A surgical tool for retracting body tissue during surgery consisting of two pivoting arms each provided with a finger, a translating actuation member also provided with a finger, and a single actuator mechanically coupled to either one of the pivoting arms or the translating actuation member. The two pivoting arms and the actuation member are operatively connected together for simultaneous movement between a closed configuration having the three fingers close together, and an open configuration having the three fingers spaced apart. The surgical tool is adaptable to suit the specific patient anatomy and desired degree of tissue retraction.