A release tool is provided for an end effector with a pair of jaw members and a drive beam assembly configured for axial movement through the pair of jaw members. The release tool includes an elongate body member, a gripping assembly, and a release bar. The gripping assembly is secured to the elongate body member and is configured to secure the elongate body member to the end effector. The release bar is supported by the elongate body member and is axially movable relative to elongate body member. The release bar is configured to engage a beam of the drive beam assembly to retract the beam to a proximal position when the beam is disposed in a position distal of the proximal position.
