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

Why I added a reverse‑action spreader to my kit

There are jobs where squeezing won’t do—you need a controlled push. That’s where the PE6 spreader pliers have earned a permanent spot on my welding cart and in my general assembly kit. It’s a compact 6.5-inch reverse‑action tool that uses a locking plier mechanism to push two surfaces apart rather than pull them together. With a stated 500 lbs of force and a stock adjustment range of about 1 to 1-3/4 inches, it’s purpose-built for alignment, spacing, and gentle persuasion in places where prybars and wedges are clumsy or risky.

I’ve been using it for tack-up work on light frames, panel alignment, and setting precise gaps before welds, and it’s been reliable and surprisingly versatile for its size.

Design and build

The PE6 spreads by moving its jaws in opposite directions as you close the handles—essentially a “reverse vise-grip.” The jaws terminate in V‑pads: one standard and one magnetic, with the bottom magnetic V‑pad adjustable. These pads pivot and conform quickly to round or flat stock, which cuts down on slippage and keeps pressure centered on the work. The magnetic pad is a small but very practical touch when you’re working on ferrous material; it lets you pre‑position the tool and free a hand.

Fit and finish are solid. The mechanism locks up positively, and the release lever is predictable under load. It doesn’t have the overbuilt feel of older, Made‑in‑USA locking pliers, but it’s on par with good import-grade tools: no wobble at the pivots, consistent thread engagement on the adjusters, and pads that seat squarely. The finish is plain silver steel—no frills, but durable.

Setup and adjustments

There are two adjustments, and both matter:

• The standard knurled screw in the handle sets the closing force and latch point, just like any locking plier.
• A dedicated threaded adjuster on one jaw sets the base distance between pads. On the PE6, this ships as a short bolt with a small crank, which makes it easy to dial the opening width without cycling the handles.

With the factory bolt, your effective spreading range lands around 1 to 1-3/4 inches. If you need more, you can replace that adjuster with a longer bolt or a piece of threaded rod and a nut. In practice, once you extend beyond a couple of inches, the slenderness of the rod can add flex. When I need more travel, I’ll usually add a spacer block between the work and the pad rather than going to a very long adjuster. It keeps the setup rigid and more predictable.

Performance in the shop

For metal fabrication, these pliers shine. A few real-world examples:

• Squaring tube frames: I use the PE6 to push a cross member into alignment before tacking, especially with 1-1/4-inch and 1-1/2-inch square tubing. The V‑pads bite evenly without marring, and the locking action holds the gap while I check diagonals.
• Panel spacing: Adjusting a uniform 1/8 to 1/4-inch gap in sheet-to-sheet or sheet-to-tube joints is straightforward. The crank adjuster lets me “sneak up” on final alignment without releasing the tool.
• Fixture assist: The magnetic bottom pad will hold the tool in place on a steel table or part while I position the opposite pad. This is more helpful than it sounds; you can stage the tool with one hand and bring your work to it.
• General separating tasks: Popping apart parts that want to bind—like mating flanges with light interference—feels controlled. There’s less tendency to slip compared to a prybar, and you can apply force right where you need it.

Force-wise, the tool is stronger than its size suggests. I’ve spread heavy-gauge steel that resisted a pair of screwdrivers without the tool protesting. As always, the key is to keep the pads square to the surfaces; off-axis pushes can cam the pads out or scar the work.

Ergonomics and safety

The handles are typical locking-plier fare—slim, with enough leverage to load the jaws without straining your grip. The release lever is progressive rather than snappy, so you don’t get that sudden jump when you take the load off. Still, I keep a hand on the tool and an eye on the workpiece as I release; stored energy can move parts unexpectedly.

A few common-sense tips that have served me well:

• Don’t exceed the pad’s contact area; if you’re pushing on thin edges, use a sacrificial block to spread the load.
• Magnets are only helpful on ferrous materials; on stainless, aluminum, or painted surfaces, you’ll lose that hands-free positioning.
• Wear eye protection; when parts move under load, chips and sparks aren’t your only hazard.

Where it falls short

Every specialty tool has boundaries, and the PE6 is no exception.

• Range is limited out of the box. The stock adjuster gives you a compact, controlled spread, but you’ll top out quickly. Swapping in a longer bolt extends the capability, though very long bolts flex and reduce control. Using spacer blocks is usually a better solution than chasing length with more threads.
• Tight gaps are not its turf. If you’re trying to get into gaps much under an inch, the pads and mechanism simply won’t fit. In those cases, slim wedges or a different style of separator will be more effective.
• The magnets are niche-use. They’re great on clean steel but irrelevant on non-magnetic materials and can pick up debris. I clean the pads regularly to keep them seating properly.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they define where the tool excels: controlled spreading in moderate, accessible gaps.

Alternatives and sizing

If you often work on larger fabrications or need more reach, the larger sibling with longer jaws and a longer adjuster offers more breathing room. On the other end, a smaller version can help when space is truly tight, though you give up some force. Traditional screw jacks, wedges, and bottle jacks can replace the spreader in certain tasks, but they’re slower to set and less precise for small gaps. For me, the PE6’s speed and control in its sweet spot make it the right first choice, with jacks or blocks as backups.

Durability and maintenance

So far, wear has been minimal. The pivot rivets hold tight, the threads haven’t slopped out, and the pads still articulate smoothly. I do a few simple things to keep it that way:

• Light oil on the screw threads and pivots every few weeks.
• Wipe the magnets clean; metal fuzz builds up and can mis-seat the pad.
• Don’t use the pad edges as chisels. If I need to push on sharp or rough edges, I add a small piece of copper or hardwood.

I also swapped the factory adjuster bolt once to a slightly longer, higher-grade one for a specific job. That modularity is part of the appeal.

Value

As a niche tool, the PE6 isn’t something I grab daily, but when the task is alignment or controlled separation, it saves time and reduces risk. It replaces improvised setups—screwdrivers, pry bars, stacked shims—with a single, repeatable operation. Given the build quality, the thoughtful pad design, and the compact format, I consider it good value for a fabrication or assembly kit.

Recommendation

I recommend the PE6 spreader pliers for fabricators, mechanics, and installers who regularly need precise, compact spreading force within a 1 to 1-3/4-inch window. It offers strong, controlled push, pads that conform to round and flat surfaces, and the convenience of magnetic positioning on steel. Its limitations—restricted range out of the box and inability to work in very narrow gaps—are real but manageable. Keep a few spacer blocks handy, consider a longer adjuster bolt for occasional extra reach, and you’ll get a lot of use out of this small, clever tool. If your work routinely demands wider spreads or deep access, pair it with the larger size or a small screw jack. Otherwise, for its intended range, it’s a reliable, efficient problem-solver that earns its space in the drawer.