Answer
Aug 28, 2024 - 10:48 AM
The Irwin Vise-Grip® Locking Sheet Metal Tool Pliers, 8" (often referred to as hand pliers), are designed specifically for gripping and manipulating sheet metal, making them ideal for welding tasks. The pliers have a locking mechanism that allows them to grip the metal securely.
Regarding the gap: these pliers do have a small gap when fully locked, which is designed to allow them to hold materials securely without completely flattening or deforming them. They are not ideal for completely closing a metal sheet seam, as they are not intended to provide the same force as hand brakes designed for seam closing. For tasks requiring a completely closed seam, specialized tools like a seam closer would be more appropriate.
You're correct in thinking that the Irwin Vise-Grip® Locking Sheet Metal Tool Pliers, while excellent for welding tasks, may not be the best choice for applications where you need to completely flatten or seam metal, such as in metal roofing. The inherent design with a gap when locked is to hold materials without over-compressing them, which is ideal for welding but not necessarily for creating a tight, flat seam. For metal roofing or edge flattening, a tool like a hand seamer or specialized metal brake would be more suitable.
Regarding the gap: these pliers do have a small gap when fully locked, which is designed to allow them to hold materials securely without completely flattening or deforming them. They are not ideal for completely closing a metal sheet seam, as they are not intended to provide the same force as hand brakes designed for seam closing. For tasks requiring a completely closed seam, specialized tools like a seam closer would be more appropriate.
You're correct in thinking that the Irwin Vise-Grip® Locking Sheet Metal Tool Pliers, while excellent for welding tasks, may not be the best choice for applications where you need to completely flatten or seam metal, such as in metal roofing. The inherent design with a gap when locked is to hold materials without over-compressing them, which is ideal for welding but not necessarily for creating a tight, flat seam. For metal roofing or edge flattening, a tool like a hand seamer or specialized metal brake would be more suitable.
