THE HISTORY AND SAFETY OF PLIERS JOSHUA BARTZ

INFO ABOUT PLIERS • Pliers are a hand tool universally used to hold objects firmly without slipping. • Pliers consist of a pair of metal levers joined at a hinge positioned closer to one end of the levers, creating short jaws on one side, and longer handles on the other side. • There are many different kinds of pliers, ranging from needle-nose pliers to visegrips, and slip-joint pliers to pincers.

MORE INFO ABOUT PLIERS • Pliers are a versatile tool that can be used to cut, grip, or even crush, depending on the type of pliers and the job it's meant for.

PLIER HISTORY • No single point in history, or inventor, can be credited for the invention of the pliers. • Development from wooden to bronze pliers would have probably happened sometime prior to 3000 BCE. • Among the oldest illustrations of pliers are those showing the Greek god Hephaestus in his forge.

PLIERS SAFETY • Do not use pliers to do another tool’s job • Do not expose pliers to excessive heat • Oil pliers to maintain life and value

SAFETY CONT. • Be sure the type of pliers match the application • Never try to use pliers beyond their ability

SAFETY CONT. • Always protect your eyes before cutting wire or metal • Do not use pliers on live electrical circuits

SAFETY CONT. • Be sure the type of pliers match the application • Never try to use pliers beyond their ability • Always use pliers at right angles, not from side to side

ACCIDENT WITH PLIERS • It was an incident on the Highway, when a foot-long pair of pliers came flying into a windshield directly toward a driver. The driver reached his arm out and could feel a foot-long pair of pliers. They had been kicked up from the road by a speeding truck in the vehicle lane. • Moral of the story? Don’t be stupid, and have common sense. Leaving a metal tool in the middle of the road obviously isn't too smart.

REFERENCES • http: //newyork. cbslocal. com/2016/07/08/l-i-e-flying-pliers/ • http: //blog. all-spec. com/the-8 -safety-rules-of-pliers/ • https: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Pliers