Patent ID: 7472632

Claim:
A lockable pliers comprising: a first handle supporting a first jaw; a second handle movable relative to the first handle between an open position and a closed, locked position; a second jaw movable between a first position when said second handle is in said open position and a second position when said second handle is in said closed position; a locking mechanism having a link for locking the second jaw in the second position; a stop formed on said link for engaging the second handle and limiting movement of the locking mechanism relative to said second handle when the second handle is in the closed, locked position; and a release lever pivotably connected to said second handle and including a portion located in a space between said locking mechanism and said second handle, said release lever and said space being dimensioned such that the portion of the release lever is not trapped between said second handle and said locking mechanism such that said release lever may move slightly between said second handle and said locking mechanism when said second handle is in the closed, locked position.