The Bahco ERGO™ Side Cutting Pliers are made from high-performance steel with a black anti-corrosion finish and edges which are induction hardened at 62 HRC They have 2-component combination handles - thermoplastic surface on tough polypropylene which gives a superior grip Progressive edges allow the cutting radius along the edge in order to cut hard material like piano wire close to the joint and soft materials like copper and plastic insulated wire at the tip The screw joint provides excellent running and accurate alignment of the cutting edges The distance from the joint to the centre of the cutting edges is reduced giving greater leverage and increased cutting capacity The round shaped jaws give improved accessibility in confined spaces The pliers are equipped with a return spring featuring an onoff function The ON-OFF return spring increases ease of cutting with an automatic opening of the jaws For transport or storage the spring function can be safely deactivated when not in use