TM 9-243
TYPES AND USES
SLIP-JOINT PLIERS
The slip-joint combination pliers have serrated
(grooved) jaws, with a rod-gripping section, a cutting
edge, and a pivot. The serrated jaws and rod-gripping
section are used to hold objects. The cutting edge per-
mits the cutting of soft wire and nails. However, cutting
hard materials or large gage wire will spring the jaws,
making the pliers useless. The pivot is used to adjust the
jaw opening to handle large or small objects.
DIAGONAL CUTTING PLIERS
point, where maximum pressure may be applied. They
are ground at an angle permitting sharp flush cuts on
electrical wire. A pair of croppers is located above the
pivot. They are used to shear larger wire. Lineman’s
pliers used around electrical circuits have insulated
sleeves over the handles to reduce the possibility of
electrical shock.
PARALLEL JAW PLIERS
The parallel jaw pliers are constructed so that the jaws
remain parallel to each other throughout the entire dis-
tance of travel. It has two jaws, a pivot pin, curved
handles, and tension springs. The tension springs are
contained within the curved handles and will open the
jaws when the handles are released. These pliers are
used to grip objects which have flat surfaces.
FLAT-NOSE PLIERS
The diagonal cutting pliers have a fixed pivot. The jaws
are offset by about 15 degrees and are shaped to give
enough knuckle clearance while making flush cuts. The
diagonal cutting pliers are used for cutting small, light
materials such as wire, cotter pins, and similar mate-
rials. These pliers are not to be used to hold or grip
objects.
LINEMAN’S SIDE CUTTING PLIERS
The flat-nose pliers have flat serrated jaws, a fixed pivot,
and curved handles which may have insulated sleeves.
These pliers are used to bend light sheet metal and wire.
ROUND-NOSE PLIERS
The lineman’s side cutting pliers have serrated jaws, a
rod-gripping section, side cutters, wire cropper, a fixed
pivot, and parallel handles. The flat serrated jaws are
used to bend sheet metal and twist electrical wire. The
rod-gripping section is used to hold rods and bend small
rods. The side cutters are located just above the pivot
The round-nose pliers are used to make loops in soft
wire. It has smooth, round jaws, a fixed pivot, and curved
handles, which may have insulated sleeves.
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