A couple tips for tong adjustment? | The Tools of the Trade | Forum

So I just got a few pair of old tongs I am trying to get working better for me, but i am having trouble with two things. First off, the tongs seem to have been used for much larger stock than I am using, so the handles touch each other before the jaws come together the way I want. Ive gotten the jaws shifted down for a better grip but is there a good way to get the handles further apart?

The second thing that I am looking for is the first set I was working with were really loose, so I hit the rivet a few times and apparently I over did it. They move, but they are really tight, even after cooling. Is there anything that will help loosen them up a bit or just heating and moving the joint?

Thanks for the help!