What are the parts of end cutting pincers?
What are the parts of end cutting pincers? |
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Jaws |
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The jaws of end cutting pincers are almost flat, to allow you to cut as closely as possible to the surface of the workpiece. This leaves excess wire or nails lying flush with the surface instead of sticking up. | |||
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They are extremely sharp, and should meet together precisely without any gaps. Jaws for end cutting pincers are made in two designs:
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Lap jointThis is the most common type of joint for end cutting pincers. One handle is laid over the other one, joined by a central rivet. The drawback is that with heavy use the rivet can eventually become loose, causing the jaws to start moving around. |
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Box jointA box joint is where one side of the pincers slides through a slit made in the other side. The joint is far stronger because four faces of the tool are in contact instead of only two as with a lap joint. The jaws have more support at the sides so won’t move around, and will cut more precisely. This is the strongest type of joint, but also the most expensive to produce. |
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Cutting edge |
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The pincers have very sharp cutting edges to enable them to slice through wire. Heavy duty versions can even cut nails and bolts. The edges are bevelled, which means they slant gradually to the tip. This gives extra strength as the jaws are much wider than the cutting edges. | |||
Pivot point |
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The pivot point, also called the fulcrum, is the point around which the handles and jaws of the pincers rotate. It normally comprises a nut or screw. | |||
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Many end cutting pincers have two pivot points, known as dual pivots. This magnifies their cutting power because the second pivot point works alongside the first one, producing much more force from the same amount of effort. | |||
Handles |
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The handles act as levers to force the jaws of the pincers together. They vary in length and are usually coated in plastic, rubber or a mixture of the two – often with ridges or grooves for extra grip. Handles with thick cushioned coverings are more comfortable to use. Some pincers have shaped handles that flare out at the top to help stop fingers slipping down on to the sharp jaws. | |||
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Others have more pronounced finger protection called slip guards or thumb stops. As the name suggests, these are small ledges moulded into the handle that help prevent your hand slipping down to the sharp end in the middle of cutting or twisting. | |||
Return spring |
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Smaller end cutting pincers which can be operated one-handed may be fitted with either single or double return springs, which automatically bring the handles back to an open position when you let go.
This reduces the effort for repetitive tasks, and also lets you hold the workpiece firmly in place with your other hand. |
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