Lineman's Pliers
Also known as
Side Cutting Pliers, Combination Pliers, Electrician's Pliers
Used for
Gripping, twisting, and cutting wire in one tool — bending hooks in electrical wire, twisting connections, and cutting cable. A staple of any electrician's or stagehand's belt for power distribution work.
Trade note
Named for their origin among telephone and power linemen, who needed a single tool that could grip, bend, and cut heavy wire while working aloft. The flat gripping jaws and side cutters remain the defining combination.
Direct answer
Lineman's Pliers is used for gripping, twisting, and cutting wire in one tool — bending hooks in electrical wire, twisting connections, and cutting cable. A staple of any electrician's or stagehand's belt for power distribution work. It is also known as Side Cutting Pliers, Combination Pliers, Electrician's Pliers. Trade note: Named for their origin among telephone and power linemen, who needed a single tool that could grip, bend, and cut heavy wire while working aloft. The flat gripping jaws and side cutters remain the defining combination.
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