nippers

Nippers is a term used for hand tools with short, strong jaws designed to nip or bite off small pieces of material. They are used across trades to cut or trim various substances, from metal and ceramic to wood and nails. Although the exact form varies by application, the common feature is controlled removal of small bites rather than a full-snip cut.

Common varieties include:

- Diagonal cutting nippers (also called diagonal pliers or wire cutters), designed to cut wire, cable ties, and small fasteners close to a work surface.

- End-cutting nippers (end-nippers), used for flush cuts on nails, brads, or dowels, often in carpentry or cabinetry.

- Tile nippers, which nibble ceramic or stone tiles to shape curves or fit irregular spaces.

- Stone nippers, used by masons to remove small amounts of stone at a time.

- Veneer nippers, specialized for trimming thin wood veneer along joints.

- Nail nippers, used in podiatry, veterinary care, or manicure to trim nails with precise control.

In gardening and horticulture, the term nippers can refer to bud or shoot-nippers, tools designed for precise pruning of new growth without damaging surrounding tissue. Some gardeners use pruning shears for similar tasks, but nippers are valued for small, targeted bites.

Safety and usage: Select the tool appropriate for the material and cut, keep blades sharp, and wear eye protection. Slide or twist motions should be controlled to prevent slips or chip-off of unintended material. Proper maintenance, such as cleaning and oiling joints, helps preserve performance.