Combination pliers are a type of which can provide multiple functions and are therefore suitable for various purposes using just the one, single set of pliers. Combination pliers can be used by various different tradespeople but are commonly used by electrical contractors.
There are various different types of combination pliers, but in general they will combine the two most important functions of a pair of pliers, namely gripping and cutting. But the sharp blades of combination pliers could also be used for wire stripping, ie. removing the rubber or plastic insulation from a length of wire.
The characteristics of combination pliers
A traditional type of combination pliers will have scissor arms as normal, but half of the scissor arm will be flat, to grip wire, while the other half will have a sharp edge for cutting or stripping wire. This means that when an electrical engineer is working in a small space, they can use their hand skills to adjust the position of the pliers when holding a wire to safely and securely cut it. Sometimes in awkward situations, and where many wires are together in close proximity, it is necessary to quickly swap from holding to cutting/stripping, so combination pliers are very effective for this need.
Most combination pliers will be able to accommodate different thicknesses of cable and wiring, and may also have flat or pointed jaws, for different applications. Combination pliers will also have insulated handles, to protect the user from accidental contact with live current. Combination pliers are regularly used when working with live conductors, such as wires and cabling, so the handles should always be covered with insulating material. And in terms of design, a set of combination pliers can have handles which are either straight, curved or bowed.
What to look for when buying combination pliers
There are a number of factors that can influence your decision when looking to purchase a set of combination pliers, these can include:
- Sharpness – Do you need to cut hard wires and thick cabling? You will need to select a pair of combination pliers that has sharpened edges and a hardness of steel that can easily and reliably cut a range of materials, and without effecting the lifespan or reliability of the pliers.
- Grip – The section used for gripping wires and cables should have a toothed finish, this helps to create friction between the tool and the gripped material, and hence makes the hold more secure. This type of toothed finish also means that less physical effort is required on the part of the user to maintain hold of the wire or cable, which can be critical in awkward situations or difficult environments.
- Material – A pair of good quality combination pliers should be made from a material that is hard, durable and temperature resistant. Most good quality tools are manufactured using a type of hardened steel specific to toolmaking, such as carbon or chrome-plated steel, and which can withstand various mechanical loads. But you should check the tool specifications to ensure a specific set of combination pliers meets your needs.
- Size – Combination pliers have to fit comfortably in your hand so that they can be used effectively and are not too large or too small. Combination pliers execute an important function so you must be able to hold them comfortably and be able to manoeuvre them comfortably, particularly when swapping from the grip to the cut or strip operation.
Order your combination pliers from Test Instrument Solutions
At Test Instrument Solutions we have a wide range of combination pliers manufactured by KNIPEX, a leading industry brand in the design, manufacture and supply of quality electrical testing tools.
Please note that this section is for information purposes only. Anyone using equipment referred to in this section must be suitably qualified and/or experienced within the respective field. If in doubt before use, please consult a qualified electrician or engineer & thoroughly read all instruction booklets.