Pliers provide almost the same functions as combination pliers. They vary from combination pliers in that the tip component may expand wide to accommodate thick wire or pipes. Wire cutters are instruments for cutting metal wire and other similar materials; they are not goods for gripping objects. Hand-operated tools such as these can be a great help, but you will also need some type of tool for cutting through hardened steel wires used in electrical work. The term "plier" comes from the French word meaning "to fold back," which describes how this type of tool operates. Two sets of jaws, one on each end of the tool, are opened by inserting a third set of jaws (the operating jawset) into the gap they leave behind. The operator closes the jiggers' grip by pulling them together. This action causes the three jawsets to close around the object being gripped or held. Combination pliers are a must for anyone who does much electrical work. They can handle virtually any size wire without difficulty. The two halves of the tool can be separated to allow access to all sides of the wire. There are several different styles of combination pliers, but most include an opening in the middle of one of the halves large enough to fit a pair of wire cutters. If you do a lot of electrical work and don't have combination pliers, buy a set right away!