Victorinox
Victorinox introduced the pliers on the new SwissChamp model in 1985/6, making it a relatively recent tool. Since then it has gone through three/four versions.
The pliers in the 91mm models are opened by picking up the end of the tool, which protrudes slightly beyond the end of the frame - An equivalent technique to the deployment of the saw.
The same pliers are installed in the 111mm models*, however they have a nail nick on the side to enable deployment, since the knife body is longer than the pliers, so does not allow access to the end of the tool. The pliers in 111mm models are always paired with a short, end mounted, inline Phillips screwdriver.
* Note: This is somewhat unusual as normally tools are re-designed for different frame sizes.
Versions of the pliers tool
1. 1985/6 - 1987: 2.5mm wide - Although note: This version appeared in the Oath of Rutli model in 1991
2. 1987 - 1990: 3mm wide; new pivot joint; handle has added contour
2a. 1990 - 1995: Spring guiding groove added (1990 date is estimate, assumed to be the same date as the scissors groove was added)
3. 1996 - current: Crimpers added
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Version 2a Pliers
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Models with the Pliers
- Special Mechanic - 91mm, 2-layers
- Mechanic - 91mm, 3-layers
- Angler - 91mm, 4-layers
- Bass Fishing - 91mm, 4-layers
- Deluxe Climber - 91mm, 4-layers
- Deluxe Tinker - 91mm, 4-layers
- Master Electrician - 91mm, 4-layers
- Yeoman Mechanic - 91mm, 4-layers
- Cybertool 34 / M - 91mm, 5-layers
- Deluxe Angler - 91mm, 5-layers
- Motorist - 91mm, 5-layers
- Troubleshooter - 91mm, 5-layers
- Craftsman - 91mm, 6-layers
- Cybertool Lite - 91mm, 6-layers
- Handyman - 91mm, 6-layers
- Cybertool 41 / L - 91mm, 7-layers
- SwissChamp - 91mm, 8-layers
- SwissChamp XL - 91mm, 11-layers
- SwissChamp XLT - 91mm, 11-layers
- SwissChamp XAVT - 91mm, 15-layers
- SwissChamp XXLT - 91mm, 15-layers
Wenger
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85/120mm
The Wenger style of pliers are a slip joint type that will open much wider than their Victorinox counterpart.
These pliers have a serrated inner jaw, a hard wire cutter and a regular wire cutter, as well as a crimper.
They are available in the 85mm and 120mm series.
130mm
Fold-out pliers were introduced in Wenger's 130mm 'NewRanger ' series in the Alinghi 176 and 177 models in early 2007.
Other NewRanger models with fold-out pliers followed in the fall of 2007. See Ranger 130mm Series Comparison.
The jaws and handles of the pliers are a clever three-piece assembly that folds completely away in the knife handle when not in use. Despite this complex function they are quite strong and rugged. The pliers themselves are spring loaded, powered by two individual narrow back-springs, a third back-spring is used for the folding handle mechanism. The jaws have fine serrations near the tips and a coarse gripping area in the center, and an anvil style wire cutter at the back.