I'm not (yet) into a lot of fine model construction, but have and use larger versions of the Knipex Pliers Wrench tools: They are made in Germany, but available here in the states at better tool vendors and, of course, on Amazon. They operate like a cross between a Crescent wrench and a pair of adjustable pliers (e.g. Channel Locks). The jaw faces are smooth, and remain parallel as they open/close, and they have incredible leverage. I've used them to work with sheet metal a little, and numerous other uses (including hex bolts and nuts). I'm thinking the mini 5" version might be just the ticket for model building, especially with etched metal. They are available in several sizes, from 4" up to 16" long. Has anybody used these for model building? https://www.knipex.com/products/pip...wrenchespliers-and-wrench-single-tool/8603125
I don't own any Knipex tools, but I know of the brand because they often show up on Volkswagen websites and they're first rate. I'll bet these would be perfect for model work.
I found them on Knipex site but not on the resellers. Just the 86 03 180 which is 1" and only in black. $47 plus shipping if any. Think I will get one.
I'm also a big fan of the Knipex Cobra "water pump" pliers, but not really for model work. My dad raised me on similar-purpose Channellock tongue and groove pliers*, but the Cobra pliers are much easier to adjust, even with one hand. The Channellocks are heavier duty, but I rarely need that heavy duty, and the increased friction of the tongue-and groove joint makes them more difficult to apply a tight grip on the work. While the Channellock T&G pliers are still made in the USA, at least Knipex is made in Germany, rather than China... *often with the lower handle end ground down to a large, flat screw driver blade.
Thanks but I will stay with my surgical hemostats which come in several sizes and in straight form. 100_1408-7 by John Moore posted Oct 28, 2021 at 4:29 PM
I once had aluminum heat sink springloaded gripper tweezers. They were for usie in soldering. They had just enough pressure to hold a 1/285 figure / light tank for painting / placement. They would be great for working on my cardstock structures. Anyone know where I might find them?
I would say Radio Shack but I do not know if any are around anymore. And search Amazon, they have a slew of assorted sizes.
I have used a version of this type of plier made by Craftsman. They are not well suited for model building but worked like a champ on some hard to get to stubborn nuts and bolts.
Same here, had the Craftsman version forever. Think we call then channel locks, down here in the South?
@John Moore Thanks! I resist that Brazilian river sooo much that sometimes I end up cutting my nose off despite my face. Found something even better. Now that I know what I'm looking for I'll try a trainboard advertiser.
We called them auto locking pliers. Channel locks were manually selected where these ones had a spring and ratchet mech that would pick just the right opening to get the job done. Not as strong as a channel lock, but easier to use in tight spaces.
Home Depot only has the larger sizes if I could get there and Amazon only has the next sizes larger. I was hoping for the size presented and chromed. Both Home Depot and Amazon only have the plain black ones. Oh well. I only have so much time left. So simple is better.
Hmmm... At homedepot.com, I just searched for "pliers wrench" and sizes of 6, 7.25, 10 and 12", in a variety of finishes and handle grip options popped up, all available with choice of free shipping or ship to store (pickup at store) options. Maybe that's regional (north TX)? None were in stock at my closest local store. Amazon shows 5, 7.25, 10 and 12" sizes in various finish and grip options on the first page of results. Again, maybe different regions' results differ? I think my daughter has my 6" pw, but I also have a 7.25" and 10" (chrome with vinyl coated grips.) BTW, they press pins (straight or roll) in place really well too, due to the way the jaws remain parallel as they open/close. I think the 5 inch would be really good for N scale modeling. There are new, 4" models with really narrow jaws being made too. Their adjustment is different, ratchet-sliding to smaller, or open wide w/handle and slide to bigger openings (similar to how Wiha's pliers wrenches work.) The Knipex models (>4") have teeth on both sides of the slot to engage the pivot (you push on the side of the pivot & slide to fit), so it seems stronger and more secure than the ratchet-sliding types, with similarly sized teeth only on one side.
