Pincers (tool)
This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2009) |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Selection_of_Pincers_in_a_mock-up_blacksmiths.png/330px-Selection_of_Pincers_in_a_mock-up_blacksmiths.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Klieste_klasicke.jpg/220px-Klieste_klasicke.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0d/Knibtang.jpg/220px-Knibtang.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Kneifzange_HH-Harburg.jpg/220px-Kneifzange_HH-Harburg.jpg)
Pincers are a hand tool used in many situations where a mechanical advantage is required to pinch, cut or pull an object. Pincers are first-class levers, but differ from pliers in that the concentration of force is either to a point, or to an edge perpendicular to the length of the tool. This allows pincers to be brought close to a surface, which is often required when working with nails.
Pincers are primarily used for removing objects (typically nails) out of a material that they have been previously applied to. Carpenter's pincers are particularly suited to these tasks.
Sharpened pincers are also used to cut away natural calluses, also called chestnuts, from a horses body.[1]
Further use of pincers is the trimming of the edges of horses hoofs.[2]
If the pincers have perpendicular cutting edges, the pincers are often called end-nippers or end-cutters. They're often used in jewelry making, for trimming flat wire or cutting off the end of an ear stud.[3]
Pincers, often red-hot, have also been used as an instrument of torture[4] since ancient Roman times or earlier.
Pliers are a similar tool with a different type of head used for squeezing, rather than cutting and pulling.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ The practice of removing chestnuts
- ^ The practice of trimming the edge of a horses hoof
- ^ "What are End Cutting Pliers and how are they used?". maunindustries.com. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
- ^ "Example of the use of pincers for torture in mediaeval Italy". Pbs.org. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)