Knipex has been manufacturing pliers since 1882 and the company claims that it has a set of pliers for just about any job that needs one. The range of specialist pliers for garages is extensive, and here PMM takes a look at some of the highlights.
Ear Clamp Pliers
The Knipex Ear Clamp Pliers are perfect for trouble-free mounting of one-ear and two-ear clamps without causing damage to press points. Simply pressing the ear clamp with the blunt-design squeezing edges is said to create a steadfast connection. The slimline head and an additional side jaws allow for easy accessibility to the ear clamp, even in confined areas. Durable and strong, these high-grade steel pliers can be used for clamps on CV boots, cooler and fuel lines, air pressure systems and compressors.
Circlip Pliers
In the tightest of spaces and at the trickiest of angles, you can get to grips with circlips by using Knipex Circlip pliers. The pliers come with both straight tips and angled tips (at 45 and 90°) which allow for greater visibility and enabling circlips to be reached even in tight and typically awkward places. The ‘44’ and ‘46’ numbered tools are the Standard versions, used for internal work in boreholes and external work on shafts respectively, while the Precision versions are numbered ‘48’ and ‘49’. Precision versions have a number of extra features. The sturdy inserted tips made from high-density spring steel in the 49 Precision Circlip Pliers are said to give up to 10 times longer service life compared to turned tips.
Upholstery Pliers
These pliers are designed specifically for the professional fixing of seat covers, with all popular upholstery clips, onto profiled seats.
The special groove in the tool guides and holds the upholstery clips in the correct position to be fixed securely. The pliers allow the easy positioning of the upholstery clips and a closing spring holds the pliers closed, so the clip can be securely positioned and pressed.
Hose Clamp Pliers
Most conventional pliers can only be used for a specific type of clamp, meaning technicians have to change tools every time a new type of clamp is encountered. The Spring Hose Pliers can grip standard, space saving and spring wire hose clamps as well as spring band clamps between the diameter range of 0 to 70mm. A key feature is the multiple slip joint, allowing a maximum jaw opening of 80mm, which enables a clamping range of more than 40mm. Thanks to this and the high standards of engineering, ergonomics and a non-slip plastic coating, leverage can be achieved which allows clamps to be opened easily and safely without the need for great manual effort.
The 85 51 250 AF version of the pliers comes equipped with a clever locking device which secures the pliers in place when the clamp is under tension. The clamp can then be moved quickly and conveniently over hoses (even when they are twisted) and ‘parked’ in a suitable place. A mechanic’s hands then become free to work simply and safely on the tensioned clamp.
Whether the job at hand involves the air intake, cooling system, charged air or the water return flow or on the thermostat, fuel pipes or heating, the pliers are the ideal tool wherever clamps or rings are used to connect hoses.
