What are carpenter's tongs for?

Grip and extraction
	The main purpose of carpentry tongs is to pull nails out of wood without damaging the surface. The wide, rounded head ensures that the pliers do not dig into the wood. This is especially useful for tasks such as window and door repair, baseboard removal, and furniture repair.
	The strong jaws of carpentry pliers also make them ideal for pulling cotter pins, a type of flexible metal connector used to connect moving parts.
	Headed pins come in a variety of shapes and are used to attach rigging to sailboats, and to connect trailers to tractors. They are also found in lawn mowers, tractors and cars.
	Carpenter's pliers are often used for demolition work in body shops and junkyards. Their strong jaws make them ideal for gripping and removing all kinds of components, from body parts to engine parts and seat upholstery.
	Pincers are also needed by blacksmiths. They are used to pull out nails when removing old horseshoes, then to bend the nails and cut them to the desired length when trying on new shoes.
Cutting
	Although carpenter's tongs are primarily designed for gripping, you can also use them to cut through thin nails, wire, or staples. Sometimes this may be necessary if you can't get the nail out completely, so you have to cut it flush with the surface. Blacksmith's and potter's tongs are usually best for cutting, as they tend to have sharper jaws.
	They are also popular with potters for cutting wire. Pieces of thin wire for needlework are useful in many ways. You can use them to cut clay...
	…and separate the thrown pots from the wheel. You can also wire fresh dishes and vases to create patterns.