What Are Adjustable Pliers? Types and Selection Criteria
Adjustable pliers (locking pliers) set their jaw opening with a screw at the end of the handle and lock when squeezed, so they keep holding the part when let go.
Adjustable pliers (locking pliers) are pliers whose jaw opening is set to the workpiece with an adjusting screw at the end of the handle and which lock when the handles are squeezed, so they keep holding the part even when let go. The lock is released with the release lever inside the handle. They are used to hold sheet and pipe together before welding and spot welding, to grip and turn a bolt with a damaged head, and to fix a part temporarily in jobs that need both hands.
Types
| Model | Stock code | Length | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| İzeltaş Standard Adjustable Pliers | `2505110250` | 250 mm | General-purpose holding and fixing |
| İzeltaş Universal Adjustable Pliers | `2500110250` | 250 mm | General-purpose holding and fixing |
| İzeltaş Welder's Adjustable Pliers (Flat Jaw) | `2512110200` | 200 mm | Holding sheet metal plates on top of each other |
| İzeltaş Welder's Adjustable Pliers (For Pipe) | `2513110280` | 280 mm | Fixing pipes before welding |
| İzeltaş Auto Body Adjustable Pliers | `2515110270` | 270 mm | Flat and angular parts, body panels |
Besides adjustable pliers, two more product groups are listed in this category:
- Universal groove joint pliers (160 mm `2400110160`, 240 mm `2400110240`): The jaw opening changes in steps with a grooved joint, but they do not lock; used for gripping pipes, fittings and nuts.
- Hose clamp pliers (220 mm `3420120220`, compression type 235 mm `3425120220`): Special pliers made for fitting and removing hose clamps.
Selection criteria
- Shape of the part: Choose the flat-jaw welder's type for sheet, the pipe welder's type for pipe, the auto body type for flat and angular parts, and the standard or universal type for general work.
- Length and opening: Longer pliers open wider and transmit more clamping force; a short length works comfortably in tight spaces.
- Lock or groove joint: If the part must stay held when you let go, adjustable pliers fit; for joints that are opened, closed and turned often, groove joint pliers fit.
- Material and finish: Product pages give the jaw material as chrome vanadium or special alloy steel and the finish as nickel or chrome plating; compare the finish for corrosive environments.
Common mistakes
- Overtightening the adjusting screw: The part gets crushed and the lock is hard to release. First set the opening close to the part with the screw; the handles should lock with slight resistance.
- Using adjustable pliers instead of a wrench: They round off the corners of sound nuts and bolts; adjustable pliers are for rescuing a damaged fastener.
- Mistaking groove joint pliers for adjustable pliers: Groove joint pliers do not lock; you have to keep squeezing the handles to hold the part.
- Using them on live circuits: These models carry no insulation (insulated or VDE) marking in their names; they are not used on energised circuits.
Products in the catalog
The Adjustable Pliers category has 9 active products, all from İzeltaş: 5 adjustable pliers, 2 universal groove joint pliers and 2 hose clamp pliers. The products are sold per piece and can be ordered directly. For cutting and general gripping see Combination Pliers, and for other plier types the Pliers and Cutters category.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between adjustable pliers and groove joint pliers?
On adjustable pliers the opening is set with a screw and the handles lock, so the part stays held when you let go. On groove joint pliers the opening changes in steps with a grooved joint and there is no lock.
What are welder's adjustable pliers used for?
They hold parts in place before welding or spot welding. The flat-jaw type holds sheet metal plates on top of each other, and the pipe type fixes pipes.
How do you open adjustable pliers?
Pressing the release lever inside the handle releases the lock and opens the jaws. Forcing the handles without using the lever damages the joint.
Which size of adjustable pliers should I buy?
250–280 mm suits thick parts and wide openings; 200 mm suits thin sheet and tight spaces. The adjustable pliers in the catalog come in 200, 250, 270 and 280 mm lengths.