Pincers (tool)

Pincers are a hand tool used in many situations where a mechanical advantage is required to pinch, cut or pull an object.

Pincers are first-class levers, but differ from pliers in that the concentration of force is either to a point, or to an edge perpendicular to the length of the tool.

Sharpened pincers are also used to cut away natural calluses, also called chestnuts, from a horses body.

They're often used in jewelry making, for trimming flat wire or cutting off the end of an ear stud.

Pliers are a similar tool with a different type of head used for squeezing, rather than cutting and pulling.

Selection of pincers in a mock-up blacksmiths
Carpenter's pincers
End-cutters
Medieval pincers found in Hamburg-Harburg (15th/16th century)