8 Home Improvement Projects That Require Pliers

Knowing the right tool to whip out during a home project is a time and energy saver. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, knowing what to do and what tools to use, especially when it comes to handy tools like pliers, speeds up any repair or maintenance work. Just like screwdrivers, pliers also come in numerous makes, sizes, and shapes. 

Pliers not only have the most functions but arguably have the broadest range of applications for home improvement and repair projects. Further, pliers are tools that have distinct functions and uses ranging from basic to technical. These eight home improvement works call for the usage of multiple picks of pliers:

8 home improvement projects that require pliers

1. Snipe Nose Pliers

When carrying out repairs in tight spots, snipe-nose pliers, also known as needle-nose pliers, are perfect for executing such tasks. Snipe nose parallel pliers have tapered jaws that allow you to work in tight spaces. Choosing parallel pliers with a snipe nose helps to provide more grip with less effort, which is perfect when you’re working in difficult situations without as much space for leverage. They come in handy for putting fasteners on and holding fittings, and enable the pulling, pinching, twisting, cutting, and bending of small wires during repair work. 

snipe nose pliers from maun industries 01
Snipe Nose Pliers from Maun Industries

2. Tongue And Groove Pliers

With a larger range of jaw openings and the ability to hold thicker objects like pipes, these pliers are great for fastening large nuts and bolts. Tongue-and-groove pliers often referred to as water-pump pliers or multi-grip pliers, are an excellent choice for a wide range of plumbing works and also helpful when winterizing pipes

The curved-out jaw of this type of plier makes it easier to access the pipe that’s tucked away because of their tilted heads. Tongue and groove pliers come in a variety of sizes as well. And have a serrated feature that enables these pliers to execute the removal of low-head screws. 

3. Linesman Pliers

Many pliers have multiple functions, making them practical additions to every toolbox. One such is the lineman plier, also called an electrician’s plier. This plier is an indispensable tool for home electrical installation and repairs. Its multiple functionalities include twisting, bending, stripping, cutting, and gripping. This practical tool has square jaws that are toothed for gripping, with side cutters useful for cutting wires.

2. Wire Stripper Pliers 

A wire stripper plier’s primary use is to remove the insulation cover and expose any type of wire. Wire insulation, which serves as an electrical wire’s protective layer, can be easily removed with wire stripper pliers

Wire stripper pliers are characteristically a cross between snipe-nose and cutting pliers. Their other features include a side cutter that can be used to cut thin objects and flat serrated jaw tips for gripping, twisting, and tugging. Although wire cutting and stripping are among its purposes, a decent pair of wire strippers can also help with any form of electrical wiring work. 

5. Long-Handled Channel Lock Pliers

Long-handled channel lock pliers, also referred to as utility pliers, have highly adjustable jaws that can aid in the grasping of large nuts and pipes. Such pliers are built with larger handles and jaws for increased gripping leverage. 

These pliers work hand in hand with tongue-and-groove pliers and have the primary purpose of fastening and unfastening nuts. Be it a kitchen or bathroom plumbing emergency, with the combined effort of a tongue-and-groove plier and a utility plier, you’re all set. Because they’re very handy when it comes to all types of plumbing-related work and repairs.

6. Fencing Pliers 

This versatile instrument can do all the duties required for building or maintaining fences and was primarily created for use on fences. The two wire cutters for cutting thick wires and a large, hammerable head are its main physical characteristics. Fencing pliers can typically be used for the following main functions: cutting wires, hammering, staple removal, gripping, and twisting fencing wires. 

7. Crimping Pliers

Crimping pliers, also known as wire crimpers, are primarily used for installing cable network connections in the home. These pliers also have wire cutters that are attached to the rear sides of the pliers’ heads. In addition to cable installation functions, crimping pliers can be utilized for other types of wire work related to system installation too. 

8. Locking Pliers

Locking pliers are another plier made with multiple functionalities and are a very practical addition to every toolbox. These pliers, also called vice-grips, have many different purposes and applications. They facilitate a secure hold on bolts, nuts, and pipes. Additionally, locking pliers are excellent for removing difficult screws and cutting cables. As well as tighten or loosen hands-free components that are difficult to turn owing to rust or corrosion.

Conclusion 

This comprehensive list of pliers and their primary uses should make it easier to understand how to make repairs and modifications to your home. And you should be able to choose the appropriate pliers from your toolbox for every repair or renovation job, whether it’s plumbing or fence maintenance, as long as you know what needs fixing or upgrading.

About the author

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Brad Smith

Brad Smith is an experienced interior designer and the founder of OmniHomeIdeas.com. With a Master's degree in Interior Design from Pratt Institute and a passion for creating safe and healthy living spaces, Brad shares his expert insights and innovative design ideas with our readers. His work is driven by the belief that home is where every story begins.

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