
Wrestling with those springs suggested the tips of the needle nose pliers needed attention, so I introduced them to Mr. Grinding Wheel:
That flattened the tips, but the jaws no longer meet flush at their ends. They’ve been reshaped a while ago, so (much though it pains me to admit this) it’s time to deploy the backup pliers…
What I would do: Grab a piece of 1/16″ welding wire back by the hinge. Place one tip of the pliers on a vice. Tap the other tip with a hammer until the gap closes up.
And then file the tips parallel again… sounds like a plan!