A whole video about pliers?? Of course! And thanks for doing it. I was just looking through the old tools I got from my grandfather and found a 5 1/2" version of these. I was trying to find out what they were used for. Thanks for the great video.
@ThisOldTony could you please post a link to your video that @mrpete222 referenced in which you mention Bernard pliers? Thanks to you both for contributing such great content.
Growing up as a young tyke and hanging around and later working in my Father's shop one of the tools that always caught my attention and which I frequently used was his pair of Bernard/Sargent parallel jaw pliers. So your video was a very nice trip down Memory Lane for me. Thanks!
I am 81 years old and this is the first time I have even heard of much less see a Bernard Pliers Tool. Now I want one, and will be looking for those tools. I don't have a need or have a use for those tools, but I just gotta have one. The Patent office shows such a great view of these tools. A photo just couldn't compete with these great drawings especially showing how the tool operates inside. Thank you for making this great video. I am sure this must take a lot of time and effort to make these great videos. I recently looked into my very large tool box, at all those tools I just had to have, now that I can afford them. back when I needed them I couldn't afford the genuine tools but made do with whatever was available on my budget.
Like Mr. Pete said parallel jaw pliers are nice to hold small items while grinding. I don't know why but the parallel jaws just make it better somehow. They're my go to pliers whenever I have to grind something I don't want to hold onto if I don't use Vise Grips.
I inherited a small pair of these from my great uncle. He brought it home from WWII. I hesitate to ever use them cause they are in pretty good shape but I do use them to straighten and pull wire. They have the V groove down the jaws. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
Hello Mr Pete. I'm amazed that in my 62 years of tinkering I do not recall ever seeing or having my hands on a Bernard. Now I've got to go find some. Thanks for all your videos. I watch them all.
@@mrpete222 been watching for quight some time now. And have slowly whittled my threw almost all of your videos by this point. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. I thank you for making them and please continue.
Mr. Peterson, Thank you for not hurry though this video. To many UA-cam presenters feel no one is interested, or get bored. Keep being through on each subject, as you are. A friend of equal age lol.
Have a pair that I have had for 40 years. After I got them, I was so taken with them that I made a leather holster for them that also carried a 8-inch pair of side cutters. The holster and tools are still in my tool bag today.
I inherited my first set of Bernard long pliers from my great grandfather, though he was long gone by then. Fell in love with em and have been collecting them for years! Thanks for posting!! ❤
You hit it right on the head. I'm watching this video because I do in fact value tools and craftsmanship - I loved your story about taking the school car to grab a bunch of Bernard's. Too cool! I watch and enjoy a lot of your videos, and I was glad when I typed in "Grip Snip Sargent Tools" and UA-cam recommended this video. I stumbled upon this excellent pair of pliers when rooting around in my parents garage a few months ago, and like I do when I find something exceptionally cool, I began restoring them. I can now say that they are fully restored - finished off first to 2,000 grit, then to 4,000, 5,000, 7,500, and then finally satisfied with a 10,000 grit, wet and dry sanded, and then a 3 stage polish with Dialuxe White, Green, and then Blue compound/polish. Needless to say they are more likely retired from service, but they look absolutely beautiful. Credit to the manufacturer for giving me such quality metal to make shiny, and at this stage of finish, mind numbingly SLIPPERY. But I'm extremely proud to have spent as much time as I did on tools with a rich history. Anything made in America, especially when America was making pure greatness, deserves the respect and attention that I (at least) attempted to give it. Thank you for sharing not just your experience and expertise in your videos, but for sharing some historical context that I wish more people were aware of!
Another Old Geezer like myself. It is super to see persons of our age (I am 77) getting involved in UA-cam and refurbishing tools. Thank you for this video...captjack
Fantastic review of these great pliers. As a kid in 1965, I liked the power of these pliers to cut wire fence fabric. Ours may have come from the army in a tool box I still have. Be well Mr. Pete!
Another tool I need now. Professional mechanics never use pliers on bolts, when anyone is watching. All those years of using gasoline as a solvent/cleaner has turned our beards grey. Thanks
Many thanks, Mr Peterson. Most instructive. No one else in our little corner of technology does so fine a job rooting the past for neglected nuggets of our heritage and so ably presents them. This little journey into the lore of the Bernard plies was a real eye-opener to me. I'm looking forward to your next quest into the history and evolution of the tools that built the technical side ofour civilization
I have never seen these in England ,but will keep a lookout for a pair,an old saying is "good design always comes to the top" I have a Bernard 4 jaw chuck from the USA the quality and design are perfect, thanks for the education Mr.Pete.
I don't think I've ever seen a pair of those pliers, and i was born in 1964, and worked with tools my whole life. Interesting design. Now, I'm gonna have to pay a littlemore attention when I go to flea markets and yard sales, so that I can scoop up a set.
Thanks for the video Mr Pete. The patent drawings are marvelous, one can almost smell the draughting office and the pipe smoke. CAD is so clinical. These sketches breath.
Thanks for making these videos and recording some of the history of these hand tools. I just found a pair marked both Sargent and Bernard. Cool pliers and I love to know this history of these old tools when I use them.
Mr. Pete, I enjoyed this video very much. In my rusty old mind I can just remember seeing those types of pliers. I found the Patents very interesting and like you am amazed at the hand drawings. Please continue these types of videos. I like them alot. R
I love these and have always known the ones with the side cutters as "fishing pliers" I guess because that's what my grandfather used them for and I've always had them in my tackle box since I was a boy
mrpet22 this was a very good video, just last week I was going to replace my Bernard pliers, didn't know what they where, my dad called them fishing pliers or hook cutters, was surprised at the cost to replace them, I will just clean them up for now, they'll be ok for me , I'm 83 now, if they last as long as they have been in our family it'll be OK, the patent date on mine is July 9 1893, have learned so mush from your videos, on how to run a lathe and mill, didd't know I had a Logan lathe till I seen it on your video, thanks again John R Aurora just north of you
Thanks for the video mrpete222. I'm 72 years old and my father was a high school shop teacher. I cannot believe I've never seen one of these pliers. My loss - they look fantastic.
My dad was a gunsmith, trained while in the Army at Rock Island..and he had several pairs on his work bench..he cherished them and simply called them his "gunsmithing" pliers. Great video! Thanks, Mr. Pete! :-)
@@mrpete222 they are good pliers that is for sure. my dad and grandfather loved them for fencing but that is all they really used them for. For fencing i prefer the large Cressent pliers but the bernards have a lot of good points for other work
From one tool nut to another , thank you. Bonney wrenches are my favorite. As much as I like pliers I can't believe I don't have any of those, soon to be remedied.
I have two pair and even one of the weirdo pliers in the patent pictures. The pair at 11:17 I know I have a pair of them someplace. I think the pin marked K is broken or worn down on mine though?
Excellent video sir . I purchased one of these beauties today at a car boot sale for £1 .! I may be an old lady , but, I love these old tools . They were made to last ........and they sure have done . Many thanks for your informative video .
Don’t be ashamed of collecting! I too love to collect tools. I remember spending time with my pap going to auctions/yard sales and never passing up a tool. To this day I still love buying tools at auctions. I’m 34 and will probably do it till I’m 84. I have two pair of those pliers. Never knew the history on them. Thanks again for another great video!
I have always been a closet collector. Never showed my tools too many people until UA-cam. I have come out of the closet, and I am surprised at how many people there are just like me
Great video and commentary--I've had a couple of these for the last 10 years or so, found them at estate sales. I never even saw the name Bernard on them until your video made me get them out of the tool drawer in the garage. I as well enjoy finding the old tools that someone's Grandpa used. Am 60 now and hope my son will enjoy using these old tools as much as I do.
Great video sir, I just finished restoring a bernard no.102 5 1/2 the video will be posted in a couple of days and I love them. It turned out exactly how I wanted. They now have their own spot on my work bench.
My father had a few pair of these that I used and remember well. I have a few of his tools that I use regularly and wish I still had the Bernard’s. He told me they used them when he was overseas in the army in WWll. Never would talk much about what he did during the war. Thanks for posting this.
I never knew that they were know as Bernard Pliers since all the ones I have or seen are branded as Sergent. I love this design and while I rarely use them at home, when I need them they are indispensable. I have used them for years at work as a platform to make custom tools. You can make a custom head piece on the mill or lathe, then cut out a little from the jaws of this tool, weld in your custom pieces and have a precise whatever. Rivet tool, pin drive tool, holding tool for some odd ball shape, staking tool to deform a thread so it won't back out, etc, etc. Great video! I took a photo of my collection of five to send you, then realized no way to send in this comment.
Loved it. My dad had a pair, old black ones. It was my favorite tool as a grade schooler. I wish I knew what happened to them. Never knew what they were dad called them armorer plyers. I think he got them from his brother who drove tanks for Patton. Many thanks for the great video.
I love my Bernard pliers! I got it from an open house I went to on W 49th St in Manhattan and was told we could take anything we wanted that was lying around! It’s such a small size, so handy for my little hands. Just tonight I decided to examine the writing on it which led me to your video. Believe it or not, the patent on mine says Aug. 7, 1817. It’s pliers No. 80 which I cannot find specific info on. Thank you for your passion about these pliers and thorough info! I love my pliers and is my go-to pliers. Still working well without any oil. Very well made!! It sounds like it is similar to the one you wanted the guy at the garage sale to sell you! Let me know if you’d like to see a picture of it.
Truly a classic American tool! Bought my first one from the local dentist; he used them in his workshop. Own several of them; one of my favorite tools!
I have a pair of the pliers with the same side cutters. When ever I see them in my tool box I think of my dad where I got them from back in the 80s when I inherited his tools. I wondered about those pliers my whole life and I live right outside New Haven Ct. Now I know the history of the tool. So I just went through my tool box and found about 6 pair of different types that you just posted. Then I found a pair about 4"long ones with double cutters opposite each side. Thank you for the memories. My wife thinks I'm as tool hoarder but, I just love tools too. Keep the videos coming, they are great to look at now that I'm retired too and miss swap meets since it cold in the winter up here in CT.
Been a tool guy my entire life and have a full machine shop here but have never seen these. Maybe they never made it out to California flea markets... Great video thank you.
@@34k5 I grew up in California also I knew of parallel pliers but never have came across them either. I think they would of caught my attention. Very nice tool.
Because of your earlier videos I have kept my eyes out for these pliers and found a few. They quickly became my favorites! I have found a few that were either special made or shop modified but passed on them because of their specialized purpose. Thanks for sharing!
You just keep the videos coming. We will keep watching. Everything that interest you interest me. I am happier when watching your video. Keeps my mind off of current events that frustrate me to no end.
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate your taking time to show the drawings. Reminds me of when I was in Jr high school and they were trying to teach drafting as a trade. Nice to see your dad too. Many thanks and have a happy day!
My grandfather gave me a pair of these pliers and he told that they were great for fishing. The jaws could be used to crimp the old split shot lead weights and the cutter would cut the fishing line very cleanly and more safely than using a knife. Thanks for the great memories and the interesting insights.
Had to go look at my parallel jaw pliers after watching this, mine have the same construction, but thinner jaws with cut outs which look like electrical terminal crimpers. They don't say "Bernard" but simply CHINA....well made just the same. Thanks Mr. Pete for all your videos, always learning.
Great video! Love getting the tour of the patents. They are very interesting pliers. Thank you very much for your time and great effort in producing this bit of information for all of us.
When I entered dental school in 1966, we had to purchase a kit of tools and supplies to use in our training. In that kit was a set of Bernard plyers about 6 inches in length. It also had side cutters and was made with some sort of stainless steel. I am retired now and have taken up jewelry making as a hobby. I still have those "Bernards" and use them regularly.
I have several pair of parallel jaw pliers. Two of them are Sargents and are decades-old. I inherited them from my father. One pair is almost frozen with rust--they were his fishing pliers. I bought a small pair of smooth jaw parallel pliers a year or so ago (not sure if they're Sargents or a knock-off) to use with my leatherworking hobby. I use them to pull harness needles through thick leather, and the smooth jaws won't damage the needles.
Mr. Pete, I don't recall ever seen a Bernard pliers in my life. Did have the one for cutting the wire bands on newspapers but never knew they had these other styles. Well your video cost me $27!!! Found a pair and bought them! Now, I will have a pair in my collection of tools. KenS.
Great video. I often pass by the Sargent building in New Haven. They are still making tools in nearby Branford CT. Under the Otieker name. I work on antique fire trucks and trucks. These old tool come in handy when working on these trucks. I often marvel at the thought and engineering that they did back in the day. No computers. Brain power and a lot of imagination . They were brilliant.
Iv got a pair I never used them because they seem like they would have a weaker grip but I guess i will have to give them a try. thanks for the lesson!
99% of my fellow high school drafting classmates went the route of Architectural drawing. I stayed with Mechanical drawing. I love the style of the early ones you show here. The shading & lettering have a beautiful human element.
Son of a gun. Picked up a really beat up example at a swap meet years and years ago. Always wondered what the heck they were for. And I thought I was a toolaholic. You are just full of surprises. One of life's little mysteries revealed. Cheers.
Mr Pete, a very interesting video sir, don't worry about any detractors, including figurine collectors! I have never seen this design of plier before. Here in the UK they are just never seen unfortunately. I just have done an eBay search for them ( March 2019) and even on the US site there are only two of the pliers you have shown, the rest being of various. Bernard designs for special uses, the most being the ones for round leather belt punching for joining , mainly for use on your Singer or Jones sewing machine belts. I did find however one of your parallel pliers for sale here in the UK and i am sorely tempted to buy it despite its high price (For you around $ 35). So as i say a very interesting and informative video Mr Pete keep them coming!
really nice informative video, I just got a pair today at a barn sale and didn't know what they were, now I do, so I thank you for the history lesson on these. They'll be a great addition to my tool bag
Hi mr Pete I think this is very important video because many time my family and my drive to the flea market and I see a lots of old tools but I had no idea what is or for what is use thanks for your time and teaching Good bless you and bless you family
In the Royal Australian Navy, NZ Navy and the Royal Navy, we called them Mine Sweeper Pliers, I still have my original set issued to me nearly 40 yrs ago.
Greetings from Birmingham uk Mr Pete. I Remember my father having a pair when I was a kid. We used those pliers for everything they were quite unique and I have never seen another pair. My father is now over 98 and I am in my seventies , I hope he still has them 😀.
Very interesting video of these unique pliers. My Dad had an old pair of these in an old 30 caliber ammo box that he kept his day to day tools. I remember working on many a project where we used them.
Great video as usual. I'm also enjoying old tools, love those. I suppose one big deal at the time was the use of stamped metal. Now I have to get a pair too. (That said, a modern equivalent of those, the Knipex Pliers Wrenches are fantastic and I think much better ergonomically speaking as they are adjustable and you don't need to have the handles so widely separated if you grab something thick. A life-changing tool in the shop...)
I remember my dad picked up a whole box of that style of pliers from an auction. They seemed to be specialized for gripping certain things because they had different nose profiles, some grooved, some stepped., some with aluminum jaws. The side cutter is a neat addition that I'd never seen. I still have a few of them that he passed on to me.
Hi Pete, I got a pair of these in a flea market here in Strasbourg, France. Apparently, all these pliers didn't make it back to the U.S. They got pretty handy a bunch of times when other pliers couldn't do the job in my guitar repair shop. Glad to hear you talking about these.
Loved the video, I had a pair of these as a young kid. I think my dad gave me a small worn out pair to throw in my 'tool box' along with some other worn out tools that he often handed down to my brother and I. I had no idea about the history but I did thoroughly enjoy it. I sure wish I knew what I did with these! Next ones I see at a garage sale are mine! Thanks Mr. Pete!
A very interesting and informative video which I've never seen at garage/yard sales or flea markets. Now I want a pair of these handy pliers for my toolbox! Thanks.
I've had a 4 inch pair with side cutter in my tackle box for over 50 years. They are great for nipping off stuck fish hooks. The handles are worn smooth but still work great. Love them and all the stories they remind me of.
A whole video about pliers?? Of course! And thanks for doing it. I was just looking through the old tools I got from my grandfather and found a 5 1/2" version of these. I was trying to find out what they were used for. Thanks for the great video.
may I say you're looking quite dashing in this video Mr. Pete!!
Love the tool talk. Those patent drawings are works of art.
Hi Tony, thanks for watching. I don't know about dashing, LOL. The girls never said that to me
@@mrpete222 Not to your face maybe.
You like that shirt---don't you?
@ThisOldTony could you please post a link to your video that @mrpete222 referenced in which you mention Bernard pliers? Thanks to you both for contributing such great content.
Growing up as a young tyke and hanging around and later working in my Father's shop one of the tools that always caught my attention and which I frequently used was his pair of Bernard/Sargent parallel jaw pliers. So your video was a very nice trip down Memory Lane for me. Thanks!
See even at a very young age you could recognize good tools
I am 81 years old and this is the first time I have even heard of much less see a Bernard Pliers Tool. Now I want one, and will be looking for those tools. I don't have a need or have a use for those tools, but I just gotta have one. The Patent office shows such a great view of these tools. A photo just couldn't compete with these great drawings especially showing how the tool operates inside. Thank you for making this great video. I am sure this must take a lot of time and effort to make these great videos. I recently looked into my very large tool box, at all those tools I just had to have, now that I can afford them. back when I needed them I couldn't afford the genuine tools but made do with whatever was available on my budget.
Thank you for watching. I don't think you ever growto old to lose your interest in tools
Like Mr. Pete said parallel jaw pliers are nice to hold small items while grinding. I don't know why but the parallel jaws just make it better somehow. They're my go to pliers whenever I have to grind something I don't want to hold onto if I don't use Vise Grips.
@@mrpete222 Nope, That Old Bob is proof of that.
@@mrpete222
I inherited a small pair of these from my great uncle. He brought it home from WWII. I hesitate to ever use them cause they are in pretty good shape but I do use them to straighten and pull wire. They have the V groove down the jaws. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
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Hello Mr Pete. I'm amazed that in my 62 years of tinkering I do not recall ever seeing or having my hands on a Bernard. Now I've got to go find some. Thanks for all your videos. I watch them all.
Thanks. Yes find a pair
I have been in the machine shop 12+ years and i learn (and put to use) a LOT from your videos. Thank you and please keep them coming.
Thank you for watching
@@mrpete222 been watching for quight some time now. And have slowly whittled my threw almost all of your videos by this point. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. I thank you for making them and please continue.
Mr. Peterson, Thank you for not hurry though this video. To many UA-cam presenters feel no one is interested, or get bored. Keep being through on each subject, as you are. A friend of equal age lol.
Thank you very much. Many people are saying I talk too long in the videos are too long and boring
Have a pair that I have had for 40 years. After I got them, I was so taken with them that I made a leather holster for them that also carried a 8-inch pair of side cutters. The holster and tools are still in my tool bag today.
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I inherited my first set of Bernard long pliers from my great grandfather, though he was long gone by then. Fell in love with em and have been collecting them for years! Thanks for posting!! ❤
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You hit it right on the head. I'm watching this video because I do in fact value tools and craftsmanship - I loved your story about taking the school car to grab a bunch of Bernard's. Too cool!
I watch and enjoy a lot of your videos, and I was glad when I typed in "Grip Snip Sargent Tools" and UA-cam recommended this video. I stumbled upon this excellent pair of pliers when rooting around in my parents garage a few months ago, and like I do when I find something exceptionally cool, I began restoring them. I can now say that they are fully restored - finished off first to 2,000 grit, then to 4,000, 5,000, 7,500, and then finally satisfied with a 10,000 grit, wet and dry sanded, and then a 3 stage polish with Dialuxe White, Green, and then Blue compound/polish. Needless to say they are more likely retired from service, but they look absolutely beautiful. Credit to the manufacturer for giving me such quality metal to make shiny, and at this stage of finish, mind numbingly SLIPPERY. But I'm extremely proud to have spent as much time as I did on tools with a rich history. Anything made in America, especially when America was making pure greatness, deserves the respect and attention that I (at least) attempted to give it. Thank you for sharing not just your experience and expertise in your videos, but for sharing some historical context that I wish more people were aware of!
Good story about polishing the pliers. I think you have more patience than me. Thank you for commenting and watching.
I'm over 50 years.old and never heard of these pliers!. Thanks for the info!. I'll be searching for a pair now!.
Another Old Geezer like myself. It is super to see persons of our age (I am 77) getting involved in UA-cam and refurbishing tools. Thank you for this video...captjack
Fantastic review of these great pliers. As a kid in 1965, I liked the power of these pliers to cut wire fence fabric. Ours may have come from the army in a tool box I still have. Be well Mr. Pete!
Thanks
Another tool I need now. Professional mechanics never use pliers on bolts, when anyone is watching. All those years of using gasoline as a solvent/cleaner has turned our beards grey. Thanks
Yes lol
Many thanks, Mr Peterson. Most instructive. No one else in our little corner of technology does so fine a job rooting the past for neglected nuggets of our heritage and so ably presents them. This little journey into the lore of the Bernard plies was a real eye-opener to me. I'm looking forward to your next quest into the history and evolution of the tools that built the technical side ofour civilization
Thanks for watching. I just did another one today, but won't be publish for a few weeks
Mr. Pete really is loaded with a lot of knowledge for one man. I'm honored to be a pupil in his class here.
I have never seen these in England ,but will keep a lookout for a pair,an old saying is "good design always comes to the top" I have a Bernard 4 jaw chuck from the USA the quality and design are perfect, thanks for the education Mr.Pete.
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That didn't occur to me that it's the same company, but makes sense though.
Sorry i do not know,but i am certain mrpete would know .
In England you have similar offerings from Maun Industries: www.maunindustries.com/shop-all/parallel-action-pliers/
I don't think I've ever seen a pair of those pliers, and i was born in 1964, and worked with tools my whole life. Interesting design. Now, I'm gonna have to pay a littlemore attention when I go to flea markets and yard sales, so that I can scoop up a set.
Yes
I love when you go over all the tools and the patents. Keep up the great work I've learned so much from you
Thanks
Thanks, Mr. Pete. All your efforts are appreciated and you continue to teach.
Thanks
Thanks for the video Mr Pete. The patent drawings are marvelous, one can almost smell the draughting office and the pipe smoke. CAD is so clinical. These sketches breath.
Very well said
Thanks Mrpete for all the info on the Bernard pliers. I have used many a pair over the years but had no idea of the history. Very interesting.
Thanks
Another intetesting video. Mr. Pete and morning coffee, doesn't get any better. Thank you.
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Thanks for making these videos and recording some of the history of these hand tools. I just found a pair marked both Sargent and Bernard. Cool pliers and I love to know this history of these old tools when I use them.
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The one picture you showed with the round jaws is for sealing lead wire seals . We still use them today . In the aircraft industry .
Thanks
I have my dad's pair. Great memories. Thanks for sharing.
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Mr. Pete, I enjoyed this video very much. In my rusty old mind I can just remember seeing those types of pliers. I found the Patents very interesting and like you am amazed at the hand drawings. Please continue these types of videos. I like them alot. R
Thanks
I love these and have always known the ones with the side cutters as "fishing pliers" I guess because that's what my grandfather used them for and I've always had them in my tackle box since I was a boy
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I thought my whole life they were fishing 🎣 pliers too!
My father had a pair. I think they were around 5" and had orange plastic grips. The came from the local tackle shop. Fishing pliers.
Every tackle box had one of these
Always great content with amazing delivery.
Thank you for all your contributions Mrpete
Thank you very much
mrpet22 this was a very good video, just last week I was going to replace my Bernard pliers, didn't know what they where, my dad called them fishing pliers or hook cutters, was surprised at the cost to replace them, I will just clean them up for now, they'll be ok for me , I'm 83 now, if they last as long as they have been in our family it'll be OK, the patent date on mine is July 9 1893, have learned so mush from your videos, on how to run a lathe and mill, didd't know I had a Logan lathe till I seen it on your video, thanks again John R Aurora just north of you
Thank you for watching I'm glad you like the videos. I love those pliers. My son lives in North Aurora
When I was a little kid (in 1969) there was a pair of these on top of the TV to use in place of the broken channel knob.
lol
Nice. Thank-you, Mr Pete! Hopefully this is a pre-cursor to "Shop Tips #545: How To Make Your Own Bernard Pliers."
lol
Thanks for the video mrpete222. I'm 72 years old and my father was a high school shop teacher. I cannot believe I've never seen one of these pliers. My loss - they look fantastic.
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Still have still have mine from the seventies when I was a mate on a fishing boat. Awesome pliers, handy as hell. :-)
Thanks
Been gunsmithing for over 25 years and these are my favorite go to pliers in my tool boxes. Interesting video. Thanks for making it.
I bet they are really handy for a gunsmith
Thanks for the video, great as always! Loved seeing the patent diagrams.
My dad was a gunsmith, trained while in the Army at Rock Island..and he had several pairs on his work bench..he cherished them and simply called them his "gunsmithing" pliers. Great video! Thanks, Mr. Pete! :-)
Thanks
Hi mrpete222, I enjoyed every moment of your videos. Thanks for sharing. M. K. S.
Thanks
@@mrpete222 they are good pliers that is for sure. my dad and grandfather loved them for fencing but that is all they really used them for. For fencing i prefer the large Cressent pliers but the bernards have a lot of good points for other work
From one tool nut to another , thank you. Bonney wrenches are my favorite. As much as I like pliers I can't believe I don't have any of those, soon to be remedied.
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I have two pair and even one of the weirdo pliers in the patent pictures. The pair at 11:17 I know I have a pair of them someplace. I think the pin marked K is broken or worn down on mine though?
Excellent video sir . I purchased one of these beauties today at a car boot sale for £1 .! I may be an old lady , but, I love these old tools . They were made to last ........and they sure have done . Many thanks for your informative video .
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Don’t be ashamed of collecting! I too love to collect tools. I remember spending time with my pap going to auctions/yard sales and never passing up a tool. To this day I still love buying tools at auctions. I’m 34 and will probably do it till I’m 84. I have two pair of those pliers. Never knew the history on them. Thanks again for another great video!
I have always been a closet collector. Never showed my tools too many people until UA-cam. I have come out of the closet, and I am surprised at how many people there are just like me
Great video and commentary--I've had a couple of these for the last 10 years or so, found them at estate sales. I never even saw the name Bernard on them until your video made me get them out of the tool drawer in the garage. I as well enjoy finding the old tools that someone's Grandpa used. Am 60 now and hope my son will enjoy using these old tools as much as I do.
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Worked for a defense supplier who made a verison of these pliers using frames purchsed from Sargent.
That's interesting
yes Professor Peterson I am a toolaholic and proud of it..
Thanks
Great video sir, I just finished restoring a bernard no.102 5 1/2 the video will be posted in a couple of days and I love them. It turned out exactly how I wanted. They now have their own spot on my work bench.
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I looked on Ebay for these. There are some with the name W. Schollhorn. Thanks again for an informative video.
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My father had a few pair of these that I used and remember well. I have a few of his tools that I use regularly and wish I still had the Bernard’s. He told me they used them when he was overseas in the army in WWll. Never would talk much about what he did during the war. Thanks for posting this.
Yes, most would not talk about it
Haven't seen Bernard's in a long time.18:20 it's actually a candidate for a rebuild how to.
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Yep, looks like that screw isn't holding the jaws in alignment. Should be a fairly easy fix.
I never knew that they were know as Bernard Pliers since all the ones I have or seen are branded as Sergent. I love this design and while I rarely use them at home, when I need them they are indispensable. I have used them for years at work as a platform to make custom tools. You can make a custom head piece on the mill or lathe, then cut out a little from the jaws of this tool, weld in your custom pieces and have a precise whatever. Rivet tool, pin drive tool, holding tool for some odd ball shape, staking tool to deform a thread so it won't back out, etc, etc. Great video! I took a photo of my collection of five to send you, then realized no way to send in this comment.
Thank you, you can find my email address in a recent video. Entitled tubal Cain spring special 2019 video corsage
Loved it. My dad had a pair, old black ones. It was my favorite tool as a grade schooler. I wish I knew what happened to them. Never knew what they were dad called them armorer plyers. I think he got them from his brother who drove tanks for Patton. Many thanks for the great video.
I'm glad you like it. I am working on a follow up video on the suppliers as I speak
I love my Bernard pliers! I got it from an open house I went to on W 49th St in Manhattan and was told we could take anything we wanted that was lying around! It’s such a small size, so handy for my little hands. Just tonight I decided to examine the writing on it which led me to your video. Believe it or not, the patent on mine says Aug. 7, 1817. It’s pliers No. 80 which I cannot find specific info on. Thank you for your passion about these pliers and thorough info! I love my pliers and is my go-to pliers. Still working well without any oil. Very well made!! It sounds like it is similar to the one you wanted the guy at the garage sale to sell you! Let me know if you’d like to see a picture of it.
Truly a classic American tool! Bought my first one from the local dentist; he used them in his workshop. Own several of them; one of my favorite tools!
Yes thanks
I have a pair of the pliers with the same side cutters. When ever I see them in my tool box I think of my dad where I got them from back in the 80s when I inherited his tools. I wondered about those pliers my whole life and I live right outside New Haven Ct. Now I know the history of the tool. So I just went through my tool box and found about 6 pair of different types that you just posted. Then I found a pair about 4"long ones with double cutters opposite each side. Thank you for the memories. My wife thinks I'm as tool hoarder but, I just love tools too. Keep the videos coming, they are great to look at now that I'm retired too and miss swap meets since it cold in the winter up here in CT.
Thank you. You me then I'm not crazy?
Its a tool I have never seen, very interesting
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Been a tool guy my entire life and have a full machine shop here but have never seen these. Maybe they never made it out to California flea markets... Great video thank you.
@@34k5 I grew up in California also I knew of parallel pliers but never have came across them either. I think they would of caught my attention. Very nice tool.
@@34k5 Same here, California my whole life, never ran across a pair of them.
5:00 maybe used to tie off safety wire to prevent bolts loosening. Cutters then snip excess. Common in early automotive applications.
another great tool talk, Mr. Pete!
Thanks as always for educating us who missed out on the Shop Class experience.
Glad you liked it
Because of your earlier videos I have kept my eyes out for these pliers and found a few. They quickly became my favorites! I have found a few that were either special made or shop modified but passed on them because of their specialized purpose. Thanks for sharing!
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I keep mine at arms reach at all times in my studio, love ‘em.
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You just keep the videos coming. We will keep watching. Everything that interest you interest me. I am happier when watching your video. Keeps my mind off of current events that frustrate me to no end.
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I am cleaning up my Bernard pliers as I write this. I love pliers. Lol. Loved the video!
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Remakes of these pliers are popular in jewelers catalogs. Smooth jaws, soft jaws, round jaws, etc.
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Thanks for sharing. I appreciate your taking time to show the drawings. Reminds me of when I was in Jr high school and they were trying to teach drafting as a trade. Nice to see your dad too. Many thanks and have a happy day!
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I took drafting in high school, one of the very few courses I enjoyed. The skill is completely outdated and worthless today. :(
My grandfather gave me a pair of these pliers and he told that they were great for fishing. The jaws could be used to crimp the old split shot lead weights and the cutter would cut the fishing line very cleanly and more safely than using a knife.
Thanks for the great memories and the interesting insights.
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Had to go look at my parallel jaw pliers after watching this, mine have the same construction, but thinner jaws with cut outs which look like electrical terminal crimpers. They don't say "Bernard" but simply CHINA....well made just the same. Thanks Mr. Pete for all your videos, always learning.
Mr Pete got to love those old drawings there just great thanks for sharing your collection
Yes, suitable for framing
Great video! Love getting the tour of the patents. They are very interesting pliers.
Thank you very much for your time and great effort in producing this bit of information for all of us.
My pleasure!
Thanks Mr. Pete. Just looked it up and Sargent still makes these parallel pliers. Gotta get me a pair.
Yes get two
When I entered dental school in 1966, we had to purchase a kit of tools and supplies to use in our training. In that kit was a set of Bernard plyers about 6 inches in length. It also had side cutters and was made with some sort of stainless steel. I am retired now and have taken up jewelry making as a hobby. I still have those "Bernards" and use them regularly.
That is interesting. Do you think the complete tool was made of stainless steel?
@@mrpete222 On closer inspection, they seem to be plated. They are magnetic. They do, however, look just as they're did when they were new.
They were brilliant for cutting round leather belt and setting the clip on small chain machines.
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I have several pair of parallel jaw pliers. Two of them are Sargents and are decades-old. I inherited them from my father. One pair is almost frozen with rust--they were his fishing pliers. I bought a small pair of smooth jaw parallel pliers a year or so ago (not sure if they're Sargents or a knock-off) to use with my leatherworking hobby. I use them to pull harness needles through thick leather, and the smooth jaws won't damage the needles.
Thank you, that's interesting
Mr. Pete, I don't recall ever seen a Bernard pliers in my life. Did have the one for cutting the wire bands on newspapers but never knew they had these other styles. Well your video cost me $27!!! Found a pair and bought them! Now, I will have a pair in my collection of tools. KenS.
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Great video. I often pass by the Sargent building in New Haven. They are still making tools in nearby Branford CT. Under the Otieker name. I work on antique fire trucks and trucks. These old tool come in handy when working on these trucks. I often marvel at the thought and engineering that they did back in the day. No computers. Brain power and a lot of imagination . They were brilliant.
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Iv got a pair I never used them because they seem like they would have a weaker grip but I guess i will have to give them a try. thanks for the lesson!
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I found a pair in some things my father in law gave me and I absolutely love them
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Narrow focus videos are fantastic. Nothing wrong with diving into a subject in detail.
Thank you
Thank you for this video. I use them to bend brass and stainless wire for making anchors to set marble and granite panels.
99% of my fellow high school drafting classmates went the route of Architectural drawing. I stayed with Mechanical drawing. I love the style of the early ones you show here. The shading & lettering have a beautiful human element.
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Right along with ya... Absolutely Love The 3rd one from Right, no cutter, flat sided. Love them .
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Son of a gun. Picked up a really beat up example at a swap meet years and years ago. Always wondered what the heck they were for. And I thought I was a toolaholic. You are just full of surprises. One of life's little mysteries revealed. Cheers.
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I’ve got a pair of those with the built in punch, thanks for the video.
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Mr Pete, a very interesting video sir, don't worry about any detractors, including figurine collectors! I have never seen this design of plier before. Here in the UK they are just never seen unfortunately. I just have done an eBay search for them ( March 2019) and even on the US site there are only two of the pliers you have shown, the rest being of various. Bernard designs for special uses, the most being the ones for round leather belt punching for joining , mainly for use on your Singer or Jones sewing machine belts. I did find however one of your parallel pliers for sale here in the UK and i am sorely tempted to buy it despite its high price (For you around $ 35). So as i say a very interesting and informative video Mr Pete keep them coming!
Thanks for watching. I am surprised how many people have never seen one of theise. They just seem so common And I have always had them in the shop
really nice informative video, I just got a pair today at a barn sale and didn't know what they were, now I do, so I thank you for the history lesson on these. They'll be a great addition to my tool bag
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I’m gonna have to get a pair of those! Joes shop sent me over 👍🏼 I loved seeing the patent drawings. Crazy to think they were all drawn by hand
Hi mr Pete I think this is very important video because many time my family and my drive to the flea market and I see a lots of old tools but I had no idea what is or for what is use thanks for your time and teaching Good bless you and bless you family
Thank you very much
In the Royal Australian Navy, NZ Navy and the Royal Navy, we called them Mine Sweeper Pliers, I still have my original set issued to me nearly 40 yrs ago.
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Thanks for the effort and research. You can make anything interesting and time flys watching your productions and they are productions
Thank you very much, I wish everyone felt that way
Greetings from Birmingham uk Mr Pete.
I Remember my father having a pair when I was a kid. We used those pliers for everything they were quite unique and I have never seen another pair. My father is now over 98 and I am in my seventies , I hope he still has them 😀.
Wow, 98
Very interesting video of these unique pliers. My Dad had an old pair of these in an old 30 caliber ammo box that he kept his day to day tools. I remember working on many a project where we used them.
Very enjoyable and educational. I learn something from every video or yours that I watch. Thank you and keep them coming.
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not commenting until now about Sargent/ Bernard pliers. my favorites too for years. i use them for making fishing lures and so many other chores.
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These pliers are very interesting, I had never seen them before Tony's video. Thank you for showing!
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Great video as usual. I'm also enjoying old tools, love those. I suppose one big deal at the time was the use of stamped metal. Now I have to get a pair too. (That said, a modern equivalent of those, the Knipex Pliers Wrenches are fantastic and I think much better ergonomically speaking as they are adjustable and you don't need to have the handles so widely separated if you grab something thick. A life-changing tool in the shop...)
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I remember my dad picked up a whole box of that style of pliers from an auction. They seemed to be specialized for gripping certain things because they had different nose profiles, some grooved, some stepped., some with aluminum jaws. The side cutter is a neat addition that I'd never seen. I still have a few of them that he passed on to me.
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Hi Pete, I got a pair of these in a flea market here in Strasbourg, France. Apparently, all these pliers didn't make it back to the U.S. They got pretty handy a bunch of times when other pliers couldn't do the job in my guitar repair shop. Glad to hear you talking about these.
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Loved the video, I had a pair of these as a young kid. I think my dad gave me a small worn out pair to throw in my 'tool box' along with some other worn out tools that he often handed down to my brother and I. I had no idea about the history but I did thoroughly enjoy it. I sure wish I knew what I did with these! Next ones I see at a garage sale are mine! Thanks Mr. Pete!
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Too cool. I have a pair just like your small set, they were my Dads, admired them since I was a kid. Awesome to learn the history of them.
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A very interesting and informative video which I've never seen at garage/yard sales or flea markets. Now I want a pair of these handy pliers for my toolbox! Thanks.
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I've had a 4 inch pair with side cutter in my tackle box for over 50 years. They are great for nipping off stuck fish hooks. The handles are worn smooth but still work great. Love them and all the stories they remind me of.
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I like these videos. I enjoy learning about tools, especially tools that i haven't seen or used before. Keep it up
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I had an old pair, found fishing when 10 or 12, long time ago, so I put them in my tackle box
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