Pliers ... We pay homage to a tool that has come down through the ages, and continues to be essential to any toolbox.     Pliers are designed to grip, turn and cut objects. To clear up any confusion, "pliers" refers to a (singular) tool having a pair of pivoted jaws. (A "plier" is one who plies, or engages in, a trade.) These tools vary in length from 4" to 20". Some are available with plastic-coated or cushioned handles for comfort (the cushion should not be relied upon for insulation during electrical use).     Pliers fall within two general categories: slip-joint and solid-joint -- either may have wire cutters. Wire cutters may be in a side, end or diagonal configuration. Some cutting pliers are made with a spring in the handles to open them automatically after each cut. Side cutters have a cutting blade on one side only and are available in long-, curved- and short-nose types. End cutters have cutting blades on the end and are used to make sharp, clean cuts through wire, bolts and rivets. Diagonal cutters have two cutting blades set diagonally to the joint and/or handles. Shears have cutting edges that pass each other. Slip-joint pliers: The adjustable joint in slip-joint pliers allows the tool to adjust to the size of the object being held. This adjustable joint comes in two designs: multiple hole and tongue and groove.     Regular slip-joint pliers have two jaw-opening adjustments, and are great for general utility use -- some have a shear-type wire cutter. Thin jaw slip-joint pliers are like regular slip-joint, but with a slim nose to reach into tight places.     Plumber's special pliers are designed with smooth jaws, or jaws covered with a soft material, to prevent scratching when used on plated plumbing fixtures.     Multiple slip-joint pliers are also general utility, but with greater versatility -- up to eight jaw-opening adjust-ments allow for jaw openings up to 4-1/2". Multiple slip-joint pliers come with either multiple hole or tongue and groove adjustment. Straight and curved jaws are available. The most common of this type are 10" water pump pliers.     Parrot nose wrench pliers are a combination of pliers and pipe wrench, with a 75º offset nose. These pliers are noted for grip, and are ideal for pipe and tubing.     General utility or water pump pliers are all-purpose pliers with teeth shaped for positive grip on round objects. They come with as many as five jaw-opening adjustments. Solid-joint pliers Solid-joint pliers have a joint fixed with a solid pin or rivet, and are not adjustable.     Diagonal pliers are cutting pliers with cutters positioned diagonally to the handle to provide leverage when pulling cotter pins. Also used for general cutting by electricians and mechanics.     Needle-nose pliers have a pointed nose for reaching places with restricted clearance. They may also have side cutters. Needle-nose pliers are a standard item for all electrical and electronics work.     Bent-nose pliers have a needle nose bent at about an 80º angle for reaching around objects.     Duckbill pliers have a long, tapered, flat nose for work in restricted places. They are commonly used by jewelers, telephone workers and weavers.     Wire strippers feature adjustable stops to cut insulation without damaging wire. Crimper stripper pliers are multipurpose pliers used by all electricians. They are used to crimp solderless connectors, strip most common gauge wire, cut and hold or bend wire. Crimper stripper pliers also have sheaving holes which cut common sizes of screws without deforming threads.     Midget pliers are extra-small pliers with a straight, chain, round, end-cutting, diagonal-cutting or flat nose. These miniature pliers are used by those who work with small objects or in confined areas (e.g., electronic technicians).     End-cutting nippers feature powerful leverage for sharp, clean, close cuts on wires, bolts and rivets.     Wire-cutting pliers are designed for all regular wire-cutting needs. They have gripping jaws in addition to cutting edges. High-leverage lineman's pliers have the joint rivet placed closer to the cutting edges to provide 50% more leverage.     Fence pliers pull and cut staples and tighten wire in fencing. They feature two wire cutters and a heavy head for hammering.     Locking pliers (most commonly known by the brand name Vis-Grip®) are adjustable, vise-type locking pliers that can be locked onto a workpiece, leaving both hands free. A locking plier can also be used as a pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, wire cutter, ratchet or clamp. Available in various sizes and shapes. Some locking pliers use a mechanism that allows one-handed release; others require two hands to disengage. Many locking pliers provide a wire-cutting function. - Hardware Hotline  August, 1999