What Are Water Pump Pliers and What Are They Used For?
Water pump pliers are versatile and adjustable hand tools designed for gripping, turning, and manipulating pipes and nuts. They feature a unique jaw design that often features serrated teeth, that provides a very high level of grip on different materials, which in turn makes them invaluable for plumbing, mechanical repairs, and general DIY tasks.
Why Are They Called Water Pump Pliers?
The name "water pump pliers" originates from their historical primary use in plumbing and water system maintenance. These tools were frequently used to adjust and repair water pump components, valves, and pipe fittings. Although they can be used for a variety of other tasks as well, their traditional name has stuck!