Abstract: A tool for driving nails into hard surfaces wherein the driving power is provided by cartridges of explosive powder. The cartridges are contained in strips with a single strip containing a multiple of cartridges, in the order of ten. The improvement comprises the mechanism for feeding the strip of cartridges in increments automatically through the tool and for retaining the tool piston in its ready to be fired position. The feeding of the cartridges is accomplished by a camming finger connected to the barrel of the tool which progressively engages successive following lugs on the strip to move successive cartridges of the strip into place within the firing chamber as the tool is repeatedly engaged and disengaged with a work surface. A ring having a double loop configuration frictionally grips the piston to resist accidental displacement.

Abstract: A tool for driving nails into hard surfaces wherein the driving power is provided by cartridges of explosive powder. The cartridges are contained in strips with a single strip containing a multiple of cartridges, in the order of ten. The improvement comprises the mechanism for feeding the strip of cartridges in increments automatically through the tool and for retaining the tool piston in its ready to be fired position. The feeding of the cartridges is accomplished by a camming finger connected to the barrel of the tool which progressively engages successive following lugs on the strip to move successive cartridges of the strip into place within the firing chamber as the tool is repeatedly engaged and disengaged with a work surface. A ring having a double loop configuration frictionally grips the piston to resist accidental displacement.

Abstract: A flexible rubber strip has openings slightly smaller than the shank of a power load spaced along its length. Power loads having shank and head portions are inserted through the openings up to the head portion in which position the power loads are gripped by the rubber to hold the power loads until forceably removed. The strip with power loads is contained in a box with one end of the strip protruding through an opening in the top of the box. An operator of a powder actuated tool grabs the protruded end of the strip and pulls a section of the strip from the box. He inserts the first power load into the cartridge receiving chamber of the powder actuated tool and by peeling the strip over the head portion of the power load separates the power load from the strip. The box containing the strip can be clipped to the operator's belt or contained in the pocket of an apron.

Abstract: A semi-rigid strip including means for attaching power loads and fasteners alternately along the strip. Said power loads are attached with the head of the power load against the strip and the crimped end extending outwardly thereof and said fasteners are attached with the point of the fastener against the strip and the head of the fastener extending outwardly of the strip. Said means for attaching the power loads and fasteners to the strip being releasible in a manner whereby they can be inserted into the power load receiving chamber or barrel muzzle as the case may be and then the strip is peeled away, thus avoiding the independent handling of the separated power load or fastener. A box is adapted to contain a number of the semi-rigid strips with fasteners and power loads attached thereto with the strips positioned side-by-side within the box as to be individually removed.