What can you use Combination Pliers for?

Pliers are a common hand tool used to hold objects firmly, that is useful for bending and compressing a wide range of materials. Combination pliers, also known as lineman pliers or side cutters, combine gripping jaws with wire cutters. They are heavy-duty side-cutting pliers designed for all regular wire-cutting needs. The tool can be used for gripping, compressing, bending, twisting, extracting and cutting various materials. They serve multiple functions and are an absolute must-have in any workshop or in a household utility drawer.

Combination pliers work in the same way as scissors, with two first-class levers joined so they pivot across each other. The tool exerts amplified force allowing users to grip much tighter than they could with just using the hand. The tool comes with a serrated jaw which provides friction when gripping. Many times, these pliers also feature a rounded, serrated cut-out in the jaws, called a pipe grip, for holding rounded materials.

Side cutters are commonly made of high-quality steel due to the metal’s strength and versatility. Leading hand tools manufacturers prefer to use high carbon steel for manufacturing pliers. The higher the carbon content of the steel, the harder it will be. The metal is heat treated to increase its toughness. The cutting edges receive specialized heat treatment to ensure they are particularly hard and long-lasting.

The most common uses of this tool are:

• Gripping:
  

The gripping jaws of pliers are designed to produce a more forceful grip. The tool uses leverage so that the user can apply extra pressure when the handles are squeezed together. Combination pliers come in various sizes with different jaw shapes. The design and size of the jaws determine what the tool can grip and where they can reach.

• Gripping flat or round stock:
  

These pliers have jaws that are designed for multiple uses. The flat part can easily hold flat stock, and the rounded cut-out section can hold rounded stock, like tubes and pipes.

• Compressing:
  

Lineman pliers have gripping jaws that can be used to compress materials. So they can be used in jewelry making to close chain links or to tighten a metal cap.

• Bending, twisting or straightening:
  

Once the pliers get hold of material firmly, users can manipulate it any way they want. They can use other tools like a clamp or another pair of pliers to shape the material as per need. This may include straightening or twisting of wires.     

• Pulling:
  

Pliers are often used to extract things like staples or thin nails. Because of the firm grip provided by their jaws, pliers are used to pulling objects. They are especially helpful to remove objects attached to something.

• Cutting:
  

The cutters of lineman pliers are positioned near the pivot point. The jaws exert the most force at this position. These cutters are most applicable to cut cables and soft wires, rather than flat materials. Since they have short blades, it cannot be used for long cuts. An individual tool's specifications will determine what type of materials can be cut with which pliers.