Abstract: A tool with a pivoting head is shown. The tool includes a locking mechanism that allows the angular position of the head to be locked securely in place once selected by a user. In a specific embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking channel positioned in a generally parallel orientation to the axis of rotation of the pivoting head. In a specific embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a biasing component positioned in a generally parallel orientation to the axis of rotation of the pivoting head. The locking mechanism may be used with a variety of tools, such as ratchet wrenches, that allow for repositioning of the head relative to the handle of the tool.

Abstract: A tool, such as a hammer, including a surface to strike objects, such as nails, and a mechanism to facilitate the removal of objects, such as staples that have been inserted into wood. In one embodiment the mechanism includes a recess in the hammerhead body and a projection that extends above the recess.

Abstract: A tool, such as a hammer, including a surface to strike objects, such as nails, and a mechanism to facilitate the removal of objects, such as staples that have been inserted into wood. In one embodiment the mechanism includes a recess in the hammerhead body and a projection that extends above the recess.

Abstract: A tape measure including an elongate tape blade is shown. The tape measure includes a protective bumper that extends below the tape opening. The bumper is shaped to allow the tape hook to pivot during drop or impact to reduce the impact force experienced by the tape hook.

Abstract: A tool for engaging a spark plug is provided. The tool includes a socket with an interior sidewall that forms at least a portion of a socket chamber. An insert may be positioned within the socket chamber. The insert has at least a rigid first component and a compliant second component configured to nest within the rigid first component.

Abstract: Various socket holder designs are shown. The socket holder includes a body portion formed from a first material and a collar portion formed from a second material. The collar includes a base portion with an outer surface positioned to engage with an inner surface of a socket, keeping the socket positioned on the socket holder.

Abstract: Various designs for a gearless ratchet mechanism and tools incorporating the gearless ratchet mechanism are described. One embodiment relates to a gearless ratchet with a design for improved performance including low or zero swing angle and/or decreased part wear. Another embodiment relates to a gearless ratchet with features designed to maximize life and strength of the tool.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The retraction system utilizes an epicyclic gear train coupled between the tape blade winding reel and a rotating arbor or axle within the tape measure. A spiral spring has an outer end coupled to the reel and an inner end coupled to the axle. The gear train may be a reduction gear train such that the axle rotates slower than the reel. By coupling the spiral spring between the gear train input and gear train output, high energy density springs may be used, which may allow for decrease in housing size, increase in tape length or thickness for a given housing size, and/or advantageous retraction speed control.

Abstract: A tape measure including an elongate tape blade is shown. The tape measure includes a protective bumper that extends below the tape opening. The bumper is shaped to allow the tape hook to pivot during drop or impact to reduce the impact force experienced by the tape hook.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The retraction system utilizes an epicyclic gear train coupled between the tape blade winding reel and a rotating arbor or axle within the tape measure. A spiral spring has an outer end coupled to the reel and an inner end coupled to the axle. The gear train may be a reduction gear train such that the axle rotates slower than the reel. By coupling the spiral spring between the gear train input and gear train output, high energy density springs may be used, which may allow for decrease in housing size, increase in tape length or thickness for a given housing size, and/or advantageous retraction speed control.

Abstract: A tool with a pivoting head is shown. The tool includes a locking mechanism that allows the angular position of the head to be locked securely in place once selected by a user. The locking mechanism may be used with a variety of tools, such as ratchet wrenches, that allow for repositioning of the head relative to the handle of the tool.

Abstract: A conduit reamer with a lanyard receiver, inner and/or outer cutting blades is provided. The lanyard receiver is located along an axis of the handle near the tool's center of gravity. For example, the lanyard receiver is located between the handle and a bit retainer near the center of gravity. In this orientation, the lanyard receiver prevents tipping of the conduit reamer and retains the bit within the bit retainer when the conduit reamer is dropped. The inner and outer cutting blades include an acute angle that is between 45 and 90 degrees to deburr an end of a conduit.

Abstract: A tool, such as a hammer, including a surface to strike objects, such as nails, and a mechanism to facilitate the removal of objects, such as staples that have been inserted into wood. In one embodiment the mechanism includes a recess in the hammerhead body and a projection that extends above the recess.

Abstract: A tape measure including an elongate tape blade is shown. The tape measure includes a protective bumper that extends below the tape opening. The bumper is shaped to allow the tape hook to pivot during drop or impact to reduce the impact force experienced by the tape hook.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The retraction system utilizes an epicyclic gear train coupled between the tape blade winding reel and a rotating arbor or axle within the tape measure. A spiral spring has an outer end coupled to the reel and an inner end coupled to the axle. The gear train may be a reduction gear train such that the axle rotates slower than the reel. By coupling the spiral spring between the gear train input and gear train output, high energy density springs may be used, which may allow for decrease in housing size, increase in tape length or thickness for a given housing size, and/or advantageous retraction speed control.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The retraction system utilizes an epicyclic gear train coupled between the tape blade winding reel and a rotating arbor or axle within the tape measure. A spiral spring has an outer end coupled to the reel and an inner end coupled to the axle. The gear train may be a reduction gear train such that the axle rotates slower than the reel. By coupling the spiral spring between the gear train input and gear train output, high energy density springs may be used, which may allow for decrease in housing size, increase in tape length or thickness for a given housing size, and/or advantageous retraction speed control.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The retraction system utilizes an epicyclic gear train coupled between the tape blade winding reel and a rotating arbor or axle within the tape measure. A spiral spring has an outer end coupled to the reel and an inner end coupled to the axle. The gear train may be a reduction gear train such that the axle rotates slower than the reel. By coupling the spiral spring between the gear train input and gear train output, high energy density springs may be used, which may allow for decrease in housing size, increase in tape length or thickness for a given housing size, and/or advantageous retraction speed control.