Pliers modification

[olderdan]

Some years ago I modified a cheap (no name) pair of long nosed pliers by drilling 5 different sized holes along the joint. They have proved so useful for many tasks that they are always on my bench. i.e. working on small screws, grinding and polishing items, and as I have always made up my own bowden cables they are a heat sink when gripped in the vice for soldering nipples to retain the cable temper. As a bonus they are non marking.
Cheap tools can be useful for some things as they are usually soft enough to be modified.

[LMMasterMariner]

Excellent idea. Thanks for sharing.

[old_toolmaker]

olderdan,

That is a awesome! This would come in handy so many times. I had never considered doing that. Thanks for posting!

[mklotz]

Good idea, so good, in fact, that tool manufacturers sell them...

https://www.amazon.com/TNI-U-TU-346S...e+clamp+pliers

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016XE2CHA...539448856&sr=3

https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-Nee...le+nose+pliers

Modifying cheap tools is a frequent job here in Garaj Mahal. I have a pair of long-reach needle nose pliers dedicated to holding stuff in the torch flame. I'm sure the hardening in the jaws, if there ever was any, is long gone but the only function required of them is to grip stuff so all is well.

Over here there's a retailer, Harbor Freight, who issues coupons for free tools in their advertisements. Their free, cheap screwdrivers have been ground into too many dedicated "tools" to count.

[old_toolmaker]

olderdan,

This website is a gold mine of ideas. I really enjoy this place and am happy it exists.

[Drew1966]

Great idea. I’ve got dozens of pairs of pliers that came from a shed clean out I did. Time to make some the same!

[PJs]

Cheap tools can be useful for some things as they are usually soft enough to be modified.

Nice that you were able to get 5 holes...lots of choices there. So true about modifying cheap tools. Have to give credit to my dad on that one as he made all kinds of special tools as I was growing up from the 99 Cent bins. He always said if you're going to use it every day, buy one, otherwise make something for a few uses...which sometimes turn into decades. ~¿@

Done similar with needle nose, pliers to Hog ring pliers, screw drivers (made T-Handles and carb bowl scrapers...Lots...even just use the round bar and reshape it for what ever the need), various wrench types, bent, bent at just the right angle, ground, notched...most all from the 99Cent bin at Hardware stores or HFT. Tweaked a HFT 17mm open end awhile back to reach a pesky bolt head changing the window regulator in my car. Had to bend it in two places to keep a low profile and grind it thinner...and still drew blood but got it out and back in.

Thanks for bringing this to the forefront again, OlderDan...It's what this forum is about I think.

PJ

[owen moore]

If you squint at the picture of your pliers it almost looks like some sort of predator fish. Great idea for putting some old mundane tool to a totally new use.

[DIYer]

Thanks olderdan! We've added your Pliers Modification to our Workholding category,
as well as to your builder page: olderdan's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Pliers Modification by olderdan

tags: pliers, modification

[Oloneear]

Great idea! I can see a dozen times I would have used this lately. I think I might drill a small hole down the legth of the pliers for added usages i.e. pulling a brake cable, just a thought.