Final answer:
Another common name for lineman pliers is combination pliers. They are versatile tools used by tradespeople for various tasks, including gripping, twisting, bending, and cutting wire and cable.
Step-by-step explanation:
Another common name for lineman pliers is combination pliers. These pliers are a highly versatile tool used primarily by electricians and other tradespeople for gripping, twisting, bending, and cutting wire and cable. The "lineman" in the name comes from their original use by electrical linemen in the installation and maintenance of telegraph and electrical power lines.
Lineman pliers feature a gripping joint at their snub nose and often include built-in wire cutters near the base of the jaw, which can cut through both soft and hard wires. Their distinctive design includes a flat gripping surface at the tip, rounded gripping area in the mid-section, and the cutting edge. This combination of functions makes them quite useful for various tasks, expanding their purpose beyond just electrical work.