Hellermann pliers

[leadblaster]

I have a set of Hellermann pliers which ive just picked up. Ive used Hellermann pliers for many years, but the more modern versions by RS Components. These have 3 sets of jaws which are interchangeable for the given sleeves being used.

However years back the pliers were sold in small med and large sizes which were fixed, the size of the pliers here are large and have the crows foot stamp and 1954 applied. My question relates to the sprung bar at the base and to its intended purpose. I’ve not seen them with this bar on before and think that it may only be applicable to the ‘large‘ size. My thoughts are that when you squeeze the handles to open the three jaws at the top the bar seems to allow the user to hold them open either fully or partially once at the correct size, but i‘m not convinced i‘m right.

Does anybody know of the intended purpose of this specific sprung bar.

 

[FigN⋅m]

I think you are correct.
A quick search yielded a similar deduction:

https://www.forum-outils-anciens.com/t11299-Devinette-pince-3-becs.htm?start=30

Will need to translate to English, but it also has some fairly humorous responses.

 

[JradM]

Could there be a missing stop collar - which, when added to the bar, would allow them to be opened to a consistent size?

 

[humber2]

I have a set of Hellermann pliers which ive just picked up. Ive used Hellermann pliers for many years, but the more modern versions by RS Components. These have 3 sets of jaws which are interchangeable for the given sleeves being

Does anybody know of the intended purpose of this specific sprung bar.

Before heatshrink tubing became popular rubber sleeves were expanded with this tool to be slipped over terminations or small ID letters or numbers likewise.

A similar stronger unit is used by farmers to expand rubber rings to detail or denut male lambs.

YMMV

 

[leadblaster]

Could there be a missing stop collar - which, when added to the bar, would allow them to be opened to a consistent size?

Possibly, I did wonder that myself. Certainly could fit a collar for that purpose.

 

[leadblaster]

Before heatshrink tubing became popular rubber sleeves were expanded with this tool to be slipped over terminations or small ID letters or numbers likewise.

A similar stronger unit is used by farmers to expand rubber rings to detail or denut male lambs.

YMMV

Yep totally agree, and something I still use today. The Hellermann sleeves are really handy and when things get a little tight - they also supply Hellermann oil for the easing of the rubber sleeve onto the wire/ terminal.

 

[leadblaster]

I think you are correct.
A quick search yielded a similar deduction:

https://www.forum-outils-anciens.com/t11299-Devinette-pince-3-becs.htm?start=30

Will need to translate to English, but it also has some fairly humorous responses.

Thanks ever so much for the info, yes - some humorous replies there! Im still not definitive on its purpose, but it does seem to have something to do with holding the jaws open maybe.

 

[four.cycle]

@leadblaster -
your pliers appear to have some information stamped on the inboard sides of the handles.
could you please tell me what the patent information says on those?

 

[Beerhippie]

Before heatshrink tubing became popular rubber sleeves were expanded with this tool to be slipped over terminations or small ID letters or numbers likewise.

A similar stronger unit is used by farmers to expand rubber rings to detail or denut male lambs.

YMMV

The greatly feared Elastrator! Next to a Burduzi, the most terrifying (to a male, anyhows) tool on a farm or ranch.

 

[four.cycle]

^ The Elastrator is from New Zealand... the Hellermann appears to be German.

 

[Beerhippie]

^ Because of course it is. Damned castrating socialists....

 

[leadblaster]

@leadblaster -
your pliers appear to have some information stamped on the inboard sides of the handles.
could you please tell me what the patent information says on those?

 

[four.cycle]

thanks!