Sometimes it seems as though our old tool favourites cannot be left alone. Somebody somewhere is developing a new saw, or in this case a new take on those old favourites- the pliers. Many times, perhaps more often than the development costs warrant, the “new” version is not taken up in the market place and we revert to the “older” version, but sometimes there are genuine steps forward and the old is soon left behind. How often do you see the wooden-handled screwdrivers common in my youth?– we laugh at them now. For the Draper Expert ergo-plus VDE insulated pliers, the market has already spoken – orders for them have flooded in.
Just looking at the ergo-plus will show that there is a difference. A “standard” electrician’s pliers are straight, whereas the ergo-pus has a plier head bent at about ten or fifteen degrees. But if you think of the way in which you would hold a pair of metal snips, where the handle is held up and the cutting jaws straight ahead, the reverse is true of the pliers. The handle is held “down” so that the jaws of the pliers are straight relative to the hand that holds them. This means that the pliers are indeed “an extension” of the hand, and fulfil the ergo-plus part of the description. (see photo) This major change in the way in which the pliers are held means that the user’s hand is presented to the task in a more natural position so that more muscle power can be applied to the handles. The change may also mean a slight redesign of belt pouches for pliers is in order!
The visual appeal of the ergo-plus design is immediately apparent since close examination reveals high quality manufacture. For example, the jaws are beautifully ground with precision cutting edges, the handles are VDE type, are certified to EN60900:2004 standard, and are individually tested to 1000V. There is absolutely no stiffness in the fulcrum joint, it works smoothly with absolutely no play in it. Draper has sourced for these pliers from Germany and in my book, gets top marks for the decision. It means that you get specialist hardened and tempered steel made specially for pliers. You can’t see it, but you will appreciate the benefit as your pliers last many times longer than the cheap ones you bought in a moment of madness. It is still true that in some areas of tool design and manufacture, European is best.But the ergo-plus pliers have to meet some stiff competition from other established European manufacturers, and included in the design are a number of other features that make them “reach for” tools for electricians.
It is noticeable that the nose of the pliers is extremely slim compared to the beefier traditional designs. Clearly this makes them easier to use in confined spaces. I wondered if it would affect the cutting power I would be able to apply at the jaws, so I tried it out by comparing them with a more traditional pliers design. I found that using the pliers for normal cutting of cable ends for example, that the ergo-plus are a bit easier to use and gave a precision cut.
It is hard not to notice that on the front of the jaws are two clearly marked semi-circles. These are the wire stripping features and I would say that even a rank amateur would be able to use them for stripping the ends off wire accurately. I proved my case by asking the teenager next door to do it. I showed him once and he mastered it very easily. He must think I am mad though. The crimping feature is not something I have tested before and I was somewhat intrigued by it. This feature has to be very accurately made so as not to interfere with the working of the pliers, but also because crimping the ends of wire into terminals is a pressure sensitive job. Too much pressure and you bend the terminal, too little and the wire drops out. Again I found that the feature works very well, and I can immediately see how much time this would save your average “sparks” working with standard fittings.
Just further down the jaws is the pattress screw cutting feature. This consists of two holes through the jaws to take either a 4mm screw or 3.5mm screw. Just line up the holes by opening the jaws a bit, push the screw through and squeeze the handles together. I have to admit that I always expect that cutting the screw is going to take a bit of hand pressure (owwww – my arthritis) and am always amazed to find just how easy it is and how the shear cut means that most often the screw will screw straight into the socket box without having to clean the end with a file.
Completely new to me is the wire loop-forming feature. This is located at the back end of the jaws near the handles and consists of a three-stepped mini-turret. The stripped end of a copper wire is bent around the turret, held in place by closing the handles and then looped to a perfect circle. It took me a few goes to get it right, but doing it every day, one would soon get used to making perfect terminal loops first time every time.
Finally, and this is a feature that probably most users probably won’t notice much, but will use regularly, is that the slimline design of the jaws means that flush cutting of copper wires and plastic is possible. So, those cable ties flush against the side of the switchbox will be able to be cut off without endangering the insulation of the wires and without having to use a knife. An important safety consideration for all users. Draper is offering the pliers at an introductory price of £29.96 inc VAT. For the amount of time potentially to be saved, this is cheap, and I think the market is agreeing with me as the ergo-plus fly off the shelves. As for me, please Mr Draper, can I make you an offer – I want to keep my sample. They really are that good.
