The invention relates to pliers (1) having two plier arms (2, 3) which are connected to each other by a pivot pin (4), the plier jaw (M) being formed above the region of intersection and grip sections (7, 8) being formed on the plier arms (2, 3) below the region of intersection, the one plier arm (2) which is adjustable stepwise relative to the other plier arm (3) within the region of intersection in order to change the size of the plier jaw (M) passing through a free space (F) in the other plier arm (3); furthermore the pivot pin (4) being guided in fitted manner within a bore hole (14) of the other plier arm (3) and can be shifted transverse to the longitudinal plane of the pliers and has two cross-sectional regions adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the pivot pin (4), one of which, in the coupled condition, comes into form-locked engagement with the profiled flanks (slot flanks 12) of a slot (11) (lying within the region of intersection) of the one plier arm (2) and the thinner cross-sectional region being freely displaceable within the slot (11). For a development which is favorable in handling, the invention proposes that the other plier arm (3) be developed on one side, on the actuation side of the pivot pin (4), with a recess (22) within which the pivot-pin head (15) can be received upon actuation and that an actuating stop which lies depressed in depth is provided for the pivot-pin head (15).