By providing a pair of pivotally interconnected arm members which are pivotally engaged with a pair of pivotally interconnected jaw members, a uniquely constructed highly efficient cutting pliers or nippers are attained wherein force compounding is realized and reduced input forces are able to achieve substantially greater force levels at the jaws. In the preferred embodiment, the jaw members are maintained in juxtaposed spaced aligned relationship by an elongated bar or fixing plate, thereby preventing unwanted twisting or turning of the jaw members and assuring continuous trouble-free operation. In addition, the pliers or nippers of this invention also preferably incorporates a removable protective cover which peripherally surrounds and protects the plurality of pivot axes from external contamination while also providing the user with safety protection from unwanted pinching or cutting of the user's fingers in the pivot axis area.