A hand operated gripping tool includes a first jaw unit having a first work piece engaging portion, a support member extending generally transversely with respect to the first jaw unit, a first handle at the second end of the support member, a second jaw unit having a second work piece engaging portion, and a second handle having an end portion pivotally attached at the second jaw unit. A guiding device is disposed at the end portion of the second handle. The guiding device has an engaging element and a biasing element, and the engaging element is biased or urged toward and into engagement with the second reaction surface by the biasing element. The engaging element engages the second reaction surface as the second jaw unit moves along the support member to adjust the size of the work piece receiving space.