The jaws and handles of many pincers are just presented as bare metal, but some may have a protective coating. This can be made of:
Phosphate
Powder
Chrome
Nickel
Phosphate
Some good quality pincers may be coated in manganese or zinc phosphate to protect against corrosion. The process also provides a smooth, shiny finish to reduce friction between moving parts and prolong the life of the tool.
Phosphate coating involves immersing the tool in a solution of phosphoric acid and other additives. Chemical reactions then convert the surface of the metal to an integral layer of phosphate crystals.
Manganese phosphate is dark grey to black in appearance and gives a thick, extremely durable finish. Zinc phosphate is pale grey and provides a thinner, lighter coating which gives good protection but is not quite as long-lasting.
Powder
Powder coating is the process of applying dry paint or epoxy resin (a kind of plastic) to a pre-treated part through an electrostatic spray gun, which sends an electric charge through the particles to attract them to the tool.
The tool is then ‘cured’ – heated so that the particles fuse together and harden to form a protective covering. Powder coating will help protect pincers from corrosion but is less durable than manganese or zinc phosphate.
Chrome
Chrome, also known as chromium, is a metallic element which is sometimes used to coat pincer jaws and handles. It gives a hard, shiny outer surface which will make the pincers more resistant to corrosion and easier to keep clean.
Nickel
Nickel is a tough, silvery-white metal with a slight golden tinge. It’s not quite as shiny as chrome but offers the same level of protection against corrosion.
Plastic and synthetic rubber
The majority of both end cutting and carpenter’s pincers have handles either partially or completely covered in plastic, synthetic rubber or a mixture of the two.
Carpenter’s pincers often have their handles dipped in plastic to create a thin covering. This helps stop them slipping in the hand while in use. Many end cutting pincers have thicker moulded sleeved handles, often a mix of hard plastic and softer nitrile (synthetic) rubber, for extra grip and comfort.