I used the 102-S pliers regularly when splicing airport control 25 and 50 pair cables. They are perfect for use with the Scotch UR Presslok series of connectors that work best when crimped with parallel jaw pliers. The cutters were great for trimming the 19 AWG solid copper conductors. The Presslok connectors don't require that the wire be stripped and are filled with silicone grease to help keep moisture out. For direct bury or underground vaults, the slice was then tucked into a Scotchcast shell and sealed with a two-part resin. Regards, David
Sargent & Co. has been making the parallel jaw pliers for the US military for decades. All of my arms room tool boxes had them when I was Armorer for 7th SFG(A) in the early 90's.
Mr Pete 222, a machinery RUclips channel did a series on these pliers two or three years ago. I think he said these were originally supplied in a tool kit for machine guns in WW2.
Growing up in the 70's, I always knew these to be fishing pliers. Back then just about every tackle box had a pair of these in them, and they were always sold in the fishing aisle. Never knew they had a military origin.
When I was in high school many many years ago, I had a pair of those, still have them. The cutter was amazing, if it would fit you could cut it. Of course the cutter edges have seen better days.
There's a 1942 catalog online that has the 102-S in three different sizes (roughly 5-1/2 to 7-1/2 inches). Piano tuners and cannery workers were suggested users for these tools, so that would fit right in with your dad's job.
Royal Navy issue to the Seaman branch as part of the standard "Rigging Set". A knife, spike and a pair of these pliers. Ideal for wire seizing on shackles etc
I bought a seaman's folding knife from a dealer in military surplus, said to be RN war surplus and it sure looked to be just that. It had a single blade, a fid or marlinespike and a flat at the end for turning slotted screws. The selling thing was that the cow horn handle was left unfinished due to wartime exigency so the sailor was expected to finish it himself.
Very interesting tool, never seen bevore - i think they are extremely rare here in Europe/Austria or even do not exist at all. Maybe our Knipex Zangenschlüssel (Knipex Pliers Wrench) , especially the small one, is somewhat close and a tool i realy like a lot...
Owned many a pair of them but they all rusted out from saltwater exposure. Wish they came in stainless steel. Use them offshore fishing to cut single and multistrand steel leaders and crimp when needed in a pinch.
Sargent Manufacturing’s About Us page is one of the least descriptive, least informative, and most generic corporate word salads I have ever encountered. It seems like they have actual history, it’s too bad they seem so disinterested in documenting it, let alone celebrating it.
I used the 102-S pliers regularly when splicing airport control 25 and 50 pair cables. They are perfect for use with the Scotch UR Presslok series of connectors that work best when crimped with parallel jaw pliers. The cutters were great for trimming the 19 AWG solid copper conductors. The Presslok connectors don't require that the wire be stripped and are filled with silicone grease to help keep moisture out. For direct bury or underground vaults, the slice was then tucked into a Scotchcast shell and sealed with a two-part resin. Regards, David
Sargent & Co. has been making the parallel jaw pliers for the US military for decades. All of my arms room tool boxes had them when I was Armorer for 7th SFG(A) in the early 90's.
Mr Pete 222, a machinery RUclips channel did a series on these pliers two or three years ago. I think he said these were originally supplied in a tool kit for machine guns in WW2.
Saw Lyle's video also! Found him some years back when I purchased my Craftsman metal lathe and was looking for info!
Growing up in the 70's, I always knew these to be fishing pliers. Back then just about every tackle box had a pair of these in them, and they were always sold in the fishing aisle. Never knew they had a military origin.
When I was in high school many many years ago, I had a pair of those, still have them. The cutter was amazing, if it would fit you could cut it. Of course the cutter edges have seen better days.
Kinematically awesome, recessed spring is a nice bonus.
Not good for clumsy people like me! I would be accidentally cutting nearby wires while using the pliers! 😅
My father was a piano technician and he had a tool like the bigger pliers to cut piano strings.
There's a 1942 catalog online that has the 102-S in three different sizes (roughly 5-1/2 to 7-1/2 inches). Piano tuners and cannery workers were suggested users for these tools, so that would fit right in with your dad's job.
I had a pair of those pliers in my tool box when I was a kid. It was probably my most used tool for a while. I wonder where they are now?
Royal Navy issue to the Seaman branch as part of the standard "Rigging Set". A knife, spike and a pair of these pliers. Ideal for wire seizing on shackles etc
I bought a seaman's folding knife from a dealer in military surplus, said to be RN war surplus and it sure looked to be just that. It had a single blade, a fid or marlinespike and a flat at the end for turning slotted screws. The selling thing was that the cow horn handle was left unfinished due to wartime exigency so the sailor was expected to finish it himself.
Cool tools!
I've got the unfancy version. One of my favorite tools. The parallel jaws come in handy. It's a keeper. Super well made. Last long after I'm gone.
Very interesting tool, never seen bevore - i think they are extremely rare here in Europe/Austria or even do not exist at all. Maybe our Knipex Zangenschlüssel (Knipex Pliers Wrench) , especially the small one, is somewhat close and a tool i realy like a lot...
Owned many a pair of them but they all rusted out from saltwater exposure. Wish they came in stainless steel. Use them offshore fishing to cut single and multistrand steel leaders and crimp when needed in a pinch.
Think Bernard was a company bought by Sargent, and thus the name change.
Bernard held the original patent US427220A
Sargent Manufacturing’s About Us page is one of the least descriptive, least informative, and most generic corporate word salads I have ever encountered. It seems like they have actual history, it’s too bad they seem so disinterested in documenting it, let alone celebrating it.