Abstract: A hand-actuated bar clamp apparatus is disclosed which provides a high level of holding power or force on a workpiece. The bar clamp includes first and second jaws that are movably coupled to a bar. The first jaw includes a drive lever that engages the bar and a trigger that drives the drive lever to move the bar relative to the first jaw. A brake mechanism is contained within the first jaw to prevent it from moving in the opposite direction. The second jaw includes a push-button release assembly and a stop mechanism actuated by the push-button release assembly. The stop mechanism frictionally engages the second jaw to the bar when the second jaw is not under load.

Abstract: The invention provides a demolition tool that can be used in many ways for the demolition of construction materials or other materials. The demolition tool includes a handle having a head at one end. The head has a longitudinal central plane that bisects the head, a strike contact face, and toothed, stepped grasping jaws that accommodate multiple sizes of lumber or other material. The head may also include a blunt blade edge below the strike contact face for striking and demolishing material. The demolition tool includes a bent end pry bar at a second end of the handle. The bent end pry bar being offset 90 degrees from the longitudinal central plane of the tool head enabling full range of motion without interfering with other tool functions. The demolition tool may comprise a single piece of material and may be softer than tools used to strike it, but harder than materials which it is used to strike.

Abstract: A level for measuring, including a level body having a recess, a vial positioned within the recess and secured to the level body, and a resilient member positioned between the vial and the level body to act as a resilient backer to the vial during the positioning of the vial. Also, a method of installing a vial in a level, a method of measuring the angle of an elongated member having a convex, transverse cross-section, and a level for measuring having a vial assembly that is rotatably positioned within the level body.

Abstract: A compact utility knife includes a blade holder slidably connected to a handle. A trapezoidal utility blade detachably mounts to the blade holder via a blade lock mechanism. A slide lock mechanism selectively retains the blade holder in its extended or retracted position relative to the handle. When the blade holder is extended, the blade holder and a majority of the blade extend forwardly of a forwardmost point of the handle. Extending the blade holder significantly increases an overall length of the knife such that the knife is comfortable to use when in the extended position and longitudinally compact when in the retracted position. The knife includes a blade lock mechanism. An aperture in the front of the handle creates a gap between the blade and the handle to discourage debris on the blade from transferring to the handle when the blade is retracted.

Abstract: A level for measuring, including a level body having a recess, a vial positioned within the recess and secured to the level body, and a resilient member positioned between the vial and the level body to act as a resilient backer to the vial during the positioning of the vial. Also, a method of installing a vial in a level, a method of measuring the angle of an elongated member having a convex, transverse cross-section, and a level for measuring having a vial assembly that is rotatably positioned within the level body.

Abstract: The invention provides a demolition tool that can be used in many ways for the demolition of construction materials or other materials. The demolition tool includes a handle having a head at one end. The head has a longitudinal central plane that bisects the head, a strike contact face, and toothed, stepped grasping jaws that accommodate multiple sizes of lumber or other material. The head may also include a blunt blade edge below the strike contact face for striking and demolishing material. The demolition tool includes a bent end pry bar at a second end of the handle. The bent end pry bar being offset 90 degrees from the longitudinal central plane of the tool head enabling full range of motion without interfering with other tool functions. The demolition tool may comprise a single piece of material and may be softer than tools used to strike it, but harder than materials which it is used to strike.

Abstract: A compact utility knife includes a blade holder slidably connected to a handle. A trapezoidal utility blade detachably mounts to the blade holder via a blade lock mechanism. A slide lock mechanism selectively retains the blade holder in its extended or retracted position relative to the handle. When the blade holder is extended, the blade holder and a majority of the blade extend forwardly of a forwardmost point of the handle. Extending the blade holder significantly increases an overall length of the knife such that the knife is comfortable to use when in the extended position and longitudinally compact when in the retracted position. The knife includes a blade lock mechanism. An aperture in the front of the handle creates a gap between the blade and the handle to discourage debris on the blade from transferring to the handle when the blade is retracted.

Abstract: A compact utility knife includes a blade holder slidably connected to a handle. A trapezoidal utility blade detachably mounts to the blade holder via a blade lock mechanism. A slide lock mechanism selectively retains the blade holder in its extended or retracted position relative to the handle. When the blade holder is extended, the blade holder and a majority of the blade extend forwardly of a forwardmost point of the handle. Extending the blade holder significantly increases an overall length of the knife such that the knife is comfortable to use when in the extended position and longitudinally compact when in the retracted position. The knife includes a blade lock mechanism. An aperture in the front of the handle creates a gap between the blade and the handle to discourage debris on the blade from transferring to the handle when the blade is retracted.

Abstract: A paint roller tray is provided with a removable cover. The paint roller tray includes a paint brush support formed in a front side of the tray, front and back paint roller support notches, a pour spout, a hanging fixture, and support legs. The cover includes paint roller and paint brush accommodating bulges that allow the cover to be mounted to the tray while a paint roller and a paint brush are disposed wholly or partially between the tray and cover.

Abstract: A hacksaw includes an elongated blade, a frame, and a blade tension adjustment mechanism. The blade tension adjustment mechanism includes a lever constructed and arranged to be pivotally moved between (1) a blade tensioning position so as to tension the blade, and (2) a blade releasing position so as to release the tension from the blade and thereby allow removal and replacement of the blade. A lock is slidably attached to the lever to slide between (1) a locked position wherein the lock secures the lever in the blade tensioning position, and (2) an unlocked position wherein the lock permits the lever to be pivoted between the blade tensioning position and the blade releasing position.

Abstract: A hacksaw includes an elongated blade, a frame, and a blade tension adjustment mechanism. The blade tension adjustment mechanism includes a lever constructed and arranged to be pivotally moved between (1) a blade tensioning position so as to tension the blade, and (2) a blade releasing position so as to release the tension from the blade and thereby allow removal and replacement of the blade. A lock is slidably attached to the lever to slide between (1) a locked position wherein the lock secures the lever in the blade tensioning position, and (2) an unlocked position wherein the lock permits the lever to be pivoted between the blade tensioning position and the blade releasing position.