Fowler Parrot Head Pliars

[Cruiserman]

What is the notch at the base of the jaw designed for? I would guess crimping but it looks to be made for a certain shape. Anyone know?

 

[bonneyman]

Welcome to the forum!

Can't say about that notch on yours. And Fowler is unfamiliar.
But I've got several parrot-head pliers, and I like 'em! I had a Superform, and gave away a Proto. I still have a JP Danielson and Forged Steel version I think.

 

[four.cycle]

Parrot Head / Parrot Head Tool Co, Oklahoma City, OK / patent 1344629 Jun 29 1920 L.D. Fowler / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265853 /

from the patent document:

"there is provided an arcuate recess 10 that constitutes a lateral overhang with respect to the handle 5 and the edge of which is sharpened to co-act with a jaw 12 that is formed upon the handle 6. Since this recess constitutes a lateral overhang with respect to handle 5 it follows that the strain incident to cutting off a nail, bolt or like object will be in a direction length Wise of the handle, and thus the cutting element will be backed up by the entire thickness of the enlarged head 7."

IOW (for those of us lacking law degrees that are not being paid per word): it's a cutter for nails, bolts, or "like objects".

 

[Cruiserman]

Parrot Head / Parrot Head Tool Co, Oklahoma City, OK / patent 1344629 Jun 29 1920 L.D. Fowler / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265853 /

from the patent document:

"there is provided an arcuate recess 10 that constitutes a lateral overhang with respect to the handle 5 and the edge of which is sharpened to co-act with a jaw 12 that is formed upon the handle 6. Since this recess constitutes a lateral overhang with respect to handle 5 it follows that the strain incident to cutting off a nail, bolt or like object will be in a direction length Wise of the handle, and thus the cutting element will be backed up by the entire thickness of the enlarged head 7."

IOW (for those of us lacking law degrees that are not being paid per word): it's a cutter for nails, bolts, or "like objects".

Thanks for the info. I am not going to try it out! Seems like on odd shape for cutting, but in 1920 it may have been the way they thought was best.

 

[Garcky]

Thanks for the info. I am not going to try it out! Seems like on odd shape for cutting, but in 1920 it may have been the way they thought was best.

Try it! You'll be surprised at how well it works for cutting round stuff. If you ever need to cut some coat-hanger wire, that tool is idea. Snip and you're done.