"Our invention has for its object to make a pair of pliers which shall be adapted to securely grasp and hold two strands of wire arranged parallel to each other; and to this end it consists of a pair of pliers one jaw of which is provided with a groove adapted to hold securely one above the other two strands of wire laid therein, parallel or side by side, and the other jaw provided with a tooth which is adapted to enter the said groove and bear upon the uppermost of the said wires." -- from the specifications.