pliers

Everyday

A hand tool with two handles and two jaws, used for gripping, bending, twisting or cutting wire. tree →

In the lessons

Used in DT and everyday home repairs: pliers grip small things, bend wire and cut it. In science, pliers are a lever, showing how a small force on the handles makes a bigger force at the jaws.

Examples

• Pass me the pliers so I can bend this wire. tree →
• Dad used a pair of pliers to pull out the nail. tree →
• Pliers are a kind of lever. tree →
• The electrician cut the cable with pliers. tree →
• Long-nose pliers can reach into small spaces. tree →
• We used pliers to make jewellery from wire. tree →

Note

Plural noun: «the pliers are», «a pair of pliers», like scissors and trousers. Do not say «a plier». Different from pincers (for pulling nails), though similar. Safety: never use pliers on electric wires that are plugged in.