1) Securing it
Fishing pliers and scissors are frequently lost. They can fall out of a pocket or be forgotten on the shore after use. The best way to avoid losing pliers is to attach them to yourself or your boat. Extensible spiral cords, also known as leashes, can be used to attach the pliers to a fixed point.
To complete this attachment, a belt holster is the best way to keep your pliers safe and close at hand when fishing from a boat or from shore.
2) Protect it from rust
Metal pliers all have a common enemy: rust. Rust is much more of a problem if the pliers are used in salt water, but even in fresh water, there are a few rules to follow to prolong their life.
Right from the start, and on a regular basis, you need to rinse and lubricate the pliers, especially at the joint. For this step, use a lubricant that will leave an oily film and act as a barrier against water.
If rust starts to appear, rubbing it with a soft wire brush and the same product used for lubrication should remove it.
If it doesn't come off and is too deeply embedded, then a stronger product, such as rust remover, should be used. However, this type of product can alter the surface treatment of the pliers, making them more susceptible to corrosion later on.
That's why it's so important to take early action, before rust becomes deep-seated. Regularly maintained pliers can last for decades.
Another factor is the quality of the alloy used, which will be more or less sensitive to oxidation depending on its composition. For fishing pliers, stainless steel is the best choice.
3) Use it properly
The pliers must be used for their intended purpose, and must not exceed their recommended use.
Don't force it, and don't rotate it strongly on itself, which makes the pivot work and creates play on it.
4) Cleaning
Last but not least, a clamp's good working order depends above all on its cleanliness.
You need to keep your pliers clean, and remove any impurities such as sand that may cling to them.
A pair of pliers is made up of moving parts, and when sand or dirt gets stuck in the pivot, the adjustment of its parts can be very costly, and play can occur. Compressed air or a soft brush can be used to clean pliers properly.
