Abstract: A chalk line device includes a housing, a spool, a chalk line, a hook, and a cap. The housing defines an outer surface and an internal chamber, and the housing includes an opening. The spool is supported in the internal chamber for rotation relative to the housing. The chalk line extends through the opening of the housing and the chalk line includes a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the chalk line is wrapped around the spool. The hook is secured to the first end of the chalk line and includes a tip adapted to engage a work piece. The cap is removably coupled to the housing to cover the opening. The cap includes a nozzle through which the chalk line extends and a projection for engaging and releasably securing the hook against the cap.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.

Abstract: A screwdriver includes a main body and a switch. The main body is coupled to a handle and includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart slots, and a pawl positioned in each slot. Each pawl is biased outwardly by a spring. The switch is pivotable relative to the main body, and the switch includes a groove extending along an arcuate portion of an inner surface. Pivoting the switch in a first direction moves the switch toward a first position in which the groove is positioned in-line with the first pawl. When the switch is in the first position, the first pawl extends outwardly from the slot and engages the internal tooth surface such that application of a torque in a first direction drives a shank in the first direction and application of a torque in the second direction causes the shank to ratchet relative to the main body.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.

Abstract: A screwdriver includes a main body and a switch. The main body is coupled to a handle and includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart slots, and a pawl positioned in each slot. Each pawl is biased outwardly by a spring. The switch is pivotable relative to the main body, and the switch includes a groove extending along an arcuate portion of an inner surface. Pivoting the switch in a first direction moves the switch toward a first position in which the groove is positioned in-line with the first pawl. When the switch is in the first position, the first pawl extends outwardly from the slot and engages the internal tooth surface such that application of a torque in a first direction drives a shank in the first direction and application of a torque in the second direction causes the shank to ratchet relative to the main body.

Abstract: A chalk line device includes a housing, a spool, a chalk line, a hook, and a cap. The housing defines an outer surface and an internal chamber, and the housing includes an opening. The spool is supported in the internal chamber for rotation relative to the housing. The chalk line extends through the opening of the housing and the chalk line includes a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the chalk line is wrapped around the spool. The hook is secured to the first end of the chalk line and includes a tip adapted to engage a work piece. The cap is removably coupled to the housing to cover the opening. The cap includes a nozzle through which the chalk line extends and a projection for engaging and releasably securing the hook against the cap.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.

Abstract: A chalk line device includes a housing, a spool, a chalk line, a hook, and a cap. The housing defines an outer surface and an internal chamber, and the housing includes an opening. The spool is supported in the internal chamber for rotation relative to the housing. The chalk line extends through the opening of the housing and the chalk line includes a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the chalk line is wrapped around the spool. The hook is secured to the first end of the chalk line and includes a tip adapted to engage a work piece. The cap is removably coupled to the housing to cover the opening. The cap includes a nozzle through which the chalk line extends and a projection for engaging and releasably securing the hook against the cap.

Abstract: A chalk line device includes a housing, a spool, a chalk line, a hook, and a cap. The housing defines an outer surface and an internal chamber, and the housing includes an opening. The spool is supported in the internal chamber for rotation relative to the housing. The chalk line extends through the opening of the housing and the chalk line includes a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the chalk line is wrapped around the spool. The hook is secured to the first end of the chalk line and includes a tip adapted to engage a work piece. The cap is removably coupled to the housing to cover the opening. The cap includes a nozzle through which the chalk line extends and a projection for engaging and releasably securing the hook against the cap.

Abstract: A screwdriver includes a main body and a switch. The main body is coupled to a handle and includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart slots, and a pawl positioned in each slot. Each pawl is biased outwardly by a spring. The switch is pivotable relative to the main body, and the switch includes a groove extending along an arcuate portion of an inner surface. Pivoting the switch in a first direction moves the switch toward a first position in which the groove is positioned in-line with the first pawl. When the switch is in the first position, the first pawl extends outwardly from the slot and engages the internal tooth surface such that application of a torque in a first direction drives a shank in the first direction and application of a torque in the second direction causes the shank to ratchet relative to the main body.