Diagonal cutting pliers require little maintenance and care beyond cleaning and proper use.
Avoid forcing pliers to cut through material that is too thick or too hard for them because it can damage the blades by chipping or blunting them. It is best to use a more appropriate tool.
Clean the tool, particularly the blades, with soap and water to remove splinters of metal or plastic which could cause problems with the joints or encourage corrosion. Ensure the pliers are completely dry before storage.
You can also clean them by wiping rubbing alcohol onto the blades and allowing it to dry.
If you get anything sticky on your diagonal cutting pliers, rub lighter fluid or oil into it and you will find it will lift easily with a rag.
If the tool has become corroded read How to clean rust from diagonal cutting pliers to see if you can salvage it before heading to the shops.
If the diagonal cutting pliers get wet, dry them thoroughly to prevent them rusting.
After cleaning them, coat them in a thin layer of oil, taking care to work the oil into the moving joint.
Store them in a dry place where the blades and tip of the jaws won’t get knocked about and blunted. A toolbox or pouch is ideal.
