Abstract: Hand-held instruments have an actuator assembly which may be employed to actuate a distally mounted tool by application of radial force about the entirety of the instrument circumference (i.e., is omni-actuatable). Most preferably, the actuator assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart generally L-shaped actuator levers defining respective arcuate bearing surfaces along exterior edge regions thereof, and a retaining ring which circumferentially bounds the actuator levers around the exterior edge regions thereof. The retaining ring most preferably defines an interior stationary arcuate guide surface in conformable mated relationship to the bearing surfaces of said actuator levers.