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Slip-Joint Adjustable Pliers

	This versatile tool will be more commonly found in a plumber's toolkit, but I have used a pair for beekeeping purposes for many years. Their adjustable nature (shown at right) allows a wide range of round, hexagonal or flat objects to be gripped firmly. They are also known as water pump pliers and in USA the term 'pipe wrench' is used. Used in combination with fencing pliers many fence maintenance jobs become even easier. Manipulating stranded wire or forming loops or twists in barbed wire is most easily carried out by using the two pairs of pliers in opposition. They are easy to use and are readily obtainable. Prices vary from expensive to very cheap, The pair that I have cost a relatively high price and the quality that they represent has paid dividends, as on many occasions they have been used with much physical force. The expense is worthwhile as a cheap pair may well break under heavy use. The pair illustrated were purchased around 1980 and have seen much use (and even a little abuse). They were made in, what was then, West Germany. A useful feature of the design is the extra closing leverage that occurs if the pliers (as illustrated at left) are rotated anti clockwise. The length of these is 240 mm when closed and when fully opened they will grip a round object that is 35 mm in diameter or a parallel sided object that is 28 mm across the flats.

This versatile tool will be more commonly found in a plumber's toolkit, but I have used a pair for beekeeping purposes for many years. Their adjustable nature (shown at right) allows a wide range of round, hexagonal or flat objects to be gripped firmly. They are also known as water pump pliers and in USA the term 'pipe wrench' is used.

Used in combination with fencing pliers many fence maintenance jobs become even easier. Manipulating stranded wire or forming loops or twists in barbed wire is most easily carried out by using the two pairs of pliers in opposition.

They are easy to use and are readily obtainable. Prices vary from expensive to very cheap, The pair that I have cost a relatively high price and the quality that they represent has paid dividends, as on many occasions they have been used with much physical force. The expense is worthwhile as a cheap pair may well break under heavy use.

The pair illustrated were purchased around 1980 and have seen much use (and even a little abuse). They were made in, what was then, West Germany.

A useful feature of the design is the extra closing leverage that occurs if the pliers (as illustrated at left) are rotated anti clockwise.

The length of these is 240 mm when closed and when fully opened they will grip a round object that is 35 mm in diameter or a parallel sided object that is 28 mm across the flats.

Dave Cushman.

Page created 20/08/2003

					Written... 20 August 2003, New Domain... 16 May 2004, Upgraded... 17 August 2004,

Slip-Joint Adjustable Pliers

Written... 20 August 2003, New Domain... 16 May 2004, Upgraded... 17 August 2004,