Looking for a tool

[Toolfreaky]

Hi
Unique situation here. I make/splice soft shackles made of amsteel blue and I currently use SK linesman pliers and needle nose to do my work. What I use them for is tightening knots by sticking the needle nose into the knot loops and open the pliers, to tension each part of the knot.

I'm trying to look for something will open flat and not make a v shape like pliers do. Like | | and not \/

Also something that requires less hand strength, maybe a ratchet style or even electric/hydraulic

Anyone have any ideas?

If I stick with pliers, I'd like to get something with a longer handle to give me easier leverage.

I use the 2 SK pliers. I just bought the red Knipex on sale on Amazon to try the longer needle that might improve upon the SK one.

 

[JradM]

Parallel-jaw pliers exist. They have a specific name (which I can't think of at the moment). They have compound leverage too, so they might help with the strength issue.



There are different jaw styles. I'm not sure I follow the task well enough to suggest which ones you want. Is needlenose a better tip shape?

 

[Dave455]

How about parallel jaw pliers?

You might need a custom model, but they are not as expensive as you might think.

www.maunindustries.com

Where are you located?

Edit - crossed with JradM - great minds etc etc

 

[JradM]

What about these new Snap-ons? Serrated jaws with an adjustable pivot.

Not parallel, but you can adjust the pivot so the jaws are horizontal at different openings.

Edited to add: "Bernard" pliers, that's the name I was trying to remember for parallel jaw pliers.

 

[Toolfreaky]

The angle of those at the tip would be too thick. I work with some smaller stuff that the tip of the fits perfectly. Sometimes I can have the loop larger than the needle part, but that would mean I'd waste more material when I cut of the tails at the finishing.

Though for those pliers I could cut some knotches on both sides for the rope to seat into. I may get a set and try out actually.

I am located in CT

Was going to browse snap on next. Will check them out.

 

[JradM]

The Bernard pliers come in "snipe" nose variety too.

 

[LXCam]

This work for ya?

 

[woody 73]

Some information that I thought you might enjoy on this nice July afternoon:

W. Schollhorn Company/ W.A. Bernard

About a month after I joined the GJ someone posted about finding a parallel-jaw pliers from the Schollhorn Company. A company that is rich in History and information but flies under the radar screen. Founded in 1870 in New Haven ,Connecticut and Incorporated in 1891, they were active until...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Toolfreaky]

This work for ya?

I have those in my box. Been meaning to try it too!

 

[LXCam]

I have those in my box. Been meaning to try it too!

Based on your description these came to mind and I figured with a little bit of clean up with a grinder you could dial them right in with the perfect tip.

Good luck

 

[garfieldzzz]

What about a boot spreader?
3 jaw spreader
Not sure how mich force is needed

 

[CarsonConcepts]

Battery terminal spreader may work with some modification to the ends.

Something like this

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Long reach 90° circlip pliers?

 

[unslow1]

I was thinking surgical spreaders or battery terminal spreaders.

 

[eejack]

How about duckbill pliers

 

[seber]

Circlip pliers are sold with replaceable jaws. Buy a pair that open and make your own jaw inserts. Then post your new tool in the thread of custom built tools.

 

[muskan]

Great information i will try it too. I also have bunch of work to do.

 

[WurthUSA]

Circlip Pliers Set - (4 Pieces - Forms A, B, C, and D): https://bit.ly/3Tv9oLT

 

[Maui]

One of my old supervisors was quite a tool...

 

[Copymutt]

Yep, go with cir clip tool. A good one has a variety of tips and permits squeeze to compress or open!

 

[no704]