Abstract: A tool including a handle, a blade-carrying portion attached to a first portion of the handle and a guide portion attached to a second portion of the handle. The second portion of the handle is movable with respect to the first portion of the handle thereby defining a variable distance between the blade-carrying portion and the guide portion. The guide portion includes a channel defining a longitudinal axis and a blade including two opposing ends and a generally u-shaped portion having a cutting edge thereon. The u-shaped portion is attached between the two opposing ends of the blade and the two opposing ends are pivotally attached to the blade-carrying portion. The blade is pivotable between a first cutting position and a second cutting position with respect to the blade-carrying portion. The blade defines a first cutting direction when in the first cutting position and defines a second cutting direction when in the second cutting position.

Abstract: A crimping tool comprising a pair of crimping surfaces adapted to crush an article, levers for manually actuating the crimping surfaces, and a scale for controlling a crimp force applied by the levers. The first lever is constructed of a flexible material, and the scale includes a plurality of gradations formed on the first lever, and a pointer mounted such that the pointer moves along the gradations when the first lever is squeezed toward the second lever. The crimping surfaces can be removably attached to the first and second levers.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for stripping a sliver-like section of the outer sheath from a multi-conductor cable or insulation from an insulated wire. The tool includes a blade and interconnected blade guide to strip the outer sheath from a cable or insulation from a wire without damaging interior contents. The tool has a handle including an upper and lower arm. The upper arm includes a blade-carrying portion and the lower arm includes a portion for guiding the cable or wire relative to the blade. The blade is pivotally attached to the blade-carrying portion. The upper arm may be springably attached to the lower arm and biased to a position such that the cable or wire can be inserted into the region between the blade and the guiding portion or the lower arm without any significant manipulation of the handle.