How can I impart movement in my assembly with out using motion tools

So I am modeling a gripping mechanism, and the intent is for the rubber grips to approach each other when the piston pulls downward and the opposite as the piston pushes upwards, with the two gripping arms rotating around the bolts that secure them to the support block, as can be seen in the file below. I know I have quite a few mates that are likely preventing the proper motion, so if you guys could give me some pointers I would greatly appreciate it!

I just included the assembly, do I need to include the part files?