Pliers

thumb|A blacksmith using pliers thumb|Slip joint pliers thumb|Cutting wire with diagonal pliers/side cutters Pliers are a hand tool used to hold objects firmly, possibly developed from tongs used to handle hot metal in Bronze Age Europe. They are also useful for bending and physically compressing a wide range of materials. Generally, pliers consist of a pair of metal first-class levers joined at a fulcrum positioned closer to one end of the levers, creating short jaws on one side of the fulcrum, and longer handles on the other side. This arrangement creates a mechanical advantage, allowing the

hand tool

cutting tool

multifunction tool

pliers with a narrow, pointed tip

type of slip-joint pliers

pliers that can be locked into position, using an over-center action

thumb|Leatherman Sidekick with all tools unfolded thumb|Leatherman Sidekick, Leatherman Skeletool CX and Victorinox Nomad One Hand ([[assisted-opening knife)]] thumb|Leatherman Wave with all tools unfolded thumb|Leatherman Surge thumb|Leatherman e303