How to Use Lineman's Pliers

Lineman's pliers can be used for many functions.

Lineman's pliers are powerful pliers used to crush, bend, grip, pull and cut a variety of material. This simple tool is also essential. Lineman's pliers have a ridged nose for gripping, a double-bladed cutter and a long, insulated handle for gripping material. You can use lineman's pliers for many different tasks, including preparing electrical wires for a circuit and to pull and extract nails and screws.

Things You'll Need

• Lineman's pliers

Instructions

Prepare Electrical Wires for a Circuit

1. Grip the section of wire that you want to cut in the nose of the pliers.

2. Bend the wire to a right angle until it splits.

3. Place the wire between the cutting edges of the pliers. Use both hands to squeeze the two cutting edges together to sever the wire and then release it.

4. Turn the lineman's pliers at a 45-degree angle and strip the wire of the sheathing.

5. Press the wires tightly together using the nose of the lineman's pliers.

Pull and Extract Nails and Screws

1. Place the nose of the pliers on the head of the nail or screw.

2. Grip the lineman's pliers firmly in your hand.

3. Turn the pliers in the opposite direction used to insert the screw or nail.

4. Pull the pliers up with force.

5. Twist the pliers while pulling if the nail doesn't come out with one pull.

References

• LinemanPliers.net: Lineman Pliers