Patent Publication Number: US-2022234187-A1

Title: Multi-function firefighting tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/141,826, titled MULTI-PURPOSE PLIER and filed Jan. 26, 2021, the entire disclosure of which being expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure is directed to a multifunctional tool which may be used, for example, by firefighters. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Firefighters may be assigned to a number of different emergency calls. Sometimes firefighters are the first emergency responders on a scene and may take on additional duties as required by the situation. For example, a firefighter may be called to rescue people or animals from a burning structure, may be called to the scene of a vehicular accident to ensure the health and safety of passengers and to reduce the likelihood of a damaged car erupting in flames. Each type of emergency may require multiple tools. For example, a firefighter called to a burning structure may be called on to attach a hose to a fire hydrant, to gain access to a structure (which may include prying a door open, using a screw or other driver to remove an object, breaking glass, or the like), to cut cables or wires to reduce the likelihood of further fires erupting, or the like. Each of these actions and more may require specialized tools. Carrying even a portion of the tools that may be used for a particular job may be difficult. Furthermore, some of these tools may be designed for intense conditions and may thus have considerable weight associated with them. The amount of increased weight that a firefighter may carry around may slow the firefighter down in time-sensitive conditions, which may mean the difference between life and death as well as potential loss of property. In addition, if only some tools are being carried by a firefighter and additional tools are required while at a scene, the firefighter may need to return to the fire apparatus to retrieve additional tools, which also slows down progress and may likewise risk lives and property. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art for a tool that is usable by firefighters to achieve multiple objectives during an emergency situation. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein is a plier having multiple functions. The plier includes a fixed leg having a pivot point, a fixed handle on a first side of the pivot point, and an upper jaw on a second side of the pivot point. The plier further includes a moveable leg rotatably coupled to the fixed leg at the pivot point and having a moveable handle on the first side of the pivot point and a lower jaw on the second side of the pivot point, the lower jaw defining a spanner extending away from the upper jaw. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the fixed handle or the moveable handle defines a pry tool located at and extending away from a first end of the fixed handle or the moveable handle. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the other of the fixed handle or the moveable handle defines a magnetic socket at a second end of the other of the fixed handle or the moveable handle for receiving a tool bit. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the moveable handle defines a nail puller located at the first end of the fixed handle or the moveable handle at a distal end of the pry tool. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the upper jaw defines a window punch extending away therefrom. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the moveable leg defines an elongated slot configured to receive a pin coupled to the fixed leg to facilitate adjustment of a distance between the upper jaw and the lower jaw. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, each of the moveable leg and the fixed leg define a plurality of insert holes extending therethrough for receiving valve adjustment lugs. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, at least one of the upper jaw or the lower jaw defines a wire cutter configured to interface with the other of the upper jaw or the lower jaw to cut through wires. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, at least one of the moveable handle or the fixed handle defines a cable cutter configured to interface with the other of the moveable handle or the fixed handle, the cable cutter being configured to cut through wires of a thicker gauge than the wire cutter. 
     Also disclosed is a multifunction firefighting tool. The multifunction firefighting tool includes a first leg having a pivot point, a first handle on a first side of the pivot point, and an upper jaw on a second side of the pivot point. The multifunction firefighting tool further includes a second leg rotatably coupled to the first leg at the pivot point and having a second handle on the first side of the pivot point and a lower jaw on the second side of the pivot point, the lower jaw defining a spanner extending away from the upper jaw. The multifunction firefighting tool further includes a socket defined at a second end of one of the first handle or the second handle and configured to receive a tool bit. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a pry tool located at and extending away from a first end of the other of the first handle or the second handle. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a nail puller located at the first end of the first handle or the second handle at a distal end of the pry tool. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a window punch extending away from the upper jaw. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the second leg defines an elongated slot configured to receive a pin coupled to the first leg to facilitate adjustment of a distance between the upper jaw and the lower jaw. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, each of the second leg and the first leg define a plurality of insert holes extending therethrough for receiving valve adjustment lugs. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a wire cutter coupled to or defined by at least one of the upper jaw or the lower jaw and configured to interface with the other of the upper jaw or the lower jaw to cut through wires. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a cable cutter coupled to or defined by at least one of the first handle or the second handle and configured to interface with the other of the second handle or the first handle, the cable cutter being configured to cut through wires of a thicker gauge than the wire cutter. 
     Also disclosed is a multifunction firefighting tool. The multifunction firefighting tool includes a first leg having a pivot point, a first handle on a first side of the pivot point, and an upper jaw on a second side of the pivot point. The multifunction firefighting tool further includes a second leg rotatably coupled to the first leg at the pivot point and having a second handle on the first side of the pivot point and a lower jaw on the second side of the pivot point, the lower jaw defining a spanner extending away from the upper jaw. The multifunction firefighting tool further includes a socket defined at a second end of one of the first handle or the second handle and configured to receive a tool bit. The multifunction firefighting tool further includes a pry tool located at and extending away from a first end of the other of the first handle or the second handle. The multifunction firefighting tool further includes a nail puller located at the first end of the first handle or the second handle at a distal end of the pry tool. The multifunction firefighting tool further includes a window punch extending away from the upper jaw. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, each of the second leg and the first leg define a plurality of insert holes extending therethrough for receiving valve adjustment lugs. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include: wire cutter coupled to or defined by at least one of the upper jaw or the lower jaw and configured to interface with the other of the upper jaw or the lower jaw to cut through wires; and a cable cutter coupled to or defined by at least one of the first handle or the second handle and configured to interface with the other of the second handle or the first handle, the cable cutter being configured to cut through wires of a thicker gauge than the wire cutter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an assembled multifunction firefighting tool in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of a portion of the multifunction firefighting tool of  FIG. 1  illustrating a pair of jaws and features therein in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of a portion of the multifunction firefighting tool of  FIG. 1  illustrating a wire cutter in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a portion of the multifunction firefighting tool of  FIG. 1  illustrating a cable cutter in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of a portion of the multifunction firefighting tool of  FIG. 1  illustrating a spanner in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of a portion of the multifunction firefighting tool of  FIG. 1  illustrating a magnetic socket for receiving a bit in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of a portion of the multifunction firefighting tool of  FIG. 1  illustrating a pair of jaws and a window punch extending therefrom in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged view of a portion of the multifunction firefighting tool of  FIG. 1  illustrating a pry tool in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of a portion of the multifunction firefighting tool of  FIG. 1  illustrating a plurality of insert holes in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure describes a plier having multiple functions integrated into a single assembled component. The plier may be used by firefighters to reduce a quantity of tools to be carried to jobs. The plier provides significant benefits and advantages such as integrating a number of tools used in firefighting (e.g., eight firefighting tools) into a single component or tool, thus reducing a quantity of tools in a pocket or otherwise carried on a person, which also reduces additional weight transported by the person. This further reduces or eliminates additional trips to a fire apparatus to retrieve new tools, saving this time for life-saving and property-saving actions. The plier may be made to have a relatively wide handle to improve grip and comfort. The plier is designed to be easy to put in and remove from pockets or fastener assemblies located in or on firefighter turnouts, making it easily transported to both emergency and non-emergency operations. 
     Referring generally to the drawings, an exemplary multi-function firefighting tool, or plier,  100  is shown. The tool  100  includes multiple features or components which may be formed integral (i.e., monolithic) with the other components of the plier  100 , may be formed separately from the other components and coupled thereto, or any combination thereof (e.g., some components may be formed integral, or monolithic, and other components may be coupled thereto, either removably or permanently). The components may be formed from a metal (e.g., steel or aluminum), plastic, other polymers, or any other material or combination of materials. 
     The tool  100  may also be referred to as a plier  100  as it includes features that function as a pair of pliers. Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the plier  100  has a fixed leg  102  and a movable leg  104 . The fixed leg  102  is coupled to the movable leg  104  at a pivot point  114  (e.g., via a pin  116 ), thus allowing the movable leg  104  to move relative to the fixed leg  102 . Where used in this context (referring to a pin similar to the pin  116 ), a pin may include any elongated member about which one or more components may rotate. For example, a pin may include a conventional pin, a screw, or any other elongated member about which a component may rotate. The pin  116  may include any pin or other similar elongated member, and may be retained in place using any known technique. For example, a screw may extend through an opening in the fixed leg  102  and through the elongated slot  128  of the movable leg  104 , and a nut may be coupled to the screw to retain it in place. As another example, a pin may extend through the opening of the fixed leg  102  and through the elongated slot  128  and may have at least one of a large head or clip on either end that fails to extend through the opening of the fixed leg  102  and the elongated slot  128 . 
     In some embodiments, the movable leg  104  may rotate relative to the fixed leg  102 . In some embodiments, the movable leg  104  may move along an axis thereof relative to the fixed leg  102 . In some embodiments, the fixed leg may be coupled to the movable leg  104  in any known manner and using any type of connector. In some embodiments, both legs  102 ,  104  may be movable relative to each other. The term “fixed leg” may simply indicate that a “movable leg” may move relative thereto and not necessarily that the leg is fixed in any position (e.g., the “fixed leg” may be referred to as a first leg, and the “movable leg” may be referred to as a second leg). 
     The fixed leg  102  includes a fixed handle  106  on a first side of the pivot point  114  and a lower jaw  110  on a second side of the pivot point  114 , and the movable leg  104  includes a movable handle  108  on the first side of the pivot point  114  and an upper jaw  112  on the second side of the pivot point  114 . In some embodiments, a movable leg may include a lower jaw and a fixed leg may include an upper jaw without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The fixed handle  106  may be formed integral, or monolithic, with the lower jaw  110 , and the movable handle  108  may be formed integral, or monolithic, with the upper jaw  112 . 
     Rotation of the movable leg  104  relative to the fixed leg  102  may cause the upper jaw  112  to move towards (and potentially contact) the lower jaw  110  (and rotation of the movable leg  104  relative to the fixed leg  102  in the other direction may cause the upper jaw  112  to move away from the lower jaw  110 ). In that regard, an object may be clamped between the upper jaw  112  and the lower jaw  110 , resulting in the jaws  112 ,  110  functioning as a pair of pliers. 
     The movable leg  104  may define an elongated slot  128  for receiving the pin  116 , allowing the pivot point  114  to move relative to the movable leg  104  (i.e., along an axis defined by the elongated slot  128 ). The elongated slot  128  then provides for an adjustable distance between the lower jaw  110  and the upper jaw  112 , making the plier  100  an adjustable plier. In some embodiments, the movable leg  104  may define protrusions  129  (e.g., lips, chevrons, ridges, or the like) adjacent to the elongated slot  128  which may define cutouts or slots  131  therebetween along the axis defined by the elongated slot  128 . In that regard, the fixed leg  102  may define a protrusion (not shown) which may be received within a slot  131  defined by the protrusions  129 . In response to the protrusion of the fixed leg  102  being received within a slot  131 , the movable leg  104  may remain in a fixed position (along an axis defined by the elongated slot  128 ) relative to the fixed leg  102  (e.g., to allow relative rotation while reducing the likelihood of other relative movement). The protrusion of the fixed leg  102  may be removed from the slot  131  (e.g., by locating it within the elongated slot  128 ) and the movable leg  104  may then move along the axis defined by the elongated slot  128 . In that regard, the protrusion of the fixed leg  102  may interface with the protrusions  129  to cause the upper jaw  112  to be in a desired location relative to the lower jaw  110 . In that regard, the plier function of the tool  100  may be adjustable (e.g., to allow a distance between the upper jaw  112  and the lower jaw  110  to be adjustable based on a specific use of the plier function). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 , the lower jaw  110  is formed to include a spanner, or spanner wrench,  118  extending away therefrom. The spanner  118  may be formed to curve down (i.e., away from the upper jaw  112 ) and back towards the movable leg  104 . The spanner  118  is used in firefighting to tighten or remove hose couplings, hose caps, and a variety of other appliances. For example, the spanner  118  may be designed to interface with hose couplings having sizes of 4 inches, 2.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 1.5 inches, 1 inch, or the like. In some embodiments, the spanner  118  may have another shape. In some embodiments, the spanner  118  may be adjustable to allow for interfacing with couplings of multiple sizes. For example, the spanner  118  may be adjustable to interface with couplings of 4 inches, 2.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 1.5 inches, and 1 inch. In some embodiments, the upper jaw  112  may include or define a spanner extending away therefrom instead of, or in addition to, the spanner  118  located on the lower jaw  110 . In some embodiments, the lower jaw  110  may include the spanner  118  designed to interface with couplings of various sizes, and the upper jaw  112  may include another spanner designed to interface with couplings having a second size that is different than the first size. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 8 , the fixed handle  106  may include or define a pry tool  120  located at and extending away from a first end of the fixed handle  106  (an end that is opposite of the lower jaw  110 ). In some embodiments, the movable handle  108  may define a pry tool in addition to, or instead of, the fixed handle  106  defining the pry tool without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The pry tool  120  may be used in a similar manner as a crowbar to wedge items open. The pry tool  120  may form an angle  122  with an axis defined by the fixed handle  106 . The angle  122  may be, for example, between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, between 5 degrees and 45 degrees, between 5 degrees and 30 degrees, about 10 degrees, or the like. Where used in this context, about refers to the referenced value plus or minus 10 percent of the referenced value. In some embodiments, the pry tool  120  may be formed integral, or monolithic, with the fixed handle  106  (or the movable handle  108 ). In some embodiments, the pry tool  120  may be coupled to the respective handle, for example, using adhesive, welding, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 6 , the movable handle  108  may define a magnetic socket  124  at an end of the movable handle  108  (an end that is opposite of the upper jaw  112 ). In some embodiments, the fixed handle  106  may define the magnetic socket  124  instead of, or in addition to, the movable handle  108  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The magnetic socket  124  is designed to receive a bit  125  (e.g., a driver bit such as a Philips head, a flat head, a hex driver head, or the like) and may thus be formed to include edges (e.g., it may include hexagonal edges defining the socket  124  (i.e., a “hex socket”)) to reduce the likelihood of rotation of the bit relative to the movable handle  108 . The magnetic properties of the magnetic socket  124  reduces the likelihood of separation of the bit  125  from the magnetic socket  124 . The magnetic properties may be provided by, for example, a magnet installed at an inner end of the magnetic socket  124 . For example, a magnet may be coupled within the magnetic socket  124  and designed to attract and retain any bits  125  located therein. In some embodiments, the respective handle (e.g., the movable handle  108 ) may be formed to have magnetic properties such that addition of an external magnet may be avoided. In some embodiments, the socket  124  may lack magnetic properties. In some embodiments, an interference fit between the socket  124  and a selected bit  125  may be sufficient to reduce the likelihood of separation of the bit  125  from the socket  124 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 7 , the upper jaw  112  may define a window punch  126  extending away therefrom. The window punch  126  may be formed integral, or monolithic, with the upper jaw  112 . In some embodiments, the window punch  126  may be defined by the lower jaw  110  instead of, or in addition to, the upper jaw  112 . For example, the window punch  126  may be a protrusion (e.g., having a hexagonal shape, a cylindrical or conical shape, or the like) formed integral with the upper jaw  112 . In some embodiments, the window punch  126  may be coupled to the respective jaw (e.g., by welding, use of an adhesive, or the like). 
     In some embodiments, the window punch  126  may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the elongated slot  128 . In some embodiments, the window punch  126  may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a portion of the upper jaw  112  that contacts the lower jaw  110 . Where used in this context, substantially refers to a direction that is parallel (or perpendicular) or within 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, or the like thereof. In some embodiments, the window punch  126  may be located at various locations on the upper jaw  112 . For example and as shown in  FIG. 7 , the window punch  126  may be located at approximately halfway along the radius of the upper jaw  112 . As another example, the window punch  126  may extend from a location on the upper jaw  112  that is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongated slot  128 . In that regard, the window punch  126  may extend in a direction substantially away from an outer end (or tip) of the upper jaw  112 . Such placement may provide clearance for the window punch  126  to shatter glass without other portions of the tool  100  in the way. 
     The window punch  126  may extend away from the respective jaw by a distance of, for example, 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, or the like. In some embodiments, the window punch  126  may be designed to have a relatively blunted point to reduce the likelihood of unintended injury to the user. The window punch  126  may be used to break glass (such as a window) in such a way as to shatter or break the glass with minimal likelihood of injury to the user or damage to the tool  100  or property. 
     In some embodiments and referring to  FIGS. 1 and 9 , the movable handle  108  and the fixed handle  106  may each define a plurality of insert holes  130  extending therethrough. The insert holes  130  may each extend in a direction parallel to each other (e.g., an insert hole defined by the movable handle  108  may extend in a direction parallel to an insert hole defined by the fixed handle  106 ). That direction may be perpendicular to a surface defined by the movable handle  108 , the fixed handle  106 , the upper jaw  112 , and the lower jaw  110  (or perpendicular to a plane defined by surfaces of these components). In some embodiments, only one of the movable handle  108  or the fixed handle  106  may define insert holes  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the movable handle  108  and the fixed handle  106  may each include any quantity of insert holes  130 . For example, each handle  106 ,  108  may include between 0 and 10 insert holes, between 1 and 6 insert holes, 2 insert holes, 3 insert holes, 4 insert holes, or the like. The insert holes  130  may have any shape. For example and as shown, the insert holes  130  may have a round or cylindrical shape to receive objects having a circular or cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the insert holes  130  may have a square or rectangular prism shape to receive objects having a square or rectangular cross section. In some embodiments, the insert holes  130  may include a hexagon or hexagonal prism shape (similar to the magnetic socket  124 ) to receive objects having a hexagonal cross section (such as the bit  125 ). In that regard, one or more insert hole  130  may function to receive a bit in a similar manner as the magnetic socket  124 . In some embodiments, the insert holes may all have the same dimensions or shapes, and in some embodiments, the insert holes  130  may have different dimensions or shapes. For example, the fixed handle  106  may include 4 insert holes  130  including first and second insert holes having a circular shape and a same dimension (e.g., a same width), a third insert hole having a hexagonal shape with a first dimension (e.g., a width of a quarter of an inch), and a fourth insert hole having a hexagonal shape with a second dimension (e.g., a width of an eighth of an inch). Continuing the movable handle  108  may include 4 insert holes  130  including a first and second insert holes matching the shape, dimension, and location of the first and second insert holes of the fixed handle, a third insert hole having a squared shape with a first dimension (e.g., a width of a quarter of an inch), and a fourth insert hole having a squared shape with a second dimension (e.g., a width of an eighth of an inch). 
     The insert holes  130  may be designed to receive inserts for lugs usable to adjust valves (e.g., a lug wrench for opening and/or closing a valve such as a gas valve or a water valve, other equipment, or lugs for any other purpose). For example, lugs or pins may be inserted into two or more insert holes  130  and these lugs or pins may interface with a valve to facilitate opening or closing of the valve by cranking the plier  100  in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. For example, a lug (not shown) may include two prongs extending outward therefrom. A first prong of the lug may be received by a first insert hole  130  (e.g., an insert hole defined by the movable handle  108 ) and a second prong of the lug may be received by a second insert hole  130  (e.g., an insert hole defined by the fixed handle  106 ). In some embodiments, both (or more) prongs of a lug may be received by insert holes of a single handle. For example, a first prong of a lug may be received by a first insert hole  130  of the fixed handle  106 , and a second prong of the lug may be received by a second insert hole  130  of the fixed handle  106 . After both (or more) prongs of the lug are received by respective insert holes  130 , the lug may be used for its intended purpose (e.g., opening or closing a gas valve or water valve, or other equipment), for example, by rotating the tool  100  with the lug coupled thereto. 
     In some embodiments, the tool  100  may include an external clip or connector (not shown) designed to mate with (or otherwise retain in place relative to the tool  100 ) a lug (e.g., a lug wrench) to removably couple the lug to the tool  100 . For example, the tool may have an external spring-loaded clip that exerts a force towards a handle  106 ,  108 . A lug wrench may be designed to be received between the respective handle  106 ,  108  and the clip, such that the spring loading force retains the lug wrench in place between the clip and the handle  106 ,  108 . As another example, a handle  106 ,  108  may define a protrusion extending therefrom, and a lug wrench may define a correspondingly shaped aperture. The aperture may be designed to receive the protrusion. A bulge or other feature defined by at least one of the protrusion or the aperture may resist separation of the protrusion from the aperture, thus removably coupling the lug to the tool  100 . In that regard, when use of the lug is desirable, the lug may be removed from the external clip or connector and the prongs thereof may be positioned in the insert holes  130  for use. 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the fixed handle  106  or the movable handle  108  may define a compartment (i.e., they may be hollow). This feature may provide various advantages. First, the hollow nature of the handles  106 ,  108  may reduce a total weight of the tool  100 . In addition, bits, lugs, or both may be stored in one or both handles  106 ,  108  to ensure they are available when needed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 , the lower jaw  110  may define or include a wire cutter  132  that is designed to interface with the upper jaw  112  (e.g., a relatively flat region  200  defined by the upper jaw  112  and facing the wire cutter  132 ). The wire cutter  132  may include an elongated sharpened edge defined by the lower jaw  110 . A wire may be located between the wire cutter  132  and the flat region  200  such that the sharpened edge cuts through the wire in response to pressure applied to the handles  106 ,  108  (the pressure urging the wire cutter  132  towards the flat region  200 ). In some embodiments, the wire cutter  132  may be located in or on the upper jaw  112  and be designed to interface with the lower jaw  110 . In some embodiments, the wire cutter  132  may be defined by both the lower jaw  110  and the upper jaw  112 . The wire cutter  132  may be designed to cut through a variety of soft and hard wires or cables. For example, the wire cutter  132  may have a length of between 0.25 inches and 1 inch, between 0.33 inches and 0.66 inches, or about 0.5 inches. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the movable handle  108  may define a cable cutter  134  that is designed to interface with the fixed handle  106 . In some embodiments, the cable cutter  134  may be located in or on the fixed handle  106  and be designed to interface with the movable handle  108 . In some embodiments, the cable cutter may be defined by both the movable handle  108  and the fixed handle  106 . The cable cutter  134  may include a cutout or void  300  defined by the movable handle  108  and designed to receive a cable therein. In some embodiments, the edge of the cutout or void  300  may be sharpened to facilitate cutting of cables. As the movable handle  108  moves towards the fixed handle  106 , the fixed handle  106  may become adjacent to the cutout or void  300  and cross over the cutout or void  300 . In response to this movement and the cable being within the cutout or void  300 , the interference between the edge of the cable cutter  134  and the fixed handle  106  cuts, tears, or otherwise separates the cable into two. The cable cutter  134  may be designed to cut through thicker wires or cables than the wire cutter  132  (e.g., fence wires, fence post ties, nails, etc.). For example, the cable cutter  134  may be a 3/16 th  inch cable cutter. That is, the cutout or void  300  may have a dimension  302  that is 3/16 th  of an inch. In some embodiments, the dimension  302  may be between 1/16 th  of an inch and 1 inch, between 1/16 th  of an inch and ½ of an inch, between 1/16 th  of an inch and 6/16 th  of an inch, between 2/16 th  of an inch and 4/16 th  of an inch, or the like. 
     In some embodiments and referring to  FIGS. 1 and 9 , the plier  100  may include one or more grip  136 . For example, the grip  136  may extend over at least one of the movable handle  108  or the fixed handle  106  and provide at least one of a gripping surface or insulation for a user. For example, the grip  136  may include a rubber, polyester, plastic, or other polymer or natural material. The grip  136  may be designed to interface with the handles  106 ,  108  via an interference fit to allow the grip  136  to slide on and off of the handles  106 ,  108 . In some embodiments, the grip  136  may be designed to provide friction between the grip  136  and the handles  106 ,  108  to resist unwanted movement between the grip  136  and the handles  106 ,  108 . In some embodiments, the grip  136  may also be designed to provide friction between the grip  136  and hands to resist unwanted movement between the tool  100  and the hands. The grip  136  may be formed from a relatively soft material to increase comfort of a user while using the tool  100 . The grip  136  may be designed to slide relative to at least one of the handles  106 ,  108  to allow a user to move the grip  136  to provide access to selected insert holes  130 . For example, if a user desires access to two adjacent insert holes  130  then the grip  136  may be moved along a respective handle  106 ,  108  to expose two adjacent insert holes  130 . As another example, if a user desires access to two insert holes  130  on separate ends of the respective handle  106 ,  108  then the grip  136  may be removed from the handle  106 ,  108  or moved to a center of the handle  106 ,  108  to expose the desired insert holes  130 . The ability to move the grip  136  relative to the handles  106 ,  108  also allows the grip  136  to be removed and replaced after being exposed to wear and tear. In some embodiments, the grip  136  may be formed on one or both handle  106 ,  108  and designed to remain in place relative to the respective handle  106 ,  108 . 
     In some embodiments and referring to  FIGS. 1 and 8 , the plier  100  may include a nail puller  138  at a distal end of the pry tool  120  (i.e., the end of the pry tool  120  farthest from the lower jaw  110 ). The nail puller  138  may be formed into the pry tool  120  and may include a V-shaped slot defined by the pry tool  120  such that a nail head may be located within the V-shaped slot and the pry tool  120  may be leveraged against an object to remove the nail from the object. 
     Where used throughout the specification and the claims, “at least one of A or B” includes “A” only, “B” only, or “A and B.” Exemplary embodiments of the methods/systems have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.