Long nose pliers for intricate work?

[noid]

I've already posted about these Merry L60-200 pliers a couple times, but not as its own thread.

At first, I thought they would just fit a niche need here or there, but over the last couple months, I seem to be using them everywhere.

The long thin reach and bent nature of them is like having miniature fingers that just seem to save time on every project.

Examples:

Disassembling a car radio - saved time in disassembly as it could reach around and deep to plug and unplug ribbon cables, that tweezers are too weak for, and 'normal' pliers are too big for.

Removing supports from 3D prints - intricately just snakes right around to where the supports are but rigid enough to give er' the beans to rip the supports loose.

Installing automotive door hinge grommets - through a small access hole that otherwise would require substantially more disassembly.


Now its got me thinking, what other iterations of similar tools are out there that folks here would recommend?

 

[nadogail]

Special tools with limited production and rare use are often very expensive.

 

[Zewnten]

Special tools with limited production and rare use are often very expensive.

What does this have to do with the OP’s post?

 

[Zewnten]

Those pliers are stupid handy. I had a poor copy from Cornwall made in china but they still saw tons of use.

I would add small diameter hose pliers. Great for squeezing things or you know actually removing hoses haha.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I've already posted about these Merry L60-200 pliers a couple times, but not as its own thread.

At first, I thought they would just fit a niche need here or there, but over the last couple months, I seem to be using them everywhere.

The long thin reach and bent nature of them is like having miniature fingers that just seem to save time on every project.

I have a couple of pairs similar to those, I inherited them several years ago, and they are extremely useful, especially when working on automotive electronics (i.e. on my back under a dashboard). The challenge is remembering that I have them and to put them to use when needed.

 

[AEAdam]

I use hemostats for some of this work. This is one tool I ALWAYS carry in my truck tool bag. I use them for pulling fuses, electrical, etc.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Now its got me thinking, what other iterations of similar tools are out there that folks here would recommend?

Off the top of my head:

Hammers - a selection of smaller, lighter hammers (like tack hammers) for more delicate applications. I'm amazed by how many otherwise handy folks go through life with only one hammer (usually a 14oz framing hammer).

Bent screwdrivers - When needed, most of us will resort to finding the cheapest old screwdriver on hand and heating and bending the shaft, but something like these are a better option:

Robot or human?

 

[Davefr]

This set has saved my *** in tight spots when nothing else would work.

 

[danielbuck]

I use hemostats for some of this work. This is one tool I ALWAYS carry in my truck tool bag. I use them for pulling fuses, electrical, etc.

Plus 1, for hemostats. you can get them in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they are pretty cheap. you won't be using them for heavy duty stuff, but for grabbing and pulling small items they are fantastic. I purchased some about 10 years ago when I was fiddling with some small springs in a fuel pump, and they have come in handy many times afterwords.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I really dig thin nose slip joint pliers. Can't fit in as many places as a needle nose but the teeth are more aggressive. Bunch of companies make these, I like the ones with two different sized round openings like this:



Outside the pliers world here's one I recommend: Snap On 25" thin flat head screwdriver. This is an exceptional tool for reaching into limited access areas to poke or push something. It has the perfect amount of rigidity so it goes where you aim it without bending under its own weight but can still flex easily if you need it to.

 

[jsaw]

I really dig thin nose slip joint pliers. Can't fit in as many places as a needle nose but the teeth are more aggressive. Bunch of companies make these, I like the ones with two different sized round openings like this:



Outside the pliers world here's one I recommend: Snap On 25" thin flat head screwdriver. This is an exceptional tool for reaching into limited access areas to poke or push something. It has the perfect amount of rigidity so it goes where you aim it without bending under its own weight but can still flex easily if you need it to.

I have a screwdriver very similar to that one . I have used it just as You describe , everything from unlatching electrical connectores to lightly prying things, to positioning and reaching things. I do not ever remember using it to turn a screw though.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I do not ever remember using it to turn a screw though.

Same here! Maybe someday...

 

[BTL-A4]

I've already posted about these Merry L60-200 pliers a couple times, but not as its own thread.

Where did you buy these? What is the part number for the ones on the left? They have them on Ebay for $33 plus $20 shipping. Are they available domestically?
Do other manufacturers make something similar? I get lots of needle nose pliers with a search, but nothing this thin.

Edit: the part number is Merry HS175C Coupling Tool

 

[noid]

Where did you buy these? What is the part number for the ones on the left? They have them on Ebay for $33 plus $20 shipping. Are they available domestically?
Do other manufacturers make something similar? I get lots of needle nose pliers with a search, but nothing this thin.

Edit: the part number is Merry HS175C Coupling Tool

Nile Brand Air Tools / Merry Brand Hand Tools

Nile Brand Air Tools and Merry Brand Hand Tools

www.nilemerry.com

This where I got both from, you're correct on the PN. The ones on the right are Merry L60 and HS175C on their website.