Strange Use for a Pliers Wrench

[dnschmidt]

As an old fart I'm having problems with pushing down the tabs of connectors to release them. I wanted to change the air filter on my Toyota Camry and to do so you have to remove the connector that goes to the MAF sensor. I tried to push down the tab but couldn't do it with my fingers alone. So I went on a hunt to find a tool to do the job for me. Tried a screwdriver sort of worked but not that well, Tried long nose pliers - fail, Tried slip-joint pliers - fail and finally discovered that my 7" Pliers Wrench worked perfectly. What enabled them to work was their parallel jaws. The more I use my Pliers Wrenches the more I like them.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Toyotas tabs are horrible, wish they'd use normal metripack.

 

[turner66]

another potential solution could be the MERRY HS175C coupling tool but without testing on that specific connector, I can't 100% confirm. I'd bet it would do it though...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002P90NCY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[KnurledNut]

@dnschmidt
Try leaving it connected and remove the two MAF wire clips instead. That should provide plenty of slack in the wire to access the filter.

 

[BlitzcrankJapan]

I too have used Knipex pliers wrenches successfully for electrical connectors and plastic tabs.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Toyotas tabs are horrible, wish they'd use normal metripack.

For me it's all the snapped lock tabs on the ignition coils. Parts suppliers just don't keep a big stock of that sort of thing. Very annoying.

 

[gfd_703]

dnschmidt it is great that you found the right tool for the task at hand. I'll have to try a pair on some connectors I fight with. I just bought the new Snap On slip joint needle nose pliers and their parallel jaws work well on some things but I want to compare the 2 to see if pliers wrench might be even better,

 

[dnschmidt]

dnschmidt it is great that you found the right tool for the task at hand. I'll have to try a pair on some connectors I fight with. I just bought the new Snap On slip joint needle nose pliers and their parallel jaws work well on some things but I want to compare the 2 to see if pliers wrench might be even better,

As you state the key is that the jaws be parallel. Anything that has a pivot point will not work as the release tab is in the back and the V shape formed by normal pliers when they are opened just doesn't cut it. Thanks to my pal Fedwrench I've obtained a set of the new Snap-On long nose pliers with the three position fulcrum. I think these might work too.

 

[Daytonaer]

In aware these connectors are not the correct answer for most wiring problems HOWEVER the parallel compression of the pliers wrench are perfect for using these conectors!

 

[dave*99]

I didn't know what a pliers wrench was. So I looked it up. Another fancy pair of Knipex pliers.
I refuse to buy any Knipex pliers. The comments and reviews are so good, I'm afraid if I get even a single pair, I will NEED dozens of different models.
I'm begging, please, can one person just say Knipex ***** so I can feel better?

 

[kbeefy]

Hose grip pliers work well for some connectors also.



I use my Knipex Plier Wrenches for a lot of smashing/pressing and bending also.

 

[dnschmidt]

I didn't know what a pliers wrench was. So I looked it up. Another fancy pair of Knipex pliers.
I refuse to buy any Knipex pliers. The comments and reviews are so good, I'm afraid if I get even a single pair, I will NEED dozens of different models.
I'm begging, please, can one person just say Knipex ***** so I can feel better?

As Starkist told Charlie the Tuna: SORRY CHARLEY. It ain't happening.

 

[dnschmidt]

This is true. But it is also true that Scotchloks ****.

 

[straightcut]

I didn't know what a pliers wrench was. So I looked it up. Another fancy pair of Knipex pliers.
I refuse to buy any Knipex pliers. The comments and reviews are so good, I'm afraid if I get even a single pair, I will NEED dozens of different models.
I'm begging, please, can one person just say Knipex ***** so I can feel better?

I wasn't aware of the Knipex Pliers Wrench either until a couple of years ago. I decided to spring for a pair, despite that I think they're overpriced...and glad I did. I bought a 7" and a larger pair. I rarely use the larger pair, but often use the 7". In fact, I bought my Best Man a pair as a (partial) gift because I like them so well. It's the smooth jaws as well as being parallel that makes them so useful. They rarely mar things. Sorry, they don't ****.

dnschmidt, I've found the 7" Pliers Wrench very handy for the same use!

 

[Zewnten]

I didn't know what a pliers wrench was. So I looked it up. Another fancy pair of Knipex pliers.
I refuse to buy any Knipex pliers. The comments and reviews are so good, I'm afraid if I get even a single pair, I will NEED dozens of different models.
I'm begging, please, can one person just say Knipex ***** so I can feel better?

Sure. I switched my plier wrenches for an F wrench and never looked back. Cobras are ok but I don't find them all that special. The jaws are narrow so the teeth dig in hard compared to my other quality brands, the only thing cobra's really have is hard enough teeth to grab tempered/hardened steel. Cheap groovelock pliers can't do that.

 

[tyyost]

I have used my Pliers Wrench to press in small roll pins, great tools!

 

[dnschmidt]

Sure. I switched my plier wrenches for an F wrench and never looked back. Cobras are ok but I don't find them all that special. The jaws are narrow so the teeth dig in hard compared to my other quality brands, the only thing cobra's really have is hard enough teeth to grab tempered/hardened steel. Cheap groovelock pliers can't do that.

Nice try but I'm not buying it. I do give you credit for giving Dave*99 a glimmer of hope that he will not be assimilated by the Knipex Borg but as we all know resistance is futile.

 

[dave*99]

I’m so screwed.

 

[lwlobo]

I didn't know what a pliers wrench was. So I looked it up. Another fancy pair of Knipex pliers.
I refuse to buy any Knipex pliers. The comments and reviews are so good, I'm afraid if I get even a single pair, I will NEED dozens of different models.
I'm begging, please, can one person just say Knipex ***** so I can feel better?

Knipex ****, don't buy any. Curse that garage sale at which I got my first pair of Knipex Alligator pliers! That might be the reason my kids won't be able to go college. <jk>

But...
If you get one pair, it should be the 10 inch pliers wrench. Might change your life.

 

[dnschmidt]

I’m so screwed.

Well, yes you are. It's like the Metallica song "SAD BUT TRUE."

 

[dave*99]

There is a glimmer of hope for me. One poster prefers the 7" plier wrench and another prefers the 10" It will take me quite some time to decide.
My status is no longer "refuse to buy"
I'm now "considering my options"
As long as I don't order anything I'm safe for now.
Thanks for all the help.

 

[Boogerman]

I didn't know what a pliers wrench was. So I looked it up. Another fancy pair of Knipex pliers.
I refuse to buy any Knipex pliers. The comments and reviews are so good, I'm afraid if I get even a single pair, I will NEED dozens of different models.
I'm begging, please, can one person just say Knipex ***** so I can feel better?

I read good reviews, thought I try. ...........................................

So, I'm not impressed, but they make lot nice designs. Wish quality was better.

Pliers wrench, have Bahco; odd use is they great cracking Pecans. Very precise, crack but not crush.