A helpful guide to choose the right pair of Tronex Pliers
Tronex pliers are designed for precision work.
Because pliers have so many different uses, rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach, it’s best to have a
variety of pliers so you can select the best pair for your current need. To ensure that you’ll always have the
right tool for the job, Tronex pliers come in a variety of handle and tip combinations to cover most all possible uses.
Tronex pliers come in two handle lengths, standard and long ergonomic. The standard handle is lighter in weight if you plan on extended use.
The standard handle is also the more popular of the two. The extra length of the long ergonomic handle gives you more leverage and gripping
power. If you have larger hands, you might find the ergonomic handle more comfortable.
After selecting a handle length, you’ll want to decide what tip best fits your need. Shorter tip length pliers are
stronger, flex less, grip better, and keep your hands closer to your work for finer control over delicate tasks.
So, when you have a choice between a shorter or longer tip, it’s usually better to go with the shortest tip that
meets your needs.
The beefier the pliers are, the better their gripping power. Serrated tips also increase gripping power but can
leave marks on your work and usually are not good for jewelry trade applications.
Please note that pliers are not crimpers or prying devices. If you use pliers for prying, you will bend the tips.
Instead, use an old screwdriver or a mini pry-bar for prying.
Like cutters, pliers have rated capacities. With enough force, you can break the handle of any pair of pliers;
precision pliers are especially vulnerable. Tip damage usually means that the pliers were used for
something they were not designed for.
Let’s take a look at some of the different styles that Tronex offers!
Chain Nose Pliers
Chain nose pliers are commonly used for electronic assembly and rework, and in fine jewelry work. Tronex offers chain nose pliers in two tip lengths, each with either a smooth surface or serrations at the tip of the inner jaw.
Needle Nose Pliers
Needle nose pliers are similar to chain nose pliers, but narrower. Their primary use is fine electronics work. Their jaws are machined into thin half cones, creating a thin profile to improve tool access. The cone shape can be used for precision loop forming of leads or wire. Tronex needle nose pliers are offered in two different tip lengths and can have either smooth surfaces or have serrations at the tips of the inner jaw.
Round Nose Pliers
Round nose pliers are often called rosary pliers in the jewelry trade. Round nose pliers are a specialized type of plier characterized by jaws with an approximately round cross-section, a usually smooth surface, and a diameter tapering toward the tip. Round nose pliers are used in electronics and jewelry making for bending and shaping wire, or for making loops. Tronex round nose pliers are offered in two tip lengths and are also available in a bent nose version.
Flat Nose Pliers
Flat nose pliers: Commonly used in electronics, these fine-tipped pliers are also a favorite for fine jewelry work such as wire wrapping. With the longer tip versions, an added step on the plier’s jaws provides additional leverage at the tip. Tronex flat nose pliers come in two tip lengths, as well as multiple shapes, and can have either smooth surfaces or serrations at the tip of the inner jaw.
Chainmaille Specialty Flat Nose Pliers
Chainmaille specialty flat nose pliers have very short tips that makes them ideal for gripping and opening/closing jump rings. Tronex offers a standard-duty version and a heavy-duty version, each with straight and oblique tip options.
Bent Nose Pliers
Bent nose pliers are used for shaping, bending wire, and gripping. Quite often in the jewelry trade they are used for chainmaille, with the back side of the bend area used to hold jump rings. Bent nose pliers are also particularly good for picking up small pieces/parts from a flat surface.
Handle Grips
Tronex hand tools come standard with unique double sheathed, ESD safe, cushioned grips. The inner sheath is a durable, ESD safe vinyl material which holds the leaf springs
in place on the plier handle. The outer sheath, also ESD safe, provides a no-slip, FOD free cushioned surface for the operator’s hand. The slight compressibility of the
cushion aids to distribute the cutting pressure more effectively and provide additional comfort to the operator. Tronex cushion grips are typically considered to be more
comfortable than many of the hard plastic grips often used by competitors.
The Safety Tip Protector
All Tronex pliers are supplied with a unique ESD safe plastic protector for the tip of the pliers. It prevents tool damage and operator injury.