Abstract: A hand tool for lockably applying a squeezing or separating force to a workpiece. The tool comprises two legs (1,2) which can be pivoted relative to one another and which have first ends which are free and form two jaws (3,4) intended for co-action with the workpiece. The arms are connected together at a distance from the aforesaid ends, by means of a spring element (9). The tool is mainly characterized in that the spring element (9) has an effect which corresponds to that of a compressible pressure spring, and the legs (1,2) are rigid and intened to be pivoted relative to one another, in order to bring the jaws into contact with the workpiece (15) without appreciably compressing the spring element. Arranged between the spring element and the jaws is a locking arrangement (10,12,13) which is intended, subsequent to compressing the spring element (9) to a desired extent with the jaws (3,4) in contact with the workpiece (15) to releasably lock the position of a pivot means between the legs.