Pliers

Pliers are gripping tools whose jaws grip when the handles are squeezed. Many types exist, but certain features are common to all pliers.

Features and function
Pliers consist of a pair of first-class levers, jointed at a common fulcrum. Pliers are thus similar to a pair of scissors, consisting of two major parts that cross each other at a joint, each part including a handle and either a blade or a jaw. Since the tool pieces cross, squeezing the handles brings the jaws (or blades) together to grip (or cut) the work piece. Most pliers feature handles that are longer than the jaws, enabling the tool's jaws to apply more force than the user places on the handles.

Variations in tool layout, in handle design and length, in jaw design and length, and in the nature of the pivot are what distinguish one type of pliers from another. For instance, most pliers feature two jaws of the same length, but the oil filter pliers have different-length jaws.

Common types

 * Slip-joint pliers
 * Pump pliers (also known as tongue-and groove pliers, and by the trade name Channellocks)
 * Long-nose pliers, sometimes equated with needle-nose pliers
 * Needle-nose pliers
 * Diagonal pliers, also known as wire cutters and diagonal cutters
 * Lineman's pliers
 * Locking pliers

Uncommon and specialty types

 * Micro pliers, which are small versions of other types of pliers, used for fine work
 * Oil filter pliers, which feature unequal jaws for reaching around and removing oil filters from engines.