Abstract: A lanyard having a locking mechanism is provided. The lanyard locking mechanism actuates between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the lanyard spool is restricted from rotating, and in the unlocked position, the lanyard spool is permitted to rotate with reduced interference from the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes biasing components that bias the locking mechanism to remain stationary unless sufficient force is exerted.

Abstract: A chalk reel is provided that includes a handgrip on housing supporting a chalk line extending from a nozzle of the housing that extends from the chalk reel to mark a straight line. The chalk reel may further include a rotatable handle that rotates to extend or retract (“pay out”) the chalk line. A hook is secured to the end of the chalk line to facilitate extension of the chalk line and prevent retraction of the chalk line end into the housing nozzle. The chalk reel may further include a transmission system with gearing and a selector to lock the gearing at locations around the handle rotation. The chalk reel may also include a large removable cap to facilitate refilling the chalk or other marking material.

Abstract: A tool, such as a hammer, including cladding on a striking surface is shown and described. The cladding interfaces against the object struck by the hammer, thus protecting the hammerhead body from wear. In one embodiment, the cladding comprises multiple separate cladding projections that are affixed to the striking surface.

Abstract: A chalk reel is provided that includes a handgrip on housing supporting a chalk line extending from a nozzle of the housing that extends from the chalk reel to mark a straight line. The chalk reel may further include a rotatable handle that rotates to extend or retract (“pay out”) the chalk line. A hook is secured to the end of the chalk line to facilitate extension of the chalk line and prevent retraction of the chalk line end into the housing nozzle. The chalk reel may further include a transmission system with gearing and a selector to lock the gearing at locations around the handle rotation. The chalk reel may also include a large removable cap to facilitate refilling the chalk or other marking material.

Abstract: A hammer is provided that includes a handle, a head, a striking insert, and a claw. The hammer provides for a head with a keyed hole to couple to a keyed projection on a striking insert. The head also includes a dovetail projection that couples to the dovetail connection of the claw. Each component may comprise a different material. For example, the striking insert and the claw comprise one material, and the handle and the head comprise another material. In some embodiments, a slotted punch with a magnetic retainer creates a bore through the face of the head and the striking insert to support a fastener (e.g., a nail) within the head.

Abstract: A hammer is provided that includes a handle, a head, a striking insert, and a claw. The hammer provides for a head with a keyed hole to couple to a keyed projection on a striking insert. The head also includes a dovetail projection that couples to the dovetail connection of the claw. Each component may comprise a different material. For example, the striking insert and the claw comprise one material, and the handle and the head comprise another material. In some embodiments, a slotted punch with a magnetic retainer creates a bore through the face of the head and the striking insert to support a fastener (e.g., a nail) within the head.

Abstract: A punchdown tool for fitting wires into connectors including a housing with a front side, a back side, a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, a leading surface on the front end, and an interior defined between the front and back sides. The punchdown tool also includes a drive mechanism with a hammer, an anvil, and a drive spring. The drive mechanism is positioned in the interior of the housing adjacent the front end. The punchdown tool further includes a circuit board positioned in the interior of the housing adjacent the rear end with a controller. The punchdown tool also includes a light positioned on the leading surface of the housing that is electrically coupled to the controller and at least one battery positioned in the interior of the housing for supplying power to the light and the circuit board.

Abstract: A punchdown tool for fitting wires into connectors including a housing with a front side, a back side, a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, a leading surface on the front end, and an interior defined between the front and back sides. The punchdown tool also includes a drive mechanism with a hammer, an anvil, and a drive spring. The drive mechanism is positioned in the interior of the housing adjacent the front end. The punchdown tool further includes a circuit board positioned in the interior of the housing adjacent the rear end with a controller. The punchdown tool also includes a light positioned on the leading surface of the housing that is electrically coupled to the controller and at least one battery positioned in the interior of the housing for supplying power to the light and the circuit board.

Abstract: A hammer is provided that includes a handle, a head, a striking insert, and a claw. The hammer provides for a head with a keyed hole to couple to a keyed projection on a striking insert. The head also includes a dovetail projection that couples to the dovetail connection of the claw. Each component may comprise a different material. For example, the striking insert and the claw comprise one material, and the handle and the head comprise another material. In some embodiments, a slotted punch with a magnetic retainer creates a bore through the face of the head and the striking insert to support a fastener (e.g., a nail) within the head.

Abstract: A hammer is provided that includes a handle, a head, a striking insert, and a claw. The hammer provides for a head with a keyed hole to couple to a keyed projection on a striking insert. The head also includes a dovetail projection that couples to the dovetail connection of the claw. Each component may comprise a different material. For example, the striking insert and the claw comprise one material, and the handle and the head comprise another material. In some embodiments, a slotted punch with a magnetic retainer creates a bore through the face of the head and the striking insert to support a fastener (e.g., a nail) within the head.

Abstract: A lanyard having a locking mechanism is provided. The lanyard locking mechanism actuates between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the lanyard spool is restricted from rotating, and in the unlocked position, the lanyard spool is permitted to rotate with reduced interference from the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes biasing components that bias the locking mechanism to remain stationary unless sufficient force is exerted.

Abstract: A punchdown tool for fitting wires into connectors including a housing with a front side, a back side, a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, a leading surface on the front end, and an interior defined between the front and back sides. The punchdown tool also includes a drive mechanism with a hammer, an anvil, and a drive spring. The drive mechanism is positioned in the interior of the housing adjacent the front end. The punchdown tool further includes a circuit board positioned in the interior of the housing adjacent the rear end with a controller. The punchdown tool also includes a light positioned on the leading surface of the housing that is electrically coupled to the controller and at least one battery positioned in the interior of the housing for supplying power to the light and the circuit board.

Abstract: A tool, such as a respirator or gas mask, is provided. The respirator includes a body, a filter, an upper and lower strap, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism enables quick-release for fitting and/or adjusting the respirator on a user's head or face. In various embodiments, inelastic and elastic properties of the straps and/or a cord in the entwined region of the locking mechanism enhance the quick-release fit and adjustment of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A punchdown tool for fitting wires into connectors including a housing with a front side, a back side, a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, a leading surface on the front end, and an interior defined between the front and back sides. The punchdown tool also includes a drive mechanism with a hammer, an anvil, and a drive spring. The drive mechanism is positioned in the interior of the housing adjacent the front end. The punchdown tool further includes a circuit board positioned in the interior of the housing adjacent the rear end with a controller. The punchdown tool also includes a light positioned on the leading surface of the housing that is electrically coupled to the controller and at least one battery positioned in the interior of the housing for supplying power to the light and the circuit board.

Abstract: A chalk reel is provided that includes a handgrip on housing supporting a chalk line extending from a nozzle of the housing that extends from the chalk reel to mark a straight line. The chalk reel may further include a rotatable handle that rotates to extend or retract (“pay out”) the chalk line. A hook is secured to the end of the chalk line to facilitate extension of the chalk line and prevent retraction of the chalk line end into the housing nozzle. The chalk reel may further include a transmission system with gearing and a selector to lock the gearing at locations around the handle rotation. The chalk reel may also include a large removable cap to facilitate refilling the chalk or other marking material.

Abstract: A tool, such as a hammer, including cladding on a striking surface is shown and described. The cladding interfaces against the object struck by the hammer, thus protecting the hammerhead body from wear. In one embodiment, the cladding comprises multiple separate cladding projections that are affixed to the striking surface.