Pincers and Cross
There is no reference to pincers being used to remove the nails that pierced the hands and feet of Jesus when He was crucified, but that doesn't mean to say they were not used. Pincers were common tools 2,000 years ago, used by carpenters and blacksmiths, so there was most probably some available to remove the nails.
For this reason, pincers are often included in the Arms of Christ.
But pincers have their own, special, symbolic meaning.
Pincers and Cross
(Click image to enlarge)
When Pincers are seen adorning a cross, we are reminded of the nails that were used through the hands and feet of Jesus when He was crucified. More than that, we are reminded that the nails can be removed.
Each time we seek forgiveness from sin and abstain from sin, it is as though we are using pincers to lessen the suffering of Jesus.
How? See the Meaning of the Cross.
