scope:

This Standard provides performance and safety requirements for pliers suitable for cutting wire; for long-nose, long-reach pliers; for hand shears generally used for cutting sheet metal; for wire-twister pliers, which are used primarily for securing safety wires; for pliers suitable for inserting and removing internal and external retaining rings, including those covered by ASME B18.27; for pliers having gripping surfaces and/or cutting edges; for cutters and pliers less than 6 in. long, equipped with a spring, typically used in the manufacture of electronic equipment; for adjustable joint and slip joint pliers; for locking pliers that are suitable for gripping, clamping, pinching, cutting, and wrenching; for pliers (also known as Cannon Plug Pliers) that are used primarily for connecting or disconnecting threaded lock collars of electrical connectors; and for wire strippers, and the cutting and stripping functions of multipurpose tools, for use on solid and stranded copper wire. The tools covered in this Standard are listed by Category number in Sections 6 through 16.

Inclusion of dimensional data in this Standard does not mean that all products described herein are stock production sizes, nor that all production sizes are listed. Consumers should consult with manufacturers concerning lists of stock production sizes.

This Standard also details the purpose, apparatus, procedures, and performance specifications for the functional testing of pliers and shears. It is intended to be used by manufacturers, purchasers, and other persons involved with evaluating these products. Test procedures described herein are used to evaluate conformance to performance requirements.

This Standard may be used as a guide by state authorities or other regulatory bodies in the formulation of laws or regulations. It is also intended for voluntary use by establishments that manufacture the tools covered.