Pliers are versatile hand tools characterized by their gripping action and mechanical advantage, used primarily for gripping, bending, twisting, and cutting various materials. They consist of two handles joined at a fulcrum, with jaws at one end that can be manipulated to perform different tasks depending on the design and type of pliers. This tool has a rich history dating back thousands of years, evolving from simple designs to a wide array of specialized forms suited for specific tasks across industries, professions, and everyday use.