Abstract: A parallel jaw pliers apparatus is comprised of a first lever member having a handle at one end and a first jaw surface at its opposite end, a second lever member pivotally connected to the first lever member and having a handle at one end and a pair of arms at its opposite end, and a jaw member mounted to the first lever member for translatory movement relative thereto and mounted to the second lever member for pivoting movement relative thereto. The connections between the first and second lever members and the jaw member provide an unobstructed working area between opposed jaw surfaces of the pliers apparatus. The component parts of the pliers apparatus are constructed to center force distributions through the center of each of the component parts when the pliers are in use.