Long nose Pliers, also known as Needle nose pliers, are multipurpose, user-friendly gripping tools. These tools have varied applications such as bending or cutting copper/ soft leads, as well as extracting tiny nails and wires. Needle nosed pliers are thoughtfully designed to extend into small cavities in which electrical wires and other objects may be located.

The long and narrow nature of these pliers makes them ideal tools for hard-to-reach extricating assignments, such as working on the wires under the dashboard or even pulling small fishing hooks from trapped fish. These pliers are commonly used tools in most workshops and are also seen in many household toolkits. 

Features and working of a long/needle nose plier

A long/needle nose pliers can be divided into three parts; the head, the rivet, and the handles. The head consists of the jaws with serrated teeth, and the cutting edge. The rivet acts as a fulcrum to provide leverage. and is designed to minimize handle wobbling and ensure smooth movement of the handles and jaws. The handles manipulate the movement of the jaws. When the user presses down on the handles, the energy generated is converted to work, which gets transferred to the jaws. Since the handles are much longer than the jaws, even a mild pressure exerted on the handles results in a much greater gripping force generated in the jaws, accounting for the efficiency of the tool.

The pliers are required to have a strong gripping and cutting power. Therefore, they are usually made of hardened and tempered drop forged carbon steel. The precision milled teeth are designed for firm gripping. Since the maximum pressure is generated in the portion of the head that is closest to the rivet, the cutting part is normally located in this area.

An average plier is approximately 8 to 16 inches long. Depending on the application, the user has a choice between straight, 90 degree, or 45 degree pliers. The gripping and cutting power of the plier is increased with compound lever-action handles. Some pliers feature a compound lever action that greatly increases the gripping and cutting power.

Spring loaded handles ease usage by allowing the jaws to open automatically, without user intervention, after they have been released. In order to improve the cutting capability and retain their sharpness for a longer time, the pliers’ cutters are heat treated. The cutters are also perfectly mated for a thin, smooth cut. The jaws are cross hatched to increase the gripping power.

Since the long/needle nosed pliers have many electrical applications, the handles are most often coated with an insulated material; though this does not provide 100 percent protection.
 

What to look for in a long/needle nose plier

A tool with 45 degrees offset nose would be useful to reach inaccessible areas.. A fully polished plier with electronic coating would make it generally immune to the ravages of rust and other corrosives and also render the tool usable/ storable in harsh climates. Black mate cushion grips would serve to increase the comfort Level of the user. Presence of PVC handles with a bright color that can be easily spotted will help avoid spending a long time searching for the pliers. The handle may even be color coded for instant identification. The handles should be ergonomically contoured with a recessed thumb area for better grip. Side cutting knives along the hinge, acting as efficient wire cutters are a definite advantage. Knurled jaws are better suited in terms of design to bend and form wire. 

Having an adjustable locking action would enable the tool to be locked into position, thereby easing the pressure on the user’s hand. A chrome vanadium steel body means a longer durability of the tool without substantial increase in weight. A well lubricated rivet would ensure smooth functioning of the tool.

Some reputed manufacturers of long/needle pliers include Channellock, Eclipse, Grip, Knipex, Performance, and Titan.