How Do You Use Locking Pliers? A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

What locking pliers do

Locking pliers clamp onto a part and stay clamped without you squeezing. That is the main difference from ordinary pliers, which only grip while your hand is closed. Once the jaws lock, both hands are free to cut, drill, weld, tighten or pull.

The lock works because the handle mechanism passes over a tipping point and holds itself closed. That gives the jaws a very strong, steady grip. It also means they can damage soft or finished surfaces, so use them where marks do not matter or protect the part with a scrap of cloth or thin wood.

If you are still deciding between plier types, our best pliers page shows how locking models fit alongside slip-joint, needle nose and other common styles.

Know the parts before you squeeze

Most locking pliers share the same basic layout. Knowing the names makes the steps below easier to follow.

Not every model has every feature. On our comparison data, the 7 in WORKPRO curved jaw model lists a trigger release, an adjustment screw and a wire cutter, while the Crescent 5 piece set lists an adjustment screw and wire cutter but no trigger release.

• Jaws: the gripping end. Shape and tooth pattern decide what the pliers hold best.
• Adjustment screw: the knob at the end of the fixed handle. Turning it sets how tightly the jaws close and how much clamping force you get.
• Movable handle: the handle you squeeze to close and lock the jaws.
• Release trigger or lever: the small bar inside the handle that unlocks the grip. Some models let you open it with one hand.
• Wire cutter: a notch near the jaw hinge on some models, handy for snipping wire.

How to lock and release them, step by step

The first few times, the setting step feels fiddly. After that it becomes quick.

Start with the pliers fully open, the jaws apart and the screw loose enough to let them close easily.

• Open the jaws by squeezing the handles together, then release your hand. If the pliers are locked, pull the release trigger first.
• Place the jaws on the part. Put the work as deep into the jaws as it will go for the best grip.
• Turn the adjustment screw clockwise a little at a time, closing the jaws until they just touch the part.
• Squeeze the handles firmly until they snap closed. You should feel a definite click as the lock engages.
• If the handles close too easily and the grip feels weak, release, turn the screw in a half turn and try again. If you cannot close them, back the screw out.
• To release, pull the trigger or lever. On models without a trigger, a lever on the inside of the handle does the same job.

Choose the right jaw shape

Jaw shape matters as much as technique. A mismatch means slipping and rounded corners on the part.

Curved jaws wrap around round and hex parts and also clamp flat stock. Long nose jaws reach narrow spaces and hold small fasteners. Straight jaws suit flat work. Our best locking pliers page uses the same three groups, and suggests a 7 in curved jaw as a common starting point for general repair.

Common jobs for beginners

Locking pliers handle a wide range of household tasks. Here are the ones that suit a first-timer best.

Holding a part while you work. Clamp a small piece to the edge of your bench so both hands can sand, file or drill it. Gripping near the edge keeps the work steady.

Loosening a rounded or stuck nut. A curved jaw locked tightly on the nut gives you a grip that regular pliers cannot match. Turn slowly, and use steady pressure rather than jerking. The pliers will probably chew up the nut, so use this only on fasteners you plan to replace.

Pulling out a broken fastener. Long nose jaws can lock onto a protruding staple or nail so you can pull or rock it free.

Clamping glued pieces. A locking C-clamp style holds pieces together while glue sets, which is helpful on edges where a standard clamp will not reach.

Safety and care

Locking pliers are simple, but they can pinch skin and slip under load. A few habits help.

Wear safety glasses whenever you clamp, pull or cut, since parts and snipped wire can fly. Keep fingers out of the hinge area, especially when you release the lock, because the handles can snap open. Do not use the pliers as a hammer, and do not slide a pipe over the handles for extra leverage, which can bend or break them.

Never use locking pliers to hold or turn anything connected to live electrical power, and do not use the wire cutter on live wires. Turn off and unplug the circuit first. Avoid clamping gas fittings or other pressurized connections, which need the correct wrench.

For care, wipe off dirt and oil after use, keep the screw threads clean, and add a drop of light oil to the pivots now and then. If the lock no longer holds or the jaws are bent, replace the pliers rather than risk a slip.

Picking your first pair

If you are buying your first locking pliers, start with one curved jaw model and add a long nose later. Check whether the listing names the steel type, since chrome vanadium and heat-treated alloy steel are the common choices for heavy use.

Also check jaw capacity if you clamp thick stock. Only some makers publish it. For example, the IRWIN long nose lists 1.625 in, while many other models leave it out. A trigger release and adjustment screw make one-handed use easier, as the WORKPRO and DURATECH models list. You can compare these details side by side on our locking pliers comparison.

Frequently asked questions

Why won't my locking pliers close or lock?

The jaws are probably set too tight for the part. Open the pliers, turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise a few turns, and try again. If they still will not lock, check for dirt in the mechanism or a bent handle.

Can I use locking pliers to cut wire?

Only if your model has a built-in wire cutter, which some list and others do not. Use it on small, unpowered wire, and wear eye protection.

Is it okay to use locking pliers on a good nut or bolt?

It is best to avoid it. The strong clamp and teeth can round off the corners of a fastener. Use a proper wrench or socket when you can, and keep locking pliers for stuck or already damaged fasteners.

How do I release locking pliers with one hand?

If your pliers have a trigger release, press the trigger with your thumb or a finger while the handles stay in your palm. Models without a trigger usually need a second hand or a thumb on the release lever.