How to Use Linesman Pliers
Linesman pliers are a multi-purpose tool used by professional electricians and do-it-yourself homeowners alike. They’re made of hardened steel with insulated handles to protect the user from electrical currents.
Linesman pliers can be used for any project, but they are beneficial for tasks such as stripping wire ends, bending wires, holding metal in place while you solder it together, or crimping wires to fit into a connector.
The name comes from their use by linesmen who work on power lines, which requires hand tools, so they don’t have to climb poles. If you need an affordable addition to your toolbox that will come in handy time and again, then consider adding these versatile pliers! If you want to know more on how to use linesman pliers then read on this full blog post.
10 Ways on How to Use Linesman Pliers
1. Grip or Cut Wires:
Linesman pliers are great for gripping or cutting wires. When you need to cut wire, use the wire cutter feature, which will give you an immaculate cut.
2. Remove a Nail:
The linesman pliers are perfect for the job if you need to remove a nail. The curved jaws will easily grip the nail, and the pliers can easily pull it out.
3. Bend or Cut Pipe:
The Linesman pliers can easily bend or cut pipes. The curved jaw will help you center the cutting edge on the pipe to get a straight cut.
4. Tighten or Loosen a Pipe Section:
It can be awkward to tighten or loosen a pipe section, but the linesman pliers will give you significant leverage and help you get a strong grip on the piece that needs tightening or loosening.
5. Use as Wrench:
The linesman pliers can do the job if you need to apply torque to a bolt or nut. The flat surface on the jaw will help you grip the nut or bolt to apply torque.
6. Tighten or Loosen a Nut:
If you use the right size wrench for the nut, it can be difficult to apply enough torque to loosen an extremely tight nut. The Linesman pliers can help you tighten nuts with much more torque than could be applied with a wrench.
7. Remove Stuck Items:
There are times when you need to remove a stuck nut or bolt but cannot get enough leverage to turn it. The linesman pliers will give you great leverage and make it much easier to turn the stuck item.
8. Bend Copper Pipe:
If you need to bend copper pipe, the curved jaw of the linesman pliers will allow you to bend the pipe without kinking it.
9. Tighten Connections:
Tubing and fittings can often be difficult to tighten by hand. The linesman pliers will allow you to apply the exact amount of torque needed.
10. Form Nails:
The Linesman pliers can form a nail into a hook or other shape you need. If you need to make a simple hook, place the nail’s head in the slot on the jaw and turn it until it forms a curve.
Instructions: How to Use Linesman Pliers
Step 1
Straighten out your wire. To do so, you can either grip the wire close to where it enters the jaws of the pliers and bend it, or line up each end of an object with the jaws of the pliers.
Step 2
Straighten out the wire by positioning the wires in the center of the jaws and bending each wire to an angle.
Step 3
Position one wire, so it’s parallel with the ground and insert it into a piece of material. Make sure that both ends are equally inserted in the material because you don’t want any tension to be put on the wire. This is done by gently pushing one wire in slightly more than the other.
Step 4
With the wire still parallel to the ground, use your other hand to hold the material in place. Now use your linesman pliers to grip the wire and pull it tight.
Step 5
Hold it against a hard surface with your thumb and first two fingers to cut the wire. Position the jaws of the pliers, so they are perpendicular to the wire and close them tightly. Apply pressure to the handles to cut through the wire.
Step 6
Finally, use your pliers to crimp wires together by placing the crimping tool over the wire and squeezing the handles together. This will create a crimp in the wire that can hold a connector or other object in place.
Some Helpful Tips and Suggestions
1. Always use lineman pliers when you need a strong, durable pair of pliers. Linesman pliers are much more heavy-duty than other types of pliers.
2. Linesman pliers can cut, bend, and grip materials when heating the material is not necessary. These pliers also work in cold weather conditions due to their insulation grip handles.
3. You can use linesman pliers to perform any task for which you would bother a pair of pliers. These types of pliers are helpful in construction settings and on a farm or ranch.
4. Never use lineman pliers to cut soft, thin materials that can easily be nicked or pitted by the tool’s serrated cutting edge.
5. When using lineman pliers, always be aware of the potential hazards associated with the tool. Keep your hands and fingers away from the moving parts, especially when cutting or gripping metal.
6. Remember that pliers are an exceptionally forceful tool, so be careful if you’re working near electrical wires or gas lines.
7. It’s important to note that these types of pliers aren’t designed for permanent use. They should only be used for temporary installations or one-time projects. Also, never store your lineman pliers with the cutting surfaces exposed.
Conclusion
Linesman pliers are a versatile tool used in many different circumstances. They’re great for cutting thick wires and some types of metal, as well as stripping the insulation off wire ends. If you need to cut something like vinyl siding, they work too! You’ll find them at any hardware store if you don’t already have one on hand.
When it comes time to purchase new linesman pliers, make sure to get the right type; there’s both lineman and line-cutting variety for sale, depending on your needs. Remember, safety first, use these tools with care to don’t injure yourself or anyone else by accident! We hope this blog post on how to use linesman pliers has been helpful. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
