In this video I go through a frames and machines example problem that solves for the compressive forces of pliers.
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Process:
1. Isolate each member of the frame or machine as necessary to solve for the unknown forces and draw their free body diagrams. If you can, leave some of the members connected, making the connecting forces internal forces so that you do not have to solve for them.
2. Identify any two force members to simplify the process to solve for the forces in those members.
3. Usually break the known and unknown forces into their x and y components making it easier to solve for them with equilibrium equations. However, sometimes it is necessary to leave forces with the direction that they have initially and then solve for those forces using trigonometry.
4. Forces common to any two contacting members act with equal but opposite magnitudes on the respective members so draw them as such on the free body diagrams.
5. Unless otherwise stated, neglect the weight of the members.
6. Solve for the reaction forces on individual members using force and moment equilibrium equations.
7. Work your way through the members solving for unknown forces. Remember which forces on different members are the same due to them being connection reaction forces on the same connection.