What type of tool would you use for gripping materials like wood or metal?

The choice of pliers as the correct tool for gripping materials like wood or metal is based on their design and functionality. Pliers have a pair of jaws that can open and close, providing a strong grip on various shapes and sizes of materials. They are commonly used in many applications, such as holding objects firmly, bending wires, or pulling parts together, making them particularly versatile for both woodworking and metalworking tasks.

In contrast, while a screwdriver is primarily designed for inserting and removing screws, it does not have gripping capabilities. A wrench is specifically engineered for turning nuts and bolts, rather than gripping loose materials. A hammer is intended for striking and driving nails or other objects rather than gripping them, so it also does not serve the purpose of securely holding materials. Thus, pliers stand out as the most suitable tool for gripping wood and metal effectively.