Also called combination or engineer's pliers are a standard type of solid joint plier. The flat jaws may be used for holding or pulling sheet metal or wire. Side cutting jaws add wire cutting capabilities.

The deep jaws of lineman's pliers make them handy for grasping objects straight on rather than from the side. They're great for neatly twisting bundles of wire, and they'll also cut wire, nails, and screws. Home Improvement Encyclopedia

Multi-purpose tool which is often used when working with wire, they have a blunt, tapered nose along with built-in side. Also called side cutting pliers or electrician's pliers they have insulated handles to protect against shock from live wire.

Lineman's pliers (US English), also called combination pliers and commonly refered to as Kleins after a brand name, are a type of pliers used by electricians and other tradesmen for gripping small objects, to cut and bend wire and cable, and to hammer other small tools, such as a chisel or screwdriver, and to hammer various types of hardware, especially staples and small nails. Lineman's pliers have a gripping joint at their snub nose, and cutting edge in their craw, and insulating handle grips that reduce (but do not eliminate) the risk of electric shock from contact with live wires (versions with properly tested and guaranteed insulation in two colors to make faults visible are also available). Some versions include either an additional gripping or crimping device at the crux of the handle side of the pliers' joint.

Lineman's pliers can be used in place of other tools and other tools can be used in place of lineman's pliers.