Abstract: A fully parametric profile for improved tooling in a tool/fastener system is provided that details a profile from a single proved Wright number, and that improves the contact area across a full spectrum of industry standard tolerances, while preserving safe pockets for fastener corners, thereby providing for increased tool life. The tool profile is based on a central axis and a parametric set of coordinates for flats, transition points, and multiple radii. The profile mates selectively with a set of fasteners having a central axis and a plurality of flat bounding surfaces parallel to the fastener access wherein diametrically opposite pairs of surfaces are parallel to each other and the bounding surfaces intersect in adjacent pairs to form fastener corners.

Abstract: A fully parametric profile for improved tooling in a tool/fastener system is provided that details a profile from a single proved Wright number, and that improves the contact area across a full spectrum of industry standard tolerances, while preserving safe pockets for fastener corners, thereby providing for increased tool life. The tool profile is based on a central axis and a parametric set of coordinates for flats, transition points, and multiple radii. The profile mates selectively with a set of fasteners having a central axis and a plurality of flat bounding surfaces parallel to the fastener access wherein diametrically opposite pairs of surfaces are parallel to each other and the bounding surfaces intersect in adjacent pairs to form fastener corners.

Abstract: An open-end hexagonal wrench having opposing jaws extending forwardly from a handle, the respective jaws having forwardly disposed, opposing planar faces, the forwardly disposed planar faces respectively merging with outwardly curved diverging surfaces with protrusions for penetrating the side of a hexagonal fastener being turned without engaging a corner of the fastener. The rearward ends of the outwardly curved diverging surfaces respectively merging with rear, concave arcuate corners which in turn merge with gentle curves into a concave throat.

Abstract: An improved socket having a drive end opening being so dimensioned for receiving a drive anvil, the opening comprising a plurality of bounding surfaces parallel to a central axis and being disposed in diametrically opposed pairs about the axis, where the diametrically opposed pairs of bounding surfaces include: at least two pairs of flat side surfaces being parallel to each other about the central axis; at least two pairs of curved recess surfaces forming respective inner corners of the drive end opening; and adjacent pairs of outwardly diverging transition surfaces transitioning between respectively adjacent pairs of the flat side surfaces and the curved recess surfaces. The improved socket increases corner radius for minimizing stress concentration at the corners and provides outwardly diverging transition surfaces for relocating the areas of maximum stress away from the corners.

Abstract: A socket for a turn-of-nut torque application includes at least one visual indicator for indicating a turn-of-nut position. In a preferred embodiment, a visual indicator is precisely machined into the exterior surface of the elongated body portion of the socket. The visual indicator may correspond with an interior corner of the nut end recess. Several visual indicators may be provided, and each visual indicator may correspond with a different interior corner of the nut end recess. The visual indicator may further comprise a permanent paint, and each additional visual indicator may comprise a different colored permanent paint.

Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight impact socket having an aluminum or other light metal blank having a fastener end and a drive end. A high strength, heat-treated steel alloy insert is inserted into the fastener end of the blank and glued in place to yield a highly effective impact socket. A drive end insert can be inserted into the bore at the drive end to add strength to the drive end of the impact socket. A high strength, heat-treated steel alloy sleeve can be adhered to the outside of the lightweight blank to add further strength to the drive end of the impact socket.

Abstract: A symmetrical open-end wrench having rear side corners adjacent open ends of the throat of the wrench and opposing jaws defining an opening for receiving a fastener, the jaws having parallel planar section, and continuously diverging surfaces with fastener-engaging irregularities merging with the respective rear side corners in a smooth transition.

Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight impact socket having an aluminum or other light metal blank having a fastener end and a drive end. A high strength, heat-treated steel alloy insert is inserted into the fastener end of the blank and glued in place to yield a highly effective impact socket. A drive end insert can be inserted into the bore at the drive end to add strength to the drive end of the impact socket. A high strength, heat-treated steel alloy sleeve can be adhered to the outside of the lightweight blank to add further strength to the drive end of the impact socket.

Abstract: An asymmetrical wrench and fastener system comprising radially extending splines having opposing surfaces whose inner ends are inclined by different amounts with respect to a radius intersecting the respective inner ends to alter the torque between the tightening and loosening directions. This configuration makes it either easier or harder to loosen the fastener than it was to tighten it, depending on the amount the opposing surfaces of the splines are inclined.

Abstract: Open-end symmetrical wrenches retain fasteners fully seated in the jaws of the wrench. The jaws have fastener-engaging surfaces with substantially planar and parallel sections that extend past the front side corners of the fastener when it is fully seated in the wrench and serrated diverging sections extending outwardly and rearwardly from these planar sections. The serrated diverging section may be arcuate or a slightly inclined. Both types of diverging section are designed to reduce slipping and are connected to rear corners of the fastener-engaging cavity that are designed and positioned to avoid contact with the rear side corners of the fastener. Arcuate rear side corners of the wrench cavity avoid contact with the rear side corners of the fastener and avoid stress concentration points. The throat that connects the corners has two gentle curves or flat surfaces leading to a central arc. This modified “U” design provides more metal in the throat of the wrench, which stiffens the jaws.

Abstract: An asymmetrical wrench and fastener system comprising radially extending splines having opposing surfaces whose inner ends are inclined by different amounts with respect to a radius intersecting the respective inner ends to alter the torque between the tightening and loosening directions. This configuration makes it either easier or harder to loosen the fastener than it was to tighten it, depending on the amount the opposing surfaces of the splines are inclined.

Abstract: An asymmetrical wrench and fastener system comprising radially extending splines having opposing surfaces whose inner ends are inclined by different amounts with respect to a radius intersecting the respective inner ends to alter the torque between the tightening and loosening directions. This configuration makes it either easier or harder to loosen the fastener than it was to tighten it, depending on the amount the opposing surfaces of the splines are inclined.

Abstract: Open-end symmetrical wrenches retain fasteners fully seated in the jaws of the wrench. The jaws have fastener-engaging surfaces with substantially planar and parallel sections that extend past the front side corners of the fastener when it is fully seated in the wrench and serrated diverging sections extending outwardly and rearwardly from these planar sections. The serrated diverging section may be arcuate or a slightly inclined. Both types of diverging section are designed to reduce slipping and are connected to rear corners of the fastener-engaging cavity that are designed and positioned to avoid contact with the rear side corners of the fastener. Arcuate rear side corners of the wrench cavity avoid contact with the rear side corners of the fastener and avoid stress concentration points. The throat that connects the corners has two gentle curves or flat surfaces leading to a central arc. This modified “U” design provides more metal in the throat of the wrench, which stiffens the jaws.

Abstract: An asymmetrical wrench and fastener system comprising radially extending splines having opposing surfaces whose inner ends are inclined by different amounts with respect to a radius intersecting the respective inner ends to alter the torque between the tightening and loosening directions. This configuration makes it either easier or harder to loosen the fastener than it was to tighten it, depending on the amount the opposing surfaces of the splines are inclined.

Abstract: A high torque wrenching system having a wrench with asymmetrical torque transmission capability. The wrench includes a plurality of protuberances and a plurality of recesses around a central axis. The fastener also includes a plurality of protuberances and recesses around the central axis for mating with the wrench. The protuberances and recesses form a saw tooth shape. Each tooth or protuberance is formed by a first wrenching surface for loosening the fastener and a second wrenching surface for tightening the fastener. The wrenching surface carrying the loosening load is at a much smaller angle with respect to a radial vector extending from the wrench's central axis than the wrenching surface carrying the tightening load. The result is that the loosening torque vector will have a much greater moment arm.

Abstract: A high torque wrenching system is provided having a wrench with asymmetrical torque transmission capability. The wrench includes a plurality of protuberances and a plurality of recesses around a central axis. The fastener also includes a plurality of protuberances and recesses around the central axis for mating with the wrench. The protuberances and recesses form a saw tooth shape. Each tooth or protuberance is formed by a first wrenching surface for loosening the fastener and a second wrenching surface for tightening the fastener. The wrenching surface carrying the loosening load will be at a much smaller angle, with respect to a radial vector extending from the wrench's central axis, than the wrenching surface carrying the tightening load. The result is that the loosening torque vector will have a much greater moment arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is an asymmetrical fastening system comprising (1) a fastener having asymmetrical loosening surfaces and tightening surfaces formed in a single fastening periphery, and (2) a wrench comprising asymmetrical loosening surfaces and tightening surfaces formed in a single fastening periphery, that engage, respectively, the loosening surfaces and tightening surfaces of the fastener. When the wrench engages the fastener and force is applied to the wrench the torque to failure of the system in the loosening direction is greater than the torque to failure in the tightening direction.