Adams Plier
Free!
Adams plier for forming and adjusting Adams clasps and retentive wirework on removable orthodontic appliances. Pyramid beaks create crisp arrowheads, while serrated jaws hold wire without slip. Box-joint, stainless steel build stays aligned and autoclavable. Ideal for shaping clasps, tags, offsets, and fine adjustments on retainers. Choose it for fast, consistent bends, strong appliance retention, and long service life.
Description
An Adams plier is a specialist orthodontic plier used to form and adjust Adams clasps and other retentive wire components on removable appliances and retainers. The tapered, pyramid-shaped beaks create crisp bends close to the tooth surface so the clasp arrowheads seat firmly in buccal undercuts. Precision jaws grip wire securely without slipping, allowing repeatable bends with minimal marking. Built from hardened stainless steel with a box joint, it stays aligned through repeated sterilization and daily use.
Key features
• Pyramid beaks for forming accurate clasp arrowheads and tags
• Fine, non-slip serrations that hold wire securely while bending
• Box-joint construction for long-term alignment and smooth action
• Corrosion-resistant, autoclavable stainless steel
• Ergonomic handles that reduce hand fatigue during multiple bends
Primary benefits
• Produces consistent, symmetrical clasp forms that improve appliance retention
• Saves chairside and lab time with quick, repeatable bends
• Reduces wire scoring and deformation for cleaner results
• Durable build that maintains tip alignment and cutting accuracy
Common uses and applications
• Forming and adjusting Adams clasps on molars and premolars
• Creating retentive tags for acrylic baseplates
• Bending stop bends, Z-bends, offsets, and embrasure engagement bends
• Fine-tuning labial bows and auxiliary wires on retainers and active plates
• Suitable for typical orthodontic stainless-steel wire sizes used for clasps in clinical and lab settings
How it compares
• Compared with bird-beak or universal pliers, the Adams plier shapes arrowheads more precisely and closer to the tooth surface.
• Compared with flat-nose pliers, it provides stronger purchase on round wire and better control when creating undercut engagement.
Care tips
• Make bends in small increments to avoid work-hardening.
• Clean and dry promptly after use and sterilize according to standard steam protocols.
