Welding Pliers: Tips for Using Pliers Safely
Pliers are an important tool for welding, as they allow you to grab, cut and crush metal. Pliers come in all different shapes and sizes with varying features so it’s important to know what you will be using them for before buying them. This article covers the best pliers available on the market today as well as some helpful tips on how to use them.
What Are Pliers?
It might seem obvious but there are actually quite a few different types of pliers out there and many people aren’t sure which ones they need for their project. The first thing you need to know is that there are two main types of pliers: cutting and gripping. Cutting pliers are used for cutting through wire or other thin materials while gripping pliers, as the name suggests, are used for gripping objects like wires or small parts.
Cutting Pliers – The Best Pliers For The Job-
If you only have room in your toolbox for one type of plier then it should definitely be these ones. Cutting pliers are the best tool for cutting through wires and thin pieces of metal. They come in both straight and curved styles and most professional welders will have a pair of each. The curved ones are better at making tight bends while the straight ones can reach into tighter spots.
Gripping Pliers – The Most Common Types
If you need to grip something then there are two main types of pliers that you will find: wire cutters and nut-driver pliers. Wire cutters are perfect for cutting thin wires while nut drivers are better at gripping larger nuts and bolts. Many people confuse these two types of pliers but they both have their uses so it’s best to have both in your toolbox if possible.
MIG Welding Pliers – A Handy Feature
Some pliers come with a special feature called MIG welding pliers which allows you to cut through metal while welding. The curved jaws on these pliers are designed to be placed around the weld and then used as a hammer, allowing you to easily break through the joint without having to strike it repeatedly. These can be pretty handy but they usually only come in straight or curved styles so keep that in mind when buying them.
Tips For Using Pliers
Now that you know what kinds of pliers there are, here are some tips for using them correctly:
Always use the right type of plier for the job – this will save time and energy. If you’re cutting a thick wire then use the curved pliers and if you need to make tight bends then use the straight ones.
When gripping something, always hold the plier in such a way that the jaws are closed as this will increase your control over what you’re working on. Use both hands when needed – there’s no point in doing things by halves! It’s much quicker and easier to hold something with two pliers rather than one, so don’t be afraid to use both hands.
Use the right size of pliers for the job – if it’s too small then you won’t be able to get a good grip and if it’s too big then your hands will tire quickly while working. If you can, try out different sizes in-store so that you know which is best for you.
If you’re using two pliers at once, make sure they are of different sizes so that one hand can hold the object while the other works on the plier. This will make your work much quicker and easier!
Always use pliers on a firm surface – if you’re working with something that has an electric current running through it then place some wood underneath to keep it from slipping around. If there’s no other option then try using a vice or similar tool on which to clamp your object.
Be careful when gripping wires – many people get hurt by holding them too tightly but this can be easily avoided by using only one or two pliers. If you need to hold it in place then use a clamp rather than your fingers as this will make your work much safer and easier.
Before using any type of plier, be sure that all its parts are working correctly – if not then get them repaired before using them again. It’s also important to keep them clean and oiled so that they don’t rust or break down over time.
Conclusion
Pliers are an essential tool for any welder and it’s important to know which ones to buy. The best ones available today are the cutting pliers but if you only have room in your toolbox for one then it should be these ones. They come in both straight and curved styles and most professional welders will have a pair of each.
The curved ones are better at making tight bends while the straight ones can reach into tighter spots. If you need to grip something then there are two main types of pliers: nut-driver and wire cutters. Nut drivers are perfect for gripping larger nuts and bolts while wire cutters are great for cutting through thin wires.