For what purpose is a pair of pliers typically used in mechanical practice?

A pair of pliers is widely used in mechanical practice for gripping, bending, or cutting various materials. When considering the given choices, they are particularly effective in gripping and removing items such as split pins, which are commonly used to hold components together. Pliers provide the necessary leverage and control to grasp the split pin securely, making it easier to extract it from its position without damaging surrounding components.

While pliers can assist in tightening bolts in certain situations, they are not the primary tool for that task—wrenches or sockets are more commonly used for tightening. Similarly, although some pliers have cutting edges and can cut wires, their primary design is not specifically tailored for wire cutting alone. Measuring distances is outside the scope of what pliers can do, as they are not designed to provide accurate measurements.

Thus, the suitability of pliers for removing split pins highlights their versatility and effectiveness in mechanical work.