Toolbox: Pliers

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-123 -- More Projects »
You know one of the handiest tools you can have around the house is a set of pliers. The most common is the slipjoint. You can grip with them or pull.

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If you get in a tight spot, long nose pliers are excellent. You can also use them as an extra set of fingers when you're driving really small nails. Not only are these pliers adjustable, but they're excellent for pulling nails. Just use the backside for leverage. The diagonal pliers grip in the back and they cut in the front.

And finally, locking pliers can be used as a wrench, or they can grip just like a clamp.