Abstract: The present invention provides a separation device for shearing off work pieces lined up on a supply tape, especially crimp contacts. The device is of a simple design, inexpensive to manufacture, and is especially suited for use at the site where the crimp connections are produced. In the process, it is possible to use ordinary crimping tools as the driving elements for the separating device. In one embodiment, the device includes upper and lower crimping jaws that are placed opposite each other and which form a crimping bit. As with all other pliers, the two crimping jaws can be moved between an open and a closed position, whereby it is not to be understood by the closed position that the crimping jaws of necessity must touch. On the lower jaw, a supporting beam is attached, which has a resting surface to place the work piece and/or supply tape on during the separation process, and a first shearing edge.