A dispensing tool is for use with a cartridge containing dispensable contents, wherein one end of the cartridge has a discharge nozzle and the opposite end contains a follower that can be pushed toward the nozzle to discharge the contents. A grip-type actuator of the tool advances a pressure plate against the follower to push it toward the nozzle. The tool has a pressure plate aligned with a holder that is sized to retain the cartridge with the follower in line with the pressure plate. A pantograph mechanism drives the pressure plate toward the follower and is driven by a grip-type actuator.