Garage Gazette

TOOLS AND THE SHOP => MECHANIC HAND TOOLS WE USE => Topic started by: bonneyman on September 01, 2018, 12:07:42 PM

Title: Unusual pliers
Post by: bonneyman on September 01, 2018, 12:07:42 PM
Always seem to run across pliers that are "different". Besides the standard slip-joint and rib-joint adjustable ones (which are made by just about everyone), I come across odd and weird pliers all the time. Maybe some company thought this design would take off? Maybe they were just trying to break into the market with something unique? Maybe it was some backyard mechanic who took a standard tool and modded it for some use, and it fell into the hands of a marketing agent?

Post up your pliers. Big, small, nice, ugly, standard or weird. We want to see them all!

First up are what are called "wrenching pliers". Made by Proto (and P&C) for a few years in the late 50's/early 60's, they are a hybrid design between a slip joint and adjustable pliers. Very strong clamping force.
Proto #234
http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=2600512&typeCode=0
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: bonneyman on September 01, 2018, 12:09:06 PM
Asian made locking slip-joint pliers. Could prove really handy when doing hose clamps.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: bonneyman on September 01, 2018, 12:11:11 PM
Parrot-head pliers. Basically slip-joint pliers with the head at a 90 deg offset. I really like them.
I think JP Danielson first made the design, and I generally like JPD tools alot.

http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=1866771&typeCode=0
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: bonneyman on September 01, 2018, 12:14:36 PM
Eifel clamping pliers. One could switch out the moveable jaws for different jobs.
I'm sure somebody else has better looking examples.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: hickory n Steel on September 01, 2018, 12:19:32 PM
Eifel clamping pliers. One could switch out the moveable jaws for different jobs.
I'm sure somebody else has better looking examples.
These plierwrench style aren't encommon, but those other ones sure are pretty unique.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: bonneyman on September 01, 2018, 12:26:49 PM
P&C parallel pliers.

http://www.datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=2811068&typeCode=0
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: bonneyman on September 01, 2018, 12:31:11 PM
Always liked the "farmers" pliers. A pair of pliers with a small adjustable wrench built into one handle and a flathead screwdriver in the other handle. One could carry this tool in their hip pocket while out in the field and have 3 of the most commonly needed tools handy in one package. The Handyboy's made by Diamond go for crazy money - I bought this one from HJE and made a rubbery handle for it. Chinese-made, but it works.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: J.A.F.E. on September 01, 2018, 01:43:57 PM
Some really nice stuff there. The pair in the opening post are awesome pliers. They are compound leverage and have a tenacious grip. I also really like the parrot head design but won't use slip jaw pliers anymore - one too many blood blisters from the jaws slipping.

I had a pair like the parallel jasw with the rack style adjustment but they were for plumbing and had smooth jaws. Not sure what I did with them - I think I traded or maybe sold them.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: Cruiser808 on September 01, 2018, 02:02:00 PM
Those are some mighty fine Proto pliers there Bonneyman! I like Proto pliers too. In fact, they’re my go to’s  when I need a gripping tool.  Here are my oldies but goodies.


Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: Crispycritter on September 01, 2018, 02:11:55 PM
Some really nice stuff there. The pair in the opening post are awesome pliers. They are compound leverage and have a tenacious grip. I also really like the parrot head design but won't use slip jaw pliers anymore - one too many blood blisters from the jaws slipping.

I had a pair like the parallel jasw with the rack style adjustment but they were for plumbing and had smooth jaws. Not sure what I did with them - I think I traded or maybe sold them.
naa you gave them to me they were proto... :P I got them in my plumbing stuff
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: J.A.F.E. on September 01, 2018, 02:33:51 PM
I knew they went somewhere.

I guess I picked the wrong week to
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: bonneyman on September 01, 2018, 04:27:36 PM
Those are some mighty fine Proto pliers there Bonneyman! I like Proto pliers too. In fact, they’re my go to’s  when I need a gripping tool.  Here are my oldies but goodies.

Nice board, Cruiser!
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: strik9 on September 01, 2018, 09:54:48 PM
A Gripso No. 10 withbthe same patent as the Proto. 

   This was cut back before it was mine then I broke them.  Had them welded up again I like them so much.

   They still get regular use usually being treated like a rented mule.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: Cruiser808 on September 01, 2018, 10:09:39 PM
Thanks Bonneyman. It took several years to put the display together. All the pliers are Proto LA.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: J.A.F.E. on September 01, 2018, 10:17:44 PM
Quite an impressive collection Cruiser.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: Cruiser808 on September 01, 2018, 10:34:52 PM
 Thanks Steve. Even a broken clock gets it right twice a day.    ; :D
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: J.A.F.E. on September 01, 2018, 10:41:52 PM
You have some amazing stuff. Looks like you get it right all the time.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: bonneyman on September 01, 2018, 11:53:22 PM
A Gripso No. 10 withbthe same patent as the Proto. 

   This was cut back before it was mine then I broke them.  Had them welded up again I like them so much.

   They still get regular use usually being treated like a rented mule.

How's that new one that I sent you holding up? Have you welded it yet?  :D
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: strik9 on September 02, 2018, 12:34:36 AM
It is trapped north of the Rio Bravo awaiting a trip south. 

  It will come .
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: J.A.F.E. on September 02, 2018, 01:01:10 AM
That is true it is my delay on this end.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: strik9 on September 02, 2018, 08:36:12 AM
No worries my friend.

    I understand the shipping got difficult.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: Davethorik on September 15, 2018, 09:59:39 PM
These aren't vintage USA but the NWS Ergo pliers made in Germany. I have the Irwin Ergo-Multi and the NWS Ergo-Combi and love both.

Next up, recent production Sargent USA 8" parallel jaw pliers w/ side cutter. In original box.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: J.A.F.E. on September 15, 2018, 10:22:08 PM
I didn't realize Sargent was still making the parallel jaw pliers. Must be over 100 year run.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: Davethorik on September 15, 2018, 10:43:39 PM
The new ones are nice. Heavy, come oiled. Surface finish like it was plated then hit with a d/a to smooth it. Grips nice and robust. I didn't try the cutters but they look robust.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: J.A.F.E. on September 15, 2018, 10:54:02 PM
Nice to see something last like that. I have some I think my grandfather bought new and the cutters still work.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: bonneyman on September 15, 2018, 11:11:33 PM
I like pistol-grip needle nose.   8)
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: Uncle Buck on September 16, 2018, 11:19:35 AM
I like pistol-grip needle nose.   8)

Agreed, I would add a pair that was not Irwin.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: bonneyman on September 16, 2018, 04:09:03 PM
I like pistol-grip needle nose.   8)

Agreed, I would add a pair that was not Irwin.

I know Snap-On offers them, and the ones I have are Kliens that were modded by a local tool guy.
Title: Re: Unusual pliers
Post by: strik9 on September 17, 2018, 09:17:44 PM
My fave pliers.  Just a bit hard to make useful anymore.