Switching mechanism for convertible retaining ring pliers

Abstract

A convertible retaining ring pliers has a pivot, first and second jaws and first and second handles rotatably secured about the pivot. A pair of transfer pins is slidably disposed for selective movement in the first and second jaws and the first and second handles for establishing alternative operating positions enabling the jaws to move inwardly as the handles move inwardly and allowing the jaws to move outwardly as the handles inwardly. A switching mechanism is mounted to the handles and pivot for providing simultaneous shifting of the transfer pins in the jaws of the handles. The switching mechanism includes first and second flexing spring plates which are mounted on opposite ends of the pivot and disposed on opposite external surfaces of the handles. Each of the spring plates includes a pair of boss pins engageable with opposite ends of the transfer pins. In each operating position, one pair of corresponding boss pins on the first and second spring plates lie raised above the external surfaces of the handles, and another pair of corresponding boss pins lie recessed in the first and second handles.