we have a pick-up system nearly identical to yours, and during a practice match, another robot hit (not very hard) one of the 'jaws', and broke it clean off. afterwards, we installed
spring assisted door hinges, so the 'jaws' can hinge inwards, and then spring back out to perpendicular. after installing, we found it much easier to pick up a ball near the wall because we didn't have to be perpendicular to it. it also saves us from having to bring 5 replacement pairs to competition.