Cutting Pliers are an Important Hand Tool

Aubuchon Hardware Tip: Lineman's pliers have insulated handles because this hand tool is meant to be used for electrical work. You should know that the insulation is not designed to completely protect you from electrical shock, and unless the tool is specifically made from non-conductive material, the hand tool should not be considered safe with live current.. Take the same precautions with lineman's pliers as you would with any tool. Don't let the presence of a little rubber on those handles fool you into thinking you are safer around voltage or live wires. Live current has a nasty habit of arcing or bridging the gap wherever it can.