new plier handles

[woody 73]

Hi I need some help ; I bought some old pliers and I would like to put some kind of plastic handle on them.

I have tried plastic dip but I am not crazy about this product. I bought a few plastic handles from Klein tools they are great for iron workers pliers but not so good at very small pliers. Any thoughts out there.... Thanks Woody!

[bushhawg73]

I have never seen any replacements that fit as well as the original ones. I would just clean off the old cover and stick with the bare steel. Just my opinion.

[justinmc]

I've seen guys even wrap em in electrical tape (not my personal preference as they tend to get a bit nasty after a bit). I'd stick with a standard bare steel handle unless its too slick that way.

[Joe H]

Personally I would try some truck bedliner. Not the rattle can kind but the brush on kind in the paint cans. I have no idea how well it work but it's worth a shot.

[Merkava_4]

My experience with the plastic dip is that the solids sink to the bottom of the can and so you have to stir it up real well before dipping.

[t100]

the best solution i have seen was done by the deckhands on the long range fishing boats off san diego. they can wrap fairly quickly about 15-20 minutes per prong depends how fancy the turks head is. then dip it in fiberglass resin. boy... those thing last forever.

i couldn't find a picture of the actual thing, this picture is pretty close just less fancy.

http://itsknotart.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/dykes-091.jpg

[Mickey O]

I've used that spray on plastic dip in the aerosol can, applying several coats and liked the results. I've used shrink wrap tube (the more rubbery type) and shrink wrap tube over tape (to build the handles up). I've also used bicycle handlebar tape on larger handles with shrink wrap tube to hold it at the top), I suppose you could slice bicycle tape in half or smaller for small handles.

[HandyManny]

I like the thin low profile plastic dip as done when the pliers are made, such as those basic blue handles on Channellock pliers. Beyond that, the plain steel handles don't bother me one bit on pliers.

[mrshaun]

Ace hardware used to carry some stuff called HANDLE DIP.

[t100]

i collected about 15 or so old pliers over the years. most of them the handles are gone just bare steel, i know Klein sells slip-on handles but i never bother to find out who carries them. probably it's time to dig them out either start to wrap or looking for handles.

http://www.service.kleintools.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+R019D237C677770001A79072+PRD+ENG

[arkangel06]

Whats wrong with just bare steel?

[t100]

well, sometimes when you got oil/grease on your hands, the handles increase the contact surface therefore it's easier to grip. also, it's easier on your fingers. that's the whole idea SO and others make soft handle tools now.

i dug out this pair of hand wrapped fishing pliers i have had for over 7-8 years, it never failed on me.

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu105/nwstindy/tb/IMG_0726.jpg

[superautobacs]

T100, I have hemp/cotton cords laying somewhere in my tool box just for doing what you've done on your handles. :)
I've been wanting to create my own ergonomic and grippy file handles and spraying it lightly with Plasti-dip.

[t100]

lots of fishermen in california wrap their own pliers. i actually bought that pair in the picture factory wrapped. it had chrome finish but over the years of saltwater fishing it's all rusty. it's very common for people, like me, the very first thing when get on a boat is to dip the whole pliers into the bait tank(saltwater), just to free up the joint. i don't know why, but till today, it still works great.

i've seen many fancy ones in person, some with big turk's heads at both ends so it won't slip out. some have wrapped their names as part of the grip. some had a big loop in the end working as a long lanyard. some have the cords covered with epoxy so the design wont get dirty even prevent color fade.

this is an example:

http://www.anglerscenter.com/Merchandise/Accessories/Shimano/BrutusCutters.jpg

[t100]

another one

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/attachments/rod-building/159165d1254368730-wrapping-cord-pliers-003.jpg

[Danglerb]

Those are some nice looking Plier booties.

[holdmybeerandwatchthis]

Try the local Electrical Wholesalers, ask for some Heat Shrink with the glue in side,

You should be able to buy a 4' length for less than $20

I use the larger diameter stuff when I have welded new handles onto broken hammers, etc

Try this link for some ideas,

http://www.panduit.com/Support/Search/index.htm?Nu=P_RollupKey&Nao=0&D=Heat%20shrink&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Dx=mode%20matchallpartial&Ntk=All&Nty=1&sid=1249159F223E&Ntt=Heat%20shrink&N=5000001+456

[t100]

sorry to the OP for thread hijacking.

while my skills are still rusty, i just spent about 15 minutes wrapping this pair of old Barcalo 8" slip joint. the cord is from Ace about 5 bucks.

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu105/nwstindy/tb/IMG_0735.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu105/nwstindy/tb/IMG_0736.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu105/nwstindy/tb/IMG_0727.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu105/nwstindy/tb/IMG_0730.jpg

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu105/nwstindy/tb/IMG_0731.jpg

it's a very simple process, all you need is a sharp razor blade. only problem is i have 20 and some to go:

http://i638.photobucket.com/albums/uu105/nwstindy/tb/IMG_0734.jpg

[Monte]

just buy some new pliers :D

here a overview of different handles :)

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj347/mrblvd_album/uioi16.jpg

[crashbumper]

http://img.skitch.com/20091027-r158371unfuh5e8r75a7mycdn7.jpg

[Mickey O]

Here's a set I just did with shrink wrap:

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg315/mickeyslist/utica.jpg

I got the shrink wrap from American Scientific, it was 20 cents for about a 4 foot section.

[rhandwor]

http://www.ebay.com/ search klein plier handles.
Be careful their are different sizes. Normally you dip them in hot water before pushing on the pliers.

[senlow]

Here's a set I just did with shrink wrap:

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg315/mickeyslist/utica.jpg

I got the shrink wrap from American Scientific, it was 20 cents for about a 4 foot section.

This is the hot ticket. I have pliers and hammer handles with heat shrink that was installed almost 30 years ago. I have found that large diameter heat shrink works great on air tool handles. I have also found that it works great for covering die grinders.

Be aware that not all heat shrink tubing is created equally. Be sure to use tubing that is abrasion resistant.

[Mickey O]

http://www.ebay.com/ search klein plier handles.
Be careful their are different sizes. Normally you dip them in hot water before pushing on the pliers.

Hairspray works well for putting on handles, keeping them on and no rust issues.

[Danglerb]

Youtube how to on cord wrapping.

part1.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib_3yI5FKGQ

part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr8xHABUIE4&NR=1