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Duck-Bill Pliers

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  • Member since
    January 2015
  • From: Winnipeg, Canada
Duck-Bill Pliers
Posted by Rob Bye on Monday, March 23, 2015 10:54 PM

I came across a new tool, which could prove useful for scale modellers: "duck-bill pliers". These pliers have long, straight, flat jaws, with no serrations.

As soon as I saw these, I thought about using them to bend small pieces of photo etch. I got my pliers at Lee Valley Tools for about $10. They're made by Chestnut Tools in Canada. Similar tools are made and sold by other companies, so they should be fairly easy to locate.

It's the total absence of serrations, and the precise gap between the jaws that make these seem ideal for PE. It's easy to get a secure hold, with no risk of marring the PE. I imagine there could be numerous other uses as well.

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=72733&cat=1,43456,43400

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: St louis
Posted by Raualduke on Monday, March 23, 2015 11:40 PM

Looks like a very useful tool.gonna pick me up a pair

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 9:17 AM

There is a similar type called flat-nose plier that has a broad flat end, but not as long a nose.  I have long had one of those and use it a lot for bending wire and strips of metal.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    September 2013
  • From: San Antonio, Texas
Posted by Marcus McBean on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 10:01 AM

I use it to hold PE when I file off the burrs.

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: St louis
Posted by Raualduke on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 4:20 PM

Do the holes in the end serve a purpose?

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Longmont, Colorado
Posted by Cadet Chuck on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 9:43 PM

That question deserves a humorous answer, but I can't come up with one at the moment.  Anyone else?

Gimme a pigfoot, and a bottle of beer...

  • Member since
    February 2014
  • From: N. MS
Posted by CN Spots on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 11:03 PM

Raualduke

Do the holes in the end serve a purpose?

-from the website:  The tips also have a 2mm (0.08") diameter through-hole to aid when pulling or twisting wire.

Neat tool. 

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 6:37 AM

Maybe one could file the ends square?


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

  • Member since
    August 2008
Posted by tankerbuilder on Friday, March 27, 2015 2:11 PM

Hi .

    I have a pair that have shorter jaws .They are used in stained glass work .They're perfect for P.E. and there is also a flat nosed craft plier with absolutely square ends that works great .

   Also there is the ubiquitis stamp tweezers that can be ground square . I use all three .

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Friday, March 27, 2015 2:51 PM

tankerbuilder

Hi .

    I have a pair that have shorter jaws .They are used in stained glass work .T

Might be time to visit the Hobby Lobby glass crafting isle Hmm

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Friday, March 27, 2015 3:14 PM

Sprue-ce Goose

tankerbuilder

Hi .

    I have a pair that have shorter jaws .They are used in stained glass work .T

Might be time to visit the Hobby Lobby glass crafting isle Hmm

Hey, is that anywhere near here? Big Smile

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfSLuEj99d0


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

  • Member since
    September 2005
  • From: Illinois: Hive of Scum and Villany
Posted by Sprue-ce Goose on Friday, March 27, 2015 3:27 PM

Texgunner

Sprue-ce Goose

tankerbuilder

Hi .

    I have a pair that have shorter jaws .They are used in stained glass work .T

Might be time to visit the Hobby Lobby glass crafting isle Hmm

Hey, is that anywhere near here? Big Smile

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfSLuEj99d0

Embarrassed
LOL........sure !
The Professor shops there all the time.Whistling
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Cameron, Texas
Posted by Texgunner on Friday, March 27, 2015 3:40 PM

I thought I saw him there last time I visited the store.  He was looking at lead, mumbling about turning it into gold.   He was always the smart guy on that isle!Cool


"All you mugs need to get busy building, and post pics!"

  • Member since
    August 2008
Posted by tankerbuilder on Monday, April 6, 2015 12:47 PM

Uh Oh !

My land-lady corrected me .The Duck- Bill pliers I have are from Hobby Lobby's jewelry aisle ! they measure 1-1/4 " deep ( smooth throat , flat too ! ) and 16 - 32nds wide at the opening and 1/4 " wide at the back of the throat . They're great for bending little parts and ladders , stairs of P.E. Plus they are stainless . Made in China though , and I'm surprised they haven't rusted or tried to , in three years ! Padded handles too !

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