Abstract: The hand tool (1) has a body (7), and a chuck (4) with an axial opening (3) on an axis of the tool. A tool element (2) is movable between a retracted position generally within the body, and an extended operative position wherein the tool element extends through the axial opening and chuck, the chuck having a stop (15) for blocking further extension of the tool element once in its operative position. A movable means (16) blocks the tool element against retraction when in the operative position, the movable means being dislodgeable when retraction is desired, to a position where the movable means no longer blocks the tool element against retraction. In the preferred embodiment, the hand tool has multiple tool elements (six for example), spaced around the axis of the tool. Each tool element, when extended, has a proximal end which abuts the distal end (14) of an axial post in the handle of the tool.

Abstract: A single-bit screwdriver comprising: a housing; a shaft slideably mounted in the housing; the shaft having a locking portion, and the housing having at least two locking mechanism, wherein each locking mechanism engages the locking portion to prevent sliding of the shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: The hand tool (1) has a body (7), and a chuck (4) with an axial opening (3) on an axis of the tool. A tool element (2) is movable between a retracted position generally within the body, and an extended operative position wherein the tool element extends through the axial opening and chuck, the chuck having a stop (15) for blocking further extension of the tool element once in its operative position. A movable means (16) blocks the tool element against retraction when in the operative position, the movable means being dislodgeable when retraction is desired, to a position where the movable means no longer blocks the tool element against retraction. In the preferred embodiment, the hand tool has multiple tool elements (six for example), spaced around the axis of the tool. Each tool element, when extended, has a proximal end which abuts the distal end (14) of an axial post in the handle of the tool.

Abstract: The roof shingle is made of plastic and has a generally planar nailing portion and a generally planar exposable portion extending generally coplanarly from the nailing portion. An imaginary first axis defines the nailing portion from the exposable portion. The shingle has a fold area extending generally centrally through the nailing portion and the exposable portion along a second axis generally at a right angle to the first axis. For the ridge line of the roof, the shingle may be folded along the fold area to produce a V-shape for installation along the ridge line, without having to cut the shingle or use a different design.

Abstract: A storage rack pivots outwardly from a corresponding longitudinal recess in the handle of the tool. The storage rack accommodates tool accessories or the like, such as sockets where the tool is a ratchet. The storage rack has an outer surface which defines part of the handle when the storage rack is closed. Alternatively, there could be several storage racks each with different pivot points, or two racks pivoting in opposite directions and sharing a common pivot point. Preferably, the handle is of plastic, and in the case of a ratchet, is overmolded onto a metal ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism has an irregular external shape, or splines or the like, to accept torque without slipping or separating from the plastic handle portion.

Abstract: The driver has a number of cartridges assembled around a central axis, engaging each other along abutting longitudinal edges. Each cartridge has its own spring-loaded mechanism for extending or retracting a bit through a central axial opening of a collar at the distal end of the tool. The mechanism translates a small movement of an actuation button into rapid and much larger movement of the bit associated with that cartridge, whether that movement is extension or retraction.

Abstract: The hand tool has a chuck with a central axial opening through which bits or other tool elements are selectively moved from a retracted position to an extended operative position. A mechanical element automatically engages the tool element, such that as the tool element reaches its operative position, it is automatically locked in place, such that it cannot be retracted without user intervention to retract the mechanical element and thereby permit retraction of the tool element. In a specific preferred embodiment the mechanical element is at least one pivotally mounted cam, biased to engage the tool element once the tool element is extended to its operative position. A user-operable mechanism such as a collar for example, spring-biased against retraction, is arranged to contact the cam when retracted against the force of the spring, to rotate the cam so that it no longer engages the tool element, thus allowing the tool element to be retracted to its storage position.

Abstract: The adjustable wrench has two wrench elements each having a jaw portion and a body portion, each body portion having angled tongues and grooves, slideably mounted opposite one another with the jaw portions opposing each other. Between the two body portions is an actuator having two sides. Each side has angled tongues and grooves corresponding to and slideably engaging the angled tongues and grooves of each of the body portions. The actuator moves along a longitudinal axis of the handle thereby urging the wrench elements and jaws towards and away from one another depending on the direction of movement of the actuator, by interaction of the inclined grooves, acting as wedges using the inclined plane principle.