page_title: Locking pliers
section_title: Operation
hierarchical_section_title: Locking pliers / Operation
caption_attribution_description: English: Locking pliers being misused as a knob on an espresso machine.
context_page_description: Locking pliers are pliers that can be locked into position, using an over-center toggle action.
context_section_description: The bolt is used to set the jaws to a size slightly smaller than what is to be gripped. 
  The jaws are then closed on the gripped object. 
  Because of the lever action the jaws move only slightly but with much force. 
  Locking pliers have four advantages:
  Their lever action is stronger than that of ordinary pliers, so they can apply much more force;
  Even though they can apply more force, they do so in a very controlled manner; this is because the jaws will never close beyond the set point;
  The closing point and with it the force that is applied on the gripped object can be finely controlled;
  When they are closed they remain closed on their own without any user intervention.
  A typical use would be to hold metal parts in place for welding. 
  They are also used for holding a nut or bolt that has been 'rounded'; pulling out nails; holding pipes without squeezing them; or as temporary levers/knobs on equipment and machinery.
caption: Locking pliers being used as a substitute knob on an espresso machine.
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