Abstract
A pair of pliers includes two handles and a latch unit. The handles are pivotally connected to each other. The latch unit includes a pawl, a rack, a spring and a switch. The pawl is secured to the first handle. The rack is pivotally connected to the second handle. The spring biases the rack into engagement with the pawl. The switch is movable between two positions. In the first position, the switch allows engagement of the rack with the pawl. In the second position, the switch keeps the rack from the pawl.