Strong Hand Tools PE6 Expand-O Reverse-Action Clamping Plier, 500 LBS Clamping Pressure, 1" to 1-3/4" Range, 6.5" Size

When I need to pry something apart, out comes screw drivers, pipes, boards, ... Well, these pliers are so much better. Not perfect because it will not work in small gapes. They are very strong, and have separated everything I threw at it.

I found myself in a tough spot when, while changing the rear shock absorbers on my car, one of the brackets that holds the shock's head in place was bent inwardly to the point where the shock would not fit no matter what I tried. This is a pretty thick, strong bracket made of solid steel, apparently, that wouldn't budge when I tried to widen the gap. After wasting hours and hours browsing all the local stores to find the right tool, something that would pry things apart, and being repeatedly told there is no such tool on the market, I was at my wit's end. Finally, while scouring the internet, Amazon lived up to its reputation and had this wonderful tool in stock. I got the 10" version since my bracket is so thick and I needed as much torque as possible to get the job done.The verdict? The tool works as advertised and truly saved the day for me. It still took quite a bit of effort and torque to widen the gap on my bracket, to the point where I had to use some pliers in order to be able to turn/tighten the tool. But work it did. The only minor criticism I have, is that the adjusting black lever used to loosen/tighten the tool should/could be a bit thicker and sturdier, since for many people like me, you'll be forced to deal with impossibly stubborn metal surfaces that will not widen easily. Being forced to apply a lot of torque, there's no way you can do this with your bare hands and you will thus have to use pliers or a wrench. In the long run, I can see that it's going to be way too easy to wear out or even damage the black lever by repeatedly using either a wrench or pliers. In my case, after only one use, it's already scratched. Other than that, you'll want to have this great tool around just in case. You won't regret it.

I've found so many times where I just wish I could push two pieces of metal a little further apart this is that tool for smaller projects. Was honestly expecting it to go smaller then it does on the gaps but works for most cases I need it. I do wish I could tighten it to a smaller push. Size needs improvement.

These things are awesome.. Great for close quarters metal reforming when you can't get a hammer in to do the job

I was concerned that the smaller tool which I needed for fitting into a narrow channel might not be strong enough to bend the double 20-ga metal I needed to spread. I was pleasantly surprised that it did a great job! I’m very impressed.

Absolutely worked perfectly for the project I needed.

If you need a spreader, I would recommend these. You never know what or when you'll need to use it but it's good to have in hand for when the time comes.

This is a great idea and works well within the small limits of adjustment. It would be easy to make multiple lengths of adjustment screws but the buyer should be furnished with them and not have to furnish their own.