Whether you’re a homeowner or handyman, you no doubt understand the importance of pliers. They’re used to hold, position, twist, cut, tighten, or loosen; and there’s a type of plier for every purpose. So, what’s the difference between slip joint pliers and water pump pliers? Here’s a quick rundown.
What Are Slip Joint Pliers vs Water Pump Pliers?
Slip joint pliers and water pump pliers are common tools to find in a toolbox.
Slip joint pliers are a type of tool that can be used for gripping, bending, and cutting items. They come with adjustable jaws that can open up to a predetermined maximum width, allowing them to be used on a variety of objects. They are lightweight and have handles that provide plenty of control while using them.
Water pump pliers have a more robust design, making them ideal for heavier jobs like breaking nuts and bolts apart or other tasks such as cutting wires. With their long handles and grooved jaws, they securely hold items when turning them.
Both types are durable and long-lasting—a quality set can easily last years if taken care of properly.
The Key Differences
Slip joint pliers and water pump pliers are both important tools used in a variety of manual tasks. Though they seem similar, there are key differences between the two that make them better suited for different applications.
Slip joint pliers feature a pivot point allowing it to adjust to different size openings, making it useful for holding and manipulating relatively thin objects or materials. Water pump pliers on the other hand, features a self-locking adjustment mechanism that allows for more powerful gripping than slip joint pliers. This makes them ideal for applications when extra force is required or when it is necessary to apply pressure on wide area surfaces such as pipes with flat surfaces.
When To Use Slip Joint Pliers Vs. Water Pump Pliers
Choosing the best pliers for a job depends on what you need them for. Slip-joint pliers are light, can be used for a wide range of tasks, and have a simple but adjustable design. They are great for cutting wires or holding small objects because their jaws can be easily adjusted with a knurled knob. You might use these pliers to grip rounded surfaces, like pipes and rods.
Alternatively, water pump pliers are heavier, stronger, and have a longer reach because they are built to be more rigid. They also have more gripping power and can hold onto things better. They are great for when you need more force to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts on pipes and rods that are hard to reach.
Overview: Slip Joint Pliers or Water Pump Pliers?
Slip joint pliers are often used to do simple things like tighten or loosen nuts and cut wires quickly. Since they are smaller, they are easier to use without a lot of strength or effort. Water pump pliers have a larger jaw span, which gives you a stronger grip when working with larger parts.
Essentially, different types of pliers may be better for different jobs, so having both sets of pliers on hand will ensure you can always get the job done – no matter what it is!
