Abstract: Die cutter holding and lifting systems, apparatuses, and methods for use with custom and commercially available die cutters. According to some examples, a system includes a base, a separation assembly, and an actuation assembly. A separation assembly can be coupled to the die cutter, and the die cutter in combination with the separation assembly can be coupled to the base, such that the actuation assembly can be utilized to cause a separation of die plates of the die cutter for increased productivity in cutting, stamping, or pressing operations involving die cutters.

Abstract: A cutter comprising a first cutting portion having a first cutting edge, a second cutting portion having a second cutting edge and pivotally coupled to the first cutting portion, a relief aperture defined by the first and second cutting portions adjacent the first and second cutting edges, and a relief guard coupled to the first and second cutting portions to at least partially cover the relief aperture such that an object to be received between the first and second cutting portions is restricted from entering the relief aperture.

Abstract: A punch and die holding apparatus comprising a die block having a bottom die plate defining a die recess and forming a die clamp, a top die plate defining a guide tube cavity, the bottom die plate and top die plate defining a punch receiving gap, a die plate clamping bolt, and a plurality of gap opening stops. The punch and die holding apparatus has a punch holder having a guide tube, a collet chuck at least partially inserted within the guide tube, a collet inserted within the collet chuck, and a punch having a first end comprising a stem, a second end comprising a punch protrusion, and a central portion, the punch stem configured to be inserted into the second end of the collet; and a die received within the die recess.

Abstract: Provided are tools, tool kits, and associated methods for forming and/or clasping needs associated with, for example, jewelry making activities. The tools herein releasably secure forming pegs and restrain lateral movement of the forming pegs to a first line of action. The tools also translate an actuation force along a second line of action to relative lateral movement of the forming pegs along the first line of action.

Abstract: Provided are tools, tool kits, and associated methods for forming and/or clasping needs associated with, for example, jewelry making activities. The tools herein releasably secure forming pegs and restrain lateral movement of the forming pegs to a first line of action. The tools also translate an actuation force along a second line of action to relative lateral movement of the forming pegs along the first line of action.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to kit or assembly of hand-held jewelry tools. The kit includes a least one pair of handles and one or more pairs of interchangeable jaws. Each set of jaws when attached to the pair of handles is adapted to perform a particular jewelry task. Because the kit includes a variety of interchangeable sets of jaws, it is possible to perform many different jewelry making tasks using the present kit.

Abstract: A method of wire forming using a pliers having opposed faces on jaws, each with a relief between the face and a pivot point of the pliers, the reliefs forming a recess, and a link movably secured to the pivot point and carrying a post extending into the recess, the method including forming a loop in a U-shaped wire received in the recess around the post by closing the jaws until the faces compress the U-shape into a loop around the post, and in an alternative embodiment, an elongated link retained to the pliers with a spring holds the post in a desired position before engagement between the wire and post, and wherein the link is extendable to position the post beyond the jaws to allow further formation of the wire received around the post.

Abstract: A wire forming pliers having opposed faces on jaws, each with a relief between the face and a pivot point of the pliers, the reliefs forming a recess, and a link loosely secured to the pivot point and carrying a post extending into the recess such that a loop can be formed in a U-shaped wire received in the recess around the post by closing the jaws until the faces compress the U-shape into a loop around the post.

Abstract: A pliers having a replaceable gripping member for pliers jaws in the form of a threaded cylinder received in a threaded bore with part of the threaded cylinder extending out of the jaw in which it is mounted to provide a gripping surface formed of a segment of the threaded cylinder. The mating jaw has a recess to receive the projecting segment. A method of renewing the gripping surface includes rotating the threaded member to expose a different portion of the threads in the projecting segment, after removal of damaged threads in the projecting segment by filing the cylinder, if necessary. A hexagonal recess is formed in the end of the cylinder to enable installation, renewal of the segment and replacement of the entire cylinder using an Allen wrench. For non-sparking applications, the pliers are formed of aluminum bronze and the gripping member is formed of beryllium copper.

Abstract: A pliers having separate jaws secured to handles by interengagement of either a press-fitted boss and corresponding smooth bore or a threaded boss and threaded bore between the jaws and handles. In at least round nose and needle nose embodiments each jaw has a generally symmetric envelope about a central axis and the threaded member is located concentric to the central axis for ease and economy of manufacture. The long nose embodiment may also utilize the symmetric envelope with a portion of the generally conical jaw removed to form a flat, work engaging surface. Mating surfaces perpendicular to the central axis maintain alignment of the jaw to its respective handle. Round nose, long nose and needle nose pliers may be manufactured using the present invention.

Abstract: A pliers-knife combination tool including pivotally connected elongated members. A working region of the tool includes opposed gripping jaws on interior faces of the elongated members and at least one knife edge on an exterior edge of one of the elongated members. Engaging the opposed gripping jaws with each other allow use of the tool as a knife. A method of fabricating the tool includes maximizing the size of the tool for a given size forming machine. Each member is formed separately from the other member to permit sizes as large as possible for the forming dies and machines used. The members are pivotally connected after forming to produce a larger size tool than if both the first and second members were simultaneously formed in a given size forming machine.

Abstract: An improved farrier nippers formed from two elongated members including handles, pivot regions and jaws. Blade members are formed separately from each elongated member and brazed into shelves of the jaws of the elongated members. Neck regions of the jaws of the elongated members each have an interior surface which is generally "V"-shaped. This facilitates removal of a portion of a work object which would otherwise obstruct a cut.