Locking pliers have now become a permanent part of my kit because of their versatility. I mean, the fact that you can let go of the pressure after engaging the locking mechanism is amazing on its own. I don’t have to hassle a bit with maintaining pressure, and my hands are free to work on the material.
I’ve found that the people that first get into welding or plumbing get a massive boost in performance with the locking pliers. So, if you’re planning on going into the same industry or even if you’re just looking to expand your toolkit, I’ll suggest that you get some locking pliers.
These pliers are affordable and versatile enough to fit every other project. From cutting wires to holding and clamping things, you can accomplish a lot when using these pliers. So, be creative, and you’ll get some amazing results with the locking pliers.
Advantages and Disadvantages Of Locking Pliers
Just like every other tool on the market, there are some pros and cons associated with these pliers. Yes, the majority of workers and professionals will praise the functionality of these locking pliers, but there are some issues that people have underscored over the years.
Pros
When you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of locking pliers, you will discover that they are a lot more durable than you previously thought. Let me go through some of the advantages of utilizing locking pliers over other solutions.
- You Don’t Need To Maintain pressure
The best thing about these locking pliers is that you don’t have to retain pressure. Instead of holding down on the workpiece for minutes when working on your project, you can just clamp down on the piece and be on your merry way.
This doesn’t only free up your hands but also applies constant pressure to the workpiece. If you’re into welding or are working with hotter metals, you can just use the clamping feature to hold them in one place and then remove your hand.
There is no need to expose your hand or body to extreme heat for a lengthy period of time. However, one thing I will point out is that the locking pliers must be strong. If you use inferior pliers, they will simply slow you down in the long run.
I’ve witnessed far too many people make the error of buying on a budget. Although doing this can seem like a smart idea in the short run, you’ll end up spending far more money in the long run to buy a new set of pliers. Therefore, bear that in mind the next time you get the bright idea to purchase cheap tools.
- You Get More Control
Aside from the force aspect of things, you need to also consider the precision and the control that you will get with the locking pliers. You can work freely when both of your hands are free, and it is pretty easy to get to those isolated angles and regions.
All that you gotta do is clamp down on the workpiece and then work your way around the pliers. You will get access to more angles, and both of your hands will be enough to stabilize any precision modifications that you need to make.
I’m sure you can appreciate how tough it is to work with one hand firmly clutching the pliers. These locking pliers have changed the game for me, and I no longer have to worry about destroying as many workpieces after switching to these pliers.
- Versatility
The best thing about these pliers is their versatility. Where you’re trying to pull nails from a wall or want to cut wires, these pliers have got you covered. You can rely on the wire-cutting mechanism right below the plier jaws to get rid of the excessive wiring.
Similarly, if you’re working with broken nails or screws, you can use the pliers to hold down on them firmly. All of the force from your body will transfer towards pulling the nail from the wall, and there is no need to overly complicate the situation for yourself.
Once you get used to the locking pliers, you will find their uses in more and more projects. So, there is no harm in giving these pliers a shot, even if you’re new to the game and don’t know much about which tool set to purchase.
Cons
When you use diverse tools, there will always be some snags, and there is no such thing as a flawless tool for all jobs. So, if you want to prevent some typical mistakes that individuals make or difficulties that new users encounter, the information below might be useful.
- Managing Clamping force
The biggest issue that I’ve found people complaining about with these pliers is that they are not able to limit the clamping force. Yes, the locking mechanism is great, but learning how to adjust the knob to figure out the right clamping force can be hard.
When working with wooden sheets, there is a high chance that you might damage the workpiece when trying to tighten up the pliers. Moreover, there is also a possibility of the workpiece sliding around within the jaws when they are a bit rusty. So, you gotta be mindful of these points when you’re stuck.
- Not Suitable For Cutting Metal
While these pliers are great for cutting wires, you won’t be able to get through metal when working with these tools. The wire-cutting mechanism is great but not great enough to help you cut and manage some bent screws that are lodged in your workpiece.
If you get caught with any bothersome screws, the best thing you can do is remove the lodged screw with wire cutters or a metal file saw. Yes, it may take some time to remove the screw, but I am convinced that you will not damage the pliers in this manner.
The Takeaway
Personally, I believe the locking pliers to be the best as they changed my whole perspective over a few short months. I couldn’t believe how effective these pliers are when it comes to clamping down on material and giving you more control over the project.
However, if you don’t address how to manage the clamping force, then you can risk damaging the workpiece. So, have that in mind when you’re stuck and can’t seem to figure out the right tool to help you with the project. Hopefully, you won’t have to hassle as much down the road.
One excellent way is to consult with local specialists. There is no need to overcomplicate the problem for yourself when you can simply contact local specialists for assistance. All you have to do is describe your situation, and these pros will make your life a lot simpler.
Similarly, you will also get some great tips and tricks on how to manage your pliers and keep them working perfectly over the years. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and get help when you’re stuck and can’t figure out the right option for your projects.