Abstract: A novel finishing tool includes a substantially planar, generally rectangular stiff blade having an axis, a straight front edge substantially normal to the axis, and a rear, an elongate handle having a front and an axis, an adapter connected to the front of the handle, wherein the adapter has sides and at least a portion of each side tapers upwardly, a bracket having first and second legs, wherein the first leg is generally parallel to the blade and connected to the rear of the blade and the first leg has a rear, wherein the second leg extends upwardly from the rear of the first leg and the second leg has sides and at least a portion of each side tapers upwardly and the second leg is connected to the adapter, wherein the front of the handle is attached to the adapter so that the handle axis is generally parallel to the blade axis and generally centered with respect to the blade, wherein each side of the adapter forms a generally continuous taper with respect to a corresponding side of the second leg.

Abstract: In a dental floss applicator having a capstan controllable by the user for tensioning the floss and for periodically substituting a fresh floss strand segment for a previously used segment, an improved arrangement for severing floss and anchoring a floss strand end to the capstan as a result of a simple continuous movement of the strand by a user is disclosed. The capstan includes a slot for receiving a one piece metallic clip having a deformation so that the floss strand may be gripped between that deformation and one surface of the capstan slot as well as a cutting prong deformed from the general plane of the clip in the same general direction as the floss gripping deformation and presenting a relatively sharp surface to the floss as the floss is pulled into the gripping position between the deformation and slot.