Schiff bases have been synthesized by the reaction of p-nitrobenzaldehyde, o-nitrobenzaldehyde and p-toluyaldehyde with 4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole. The ligands react with Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) metals to yield (1:1) and (1:2) [metal:ligand] complexes. Elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR, electronic spectral data, magnetic susceptibility measurements, molar conductivity measurements and thermal studies have investigated the structure of the ligands and their metal complexes. The electronic spectral data suggests octahedral geometry for Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II). The antibacterial activities of the ligands and their metal complexes have been screened in vitro against three Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis) and two Gram-negative (Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) organisms. The coordination of the metal ion had a pronounced effect on the microbial activities of the ligands and the metal complexes have higher antimicrobial effect than the free ligands.