Abstract: A surgical tool includes a shaft having a distal end on which is mounted fixed and movable jaws. The movable jaw is positioned by a control rod which extends into a handle. The handle includes a rod actuator that is pivotably mounted in the handle and is coupled to the control rod such that pivoting movement of the actuator causes a control rod to translate. The handle includes a ratchet pawl that is coupled to the rod actuator, and the ratchet pawl is coupled to a ratchet actuator that is mounted in the handle and positioned to contact the palm of the user when the user grasps the handle and places a thumb on the rod actuator. Axial movement of the rod actuator can be used to move the ratchet pawl past a detent mechanism, to release the ratchet mechanism, or to lock the rod actuator in a predetermined position to facilitate installation and removal of the control rod.