Which type of pliers would be best if you need to hold objects regardless of their shape?

Locking pliers, also known as vise-grip pliers, are designed to firmly grasp objects of various shapes and sizes due to their adjustable locking mechanism. When the handles are squeezed together, the jaws clamp down on the object, creating a strong and secure hold without needing continuous pressure from the user. This characteristic makes locking pliers especially useful in situations where you need both hands free to perform another task, or when dealing with irregularly shaped objects that standard pliers might not grip effectively.

This capability to maintain a strong grip on different shapes and materials distinguishes locking pliers from the other types listed. For instance, needle nose pliers excel at reaching into tight spaces but are not as versatile for holding objects of varying shapes. Duckbill pliers are mainly used for flattening or bending wires, and jewelers pliers are specifically designed for intricate work with small components. These limitations make them less effective for general gripping tasks compared to locking pliers, which are versatile and designed to accommodate multiple shapes.