G ENERAL INFORMATI ON 11 t @ 'JIlt @ 0 : 4Ai'SO : - : will accept either type); this can damage the head so that the proper tool will be unable to remove it. 8. Keep screwdrivers in the proper condition, and they will last longer and perform better. Always keep the tip of a standard screwdriver in good condition. Figur e 19 shows how to grind the tip to the proper shape if it be- comes damaged. Note the symmetrical sides of the tip. Pliers Pliers come in a wide range of types and sizes. Pliers are useful for cutting, bending and crimping. They should never be used to cut hardened objects or to turn bolts or nuts. figure 20 shows several types of pliers.
Each type of pliers has a specialized function. Combi- nation pliers are general-purpose pliers and are used mainly for holding and for bending. Necdlenose pliers are used to hold or bend small objects. Adjustable pliers (commonly referred to as channel locks) can be adjusted to hold various sizes of objects; the jaws remain parallel to grip around objects such as pipe or tubing. Identify them by painting the screwdriver shank underneath the handle. 4. When selecting screwdrivers, note that more power can be applied with less effort with a longer screwdriver than with a short one. Of course, there will be situations where only a short handle screwdriver can be used.
Keep this in m ind though, when trying to re move tight screws . 5. Because the working end of a screwdriver receives quite a bit of abuse, you should purchase screwdrivers with hardened tips. The extra money will be well spent. 6. Screwdrivers are available in sets, which often include an assortment of commo n and Ph illips blades. If purchas- ing them individually, buy at least the following: Locking Pliers Locking pliers (Figure 21) are used to hold objects veIY tightly while another task is performed on the object. Locking pliers are available in many types for more spe- cific tasks. a. Common screwdriver -5/16 x 6 in. blade. b. Common screwdriver -3/8 x 12 in. blade. Circlip Pli ers c.
Phillips screwdriver -size 2 tip. 6 in. blade. d. Phillips screwdriver -size 3 tip. 6 and 8 in. blade. 7. Use screwdrivers only for driv ing screws. Never usc a screwdriver for prying or chiseling metal. Do not try to rc- move a Phillips, Torx or Allen head screw with a standard screwdriver (unless the screw has a combination head that Circlip pliers (Fig ure 22) are used to remove circlips from shafts or within engine or suspension housings. When purchasing circlip pliers, there are two types. Exter- nal pliers (spreading) are used to remove circlips that fit on the outside of a shaft. Internal pliers (squeezing) are used to remove circlips that fit inside a housing. -----