Does anyone know anything about ISO 5742? I understand that it relates to pliers and nippers. What I would like to know is; is it simply a nomenclature of pliers and nippers, or does it have some technical aspect to which those items must comply?

It's been a while since I worked with 5742, but do remember this is mainly an overview of various type of pliers and cutting nippers etc.
If you need technical details and specifications, you need to look into the
ISO 5743 to 5749 series.

Hth

So if I understand correctly ISO 5742 only describes types of pliers ie. flat nose, round nose, Circlip etc? Without going into any great technical detail?

Yep :

http://www.beuth.de/cmd%3Bjsessionid=EAE0B180982C81310ACC97E6F4A76BE7. 2?workflowname=infoInstantdownload&customerid=&docname=9721927&orgdocname=&contextid=beuth&servicerefname=beuth&LoginName=&ixos=toc

Here's a list of related ISO specifications :
http://standards.quality.co.uk/iso/iso294.htm

What I'm trying to determine is if I pick up any old pair of Circlip pliers

will they be covered by the following;
PLIERS, being ANY of the following types as described in
International Standard ISO 5742:
(a) flat nose;
(b) round nose;
(c) circlip, external or internal;
(d) slip joint (NOT being multiple slip joint);
(e) gaspipe;
(f) fencing tool (NOT being button plier fence tool)
I guess the question I'm trying to answer is does ISO 5742 describe the tools any more fully than as listed above, or is simply a list of name ie. nomenclature?

Thanks Ron for those links, that's great. You must have posted whilst I was writing my second post.

Does anyone know anything about ISO 5742? I understand that it relates to pliers and nippers. What I would like to know is; is it simply a nomenclature of pliers and nippers, or does it have some technical aspect to which those items must comply?

I think Rich is a nipper during regular business hours. Then more of a guzzler afterhours - :p

Thanks Ron for those links, that's great. You must have posted whilst I was writing my second post.

Avec plaisir John.
Unfortunately, I don't have a copy of the 5742 on hand, but can provide you with an (unformal) copy of the 5743 if you want.

I think Rich is a nipper during regular business hours. Then more of a guzzler afterhours - :p

Me think Rich is off to do some unfinished nipper/guzzi business in Italy :D

Avec plaisir John.
Unfortunately, I don't have a copy of the 5742 on hand, but can provide you with an (unformal) copy of the 5743 if you want.

Thanks Ron I'd be most grateful.

See attached, copy of ISO 5743 :

Thanks Ron :) Most appreciated.