Hand tool for applying electrical connectors

Claim 1

A telephone plug hand tool for securing a telephone connector plug to a multiple lead telephone line, comprising a handle with a pair of opposed handle members having a pivot connection at a forward end thereof and hand operable toward each other for closing the handle, a unitary preassembled jaw module assembly detachably secured to the handle between said handle members just rearwardly of said pivot connection, said module being adapted for movement into and out of an open position for receiving a telephone connector plug and being adapted to be maintained in its preassembled condition during said movement into and out of said open position, said module including a telephone connector plug support jaw and an aligned connector setting jaw operatively associated for relative linear movement toward and away from said open position, jaw mounting means for mounting the jaws for relative linear movement thereof for opening and closing the jaw module and for detachably securing one of the jaws to one of the handle members, and biasing means for biasing the jaws apart as the handle members move apart, the support jaw having a contoured telephone plug connector locating pocket to locate and support a multiple lead telephone plug connector of established design in operative alignment with the connector setting jaw and the connector setting jaw being contoured for setting a said telephone plug connector mounted within the pocket of the support jaw to a multiple lead telephone cord upon closure of the jaw module, the other handle member having an actuator for sliding engagement with the other jaw for drivably closing the jaw module against the bias of the biasing means when the handle is closed.