Abstract: A single-motion trigger line card insertion/removal tool uses a handle and a spring-loaded sliding trigger to allow a technician to grab the line card insertion/removal tool with their thumb and pointer fingers, and pull the trigger while rotating the handle to eject the line card from a network device. The motion of pulling the trigger simultaneously unlocks the line card insertion/removal tool, starts the rotation of the handle with the spring load, and closes a “window” on an optical switch breaking a continuous beam of light that software interprets as a warning that the line card will be removed momentarily. When the line card insertion/removal tool handle is rotated back to a closed position (i.e. while inserting the card), the spring tension pulls the trigger back to its original position, locking the line card insertion/removal tool handle, and opening the window for to the beam of light in the optical switch.