Abstract: This invention relates to a pair of double acting circlip pliers which consists of two jaw members which are pivotally connected intermediate their ends so that the free ends of the jaw members define first and second pairs of jaws on opposite sides of the pivot. The pliers further includes a pair of handle members which are freely rotatable about the pivot and adapted by means of suitably positioned formations to engage the first pair of jaws to operate the second pair when the handles are rotated towards each other in one direction and to engage the second pair to operate the first when the handles are rotated towards each other in the opposite direction.