The invention comprises a tool useful for the manipulation of a wire. The tool includes a first body portion, a second body portion substantially translationally coupled to the first body portion, and a wire engaging member. The wire engaging member has a first section partially carried on the first body portion and a second section partially carried on the second body portion. The first and second sections of the wire engaging member exert compressive force on the wire when the first body portion and the second body portion are translated towards each other.