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. This allows pincers to be brought close to a surface, as is often required when working with
nails. If the pincers have perpendicular cutting edges, the pincers are often called
end-nippers or
end-cutters. Carpenter's pincers are particularly suited to these tasks.