Abstract: A clamp for the blade of a hand held reciprocating tool includes a spindle coupled to the drive mechanism. A slot is formed in the spindle for receiving the blade tang and a collar is threadably received on the spindle. A blade clamping member is disposed between the collar and the blade and includes an engaging member for engaging a hole in the blade tang and a pair of ears which engage the upper and lower shoulders of the blade tang to provide three points of engagement when the collar is tightened. The clamp also includes a nose section which engages the blade at its junction with the tang to provide reinforcement against breakage.

Abstract: The invention provides a brush cartridge for a commutator-type motor. The brush cartridge includes a housing that is made of an electrically conductive material and that has an integrally formed terminal so that the cartridge can be plugged into a circuit without the need for wiring. The brush cartridge also includes a brush supported in the housing for sliding movement relative thereto and a spring member for biasing the brush into engagement with a commutator on the motor when the cartridge is installed. The brush cartridge also includes a flexible shunt connected between the housing and the brush. The shunt limits the range of sliding movement of the brush to permanently retain the brush in the housing.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw having a main body and a spindle mounted in the main body and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The saw further includes a biasing member operatively associated with the spindle. The biasing member can include a spring that acts on an inner end of the spindle to bias the spindle toward either the extended position or the retracted position.

Abstract: The invention provides a power tool including a tool body and a handle mounted on the tool body at an upper vibration isolation joint and a lower pivot joint. The lower joint permits pivotal movement of the handle relative to the tool body while giving an operator lateral stability and torsional control over the tool. The upper joint serves as a primary vibration isolation joint and includes a spring which is precompressed to a minor fractional portion of its unloaded length and which is positioned between the tool body and the handle to bias the tool body and the handle apart. The spring is compressible from its precompressed state responsive to operator applied pressure, and when operator applied pressure on the handle is maintained within predetermined levels the spring is operable to reduce transmission of vibration from the tool body to the handle during tool operation.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw including a housing, a spindle mounted for reciprocating motion within the housing, a gear rotatably mounted within the housing, a wobble shaft rotatably mounted within the housing, a wobble plate rotatably mounted on the wobble shaft and connected to the spindle, and a clutch drivingly connecting the gear to the wobble shaft. The clutch includes a clutch driver rotatably positioned within the housing adjacent the wobble shaft, and the clutch driver includes a recess for insertably receiving a portion of the wobble shaft. The clutch driver can also include a relief ledge for providing clearance between the clutch driver and the wobble plate. The clutch can further include a first clutch disk connected with the gear and positioned between the gear and the clutch driver, and a second clutch disk connected with the clutch driver and positioned between the gear and the first clutch disk.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an impact absorption mechanism and a power tool including an impact absorption mechanism. When a tool bit binds a high energy impulse of short duration is generated that may damage components of the power tool. The impact absorption mechanism absorbs this high energy impulse and prevents damage to other components of the power tool.