I have some new DeWalt lineman's pliers (DWHT70276; never used). I noticed the cutters close tight but the gripping jaws don't close all the way. Is that by design? What if I want to grip something thin?
The Home Depot stock image shows the gap too.
Maybe ironworker's pliers, such as Irwin's 1990613, are more likely to have jaws that close all the way, compared to lineman's pliers.
The gripping jaws are like that by design. This is to ensure that the cutters always meet cleanly with no interference.
From this(https://www.tiktok.com/@knipex_uk/video/7229613291771940123) Knipex TikTok video description (emphasis mine):
Pliers Secrets by KNIPEX... today: the light gap in the combination pliers! When you take a close look at one, you will notice that a tiny gap remains between the gripping surfaces – even when the pliers are closed. What at first glance appears to be a production fault is, on the contrary, an example of high-precision manufacturing: Combination pliers combine the properties of gripping and cutting in one tool. And we at KNIPEX place particular importance on permanently precise cutting! If the gripping jaws were to close completely, the cutting edges would wear after a short time. This then would make it impossible to cut fine wires – hence the light gap! The gap mustn't be too large, of course, otherwise, the gripping function would suffer. According to the norm, the gap between the gripping jaws of, for example, 160 mm combination pliers must not be larger than 0.4 mm when closed. KNIPEX combination pliers usually fall well below this limit!
Combination ('lineman's') pliers combine gripping and cutting in one tool, they are made so that the cutting edges can cut even thin wires. However that means the gripping jaws must have a slight gap as in your picture.
My only guess, as these are lineman's pliers, it's possible the intent for the tip was to grip insulation to strip off a wire, without putting too much grab pressure on the conductor inside.
Lineman's Pliers are commonly used to twist wires together, and the gap helps in both gripping and twisting. Notice the 'teeth' on the jaws are not ground symmetrically - they are ground in such a way as to prevent slipping off a wire.
This is a common feature on lineman pliers. Klein's have it also, and they are professional grade tools.
