A clip-like, resilient wire stub retainer and handle opening spring adapted for secure positioning on the pivoting joint area of a wire cutting pliers having a pair of cutting edges extends along a first cutting edge of the pliers in an overlapping manner so as to engage and retain a severed wire stub portion in contact with a second cutting edge of the pliers until the pliers are released in preventing the wire stub from being projected away from the pliers. The resilient clip-like retainer/spring biases the pliers to the open configuration and includes a sheath-like covering on the wire engaging portion thereof to enhance its wire retention characteristics.