Heyco 300 Waterpump pliers

[Randolph]

Heyco waterpump pliers were included in the original 02 toolkit and mentioned in a recent post. They are evidently not too highly regarded (One poster said his was stripped another described them as junk).

Has anyone ever used this tool for working on their waterpump?

Why are they called waterpump pliers?

Thanks

[eastsidebimmer]

I'm no student of science but when the fulcrum point slips when the top and bottom grips are drawn together--you have ineffective wrenching.

Ben

[Guest Anonymous]

Let's just say they are tools "Lite." A similar but different style has ridges on one of the two levers. I believe they are referred to as "slip joint" pliers. I have a swedish version that takes all kinds of abuse. Also have tolls labeled companion, craftsman and diamond that are all heads above the BMW-supplied version.

Don't know why they are called waterpump pliers, but maybe CD or PaulW have the answer.

[c.d.iesel]

METRIC adjustible plyers

[Marty]

Slip joint pliers got the name waterpump pliers because on early Chevy's the water pump was a home rebuildable unit and had leather seals and bronze bushings instead of bearings so rebuilding was a common thing, the pliers were the best thing to use to grab the impeller to unscrew it from the shaft.

[Guest Anonymous]

Interesting explanation. Are you suggesting that these pliers were purpose built? Also, if you know, was the style of tool used for that purpose the flimsy design from Heyco or was it the style that has become generically known as channellocks?

Thanks for the info.

[Marty]

No I think the slip joint pliers were already around but were just the ticket for this job so they got the name, you have to admit they are a handy design for unusual jobs. The name Channel locks is actually a name brand that has gained universal use kinda like Kleenex or band-aid