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JOB EASIER, FASTER, SAFER, BETTER WITH RIGHT PLIERS Ever try working in hard to get to areas found on electronic gadgets with slip joint pliers when what is needed is a pair of long nose pliers? Anyone who has is a firm believer that one pair of pliers is not enough. The Hand Tools Institute (HTI), a national association for manufacturers of hand tools, points out that there are many types, sizes and shapes of pliers, each designed and manufactured for a specific use. Some pliers are used for gripping, others for turning and bending and still others for cutting, each to be used within the intended manufactured limitations. Selecting the correct plier and knowing how to use it properly and safely is what counts. Some important points to remember are: -Slip joint pliers are for gripping, turning and bending. -Flat nose pliers - ideal for gripping in close space areas such as electronic gadgets, typewriters, telephone and other. -Utility pliers - pliers commonly widely used by plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics to grip round, square, flat and hexagonal objects. -End cutting pliers - designed for cutting wire nails, rivets, etc. close to work. -Diagonal Cutting Pliers - designed for electrical, electronic, telephone, automotive, and general work of cutting and skinning wire. They can also be used to remove cotter pins. Since one pair of pliers is not enough for all jobs, here are some important safety rules to follow: No. 1. Don’t use pliers for cutting hardened wire unless specifically manufactured for this purpose. No. 2. Always cut at right angles, never rock from side to side or bend the wire back and forth against the cutting blades. No. 3. Never use pliers as a hammer, nor hammer on the handles. They may crack or break, or blades may be nicked by such abuse. No. 4. Never extend the length of handles to secure greater leverage. Use a larger pair of pliers or a bolt cutter. No. 5. Wear safety glasses when cutting wire nails or other material to protect eyes from being struck by the end of the object being cut. No. 6. Keep in mind that plastic dipped handles are designed for comfort - not electrical insulation. The information contained in the booklet, "Hand Tool Safety - Guide to Selection and Proper Use," provides helpful information on the proper and safe use of over 80 hand tools and represents the consensus of opinion of leading hand tool manufacturers of the United States. Manufacturing plays a central role in the economic growth of our nation, primarily through a unique, interdependent system of innovation that affects all sectors of the economy. By nurturing innovations from concepts through to full-fledged improvements in products and processes, American manufacturing is responsible for providing the basis for more jobs, improved productivity, prosperity and a higher quality of life. Support American Manufacturing # # # |