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You Used Pliers for What? Don't Try These at Home!

You Used Pliers for What? Don't Try These at Home!

Posted by Theresa Hoffman on Jul 24th 2024

Ah, the trusty pliers. A staple in any toolbox, these versatile tools can grip, twist, and cut. But that's where things can get interesting...

Pliers are a popular toolbox grab, but they're not miracle workers. We've all been there: in the middle of a project, a problem arises, and the urge to grab the first available tool intensifies.

Those pliers seem like the answer to everything, right? Well, hold on to your inner MacGyver for a moment, because we're about to explore some instances where pliers aren't the ideal tool.

The Great Nutcracker: Starving for a quick snack? Nuts are a tempting, healthy option. But not all come pre-shelled. The solution in your famished state? Pliers, of course! Wrong! Pliers are designed for gripping, not crushing. The likely outcome? A mangled snack, a bruised ego, and potentially some sore fingers.

Instead, put those strong KNIPEX pliers to good use! They're perfect for getting a firm hold on pipes, nuts (the metal kind, of course!), and bolts.


The Hammer: Using pliers as a hammer? It’s the DYI equivalent of trying to eat soup with a fork. Technically possible, but not advisable!

Leave the pounding to your hammer. Instead, put your pliers to work for what they do best: cutting, gripping, and pulling.


The Battery Remover: Using pliers to remove batteries sound like a recipe for a mini fireworks display. You could end up with a battery that looks like it went through a bear attack! You might end up needing a new device (and some new pliers) after this attempt.

Resist the temptation to pluck out stubborn batteries, think safety first, and use your pliers for more delicate materials like soft, medium-hard wire cutting and bending.


The Ring Remover: Ever had a ring stubbornly stuck on your finger? No amount of soap or grease seems to budge it. Pliers might seem like the answer, but that's a big no-no! Pliers aren't designed for delicate tasks, and the gripping motion could easily pinch the skin between your finger and the pliers. Stick to safer methods – you'll thank yourself later!

So put away your box of band-aids and use your pliers for what they're meant for: cutting metals not attached to anything living.


Uncorking Catastrophe: It’s time to celebrate, so you reach for your bottle of bubbly. But the cork is determined to stay put. Pliers seem like they could be the solution…absolutely not! Pliers could easily shatter the cork, sending bits of it flying around. You don’t want to potentially ruin your celebration drink, do you?

You probably have enough to clean up around the house, avoid the mess and use your pliers adjustable jaws to get a grip on pipes, nuts, blots and other odd shaped objects


The moral of the story? Use the right tool for the right job! Pliers are a universal tool, but they're not always what you need to get your project done. Avoid DIY disasters and keep your projects safe by using the appropriate tool. Ready to explore the pliers we offer? Check out our selection!

Marshall Wolf Automation is excited to be an authorized KNIPEX distributor! Don't see the pliers you're looking for online? Contact us, we're here to help.