MOLE GRIPS - LOCKING PLIERS

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MOLE GRIPS - LOCKING PLIERS

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Mole grips / locking pliers, are very useful hand tools, used by a range of skilled artisans, from engineers and metalworkers, to plumbers and builders.
The adjustment screw is used to set the distance between the jaws and the lever action of the movable handle, locks the plier’s jaws in place. After use, the quick release lever, ‘releases’ the lock of the pliers
They are extremely useful for griping materials and components.

MOLE GRIPS ADJUSTED FOR SMALL DIAMETERS / COMPONENTS

MOLE GRIPS ADJUSTED FOR LARGER SIZE COMPONENTS, SUCH AS BOLTS.

To set up the mole grips ready for use:

The movable handle and the fixed handle are brought together, closing the jaws.

The jaws of the mole grips, are set to a required distance, by turning the adjusting screw. The distance is determined by the measurement item / component to be held in the jaws.

The mechanism inside the mole grips is based on a toggle clamp, a quick acting mechanical linkage, also called an ‘over centre linkage mechanism’. When the jaws are closed, the quick acting mechanism locks the handles in position.

INTERNAL VEW OF MOLE GRIPS - DISPLAYING OVER CENTRE LINKAGE MECHANISM
(JAWS CLOSED - LOCKING MECHANISM ACTIVATED)

The extension spring helps maintain tension between the handles, so that the jaws are held firmly in position. The spring is either stretched or compressed when opened or closed. It is part of the self-locking mechanism, holding the linkage system in place.

To release the quick acting mechanism, simply press the ‘release lever’. This pushes the link bar slightly upwards, ‘releasing the mechanism. The linkage mechanism is no longer in tension and the movable handle ‘springs’ away from the fixed handle, opening the jaws.

INTERNAL VEW OF MOLE GRIPS - DISPLAYING OVER CENTRE LINKAGE MECHANISM
(JAWS OPEN - LOCKING MECHANISM RELEASED)

MATERIALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MOLE GRIPS.

Mole grips / locking pliers are manufactured from steel alloy, such as chrome vanadium steel and carbon steel. Both alloys provide a combination of strength and resistance to everyday use.

The jaws are drop forged and accurately machined. This combination of processes result in strength and durability leading to an long working life.

Before assembly, the components pare given a protective coating of nickle or chrome. This help prevent corrosion and gives an aesthetically pleasing finish to the mole grips.

Locking Pliers / Mole Grips, are supplied with a range of ‘jaws’. Some are designed for specialised work. A variety are seen below.

FURTHER EXPLANATION OF THE 'OVER CENTRE LINKAGE MECHANISM'

This type of linkage is often seen on equipment and tools that need quick acting locking or latching. For example the clamp on a vacuum former (seen below).
Folding furniture such as chairs and tables, often utilise over centre linkage mechanisms, because they are quick and easy to use.
This type of linkage depends on a number of links or bars connected by pivoting joints.

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