Abstract: A tool for grasping a ratchet socket or other objects such as pipes and rods. The object can be stopped from turning due to the friction of the tool or the object can be rotated when desired. The tool comprises a flexible friction belt connected at one end to an open jaw which may be closed and connected at its other end to a spring biased rod or movable handle. In one embodiment a slidable trigger is connected to the spring biased rod to permit a loop in the flexible belt to be enlarged for slipping around a socket or other object. When the trigger is released the loop grips the socket and frictionally holds the socket while closing the jaw. In a second embodiment the flexible friction belt connects to a handle which is slidably held in an outer housing. The handle may be moved to open and close a loop in the friction belt. An automatic lock is provided in the housing so the friction belt will turn the object being held as the belt loop is enlarged and made smaller.

Abstract: A combined ratchet socket brake and starting tool comprising: a handle section, a pivot arm pivotally connected at one end to the handle section with a pivot mechanism, a pivot-arm slide-lock that is slidable over the pivot mechanism to lock the pivot arm in a fixed position with respect to the handle section, a horseshoe-shaped friction member having a disk receiving channel formed into the inner surface thereof, and a socket-post disk having a socket-post keyway formed through the center thereof and rotatably entrapped within the disk receiving channel in a manner such that a frictional force is developed between the socket-post disk and the friction member of sufficient magnitude to cause the socket post of a ratchet mechanism disposed through the socket-post keyway to cause the ratchet mechanism to ratchet.

Abstract: A tool for grasping a ratchet socket to stop the socket from turning during reverse strokes of the ratchet. The tool comprises a looped flexible belt connected at one end to an adjustable bar and connected to a spring biased rod at the other end. A slidable trigger is connected to the spring biased rod to permit the loop in the flexible belt to be enlarged for slipping over the socket. When the trigger is released the loop grips the socket and frictionally holds the socket from turning on the reverse stroke of the ratchet.