Abstract: Various aspects of tape measures with one or more of a sensor, a motor, and a clutch, are shown. The sensors described herein detect, through various mechanisms, the position of the retraction system of a tape measure. The measurements by the sensors may be used to control a motor to adjust an amount of tension in the spiral spring of a tape measure. In various embodiments a motor interacts with the retraction system of the tape measure via a clutch, which moderates an amount of force that the motor can communicate to the retraction system.

Abstract: Position sensing related to a component within a power tool. The component within the power tool is, for example, a hammer of an impact mechanism and can include one or more sensible features that allow a controller of the power tool to precisely determine the position, speed, and acceleration of the component. One or more sensors can be used to determine the rotational position of the hammer and the axial position of the hammer. The rotational position of the hammer can then be used to calculate, for example, rotational speed and acceleration of the hammer. With precise determinations of the rotational and axial position of the hammer, the controller of the power tool is able to precisely time the impact between the hammer and the anvil to optimize the impact between the hammer and the anvil (e.g., to maximize energy transfer between the hammer and the anvil).

Abstract: A vacuum tool configured to be removably coupled to hose or wand of a vacuum includes a body including a first end, a second end, and a first longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The vacuum tool also includes a head coupled to the first end of the body, a connection portion coupled to the second end of the body and configured to couple the body to a hose or wand of a vacuum cleaner, and a brush coupled to the head. The brush includes an elongate support defining a second axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body and configured to couple the brush to the head, and a plurality of bristles positioned on the elongate support.

Abstract: Various face shield assemblies for hard hats are described. In one embodiment, the face shield assembly includes a hard hat, a mounting bracket, a face shield, a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm. The first pivot arm and second pivot arm are pivotally coupled to the hard hat and rotate with respect to the mounting bracket and the face shield. The face shield is coupled to the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm. The face shield actuates between stowed and operating positions such that the face shield can avoid objects near a front of the hard hat, such as a bill and/or lamp. In other embodiments the face shield assembly includes an adjustable frame coupled to the face shield and the hard hat. The adjustable frame rotates and/or slides with respect to the hard hat.

Abstract: An impact tool includes a housing including a motor housing portion and a front housing coupled to the motor housing portion, a motor supported within the motor housing portion, a battery pack supported by the housing for providing power to the motor, and a drive assembly supported within the housing and configured to convert continuous torque from the motor to consecutive rotational impacts upon a workpiece capable of developing at least 1,700 ft-lbs of fastening torque. The drive assembly includes a camshaft driven by the motor for rotation about an axis, an anvil extending from the front housing, and a hammer configured to reciprocate along a travel portion of the camshaft between a rearmost position and a forwardmost position to deliver rotational impacts to the anvil in response to rotation of the camshaft.

Abstract: A power tool, such as a drilling power tool, configured to perform an easy hole start operation upon actuation of a trigger. When the trigger is actuated, the motor is driven at a low speed value. The motor speed is increased to a second speed value during a predetermined time threshold and then driven at the second speed value until the trigger is no longer actuated. In some embodiments, the easy hole start operation may be implemented by an easy hole start switch. In some embodiments, if the easy hole start operation persists for a time greater than a predetermined time threshold, then the motor will shut off.

Abstract: A method and system for wirelessly tracking power tools and related devices to aid with inventory management and to help minimize, prevent, and recover misplaced or stolen tools throughout the job site. The tools and/or batteries include wireless transmitting capabilities (e.g., an ISM unit) to transmit data to a fob, puck repeater, and/or gateway over an ISM network. The gateway is operable to translate and output the ISM communications over a cellular network to a remote monitoring unit, such as a personal computer or smart phone. Additionally, the gateway is further operable to translate and output cellular communications from the remote monitoring unit to ISM communications over the ISM network. A wireless tethering system and method is also disclosed whereby an ISM battery places a power tool in a lock-out or limp mode after the ISM battery remains outside of ISM communications for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A portable lighting system includes a housing with a lower surface, walls extending from the lower surface, and a cavity defined by the lower surface and the walls. The cavity is divided into a first space and a second space. A light body is coupled to the housing for movement between a first position, in which the light body encloses the first space, and a second position, in which the light body allows access to the first space. A battery is removably received in the second space.

Abstract: A thread-cutting die head includes a die carrier, defining a central axis, for supporting a plurality of thread-cutting dies, a cam plate coaxial with the die carrier including a plurality of cam members for engaging with the plurality of thread-cutting dies, and a locking system including a positioning screw extending through an arcuate slot in the cam plate, a bushing surrounding the positioning screw, and a handle threadably coupled to the positioning screw configured to impart a force against the bushing to press the flange portion of the bushing against the first surface of the cam plate, thereby developing a frictional force between the bushing and the cam plate to lock the rotational position of the cam plate relative to the die carrier.

Abstract: A fastener driver includes a housing, a cylinder disposed within the housing, a piston positioned and moveable within the cylinder, and a driver blade. The driver blade includes a body defining a first end having an aperture defined therein and a second end opposite the first end. The aperture is sized to receive a fastener to attach the driver blade to the piston. The driver blade is moveable with the piston from a first position toward a second position along a longitudinal axis during a fastener driving operation. A nosepiece at least partially defining a fastener driving track through which fasteners are driven. A total length of the fastener driver as measured between a distal end of the nosepiece and a distal end of the cylinder is less than 11.4 inches (289.6 mm).

Abstract: A clutch mechanism is used in a rotary power tool having a motor. The clutch mechanism includes an input member to which torque from the motor is transferred and an output member co-rotatable with the input member. The output member defines a rotational axis. A cam surface is formed on one of the input member or the output member. First and second compression springs are carried by the other of the input member or the output member for co-rotation therewith. A follower has a circular cross-sectional shape and is biased against the cam surface by the first and second compression springs. In response to relative rotation between the input member and the output member, the cam surface displaces the follower along a line of action coaxial or parallel with each of the first and second compression springs. The line of action does not intersect the rotational axis.

Abstract: A site light including a body, a power system with an AC input and battery terminal, and a telescopic arm assembly supported by the body, where the telescopic arm includes a first end fixed relative to the body and a second end opposite and movable with respect to the first end. The site light also includes a light assembly in operable communication with the power system and coupled to and movable together with the second end of the telescopic arm, where the light assembly is operable in a first light mode in which the light assembly outputs approximately 13,000 lumens of light, and a second light mode in which the light assembly outputs approximately 20,000 lumens of light.

Abstract: A power distribution device that couples to storage units is provided. The power distribution device a battery charger that indirectly charges batteries, such as for personal electronic devices. The device includes a top panel with a recess that receives the personal electronic devices. The device also includes interface components to couple the device to a modular tool storage unit.

Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position, a lifter to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, and a transmission including an output shaft operatively coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter. The fastener driver also includes an input to provide torque to the transmission and a clutch positioned downstream of the input and operably coupled to the output shaft to limit an amount of torque transferred to the output shaft and the lifter. In response to an application of a reaction torque to the output shaft above a predetermined threshold, torque from the input is diverted from the output shaft via the clutch.

Abstract: An outlet tube includes a first rib, a second rib, and a channel positioned between the first rib and the second rib. The first rib extends from a surface of the tube. The first rib tapers between a first thickness and a second thickness. The second rib extends from the surface of the tube. The second rib tapers between the first thickness and the second thickness. The channel has a first width between adjacent first thicknesses and a second width between adjacent second thicknesses. The first width is greater than the second width.

Abstract: A concrete trowel is disclosed and includes a frame, a drive assembly including a motor mounted on the frame and a drive hub configured to receive torque from the motor, and a rotor rotatable about a rotational axis and including a plurality of blades. The concrete trowel further includes a quick-change coupling for selectively attaching the rotor and the drive hub for co-rotation therewith.

Abstract: Electronic spindle lock for a power tool. One embodiment provides a power tool including a housing, a bit receiving portion provided on the housing for receiving a power tool bit, a motor within the housing configured to rotate the bit receiving portion, and a controller coupled to the motor. The controller is configured to enter an electronic spindle lock mode, and detect rotation of the bit receiving portion in a first direction. The controller is also configured to control motor to rotate in a second direction in response to detecting rotation of the bit receiving portion in the first direction.