You might want to use regular pliers to remove hog rings. However, you should refrain from doing so. But why shouldn’t you use regular pliers for hog rings? The answer is relatively straightforward: it’s not its intended purpose. Learn more about why you shouldn’t use regular pliers for hog rings here.
What Are Hog Rings?
Hog rings are thick, large staples that connect or fasten heavy-duty materials. People use them when they try to fasten upholstery of various kinds. They received the name “hog rings” because people typically put them through the noses of male pigs to discourage them from damaging their owners’ property. You’ve likely also seen hog rings in your fences and the automotive upholstery.
Differences Between Regular and Hog Ring Pliers
There are many kinds of hog ring pliers, including C-ring pliers and D-ring pliers, but why are they so special? Hog ring pliers have special designs that enable them to fasten hog rings to objects. You can use them on anything from chain link fencing to sausage casing. They can be pneumatic or manual. If manual, they look similar to your run-of-the-mill pliers, though you can use them to clamp a hog ring shut or open one.
Regular pliers can’t work with hog rings effectively. Instead, you can use them to bend or hold other materials. For instance, you might crimp metal or loosen a nut with them. They’re great all-purpose tools but not ideal for situations that require specific hog ring tools.
Why Are Regular Pliers Not Ideal?
Regular pliers don’t fit the exact dimensions of a hog ring like hog ring pliers. So it’s far easier to use hog pliers for this purpose rather than regular pliers, which have general designs and don’t have the exact specifications or ability to fit the rings. If you try and use regular pliers, you're more likely to bend or break the hog rings rather than salvage them. This is a key reason why you shouldn’t use regular pliers for hog rings.