A high performance weed pulling tool for removing the entire weed including the root comprises a rigid frame with a foot, two opposing jaws, a pivoting lever arm and an elongated handle. One jaw is attached to the frame in fixed position and the other jaw is attached to the lever arm. The handle operates the lever arm to close the jaws together and grip the weed stem. The greater handle length relative to the lever arm length below the frame pivot point provides a large gain in gripping and lifting forces. The rear jaw also pivots on the lever arm to conform the jaw surfaces to the taper of the weed stem for maximum surface contact while textured jaw surfaces maximize grip stability. The jaws self-retract when the handle is released allowing tool operation to be repeated rapidly for long periods of time with low fatigue for the operator.