Abstract: A retention latch (2) for a device (28) comprises a biasing spring (4) arranged to force arm members (2) into engagement with a battery (14) thereby to prevent the battery being removed from the device (28). The user moves the retention latch via detent member (8) against the force of the spring (4) thereby to move the arms to disengage with the battery such that the battery may be removed from the device.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw (11) comprises a support (27) attached to the body of the saw and a shoe (25) pivotally attached to the support (27). The pivoted shoe (25) enables the shoe (25) and thus the blade to engage a workpiece at varying angles during cutting. The shoe (25) is attached to the support (27) by a hinge. The hinge (12) comprises a spaced pair of tabs (29,31) extending from the support (27) and located between a spaced pair of tabs (45,47) extending from the shoe (25). Each of the support tabs is paired respectively with one of the shoe tabs. Pins (55,57) extends through apertures (33,35,49,51) in the tabs (29,31,45,47) and forms the hinge pivot. The hinge pivot is maintained in place by spacers (59,61) located, respectively, between each pair of shoe and support tabs and press fitted to the pin. The press fitted hinge (12) is low in cost and is durable.

Abstract: A device for cutting a workpiece by means of a rotatingly driven tool bit has a suction hood surrounding the tool bit in annular manner with a through-opening for the tool bit to pass through. The suction hood forms a suction duct open to the tool bit which is limited by an outer wall. At least a part of the outer wall is curved in a perpendicular plane in the form of a parabola, and the focal point of the parabola lies beneath the workpiece engagement surface formed by the suction hood. Because of this parabola shape, chips thrown by the tool bit against the outer wall are reflected essentially parallel to the workpiece engagement surface and thus do not escape up through the through-opening.

Abstract: A sanding apparatus (1) has a sanding platen (2) to which motion is applied. The platen (2) has a flat surface (9) to which an abrasive sheet (22) is applied. The peripheral edge (3) of the platen (2) has a point (4) which can be used for detailed sanding. The surface (9) has a detachable portion (14) adjacent the point (4). The detachable portion (14) can be removed from the remainder of the platen (2) and rotated through 180.degree.. The abrasive sheet (22) can have an area corresponding to the detachable portion (14) of the surface (9) which is removable from the remainder of the abrasive sheet (22) by means of a perforated line (24).

Abstract: A power tool (e.g. a laminate trimmer 10) includes an adjustable support for setting the position of the motor unit (16). The support includes a first collar element (24) secured to the motor and a support upright (14). A stud (32) threadedly secured to the collar is slidable in a slot (28) and co-operates with the slot (28) to maintain confronting surfaces (14a and 26a) of the elements in face to face engagement. The elements are thus constrained to slide only in a direction parallel to the upright (14). A clamping screw (36) threadedly engaged in the stud can be tightened to lock the adjustable support at a desired position. The arrangement provides high stability to permit adjustment of the motor position even when the motor is operating.

Abstract: A lamp clamp uses a portion of the lamp as a moveable clamping jaw. This portion is screw-threaded into a threaded aperture of one of the arms of a C-shaped member. The other arm of the C-shaped member includes an object-engaging portion which further includes two pressure pads separated by a dished portion. The C-shaped member includes a coextensive flange around the inner periphery of the "C". The flange assists in stabilizing the clamp against the object, such as, the side edge of a worktable. The end of the moveable portion is attached to a swivel head which is pivotably engageable with the object in several orientations. The arrangement is especially useful when it is desired to mount a flashlight having a flexible stem (such as the Black & Decker.RTM. SnakeLight.TM. flashlight). The moveable clamping jaw defines a cylindrical tube into which is slideably mounted the graspable portion of the flashlight.

Abstract: A powered jig saw comprises a holder for a saw blade at the lower end of the reciprocating drive shaft. The holder is adjustable, by rotation of an actuating section, between an open position and a closed position for holding the saw blade. The actuating section comprises, in the interior of an upwardly open tube portion of the drive shaft, an engagement surface which, for the purpose of rotating the actuating section, engages with a working surface of a rotatable adjustment device which is stationary when the drive shaft is driven. The upper end portion of the drive shaft is mounted, so as to be capable of axial displacement, in a guide bush, above which there is a holding device of the adjustment device, in which holding device there is fixed a downwardly extending element comprising the working surface. A pendulum mechanism serves to generate a swivelling movement of the drive shaft.