Abstract: A tool includes a fixed operating lever and a pivoting operating lever that define handles that may be squeezed toward each other by a user to move the fixed and sliding jaws of the tool toward each other to grasp a workpiece. The fixed jaw is defined by the fixed lever. The sliding jaw is confined by the fixed operating lever. The position of the sliding jaw is limited by the operating levers, and its travel toward and away from the fixed jaw is defined by the operating levers. A biasing lever is operably connected to both operating levers. The biasing lever biases the jaws of the tool apart when there is no load applied to the tool and helps to transfer to the tool's jaws the force applied by a user to the tool's handles upon the engagement of a toothed pawl with a toothed surface of a slot within the fixed lever. The tool's jaws remain parallel to each other as they are moved toward or away from each other and while grasping a workpiece.

Abstract: A locking plier tool, for clamping onto a workpiece of any size within the expanse of the tool's open jaws, has a thumb-actuated control member on the tool body and a release lever which facilitate, respectively, workpiece pressure adjustment and tool release by one hand of the operator manipulating the tool. A semiautomatic means for adjusting the tool's clamping pressure is also disclosed.