Final answer:
Channel locks are pliers designed with adjustable jaws that serve well to quickly do the work of an adjustable wrench and apply torque to nuts and bolts for loosening or tightening.
Step-by-step explanation:
Channel locks are used to quickly do the work of an adjustable wrench. These tools, also known as tongue-and-groove pliers, are designed with adjustable jaws that can be widened or narrowed to fit a range of fastener sizes, making them very versatile. Compared to traditional adjustable wrenches, channel locks can be adjusted more swiftly and can grip a bolt or nut firmly with their serrated jaws.
When using channel locks, the handle can be squeezed to apply torque to turn a nut. To loosen the nut, you would turn it counterclockwise, whereas to tighten it, you would turn clockwise. This is similar to the operation of standard wrenches, as per Figure 2.31, but the channel locks provide an added advantage of a quicker adjustment to the size of the nut or bolt head.