Pliers were originally invented in Europe, developed from tongs used in the Bronze Age to handle hot objects.
Using pliers to grip hot objects made blacksmith and metal working much easier.
Plier joints
All types of pliers fall into one of these two joint categories:
Slip-joint pliers are made to adjust to the object being held by the tool. The user opens the tool and pushes one side upward or downward to adapt the jaws to suit the object.
Solid-joint pliers have a solid pin or rivet joint that prevents the tool from being adjusted.
Seaming pliers are an example of solid-joint pliers.