Pliers, Grips & Cutters
Lineman pliers, locking pliers, diagonal cutters and related gripping tools.
Why did fuel line disconnect tools appear?
Short answer: Automakers adopted spring-lock and quick-connect fuel and A/C line couplings in the late twentieth century.
Automakers adopted spring-lock and quick-connect fuel and A/C line couplings in the late twentieth century. These fittings need special release tools, so inexpensive disconnect tool sets became common shop items.
Why did trim clip removal tools become necessary?
Short answer: Automakers increasingly replaced screws with plastic push pins and clips on fender liners, door panels and trim.
Automakers increasingly replaced screws with plastic push pins and clips on fender liners, door panels and trim. Trim clip pliers and removal tools became necessary to remove these clips without breaking them or damaging panels.
How did locking pliers become popular as clamps?
Short answer: Locking pliers, popularized by Mole and Vise-Grip designs, lock onto a part with a toggle mechanism.
Locking pliers, popularized by Mole and Vise-Grip designs, lock onto a part with a toggle mechanism. Mechanics quickly adopted them as portable clamps for welding, holding parts and gripping damaged fasteners. Proper training and protective gear reduce the risk of injury.
Why have cotter pin pullers long been used in suspension work?
Short answer: Cotter pins have long secured castle nuts in suspension, steering and brake systems.
Cotter pins have long secured castle nuts in suspension, steering and brake systems. Cotter pin pullers with pointed hooks have been used for decades to extract bent pins from these critical fasteners.
How did spin-on oil filters create a need for filter wrenches?
Short answer: Spin-on oil filters became common in the mid-twentieth century, replacing cartridge filters that sat inside a housing.
Spin-on oil filters became common in the mid-twentieth century, replacing cartridge filters that sat inside a housing. Their round, smooth bodies created a need for filter wrenches and pliers in every service shop.
What types of oil filter wrenches have been used over the years?
Short answer: Oil filter wrenches include strap wrenches, band wrenches, cap-style wrenches that fit the end of the filter and adjustable plier types.
Oil filter wrenches include strap wrenches, band wrenches, cap-style wrenches that fit the end of the filter and adjustable plier types. As cartridge filters returned on many modern engines, cap wrenches sized for filter housings also became common.
Why were pipe pliers in early automobile tool kits?
Short answer: Gas or pipe pliers have serrated jaws for gripping round objects, and they were common in early automobile tool kits.
Gas or pipe pliers have serrated jaws for gripping round objects, and they were common in early automobile tool kits. They remained useful for round parts, though using them on nuts can round the corners.
How did parallel jaw pliers improve on traditional pliers?
Short answer: Traditional pliers jaws meet at an angle, so they grip only at a point.
Traditional pliers jaws meet at an angle, so they grip only at a point. Parallel jaw pliers use a compound mechanism to keep the jaws parallel, giving full jaw contact, and they found use for flat and delicate parts.
Why did terminal release tools become necessary?
Short answer: As connectors evolved with locked terminals and multi-pin housings, technicians needed tools to release terminals without damage.
As connectors evolved with locked terminals and multi-pin housings, technicians needed tools to release terminals without damage. Terminal release kits became common as vehicle wiring grew more complex.
Why did spark plug wire pliers become a common tune-up tool?
Short answer: Pulling on a spark plug wire's cable can damage the conductor.
Pulling on a spark plug wire's cable can damage the conductor. Spark plug wire pliers grip the boot instead, and they became a common tune-up tool in the era of distributor ignition and frequent plug changes.
Why were battery carriers common in service stations?
Short answer: Lead-acid batteries are heavy and contain acid.
Lead-acid batteries are heavy and contain acid. Battery carriers became common in service stations when batteries were frequently tested and replaced, helping attendants lift them without spills or strain. Use rated equipment and follow the service manual's safety steps.
Why did heater hose pliers come into use?
Short answer: Heater hoses often stick to their fittings over time.
Heater hoses often stick to their fittings over time. Heater hose pliers and removal tools came into use to free hoses without damaging fragile heater core tubes.
How long have mechanics used slide hammers?
Short answer: Slide hammers use a weighted handle that slides along a shaft to deliver pulling force.
Slide hammers use a weighted handle that slides along a shaft to deliver pulling force. They have been used for decades to pull axles, bearings, seals and dents, with attachments for many jobs.
How did electricians' pliers influence automotive tools?
Short answer: Lineman's and electrician's pliers developed for electrical work.
Lineman's and electrician's pliers developed for electrical work. As vehicles added wiring, these pliers and wire strippers became common in automotive electrical repair.
Why did insulated pliers become important?
Short answer: Insulated pliers protect against electrical shock.
Insulated pliers protect against electrical shock. They became important for high-voltage work on hybrid and electric vehicles.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.