Short Answer:

Pliers are hand tools used in mechanical work to hold, bend, cut, or twist wires and small metal parts. They have two handles connected by a pivot, with jaws at one end. Pliers help in gripping objects firmly and allow the user to apply force safely and easily. They are very useful in assembly, electrical repair, and fitting tasks.

There are different types of pliers used for specific jobs in mechanical work. Common types include combination pliers, needle-nose pliers, slip-joint pliers, locking pliers, and diagonal cutting pliers. Each type is designed to perform a special function like cutting, bending, or gripping in tight spaces.

Detailed Explanation:

Types of pliers used in mechanical work

Pliers are versatile and essential tools in mechanical, electrical, and maintenance work. They are mainly used for gripping, holding, bending, twisting, and cutting wires or small components. Their simple design makes them easy to use, and they allow technicians to work in tight or difficult spaces. The basic structure of pliers includes two handles, a pivot joint, and a pair of jaws that perform the gripping or cutting task.

In mechanical workshops, choosing the right type of plier for the job is very important. Each type of plier is designed to handle specific tasks, and using the correct one improves both efficiency and safety.

Common Types of Pliers

1. Combination Pliers

• Description:
  Also known as lineman’s pliers, these have flat jaws near the tip and cutting edges near the pivot.
• Use:
  Used for gripping, twisting, and cutting wires. Commonly used in electrical and mechanical work.

2. Needle-nose Pliers

• Description:
  Long, narrow jaws with pointed tips.
• Use:
  Used for reaching into tight or narrow spaces. Ideal for bending wires and working on small components.

3. Slip-joint Pliers

• Description:
  Have a slot in the pivot that allows the jaws to adjust to different sizes.
• Use:
  Used for gripping objects of different sizes. Very useful in plumbing and general mechanical tasks.

4. Locking Pliers (Vise-Grip)

• Description:
  Have a locking mechanism to hold objects tightly without continuous pressure from the user.
• Use:
  Used to hold objects firmly in place during cutting or welding. Can also be used as a temporary clamp.

5. Diagonal Cutting Pliers

• Description:
  Also called side cutters; have angled cutting edges.
• Use:
  Mainly used for cutting wires, nails, and small pins. Not used for gripping.

6. Bent-nose Pliers

• Description:
  Similar to needle-nose pliers but with bent jaws.
• Use:
  Useful for working at angles or in hard-to-reach spaces.

7. Round-nose Pliers

• Description:
  Jaws are round and taper to a point.
• Use:
  Used for making loops in wires, especially in electronic or jewelry work.

8. Groove-joint Pliers (Channel Locks)

• Description:
  Have adjustable jaws with a wide range of sizes.
• Use:
  Suitable for gripping large objects like pipes or nuts.

9. Wire Stripping Pliers

• Description:
  Have notches to cut insulation without damaging the wire.
• Use:
  Used to remove insulation from electrical wires easily and safely.

10. Flat-nose Pliers

• Description:
  Have wide, flat jaws.
• Use:
  Used for bending, straightening, and gripping flat metal sheets.

How to Use Pliers Safely

• Always choose the correct type of plier for the job.
• Do not use pliers as a hammer or wrench.
• Keep the cutting edges sharp and clean.
• Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from flying wire pieces.
• Do not cut hard materials with cutting pliers not designed for that purpose.

Conclusion

Pliers are important tools in mechanical work, used for gripping, bending, cutting, and adjusting wires or small parts. Different types like combination pliers, needle-nose pliers, locking pliers, and diagonal cutters are used for specific tasks. Knowing which plier to use improves the safety and quality of the job. Every mechanical workshop must have a good set of pliers for various repair, assembly, and maintenance tasks.