(3) Longnose pliers (fig. 3). Also called needle nose pliers, this tool can be used to bend loops,
to attach wires to terminals, to grip small-diameter wire and other objects in hard-to-get-at
places, and to aid in a variety of fairly delicate manipulations. In some models of this tool,
the jaw includes diagonal cutting edges near the pivot. Most models have jaws with teeth;
others may have smooth jaws, without teeth. With rubber bands stretched tautly across the
handles, the longnose pliers will serve additionally as either a light-duty clamp or a heatsink
when soldering. There are variations of needle-nose pliers, some of which you'll see in Tool
Kit TK-105/G.
Figure 3. Longnose pliers.
(4) Pliers in a TK-105/G. Figure 4 shows the various pliers that come in a Tool Kit TK-105/G.
Items A and B are diagonal cutting pliers. Used for cutting small gauge wires, these are
commonly referred to as "diagonal cutters," "diagonals," or "dikes." Diagonal cutting pliers
are made in several sizes for electronic work, and range in sizes from the 8-inch length to the
4-inch length. Items C and D are round needle-nose pliers with wire cutters. Item E is a 4-
inch round chain-nose or short-nose pliers without cutter. Item F is a curved, round needle-
nose pliers with wire cutter; the one illustrated has plastic-coated handles. Item G is a small,
slip-joint pliers commonly referred to as ignition pliers; this tool came in the box of sockets
shown in figure 7.
b. Screwdrivers. Probably the most used (and abused) tools, screwdrivers are designed to do what
their basic, common name implies: to drive screws. The part you grip is called the handle. The steel part
that fits into the handle is the shank. The end which fits into the screw slot is the blade. Always use a
screwdriver whose blade precisely fits the slot. You'll be able to turn the screw easier, and you'll decrease
the chances of having the screwdriver bit jump out of the slot and cause damage. Screwdrivers are made
in many different shapes and sizes. Some are short and stubby, some long; some with round shanks,
some with square shanks; some with handles of plastic, wood, or metal. Some screwdrivers have blades
with the typical flat tip to fit slotted screws and bolts; some have blades with cross tins such as the
Phillips' point style. Most have round shanks, but some have square shanks
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