Soft Jaw Plier help

[rvieceli]

Can any one recommend a soft jaw pliers that works well?

I need to hold polished nickel straight tubing in either 1/2 OD or 3/4 OD. Most of the time I don't have a lot clearance all around the tube so I though a regular slip lock style instead of a water pump style.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rlitman]

If you want soft jaws to hold something round, I'd suggest you look into "cannon plug pliers".

 

[Vvmvbb]

The imperial style seems pretty standard (a couple of rebrands of this out there, sk for one):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQN6KCA/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=UOLA020AGPTG&coliid=I251SM1RCEIKF2

These iPS ones look nice too:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ALF5F4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=UOLA020AGPTG&coliid=I33HX98XNR52H3

 

[T45]

Just curious, but what are common uses for these (outside the mil-spec connectors they were intended for)? I do still seem to see them issued in parts lists and toolkits every now and then.

 

[M6erfan]

I've got a set of soft jaw pliers (IPS). I use them when I need delicate, non marring jaws, like for installing brass jet setters in 2 stroke carbs for example. Don't use them often but great to have if you need them...

 

[michaelf]

could you just slip a piece of old garden hose over the jaws?

 

[Gautama]

Knipex sells soft sleeves to go over their cobra pliers. More versatile and much less expensive.

 

[Tellingthem]

I've got a set of soft jaw pliers (IPS). I use them when I need delicate, non marring jaws, like for installing brass jet setters in 2 stroke carbs for example. Don't use them often but great to have if you need them...

I got some of the IPS PH-165 non marring slip joints for work. We deal in round plastic parts and they are good for holding them without marking up the plastic. Handy to have and the pads are replaceable.

edit: they also make a larger one PH-200 both are available on amazon. Link

 

[pi_guy]

I have 5 or 6 different pairs, there all a little different.
Mostly mil spec connectors but in race cars there often in odd locations and not all the pliers fit in. Other use is gearbox work were you need to hold and not mar.

 

[rvieceli]

thanks for all the suggestions

 

[rvieceli]

I prdered a pair of the IPS PH-165. Should be in next week. I'll let every one know how they work.

Thanks again

 

[SantaAna12]

Knipex sells soft sleeves to go over their cobra pliers. More versatile and much less expensive.

Link please?

 

[M6erfan]

Link please?

2 second Google search turned up this...

http://chadstoolbox.com/58788-set-of-5-knipex-jaw-protectors-for-10-cobra-and-alligator-pliers/?utm_medium=googleshopping&utm_source=bc

 

[unslow1]

I bought red slip overs at Sears. They work OK on most things. I didn't have time to wait for an order to come in.


http://www.sears.com/craftsman-plier-covers-5-pc-set/p-00945446000P

 

[rlitman]

could you just slip a piece of old garden hose over the jaws?

You could, but it takes up a lot of space, and a round hose give you very little gripping surface. I've used air hose in a pinch too.
I've also used white electrical tape, and it too works, but I've had sharp jaws bite through it and leave marks. I've also had it slip and tear.

I bought red slip overs at Sears. They work OK on most things. I didn't have time to wait for an order to come in.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-plier-covers-5-pc-set/p-00945446000P

They're not bad. I've used them on groove joint pliers on chrome plated plumbing parts with wrench flats. But I haven't had any luck with this sort of thing to turn smooth round parts. For that, I've had more luck with pliers that have curved rather than flat jaws.

 

[SantaAna12]

Thank you. Was running out the house.....

I recently bought a pair of the IPS pliers off Amazon, not really impressed. I got the pen mod done, but found the plastic jaw slipping repeatedly. Had to use a relatively large amount of force, and was surprised I did not deform the SS.
My first try with these, will try a diff set.

Good thread.

 

[rvieceli]

As promised, here's an update.

Got the IPS pliers today and they are of reasonable quality considering that they were around 11 bucks. They should work fine for knurled rings, knobs, nuts etc. Stuff that has something to bite to.

But unfortunately, they just don't grip a round tube enough to do hold it still. the plastic jaws don't mar the surface but they are rather hard and allow the tube to move.

So I.m sort of back to square one.

 

[brooksdr]

Does anyone know who makes the blue points?

https://store.snapon.com/Product-Details-PWC52A-P634306.aspx

 

[rvieceli]

I thought I'd update this with what I finally did.

Rather than keep spending on solutions that seemed like they wouldn't work like I wanted, I grabbed a pair of channel locks and wrapped the jaws with some self fusing silicone tape.

Enough to cushion the jaws and the silicone tape is a bit grippy too.

Worked great for the tubing I was using it on

Thanks again