Abstract: A powered tool follower assembly can include a solenoid plunger that is movable longitudinally in a direction aligned with a drive axis in response to energization of the solenoid and a biasing mechanism with a spring axis extending transversely to the drive axis. A lever arm can extend between the plunger and the biasing member and couple the plunger to the biasing mechanism. A pinch roller can be disposed between the lever arm and the driver. Energization of the solenoid can move the plunger longitudinally, causing relative movement between the lever arm and the drive wheel that forces the pinch roller into engagement with the driver and transfers a biasing force from the compression spring through the lever arm and pinch roller to the driver to pinch the driver between the pinch roller and the flywheel and drive the driver along the driver axis.

Abstract: A powered hand-held fastening tool includes a housing defining a handle, a frame, a motor-driven flywheel journaled to the frame, and an elongated driver that is selectively coupled to the flywheel to drive a fastener into a workpiece. The flywheel and driver have complementary sloped surfaces that mesh with each other to transmit energy from the flywheel to the driver to accelerate the driver along the driver axis. A follower assembly for selectively coupling the driver to the flywheel includes a solenoid actuator.

Abstract: A power tool is provided and may include a motor, an output shaft, a neck portion, and a collar portion. The output shaft may be driven by the motor. The neck portion may be configured to receive a removable attachment accessory. The neck portion may define a first diameter and may include a plurality of indexing features. The collar portion may be supported by the neck portion. The collar portion may include an outer circumferential surface defining a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The outer circumferential surface may include at least one recess.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for hanging one or more objects, such as frames, on a surface. A marking device for marking a surface for hanging one or more objects. The marking device can have a main body portion having first and second arms pivotably attached thereto. The first and second arms, as well as the main body, can each have a marker to mark a target surface. The marking device can optionally have a level indicator and the first and second arms can have markers which can slide along a ruled measure for convenient positioning of marks on the target surface. Optionally, the markers can have biased, retractable, or sheathed marker pins.

Abstract: A powered hand-held fastening tool includes a housing defining a handle, a frame, a motor-driven flywheel journaled to the frame, and an elongated driver that is selectively coupled to the flywheel to drive a fastener into a workpiece. The flywheel and driver have complementary sloped surfaces that mesh with each other to transmit energy from the flywheel to the driver to accelerate the driver along the driver axis. A follower assembly for selectively coupling the driver to the flywheel includes a solenoid actuator.

Abstract: A powered tool follower assembly can include a solenoid plunger that is movable longitudinally in a direction aligned with a drive axis in response to energization of the solenoid and a biasing mechanism with a spring axis extending transversely to the drive axis. A lever arm can extend between the plunger and the biasing member and couple the plunger to the biasing mechanism. A pinch roller can be disposed between the lever arm and the driver. Energization of the solenoid can move the plunger longitudinally, causing relative movement between the lever arm and the drive wheel that forces the pinch roller into engagement with the driver and transfers a biasing force from the compression spring through the lever arm and pinch roller to the driver to pinch the driver between the pinch roller and the flywheel and drive the driver along the driver axis.

Abstract: A powered hand-held fastening tool includes a housing defining a handle, a frame, a motor-driven flywheel journaled to the frame, and an elongated driver that is selectively coupled to the flywheel to drive a fastener into a workpiece. A follower assembly for selectively coupling the driver to the flywheel includes a solenoid actuator, a biasing mechanism, a lever arm connected between the solenoid actuator and the biasing mechanism, and an intermediate member having journaled thereto a pivot roller and a pinch roller. Upon energization of the solenoid the lever arm is moved in a direction parallel to the drive axis, thereby applying a force on the pivot roller perpendicular to the drive axis, causing the pinch roller to press the driver against the flywheel and initiate the drive stroke. The intermediate member pivots about the pivot roller to release the pressure on driver upon completion of the drive stroke.

Abstract: A jigsaw that uses a cutting blade generally includes a housing containing a motor activated by a trigger assembly. A blade storage compartment is recessed in the housing. A platform is provided in the blade storage compartment having a first edge that at least partially defines a first recess that extends further into the housing beyond the platform. A member is connected to the platform that produces a magnetic field that releasably secures the cutting blade to the platform. The magnetic field is configured to permit a user to tilt the cutting blade about the first edge of the platform into the first recess to overcome the magnetic field and remove the cutting blade from the storage compartment.

Abstract: A power tool is provided and may include a motor, an output shaft, a neck portion, and a collar portion. The output shaft may be driven by the motor. The neck portion may be configured to receive a removable attachment accessory. The neck portion may define a first diameter and may include a plurality of indexing features. The collar portion may be supported by the neck portion. The collar portion may include an outer circumferential surface defining a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The outer circumferential surface may include at least one recess.

Abstract: A power tool is provided and may include a motor, an output shaft, a neck portion, and a collar portion. The output shaft may be driven by the motor. The neck portion may be configured to receive a removable attachment accessory. The neck portion may define a first diameter and may include a plurality of indexing features. The collar portion may be supported by the neck portion. The collar portion may include an outer circumferential surface defining a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The outer circumferential surface may include at least one recess.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for hanging one or more objects, such as frames, on a surface. A marking device for marking a surface for hanging one or more objects. The marking device can have a main body portion having first and second arms pivotably attached thereto. The first and second arms, as well as the main body, can each have a marker to mark a target surface. The marking device can optionally have a level indicator and the first and second arms can have markers which can slide along a ruled measure for convenient positioning of marks on the target surface. Optionally, the markers can have biased, retractable, or sheathed marker pins.

Abstract: A powered hand-held fastening tool includes a housing defining a handle, a frame, a motor-driven flywheel journaled to the frame, and an elongated driver that is selectively coupled to the flywheel to drive a fastener into a workpiece. A follower assembly for selectively coupling the driver to the flywheel includes a solenoid actuator, a biasing mechanism, a lever arm connected between the solenoid actuator and the biasing mechanism, and an intermediate member having journaled thereto a pivot roller and a pinch roller. Upon energization of the solenoid the lever arm is moved in a direction parallel to the drive axis, thereby applying a force on the pivot roller perpendicular to the drive axis, causing the pinch roller to press the driver against the flywheel and initiate the drive stroke. The intermediate member pivots about the pivot roller to release the pressure on driver upon completion of the drive stroke.

Abstract: A driving tool with a housing, a motor received in the housing, a control unit and a trigger. The housing defines a handle. The control unit is configured to operate the motor and has a microswitch, an actuator arm and a spring. The actuator arm is biased by the spring toward the microswitch. The spring is configured to move the actuator arm against the microswitch to cause the microswitch to operate in an actuated switch state. The trigger is coupled to the handle and is movable between a first trigger position and a second trigger position. The trigger has a switch arm that cooperates with the actuator arm to form a lost-motion coupling that permits a predetermined amount of movement of the trigger from the first trigger position to the second trigger position before coupling the switch arm to the actuator arm. The actuator member does not contact the microswitch when the trigger is in the second trigger position so that the microswitch operates in a nominal switch state.

Abstract: A power tool is provided and may include a motor, an output shaft, a neck portion, and a collar portion. The output shaft may be driven by the motor. The neck portion may be configured to receive a removable attachment accessory. The neck portion may define a first diameter and may include a plurality of indexing features. The collar portion may be supported by the neck portion. The collar portion may include an outer circumferential surface defining a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The outer circumferential surface may include at least one recess.

Abstract: A power tool that includes a housing, a trigger switch that is mounted to the housing, a tool output member and a motor and transmission assembly. The housing defines a handle. The motor and transmission assembly is coupled to the housing and is configured to drive the tool output member. The motor and transmission assembly include a motor, which is electrically coupled to the trigger switch, and a transmission having a transmission input member, which is drivingly coupled to the motor, and a transmission output member that is drivingly coupled to the tool output member. The motor and transmission are packaged in the housing in a manner that is extremely compact.

Abstract: A driving tool with a housing, a motor received in the housing, a control unit and a trigger. The housing defines a handle. The control unit is configured to operate the motor and has a microswitch, an actuator arm and a spring. The actuator arm is biased by the spring toward the microswitch. The spring is configured to move the actuator arm against the microswitch to cause the microswitch to operate in an actuated switch state. The trigger is coupled to the handle and is movable between a first trigger position and a second trigger position. The trigger has a switch arm that cooperates with the actuator arm to form a lost-motion coupling that permits a predetermined amount of movement of the trigger from the first trigger position to the second trigger position before coupling the switch arm to the actuator arm. The actuator member does not contact the microswitch when the trigger is in the second trigger position so that the microswitch operates in a nominal switch state.

Abstract: A power tool with first and second housing portions, a powertrain, a mounting hub and a lock bar. The powertrain has an output member that extends from the second housing portion and which is movable relative to an output member axis. The mounting hub is fixedly coupled to one of the first and second housing portions. The lock bar is movably mounted to the other one of the first and second housing portions between a locked position and a first unlocked position. The lock bar cooperates with the mounting hub in the locked position to inhibit relative rotation between the first and second housing portions. Placement of the lock bar in the first unlocked position permits relative rotation between the first and second housing portions.

Abstract: A fastener tool includes a housing comprising a nosepiece and a magazine connected to the housing for storing a fastener. A driving mechanism is disposed within the housing for driving the fastener into a workpiece. A trigger assembly is pivotally attached to the housing for activating the driving mechanism. A nosepiece cover is pivotally attached to the nosepiece. A latch is pivotally attached to the nosepiece cover. A latch wire is pivotally attached to the latch for engaging at least one hook disposed on the nosepiece. The latch wire has a portion extending between the latch and the hook, the portion having at least two bends.

Abstract: A power tool that includes a housing, a trigger switch that is mounted to the housing, a tool output member and a motor and transmission assembly. The housing defines a handle. The motor and transmission assembly is coupled to the housing and is configured to drive the tool output member. The motor and transmission assembly include a motor, which is electrically coupled to the trigger switch, and a transmission having a transmission input member, which is drivingly coupled to the motor, and a transmission output member that is drivingly coupled to the tool output member. The motor and transmission are packaged in the housing in a manner that is extremely compact.

Abstract: A hand-held tool with a backbone, a motor assembly that is mounted to the backbone, and a plastic housing. The motor assembly can include a driver and can be selectively actuatable to translate the driver along an axis. The plastic housing can be coupled to the backbone and can shroud at least a portion of the backbone.