There are many tools being used in the welding process. Alongside the torch, you can find tools such as hammers, magnets, helmets, and so on. But one of the more important welding tools that are an essential part of almost every welding process are pliers. Pliers for welding are different from regular pliers since they are made to withstand higher temperatures.
Another type of tool to have in your welding toolset are clamps. Welding clamps are used in order to help you get a grip of workpieces while working on them. Using welding clamps is essential when you want to join two metal pieces together since they make things not only easier but also safer. You won't see a welder working without clamps or pliers, at least not an experienced welder.
Uses of Welding Pliers
Cutting
While it's clear why welding clamps are necessary, why are pliers needed? Pliers are needed, first of all for cutting metal pieces. While some pliers themselves aren't able to cut, they can still help in the cutting process. Quality welding pliers, on the other hand, are able to cut flux-core, TIG and MIG wires thanks to their induction-hardened edges. You don't need to get another type of tool just to cut stuff, just use proper pliers and continue your weld job.
Fastening
Another reason why you would want to use TIG or MIG pliers is the fact that they can tighten fasteners. This is possible thanks to a serrated curved section on the pliers that helps in threading bolts into place. The serrated curved area also provides you with enough force to install nozzles and remove them when needed.
Spatter
Something that you will find a nuisance to remove after every weld job is spatter. This is especially the case after a long day of welding. But with pliers for welding, you will not have a hard time removing spatter. As long as you go for pliers with sleek and strong jaws you won't have to worry about spatter as much. You will keep the nozzle clean and your weld gun effective.
What Matters in Welding Pliers
Grip
Pliers are used for getting a hold of things, which is why they should offer a good grip. Welding pliers need to be comfortable to hold with enough space on them so that they don't feel like they're going to slip away from your hands. Look for pliers with grooves on them as they allow for a firm and comfortable grip. At the end of the day not everyone is as tough and having comfortable tools to work with can make your job a lot easier.
Nose
The nose is the most recognisable feature of pliers and also one that serves a big purpose. With the nose of pliers, you need to be able to do all the things mentioned above. If some TIG or MIG pliers fail to do at least one of the three above-mentioned things then you should avoid it as you don't want to get another set of pliers just for one added functionality. Because of this make sure the nose is thin but also strong enough to allow you to cut, scrape, and fasten.
Spring Action
You should look for pliers for welding that come with spring-loaded action in the handles. This is what allows you to grip stuff quite easily. The springs help take some of the pressure being put on your hands which is why it is recommended to get pliers with spring action. Doing so otherwise will tire your arms more and keep you from focusing on the things that matter such as the quality of the weld.
Length
How long the pliers are determines how well you'll be able to work in tight spaces. Pliers on the longer side are going to help you reach workpieces that are not on the workbench. While the standard length of pliers varies between 20 and 22 cm, getting pliers that are longer than 22 cm or around that length allows you to be more versatile.
Types of Welding Clamps
C-Clamp
The most commonly used welding clamp is known as a c-clamp. Why is that so? Well, because the design of these clamps allows for great holding strength. C-shaped clamps are great at holding materials down against a hard surface such as your workbench.
F-Clamp
Also known as a bar clamp, an F-clamp is able to hold items and materials that require a wide opening in order to secure them. This is possible thanks to the sliding bar found on the clamp that helps adjust its opening.
Pipe
A pipe welding clamp is quite similar to an F-clamp. The only difference between an F-clamp and a pipe clamp is that the latter uses a pipe instead of a sliding bar for its adjustment, hence the name.
Corner
What are also known as angle or miter clamps are used to connect two corners that need to be welded. Corner clamps are quite specific and can only be used for the joining of corners.
