Abstract: A ratchet wrench having the opening in the head formed from the top with the pawl being disposed adjacent to the gear within the opening. A retaining plate is disposed over the gear and pawl in the opening in the head. An aperture is formed in the cover plate aligned with a recess in the top of the pawl. A reversing lever with an offset tang is received in the aperture and engages the recess in the pawl. Alternate embodiments of the engagement of reversing lever with the pawl are disclosed. A quick release for sockets attached to the wrench is disclosed.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench having three interconnected openings formed therein. A ratchet gear is disposed in the first opening which has an access opening to the bottom surface of the wrench. A pawl is pivotally disposed in the second opening. A lever member is pivotally disposed in the third opening. A detent mechanism is carried by the lever member to engage the pawl. A lever arm is connected to the lever member and movement of the lever arm moves the lever member and detent mechanism for forward and reverse ratcheting. A method of assembly of the wrench is disclosed.

Abstract: A pawl for use in a ratchet wrench having a ratchet gear in an opening and the pawl in a communicating pawl opening. A detent ball and spring are in a bore in the wrench communicating with the pawl opening. A relief surface is formed on each side surface of the pawl extending from the front surface of the pawl toward the back surface. The front surface of the pawl has an intermediate surface having opposite ends forming teeth. A tooth is formed on the approximate mid-point of the intermediate portion. The back face of the pawl has two pockets separated by a center ridge. Each pocket has a ramp near the center ridge, each ramp joins a concave portion. A furrow is formed in at least one pocket extending from the bottom surface of the pawl to a point opposite the bore for the detent spring such that the detent ball may be introduced into the furrow and directed into the bore. A spacing hub is formed on the pawl to minimize friction between the pawl and the cover plate.

Abstract: A plurality of circumferentially-spaced driving lugs are formed on the improved square-drive tang of a wrench, such as a ratchet wrench; and these driving lugs cooperate with a corresponding plurality of recesses or pockets formed in the top portion of an improved interchangeable square-drive socket, thereby providing for improved torque transmission which is supplemental to, and not a substitute for, the square drive. The improved wrench is compatible with conventional sockets, and the improved socket is compatible with conventional wrenches.

Abstract: A hexagonal head wrench having a body, six sides and six corners. A protuberance is formed on each corner. Each protuberance has two oppositely oriented flank members angled at a predetermined angle outwardly and away from each corner. Engagement of the wrench with a fastener occurs on a portion of each respective flank member distal from the corner. Continued application of torque progressively radially engages each flank member with the fastener.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench having a handle and an integral head. The head has a chamber formed therein with a wall about the chamber. At least one tooth is formed on the wall and projects into the chamber. A cylindrical rotor having a plurality of axial teeth is disposed in the chamber. The chamber is non circular and has a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the rotor wherein the rotor is translatably and eccentrically movable within the chamber. Movement of the handle engages a portion of the teeth on the rotor in locked driving engagement with the wall of the chamber and the at least one tooth on the wall of the chamber. Backswinging the handle disengages the rotor. Three embodiments are disclosed. Methods of use of the three embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench having at least one gear disposed in an opening in the head of the wrench. An upper pawl and a lower pawl are disposed in a stacked arrangement in a second opening in the head of the wrench. The openings are in communication with one another. A lever is connected to the pawls to simultaneously move both pawls between a forward and a reverse position. The teeth on the pawls work conjointly and alternately engage the teeth on the at least one gear as the wrench is ratcheted thereby producing a reduction in the backswing arc of the wrench.