A slip-joint pliers having opposed parallel jaws with a specific cross-hatch pyramidal teeth construction develops a high torque grip slip force on a seized or overly tightened cylindrical workpiece such as a pipe or bar. The pliers includes a tongue in groove type slip-joint construction. The cross-hatch teeth are disposed at between 110 and 150, and the rows of cross-hatch teeth are spaced at less than about 10 teeth/inch on each jaw face. The pliers are a compact yet heavy-duty use tool that develops a torque grip slip force greater than similarly sized prior art pliers.