Hand tool

A hand tool comprising:

• a first arm having a first handle portion and a first jaw portion,
• a second arm having a second handle portion and a second jaw portion, wherein the first and second arms are connected to one another about a primary pivot and movable between a closed position and an open position, and wherein in said closed position, the first and second handle portions are in proximity to one another, and the first and second jaw portions are in proximity to one another, and wherein in said open position, the first and second handle portions are distal from one another, and the first and second jaw portions are distal from one another,
• a linking mechanism having a lock protrusion, and wherein said linking mechanism is positioned between the first and second arms, and
• characterized in that the hand tool further comprises a locking mechanism configured to secure the first and second arms in their closed position, and wherein said locking mechanism includes a lip positioned on one of the first or second handle portion and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in said locked position, the lip engages the lock protrusion and secures the first and second arms in their closed position, and wherein in said unlocked position, the lip is disengaged from the lock protrusion and the first and second arms are free to move from their closed position to their open position.