About Pliers. The standard plier is useful for gripping and twisting. The jaws can open wider using the middle joint. Electrical pliers can crimp wires. There is also a wire cutter in the jaws. Channel locks are versatile for tight areas. A specialized plier is a vice grip. You can set the depth of the jaw, clamp on, and lock an object in place. Needle nosed plier is used for small objects or to get into small spaces. A diagonal side cutter can pry up loose nails, cut wire, small plastic tubing, etc.