Abstract: A tape measure reel lock with a locking slide reciprocably mounted for selectively engaging internal V-shaped, angularly spaced abutments of a reel drum, each abutment having a latching shoulder for locking the reel with the slide against unwinding rotation and a camming shoulder for automatically retracting the slide when the reel is rotated to rewind the measuring tape.

Abstract: A tape measure having a molded plastic hook with a hook member pivotally mounted on a base member between a folded detented position underlying the base member and an unfolded detented position perpendicular to the base member, and a casing with a hook storage compartment for protectively storing the hook in a folded condition within the profile of the casing and having side slots for manually grasping and withdrawing the hook.

Abstract: A releasable latch is provided upon the handles of a pair of relatively pivotable operating members which are normally biased apart by spring means. The latch comprises opposed arm members on the handles which in part overlie each other with one of the arm members having a latch aperture and the other having a latch post extending into the latch aperture. One arm member is provided with an integral hinge portion, and the latch post has a shoulder thereon which engages with a cooperating shoulder surface on the other arm member about the latch aperture therein. The spring means biases the handles apart so as to maintain the cooperating shoulders in engagement in the closed position. One or both of the latch post and latch aperture is desirably provided with a cam surface to move the latch post within the latch aperture into a position wherein the cooperating shoulder surfaces will engage.

Abstract: A retractable blade utility knife is formed of a pair of elongated mating handle halves separable along a plane extending longitudinally of the knife and terminating at one end in a blade receiving opening. A blade carrier is mounted between the handle halves for supporting a blade for reciprocation between an exposed and sheathed position. Each of the handle halves is provided with a longitudinal extending slot and the blade carrier is provided with a finger piece extending through one of the slots and a carrier base with an offset extension connected thereto by a necked portion extending through the other of said slots with the necked portion disposed in said slot. The finger piece is threadably received in a threaded dimple on the extension and is rotatable relative thereto to serve the dual function of securing the handle halves together and securing the blade carrier in adjusted position.