A pair of pliers can sit in the same toolbox for years without its owner ever noticing the cutting edge near the hinge. The same goes for measuring tools, utility knives, and even gadgets in a kitchen drawer.

Some everyday tools have other tools built in, but those extra features are easy to overlook. Anyone who has spent time on home improvement projects knows how frustrating it can be to search for a tool, especially when the one already in hand could do the job.

Of course, features vary by model, but these four familiar tools have some useful extras worth knowing about.

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Pliers Have Built-In Wire Cutters for Small Repairs

Some pliers have built-in wire cutters near the hinge, just behind the gripping jaws. These can trim soft wire without needing a separate pair of cutters. Not every pair has this feature, though.…