine Bottles
For the DIY enthusiast, a forgotten corkscrew doesn’t mean the wine stays corked. You can grip and twist the cork with your long-nose pliers, mimicking a corkscrew’s action.
If you don’t have long-nose pliers, a pair with gripping jaws like locking pliers is also effective. You’ll need a screw for this method, though. Drive the screw halfway through the cork and use your locking pliers to grip it. Watch the screw pull the cork out with it. Afterward, pour yourself a glass and celebrate your resourcefulness!
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Make Jewellery
DIY pliers are a godsend for crafting jewellery. With some creativity, you can use pliers to make jewellery with wire and turn basic materials into wearable art. Pliers with fine tips, like long-nose pliers, are fantastic for twisting, shaping, and cutting wire, helping you create intricate, delicate jewellery pieces. It’s also an ideal tool to crimp bead tips or tube crimps. For those interested, antique lockets can be a special way to preserve and cherish family memories. These timeless pieces often carry personal stories and historical significance, making them cherished heirlooms for generations to come. Check out this ring store in huntington, ny for an exquisite selection of jewelry and diamonds you’ll surely love!
Meanwhile, flat-nose pliers are perfect for bending pieces of metal sheets or wire, which you’ll need to open or close jump rings. If you’ve got a bracelet or necklace with an opened chain, you can use your pliers to repair the issue. You can make your own personalized zodiac bracelets, which are unique and reflect your personality.
Conclusion
As you can see, DIY pliers’ utility extends beyond simple repair tasks. With some ingenuity, pliers can be versatile assistants, helping you with many functions, from household maintenance to artful crafting.
So, the next time you open your toolbox, remember that your pair of pliers is not just a tool. They’re multipurpose instruments waiting to assist in innovative and surprising ways. Try these unconventional techniques to see how much you can accomplish with your trusty DIY pliers.
