Abstract: A tool of the type having a drive stud for receiving and releasing a tool attachment includes an opening in the drive stud and a locking pin movably mounted in the opening. The opening defines upper and lower ends, and the lower end of the opening is located at a portion of the drive stud constructed for insertion into the tool attachment. An actuating member is movably positioned on the drive stud, and the actuating member defines a sliding surface oriented transversely to the pin to engage an upper end of the pin. A first spring biases the sliding surface toward the pin, and a second, weaker spring biases the pin toward the sliding surface. Movement of the actuating member along the longitudinal axis of the drive stud in a selected direction allows the second spring to slide the pin from the engaging to the release positions.

Abstract: A socket wrench universal joint includes a socket engaging element movably mounted in the drive stud of the universal joint to engage a socket. An actuator is mounted to the universal joint for manipulation by a user, and a linking element links the actuator and the socket engaging element. The actuator allows the user to alter the socket retaining forces. In a quick release version the operator can release a socket from the drive stud of the universal joint by appropriately manipulating the actuator. In another version the user can enhance socket retaining forces by properly manipulating the actuator.

Abstract: A tool of the type having a drive stud for receiving and releasing a tool attachment includes an opening in the drive stud and a locking pin movably mounted in the opening. The opening defines upper and lower ends, and the lower end of the opening is located at a portion of the drive stud constructed for insertion into the tool attachment. An actuating member is movably positioned on the drive stud, and the actuating member defines a sliding surface oriented transversely to the pin to engage an upper end of the pin. A first spring biases the sliding surface toward the pin, and a second, weaker spring biases the pin toward the sliding surface. Movement of the actuating member along the longitudinal axis of the drive stud in a selected direction allows the second spring to slide the pin from the engaging to the release positions.

Abstract: A tool of the type having a drive stud for receiving and releasing a tool attachment includes an opening in the drive stud and a locking pin movably mounted in the opening. The opening defines upper and lower ends, and the lower end of the opening is located at a portion of the drive stud constructed for insertion into the tool attachment. The lower end of the locking pin is constructed to engage the tool attachment when the locking pin is positioned in an engaging position and to release the tool attachment when the locking pin is moved to a release position. An actuating element is movably positioned on the drive stud, and the actuating element is coupled to the locking pin to move the locking pin from the engaging to the release position as the actuating element moves along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A socket wrench universal joint includes a socket engaging element movably mounted in the drive stud of the universal joint to engage a socket. An actuator is mounted to the universal joint for manipulation by a user, and a linking element links the actuator and the socket engaging element. The actuator allows the user to alter the socket retaining forces. In a quick release version the operator can release a socket from the drive stud of the universal joint by appropriately manipulating the actuator. In another version the user can enhance socket retaining forces by properly manipulating the actuator.