I put the tool back together and believe it or not everything works.
. On close examination there is a bit of sideways movement to the pliers part and there is very little room for a shim between the frame and the pliers perhaps 20 thou (in) or so. The tool is somewhat agricultural in that it has fairly loose tolerances.
I will be unavailable to the Internet for a day or two and will check back when I return. Thank you very much for all of the suggestions and help.
John