Releasing the Grip: WD-40 Revives My Sticking Pliers
My trusty pair of pliers had developed an annoying habit: they would often get stuck in the open position. It was frustrating, especially when I needed to use them quickly with one hand. I'd have to manually force them closed, and the action felt stiff and gritty. You could even see the tell-tale signs of rust forming around the pivot point, which was clearly contributing to the problem.
Knowing WD-40's reputation for tackling rust and freeing up stuck mechanisms, I decided to give my pliers a good treatment. I directed the spray nozzle right at the pivot point, making sure to saturate the area where the two arms connected. I also sprayed along the jaws, hoping to address any minor rust there as well.
Almost immediately, I could see the WD-40 working its magic. A reddish-brown liquid, the dissolved rust, started to seep away from the joint. I began to work the pliers back and forth, and the stiffness gradually disappeared. The gritty feeling was gone, replaced by a smooth, fluid motion. Now, my pliers open and close effortlessly, just like they're supposed to. It's amazing how that simple spray of WD-40 not only freed them from being stuck open but also seemed to melt away the rust that was hindering their movement. They're a reliable tool once again!
Step-by-Step Guide: Freeing Sticking Pliers with WD-40
Here's how I used WD-40 to get my pliers working smoothly again:
Step 1: Identify the Sticking Point and Rust
Observe the pivot point of your pliers where the two arms connect. Look for any visible rust and confirm that the pliers are sticking in the open position.
Step 2: Gather Your WD-40
Ensure you have your can of WD-40 Multi-Use Product ready.
Step 3: Apply WD-40 Generously to the Pivot Point
Aim the WD-40 nozzle directly at the pivot point of the pliers, saturating the area with WD-40.
Step 4: Apply WD-40 Along the Jaws (If Rusty)
If you notice rust along the jaws of the pliers, apply WD-40 to those areas as well.
Step 5: Work the Pliers Back and Forth
Gently begin to open and close the pliers repeatedly. This action helps the WD-40 work its way into the rust and loosen the stiffness causing them to stick.
Step 6: Observe the Rust Dissolving
As you work the pliers, you may notice a reddish-brown liquid (dissolved rust) running off.
Step 7: Repeat if Necessary
If the pliers are still sticking, apply another spray of WD-40 to the pivot point and continue working them until they move freely.
Step 8: Wipe Away Excess (Optional)
Once the pliers are working smoothly, you can wipe away any excess WD-40 and dissolved rust with a rag.
Now your pliers should open and close easily without sticking!