Is Crescent really the original inventor of the adjustable wrench?

Yes we are! In 1907 Swedish immigrant and inventor Karl Peterson founded the Crescent Tool Company. Soon after that he introduced America's first open-end adjustable wrench a revolutionary concept that replaced an entire set of dedicated-size wrenches

Pliers FAQs: Your Go-To Guide for Common Questions

What are the different types of pliers that Crescent offers, and what are their ideal uses?
Crescent offers a variety of pliers, some of which are listed below, or you can check out our full line of pliers here.
- Tongue & Groove - Used for gripping and turning fasteners and round pipe
- Lineman - Use for gripping, twisting, and pulling wire and other materials, but they have a wide variety of purposes
- Diagonal Cutting - Used for cutting wires, nails, and other materials
- Long Nose - Use for twisting and pulling wire and other materials in hard-to-reach areas
- Locking - Use for gripping and holding materials in place, but they can also be used to grip and turn stubborn fasteners
Which pliers are best for electrical work?
In any application, safety should always be your #1 priority. Our recommendation for the best pliers to use for electricians and electrical work would be insulated or VDE pliers. VDE pliers will ensure that you are kept safe in any electrical setting. We offer a line of VDE pliers, which includes lineman, diagonal cutting, long nose, and wire stripping pliers. All are rated to 1000V, so you can have peace of mind that you are working safely.
What pliers should a general contractor have in their tool bag?
General contractors should have a variety of pliers in their tool bag. Here are our recommendations:
What is the difference between needle nose pliers and long nose pliers?
Most users will use needle nose and long nose interchangeably, but there are some minor distinctions. Needle nose pliers have finer, more tapered jaws that are ideal for precision work, such as electronics and jewelry making. Long nose pliers have thicker jaws and are great for general electrical and construction work, where grip and reach are more important than precision work.
How do I maintain and care for my pliers?
Make sure to always put your pliers back in your tool bag or tool box. Leaving them out in the elements invites the possibility of rust and corrosion. Also, wiping them clean after every job will help maintain a long tool life.
How do I use my pliers safely?
First, ensure that you're using each type of plier for its intended use. Trying to use a tool for anything other than its intended purpose could result in poor work quality and possible injury.
Can Crescent pliers be used to cut wire or nails? If so, which types would you recommend using?
Yes! All of our lineman, diagonal cutting, and long nose pliers feature laser-hardened cutting edges that can cut wire and nails. For the best performance, we recommend using our Z2 diagonal cutting pliers for the best cutting performance.
Which pliers should a plumber have in their tool bag?
The best pliers for plumbing applications would be tongue and groove pliers. In most plumbing settings, you will be working with round pipe of some sort, whether it is PVC, copper, or black iron. Tongue and groove pliers are designed for gripping and twisting round pipe of all types and sizes. You'll find yourself using them very frequently on your plumbing jobs. Crescent offers a wide range of tongue and groove pliers to choose from in many sizes and grip types. If you're working on plated fixtures and delicate fasteners, check out our 10" Smooth Jaw Tongue & Groove pliers (10TGSJDG).
What is a VDE plier, and what jobs would I need to use them on?
VDE pliers are pliers that have been certified by VDE, Verband der Elektrontechnick, for safety and quality assurances. If you're concerned with safety and you're working on electrical jobs and repairs, then use VDE pliers. Our VDE pliers are insulated and rated to 1000V, ensuring your safety in any electrical job.
What are the benefits of a straight jaw and v-jaw tongue and groove pliers, and when would I use them?
General contractors should have a variety of pliers in their tool bag. Here are our recommendations:
- Straight Jaw Tongue & Groove Pliers - Flat, serrated jaws are ideal for gripping and turning flat or square surfaces like nuts and bolts
- V-Jaw Tongue & Groove Pliers - V-shaped, serrated jaws are great for gripping and turning round or irregular shapes like pipes, rods, and fittings
- Smooth Jaw Tongue & Groove Pliers - Smooth, flat jaws are ideal for working on plated fixtures and delicate fasteners
What's the difference between a dipped handle and a cushion grip handle? Is one better than the other?
Dipped handles tend to have a smooth, plastic finish in a single color and are easy to wipe clean. Cushion grip, or dual material handles, have a textured finish with a soft rubber cushion mixed with plastic. Both offer different benefits, and it is up to the user's preference which one they prefer to use. Luckily, we offer our pliers in both dipped and cushion grip handles.
What are the different types of locking pliers that Crescent offers, and what are their ideal uses?
We have a variety of locking plier types available, and they are used to grip and hold materials together. Check out our full line of locking pliers here.
- Curved Jaw Locking Pliers - Ideal for gripping round objects, such as fittings, pipes, and bolts
- Straight Jaw Locking Pliers - Use for gripping flat surfaces, square stock, and sheet materials with even pressure
- Long Nose Locking Pliers - Best used for precision gripping, pulling, bending, and twisting in confined spaces
- Locking C-Clamps - Used to hold materials together during drilling, welding, and cutting without marring the surface
- Sheet Metal and Welding Clamps - Specialized jaws for gripping sheet metal and components during welding or fabrication
How do the double jointed long reach pliers work?
They grip, pull, and twist just like standard long nose pliers do; they just have a further reach, allowing you even more access in confined work areas. The double joint allows the jaws to open a greater distance than the handles would on a standard pair of pliers. Check out our X2 long reach pliers here.
How do I know what size and type of pliers I need?
Evaluate the most common settings you work in and the most common tasks you do. This will help determine which type of pliers you need and what sizes make the most sense.
What does it mean when it says "K9 jaws" on your tongue and groove pliers?
The K9 jaws are a proprietary jaw design on our tongue & groove pliers. The design allows you to maintain a strong grip, even on an angle up to 35°. This helps ensure the jaws won't slip or slide off the material you're working on.