There is a great variety of tools for picking up and manipulating small objects, arranging for example from the simplest tongs and magnetized screwdrivers to extremely complex remote control arms. Many of these tools, such as tongs or pliers, require that the operator maintain his grip on the work piece being handled. Others, such as certain forceps and locking pliers, can be locked in a closed position on the piece being handled. Many of the locking manipulative tools are relatively large, clumsy, otherwise not particularly well-adapted for manipulation of small electrical components, or too expensive for the task. As background, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,256 which is directed to a locking tool for manipulation of electronic components, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,533, which is directed to a tool for inserting and removing circuit components.
Electrical outlets are frequently crowded environments in which it can be dangerous or difficult to handle components with the fingers. Accordingly, it is desirable to have tools which are small or portable, easily operable and manipulated by one hand, and which can grasp electrical components firmly, capturing them so that they can be manipulated in any orientation for installing and testing or removing electrical outlets from junction boxes. The tool of the present invention admirably fulfills these requirements. It is simple, easily operable by one hand, can be interconnected with the work piece being handled, and is able to capture and retain the electrical work piece being handled until the operator chooses to disconnect the tool from the work piece.