Overview

Pliers grip where tweezers pinch. The serrated jaw bites into the surface enough to pull a section of glass outward without slipping, which makes them the tool for stretching a neck, drawing out a handle, or pulling a foot. The marks the jaw leaves are usually removed in a later heating pass.

Safety notes

Serrated jaws can slip on a cold piece and throw your hand toward the hot end. Keep the glass at working temperature.
Never grip a thin wall hard enough to collapse it.

Using it well

Practical guidance

Grip, then rotate the pipe to let the glass pull itself out rather than hauling with the tool.
Cool the jaws in water between uses to keep them from sticking.

What to look for

Serrated jaw for a positive grip
Long handles that keep the hand back from the heat
Spring return for one-handed use

High temperature tool

This tool operates in or near the working range of molten glass. Read the safety notes above before first use, and never work with it without eye protection, heat-resistant gloves and working extraction.

Reference information only. Specifications are published ranges drawn from manufacturer documentation and normalised for comparison. They vary between makers and between individual units. This page does not sell or endorse any product, and does not guarantee any result. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and take hands-on instruction before operating hot glass equipment.

Pliers

Compatible glass types

Overview

Using it well

What to look for

Tools used alongside the pliers

Glory Hole

Gathering Pipe

Heat Shield

Wooden Block

See the shaping & tools workflow