Abstract: A bit holder and an interchangeable bit that can pivot or articulate relative to the bit holder. The bit holder includes a multi-depth socket for receiving the interchangeable bit. The different depths of the socket determine whether the interchangeable bit operates as a straight-on bit or an off-angle bit. An outer sleeve can slide along a longitudinal axis of a shaft to change the depth of the socket. Alternatively, opposite ends of the bit holder have different depth sockets for receiving the interchangeable bit and/or a shank portion. By flipping over the bit holder, the interchangeable bit can operate as either a straight-on bit or an off-angle bit.

Abstract: A bit holder and an interchangeable bit that can pivot or articulate relative to the bit holder. The bit holder includes a multi-depth socket for receiving the interchangeable bit. The different depths of the socket determine whether the interchangeable bit operates as a straight-on bit or an off-angle bit. An outer sleeve can slide along a longitudinal axis of a shaft to change the depth of the socket. Alternatively, opposite ends of the bit holder have different depth sockets for receiving the interchangeable bit and/or a shank portion. By flipping over the bit holder, the interchangeable bit can operate as either a straight-on bit or an off-angle bit.

Abstract: A torque limiting tool including an inner handle having a tool coupling portion, a biasing assembly aperture, and at least one radially oriented slot. At least one interface member is located in the radially oriented slot. The interface member includes an elongated surface generally oriented along a longitudinal axis. A biasing assembly is located in the biasing assembly aperture to provide a longitudinal biasing force that biases the interface member radially outward. An outer handle having an inner surface limits radial displacement of the interface member. The interface members are displaced radially inward when a torque applied to the inner handle exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A tool adapted to releasably retain a fastener. The tool includes a driving portion having a plurality of tool surfaces adapted to form an interface with a fastener. At least one fastener engaging member is attached to the driving portion that extends above one or more of the tool surfaces. The fastener engaging member is adapted to form an interface with at least one surface on the fastener such that the fastener can be releasably retained to the driving portion.

Abstract: A tool adapted to releasably retain a fastener. The tool includes a driving portion having a plurality of tool surfaces adapted to form an interface with a fastener. At least one fastener engaging member is attached to the driving portion that extends above one or more of the tool surfaces. The fastener engaging member forms an interface with at least one surface on the fastener such that the fastener is releasably retained to the driving portion.

Abstract: A low-cost holder for labeling and displaying a tool. A tool can be inserted into the holder using high-speed automated assembly equipment. The tools are typically hex wrenches, screwdrivers, TORX drivers, open end wrenches, box end wrenches or some combination thereof. The holder includes a substrate having at least one housing defining a tool conduit with first and second openings. The tool conduit defines a cross sectional area capable of receiving the tool. At least one tool retaining structure extends across at least a portion of the tool conduit so that a frictional engagement force is generated between the tool and the tool retaining structure. The housing, substrate and tool retaining structure are integrally formed as a unitary structure.

Abstract: A folding hand tool set having a one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle and a plurality of hand tools rotatably mounted thereto. The one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle is preferably constructed from a fiber reinforced thermoplastic. Spacers may be provided for rotationally isolating the hand tools. The folding hand tool set is capable of transmitting more then 110.0 Newton meters of torque without compromising the integrity of the one-piece, completely integral plastic handle. A one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle for receiving hand tools is also disclosed. The handle can withstand at least 30 Newton meters of torsional force without compromising the integrity of the handle.

Abstract: A folding hand tool set having a one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle and a plurality of hand tools rotatably mounted thereto. The one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle is preferably constructed from a fiber reinforced thermoplastic. In one embodiment, spacers are provided for mechanically isolating the hand tools. The folding hand tool set is capable of transmitting more then 110.0 Newton.multidot.meters of torque without compromising the integrity of the one-piece, completely integral plastic handle. The present invention is also directed to a one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle for receiving hand tools. The handle can withstand at least 30 Newton.multidot.meters of torsional force without compromising the integrity of the handle.

Abstract: A drive element for use with TORX.sup..RTM. compatible fasteners with an elliptical cross-section attached to an elongated shaft along the central longitudinal axis of the shaft. The minor axis of the ellipse extends along the central longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft. The elliptical cross-sections of the drive element are located on planes which pass through the minor axis. A major axis plane perpendicular to the minor axis is located at the center of the drive element. The drive element has elevations forming drive lobes and depressions which traverse a longitudinal elliptical path on the surface of the drive element. The lobes and depressions are substantially complimentary to the inner surface of a fastener cavity at the major axis plane. Starting at the major axis plane, the lobes become narrower as they approach the minor axis. The centers of curvature for the tops of the lobes are a series of points which define a first reference circle on the major axis plane with the minor axis as the center.

Abstract: A wrench with a polygonal cross section includes an integral drive shank portion, a neck portion, and a drive head portion in a coaxial relationship along a central axis. The head portion has curved sides corresponding to the same number of sides as the shank portion with the radius of curvature of the sides being displaced outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the wrench so that each side substantially conforms to a portion of an ellipse whose minor axis lies along the central axis. The surface of the neck portion substantially conforms to an inwardly curved surface of revolution whose axis of revolution lies along the central axis of the wrench.