Patent ID: 7204022

Claim:
A scissors-action hand tool, comprising: (a) first and second tool elements, each of said tool elements having a base and a working portion, and said tool elements being interconnected by a pivot joint located between said base and said working portion of each said tool element, providing for scissors-action movement of the tool elements with respect to each other between a closed position and a position defining a separation angle; (b) a pair of handles, a respective one of said handles being interconnected with each of said bases; (c) a spring associated with one of said handles, said spring being arranged to urge said tool elements in an opening direction with respect to each other; and (d) a limit stop associated with said base of said first tool element and moveable, between a first location with respect to said base, in which said limit stop permits movement of said tool elements in said opening direction to, but not beyond a first separation angle, and a second location with respect to said base, in which there is additional clearance between said limit stop and said second tool element to permit said tool elements to be moved in said opening direction to a larger second separation angle providing greater clearance around said working portions.