What are duckbill pliers primarily used for?

Duckbill pliers, also commonly known as long-nose or needle-nose pliers, are designed primarily for twisting safety wire, which is a crucial task in aviation maintenance and other similar fields. The unique shape of the plier’s jaws, which taper to a narrow point, allows for precision and control, making it easier to work in confined spaces typical in aircraft assemblies.

When securing components with safety wire, the wire must be twisted tightly to prevent loosening during operation. The duckbill design provides the necessary leverage and grip to effectively twist the wire without excessive effort. This makes them an invaluable tool for aviation structural mechanics who frequently work with various hardware requiring secure fastening through safety wire.

In contrast, while holding small objects is indeed a function of needle-nose pliers, the primary intent behind their design relates to the twisting of safety wire. The cutting function is usually associated with specific tools like wire cutters, and grinding surfaces typically requires different tools altogether. Hence, the focus on twisting safety wire as the primary usage reflects the specific application and utility of duckbill pliers in aviation and similar industries.