Abstract: A clamp or locking pliers of this invention are intended for positioning aligning a first wooden framing member transversely relative to a second wooden framing member prior to attachment of the first wooden framing member to the second wooden framing member. The clamp includes a first gripping jaw and a second gripping jaw. The first and second jaws are shiftable toward each other to grip the first wooden member. A crossbar extends transversely, preferably at right angles, relative to the first and second gripping jaws for supporting the first wooden framing member on the second wooden framing member and for mutually aligning the two members so that they can be nailed together. A safety guard on the locking pliers includes a bail that can be rotated to prevent release of a locking pliers release clip so that the pliers can be used to hoist a wooden framing member.