The invention relates to pliers, preferably centre cutters, having two plier jaws (6, 7) arranged to cross in a joint forming an axis of rotation (8), the two plier jaws (6, 7) forming working regions (2, 3) interacting on one side of the joint and having free ends (15, 16), and handles (10, 11) on the other side of the joint. In order to develop pliers as specified at the beginning in such a way that an advantageous design structure with the highest possible transmission of force is achieved, it is proposed that one of the pliers jaws (6) be formed in a U shape on the joint side, and that the axis of rotation (8) pass through one of the U-shaped jaws (12).