A release tool is provided for an end effector with a pair of jaw members anda drivebeam assembly configured for axial movement through the pair of jaw members.The releasetool includes an elongate body member, a gripping assembly, and a release bar.The grippingassembly is secured to the elongate body member and is configured to securethe elongate bodymember to the end effector. The release bar is supported by the elongate bodymember and isaxially movable relative to elongate body member. The release bar isconfigured to engage abeam of the drive beam assembly to retract the beam to a proximal positionwhen the beam isdisposed in a position distal of the proximal position.
