>>I realize that I may be confusing the TSA with any sort of logic, but anybody have a clue why pliers are not allowed in carry-on??????? <<

I'm surprised no one came up with the obvious theory.

Whether or not that was the intent, outlawing "pliers" lets them just confiscate any Leatherman-style tool. Doesn't matter if the blade has been removed, and it prevents anyone manufacturing a "travel" version with no blade that would be legal- they can just confiscate anything that looks like one without bothering with details.

Why settle for merely disarming people when you can insure that they're completely helpless?

A good citizen is a helpless citizen. Anyone attempting to help themselves in any way is obviously demonstrating distrust in the government to do it for them.