Abstract: Pliers with self-adjustment capability for applying a grasping force to a workpiece and for augmenting the grasping force applied to the workpiece which include a first plier member, a second plier member, a first pivot, a second pivot and a first biasing spring. The first plier member includes a handle portion, a jaw portion, an intermediate portion, a coupling interconnecting the handle portion of the first plier member to the intermediate portion of the first plier member, and locking device. The second plier member includes a handle portion, a jaw portion, and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. The first pivot includes a shifting slot portion, a transitional portion, and a positioning slot portion with a generally arcuate portion formed in said intermediate portion of the first plier member. The first pivot also includes at least one pivot member extending into, and movable within, the shifting slot portion, transitional portion, and positioning slot portion.