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Hermit crabs have two claws. One is bigger than the other. Both claws can be used for grasping things. The smaller claw is most often used for picking up food; the larger claw is used mainly for defense and for holding onto things when climbing.
When the hermit crab retracts fully into its shell, the big claw, along with the largest of the four walking legs, block the shell's opening. If your crab is in this position, be careful! When being handled, a retracted crab is generally a very scared crab. If the big claw is closed, your crab is probably just taking a 'time-out' in the protection of its shell to make sure things are safe before coming back out again. If the big claw is open--but not all the way-- the crab is expressing nervousness. It's not sure what is going on, and if further provoked or scared, it will open its claw all the way. In nature, when the crab is attacked by another crab, usually the attacker will turn the victim over on its back; this way, the attacking crab is met by the 'wall' of the big claw, open and ready to fight, to pinch.
A hermit crab's shell is not only its portable home; the shell also serves as a fortress in times of need. Most crabs (unless they are in shells that are a bit snug) will retract fully into their shells when they are scared. That's when you see the big claw, open or closed, defending the opening of the shell against potential attackers.
When handling your crab, if you see that the big claw is open at all, I would recommend putting the crab down on a flat surface. Hermit crabs who are not accustomed to handling are often very scared. A flat, unmoving surface-- definitely not the human hand--will send the message to the crab that the danger is past. It's safe to close the claw, and, eventually, to come out of its shell.
Pinching is a natural response to danger. Usually this danger comes in two forms: the fear of being attacked, or the fear of falling. Even a well-tamed crab, if it feels like it might fall, will pinch you. An untamed crab will not only pinch, but hang on longer. Crabs are best held when your hand flat--not tightly flat, but loosely. That way, you are ready to adjust to the way crabs walk--they frequently change direction; you can change the position of your hands to allow for this. Once they realize they are safe (they get to know you by smell) in your hands, they will move quickly, even climbing around to the backs of your hands, exploring the lengths of your fingers, etc. Always have your other hand ready to catch them. A hard fall can kill a hermit crab-- especially onto a hard surface. If possible, hold them while you're sitting on carpet, or on a couch, or something else soft; if the crab does fall, the shock is far less. Never let them walk unattended on a table or counter. Mine do climb the couch quite happily, but I watch them to make sure they're not in a position where they could fall. I also put a carpet piece directly under the couch, covering the hardwood floor.
Always watch your crabs while you have them out! They can very easily slip away in a moment of distraction. They instinctively hide, keeping close to walls and furniture, and go under the furniture if possible. Once they have hidden, they will come to rest there, retreating into their shells, and you will no longer be able to find them by listening for them. A flashlight and a keen eye are the best tools for finding a lost crab. A missing crab is a definite emergency--they will die without water in the space of only a few days. If you have an escapee, block off the room as soon as possible. Close the door. In my case, I put a couple of twelve-packs of pop across the open doorway between the living room and the hallway to the rest of the house. You'd be suprised at the places they can find to crawl into and hide! That's why it's best to just keep an eye on them in the first place. :)