There are plenty of alternatives for pliers sitting idle in your common household. And trust me, most of you don’t even know.
Most DIYers are used to missing common tools and pliers are always the major ‘Finding Nemo’. But using a hammer, screwdriver, clamps, and vice grips should help you get the job done temporarily.
I know. These are not a proper solution. But hey! You never know when they might come in handy.
What Can Be Used Instead Of Pliers? 7 Instant Alternatives!
When I say, ‘used instead’ I mean a temporary solution. But you need to understand how to work with the temporary solution too.
So, we are going to help you understand how to use these common household tools as a replacement for pliers. I am also guiding you on how to use them correctly without getting damaged or doing damage.
1. Wrenches are Probably the Best Alternative!
Wrenches come in various shapes and sizes and can be effectively used as a good alternative when dealing with nuts and bolts. Any it’s not a permanent solution, wrenches are neither a plier equivalent.
To correctly use it as a replacement for pliers, follow these instructions.
Step 1: Select the appropriate wrench size to match the nut or bolt you need to tighten or loosen.
Step 2: Slide the open end or box end of the wrench over the nut or bolt head.
Step 3: Apply even pressure and turn the wrench in the desired direction to tighten or loosen the fastener.
Step 4: Continue turning until the desired level of tightness is achieved.
2. Is Screwdriver The Same As Pliers?
Although Screwdrivers aren’t the same as pliers. But it might be handy while dealing with some plier work, of course for a short time.
So, you have a screw that needs attention right? Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a screwdriver type that matches the screw head, such as Phillips or flat head.
Step 2: Insert the screwdriver tip into the screw head.
Step 3: Apply downward pressure on the screwdriver while turning it in the appropriate direction to tighten or loosen the screw.
Step 4: Be cautious not to use excessive force, as screwdrivers may not provide a strong grip on objects.
3. Clamps Might Give Some Steady Solution
Clamps are used to hold objects firmly in place and can be used in various situations. They are particularly useful when you need to exert force, maintain steady pressure, or hold objects during tasks like woodworking, automotive repair, or photography.
And if you have something nasty stuck in a wood or other surface, use clamps like this:
Step 1: Select the appropriate type of clamp for your task, such as C-clamps or bar clamps.
Step 2: Place the clamp around the object you need to hold securely.
Step 3: Tighten the clamp using the adjustment mechanism (e.g., a screw or lever).
4. If You’re Working With Small Objects, Use Tweezers
Tweezers are precise tools suitable for handling small objects. These are ideal for tasks like removing splinters, working with small electronic components, or performing detailed work on tiny objects.
To use tweezers instead of pliers:
Step 1: Select the right type of tweezers, such as precision tweezers for electronics work or splinter tweezers for medical tasks.
Step 2: Gently grip the small object with the tweezers’ fine, pointed tips.
Step 3: Use a controlled motion to manipulate or remove the object.
5. Hammer: The Heavyweight Plier Substitute!
While hammers are not ideal substitutes for pliers, they are suitable for certain tasks. To use a hammer:
Step 1: Identify tasks where a hammer is the appropriate tool, such as driving nails, demolition, or shaping metal.
Step 2: Use the hammer to strike the object or material with controlled force.
Step 3: Be cautious and avoid using a hammer for tasks that require gripping, as it’s primarily designed for striking objects.
6. Pliers Vs Vise Grips
Vise grips, also known as locking pliers, are versatile tools that can replace regular pliers for gripping and holding objects securely. To use vise grips:
Step 1: Adjust the vise grip jaws to fit the size of the object you want to grip.
Step 2: Position the vise grips around the object.
Step 3: Squeeze the handles to lock the jaws onto the object securely.
Step 4: Vise grips provide a firm grip, making them suitable for tasks like holding objects that are too large, slippery, or require a stronghold.
7. Tongs
Tongs are handy for gripping and manipulating hot or delicate objects. They are best for tasks like turning food on a grill or handling hot pots and pans in the kitchen.
To use tongs instead of pliers:
Step 1: Choose the appropriate tongs for the specific task, such as grilling tongs or kitchen tongs.
Step 2: Position the tongs around the object, ensuring a secure grip.
Step 3: Squeeze the tongs’ handles to hold the object.
Related Reading: What Can I Use Instead Of A Socket Wrench
Final Verdict
So, I have introduced 7 alternatives to pliers here. They are called replacements. But don’t make a bad habit of using them a regular habit.
That’s dangerous.