The SK Hand Tool Wide Capacity Tongue and Groove Pliers, No. 7412, can be used on round objects like pipes, rods and hoses providing three points of contact for a more positive grip on the object than a traditional tongue and groove pliers. The wide capacity, ranging from 1/2"-4", eliminates the need to carry multiple tools to cover the full range of work surface sizes. The tool's angled narrow head design allows access into tighter spaces than other pliers. Other features of the pliers include a flush rivet design for access in tight work spaces and a textured cushion grip for positive hold.
The review
James Jackson, a technician at DeMary Truck in Columbus, OH, said the SK Wide Capacity Tongue and Groove Pliers served him well at the medium duty shop he works in.
As easy as any other set of pliers Jackson has used or owned, he appreciates the large opening capacity of these pliers, as well as the grooved teeth on the jaws.
"I used this tool for several functions. I was able to use the pliers for oil filter removal, holding and adjusting exhaust pipes for proper alignment while tightening, compressing caliper pistons on the brake system, and for holding the drive gear on a pump which is being disassembled."
Jackson did suggest some improvements for the tool.
"I feel that the handles could be just slightly longer for more leverage and gripping capacity," says Jackson. He cites a specific example where it would have come in handy: "On one particularly stubborn oil filter, it seemed that I couldn’t get enough leverage, and had to reposition the tool several times once I got the filter to break loose incrementally. Longer handles may have given me the additional leverage to break the filter loose in one turn."
Overall, Jackson rates the tool 9.5. Being a straight-forward hand tool, he suggests future updates that would include a curved jaw teeth option (in addition to the straight jaw on this model). He also thinks a larger jaw opening might help out in some repair situations.
