Plier function observation Part 1

665ae · **on:** July 31, 2007, 08:57:12 PM

I was going to post this in the Usage Clarification thread, but decided to start a new thread instead...

As a Mechanic, my multi spends a lot of time loosening and tightening nuts and bolts. One of the things I've noticed lately is how small differences can really effect how the pliers perform this basic job.

Take for example the LM Surge and the SOG PowerLock. I think most of us would agree that these are two tools built for heavy work.

One of the things I do quite frequently with my multi is removing battery cables. The nuts holding these on range in size anywhere from 10mm to 15mm. When performing this job, I usually try to grip the nut with the opening in the pliers, where all the little "teeth" are. (what's the technical term for that spot??? )

Here's a closeup of the SOG.

Here's a closeup of the Surge.

Notice anything different?

The shape of the opening on both tools is different, as is the size/depth of the teeth. This doesn't seem to be that big of a deal, until you get a rusty nut between you and finishing a job. While SOG's compound leverage helps, the small teeth, and round opening do not. I've found when trying to loosen stubborn nuts that the pliers will slip off no matter how hard I squeeze. With the Surge, the slightly deeper cut teeth aid in gripping the nut, and the shape of the opening fits around the nut slightly better.

I'm sure I'm probably not explaining this right, as I'm not that technical of a person. This was just something that I had observed while using these two multi's, and I thought some of you might be interested in it.

znapschatz · **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2007, 10:16:47 PM

Quote from: 665ae on July 31, 2007, 08:57:12 PM

As a Mechanic, my multi spends a lot of time loosening and tightening nuts and bolts.

Many years have passed since I worked as an army mechanic, but on the job I used only wrenches to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. Only in a roadside emergency or otherwise far from my tools would I ever use pliers on them (which actually happened a few times

).

May I ask what kind of mechanical work you do, automotive or otherwise, in which at least box wrenches are not on hand?

Quote

One of the things I've noticed lately is how small differences can really effect how the pliers perform this basic job.

Take for example the LM Surge and the SOG PowerLock. I think most of us would agree that these are two tools built for heavy work.

One of the things I do quite frequently with my multi is removing battery cables. The nuts holding these on range in size anywhere from 10mm to 15mm. When performing this job, I usually try to grip the nut with the opening in the pliers, where all the little "teeth" are. (what's the technical term for that spot??? )

The G Spot (for Gripping, of course ;D ).

Quote

Here's a closeup of the SOG.

(Image removed from quote.)

Here's a closeup of the Surge.

(Image removed from quote.)

Notice anything different?

The shape of the opening on both tools is different, as is the size/depth of the teeth. This doesn't seem to be that big of a deal, until you get a rusty nut between you and finishing a job. While SOG's compound leverage helps, the small teeth, and round opening do not. I've found when trying to loosen stubborn nuts that the pliers will slip off no matter how hard I squeeze. With the Surge, the slightly deeper cut teeth aid in gripping the nut, and the shape of the opening fits around the nut slightly better.

I'm sure I'm probably not explaining this right, as I'm not that technical of a person. This was just something that I had observed while using these two multi's, and I thought some of you might be interested in it.

You explained it well. I prefer Leatherman plier jaws for the same reason. Multi-tool qualities are more important to me now that I no longer spend much time doing mechanical work and am seldom around dedicated tools when needed. While I respect other makes, I keep coming back to Leatherman for their better implement designs, more like proper tools.

My basic away from home tool kit these days consists of a Leatherman Core, 6 inch adjustable wrench and a Mini-Maglite flash enclosed in a Nite Ize pouch. Usually, that's good enough for small jobs. For anything major, I go to my wallet-carried tool, a credit card. That also works well. ;D

Anthony · **Reply #2 on:** August 01, 2007, 12:37:19 AM

Those rounded off "teeth" on the SOG aggrivate me

You'd get so much more GRIP if they were sharper...

665ae · **Reply #3 on:** August 01, 2007, 03:25:57 AM

Quote

May I ask what kind of mechanical work you do, automotive or otherwise, in which at least box wrenches are not on hand?

I work for Chrysler as a Developement/Durability Mechanic at their Proving Grounds. A lot of times during testing, I may be outside the building (where all my tools are) doing a test drive when something may come loose, or I may need to disconnect a cable to reset fault codes, warning lamps, etc. Or, I may be inside the shop and away from my toolbox, and it's easier to just use my multi than walk back to my box to grab the appropriate wrench.

AJ · **Reply #4 on:** August 01, 2007, 04:10:48 AM

Quote

I work for Chrysler as a Developement/Durability Mechanic at their Proving Grounds.

Nice job!
How long have you worked there.

BTW: great observation, can't wait for part 2.

supratentorial · **Reply #5 on:** August 01, 2007, 06:02:38 AM

Quote from: znapschatz on July 31, 2007, 10:16:47 PM

...I used only wrenches to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. Only in a roadside emergency or otherwise far from my tools would I ever use pliers on them...

Gotta agree with znapschatz on that one.

665ae · **Reply #6 on:** August 01, 2007, 07:26:35 AM

Quote from: Dakota on August 01, 2007, 04:10:48 AM

Quote
I work for Chrysler as a Developement/Durability Mechanic at their Proving Grounds.

Nice job!
How long have you worked there.

BTW: great observation, can't wait for part 2.

I've worked there a little over 8 years now. Part two is in the works

665ae · **Reply #7 on:** August 01, 2007, 07:38:58 AM

Quote from: supratentorial on August 01, 2007, 06:02:38 AM

Quote from: znapschatz on July 31, 2007, 10:16:47 PM
...I used only wrenches to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. Only in a roadside emergency or otherwise far from my tools would I ever use pliers on them...

Gotta agree with znapschatz on that one.

Yeah, I normally use wrench's on nuts and bolts. That being said, often there are times when I'm away from my tool box (the proving grounds is 2500 acres with over 100 miles of road surface) and can't get to a wrench... so I use my multitool.

supratentorial · **Reply #8 on:** August 01, 2007, 07:49:33 AM

665ae, Would something like this be helpful for your work? This one is an oldie but I'd like to see a major multi-tool manufacturer produce a quality multi-tool based on a wrench or plierwrench rather than pliers.

ringzero · **Reply #9 on:** August 01, 2007, 09:12:41 AM

Quote from: supratentorial on August 01, 2007, 07:49:33 AM

665ae, Would something like this be helpful for your work? This one is an oldie but I'd like to see a major multi-tool manufacturer produce a quality multi-tool based on a wrench or plierwrench rather than pliers.

(Image removed from quote.)

Coast makes a multitool that is similar to this. Around 15 bucks, IIRC. Might be worth a try at that price.

You might also consider just a small adjustable wrench rather than a multi.

I have a small, inexpensive Lowes Task Force adjustable wrench that carries easily in my back pocket. Good for up to about 20 mm. Sometimes carry it in my back pocket when working out in the yard with a chainsaw that requires frequent adjustments.

.