Abstract: There is illustrated an electrically insulating hand tool having a shaft that is hollow along its entire length, a work-engaging insert received in one end of the shaft, and an electrically insulating handle connected to an opposite end of the shaft. The shaft has a unitary one-piece construction and is made from a composite material.

Abstract: An electrically insulating hand tool is comprised of a two-piece shaft formed by a tube and a rod received by the tube, a handle connected to the rod, an insert received in an end of the tube opposite the rod, and a work engaging head detachably coupled to the insert. The tube and the rod are formed of an electrically insulating non-metallic composite material.

Abstract: Insulating lineman's pliers have composite, electrically insulating handles including a core having an inner body formed of a glass-fiber-reinforced polyester pultrusion and over-braided with glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy braided layers, the core being overmolded with an elastomeric grip. The core inner bodies of the handles have axial bores in one end thereof in which are press-fitted first ends of knurled coupling pins, the other ends of which are press-fitted in bores in the ends of the metal heads, which are pivotally interconnected and respectively define plier jaws.

Abstract: A composite insulating breaker bar includes an elongated shaft formed of pultruded glass/polyester material, having a reduced end adhesively secured in an axial bore in a plastic handle, and a working end adhesively received in one end of a composite sleeve made of alternating layers of braided and longitudinal glass fibers in an epoxy resin matrix. Press-fitted in the other end of the sleeve is a swivel yoke insert including a knurled body and a pivoting square drive lug, pivotal movement of the square drive being accommodated by a diametral slot formed axially in the distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body formed entirely of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material with a gear insert molded therein and a ratchet mechanism mounted on the insert and retained in place by retaining rings. The body includes layers of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material which are subjected to compression molding around the insert to form a composite wrench structure.

Abstract: A socket tool is formed primarily from non-metallic composite material. The socket tool body is compression molded of high-strength, glass-reinforced vinyl ester sheet molding compound. Metal inserts are respectively received in the driven and driving ends of the tool body, the inserts respectively defining openings for respectively mateably receiving associated driving and driven members, the inserts being disposed in the body so that no portion of the inserts projects outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the body. The inserts are preferably insert molded in the body, but may also be fixedly secured in pre-existing recesses in the ends of the body, as by press-fitting or bonding. In the latter case, the inserts are provided with anti-rotation outer surfaces which are non-circular in transverse cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A socket tool is formed primarily from non-metallic composite material. The socket tool body is compression molded of high-strength, glass-reinforced vinyl ester sheet molding compound. Metal inserts are respectively received in the driven and driving ends of the tool body, the inserts respectively defining openings for respectively mateably receiving associated driving and driven members, the inserts being disposed in the body so that no portion of the inserts projects outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the body. The inserts are preferably insert molded in the body, but may also be fixedly secured in pre-existing recesses in the ends of the body, as by press-fitting or bonding. In the latter case, the inserts are provided with anti-rotation outer surfaces which are non-circular in transverse cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body formed entirely of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material with a gear insert molded therein and a ratchet mechanism mounted on the insert and retained in place by retaining rings. The body includes layers of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material which are subjected to compression molding around the insert to form a composite wrench structure. Several insert configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: A double-ended ratcheting box end wrench includes a body formed entirely of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material with box-type ratcheting inserts molded at opposite ends of the body. The body includes layers of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material. The body is subjected to a compression molding process embedded within which are the ratcheting inserts to form a composite wrench structure. Each insert includes a two-part housing in which are disposed a ratchet gear, a pawl and a bias spring.

Abstract: A composite, non-electrically conductive, non-sparking, non-magnetic and lightweight cutter/plier hand tool has two pivotally interconnected lever members, each of unitary, one-piece construction and formed by compression molding of multiple plies of a discontinuous random glass fiber-reinforced plastic sheet molding compound. Fixed to the jaw of each lever member is a ceramic insert made of transformation toughened zirconia, formed by dry compression and then sintering of a powdered form of the ceramic material. Each insert has a serrated gripping portion and a cutting portion, with cutting surfaces on the opposed inserts operating in shearing relationship. Three versions of the inserts are disclosed.

Abstract: A totally non-metallic wrench formed entirely of fiber-reinforced plastic material includes a core of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material extending around the periphery of the core which are subjected to compression molding to form a composite wrench structure.

Abstract: A totally non-metallic wrench formed entirely of fiber-reinforced plastic material includes a core of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material extending around the periphery of the core which are subjected to compression molding to form a composite wrench structure.

Abstract: A totally non-metallic wrench formed entirely of fiber-reinforced plastic material includes a core of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material extending around the periphery of the core which are subjected to compression molding to form a composite wrench structure.

Abstract: A molded plastic utility cart includes a one-piece hollow molded frame filled with a foamed plastic material, the frame being generally I-shaped in configuration and including an upstanding wall with a generally horizontal base at its lower end and a generally horizontal top at its upper end defining an open-top receptacle. A plastic cover is slidably mounted on the top for movement between a closed position covering the receptacle and an open position extending laterally from the top and uncovering the receptacle. The cover itself defines additional receptacle compartments. Accessory article supports may be mounted on any of the upstanding wall portion, the base or the top, and may be in the nature of additional receptacles, tool hangers or the like. A plurality of caster wheels are mounted on the underside of the base and handles are provided at both ends of the top.

Abstract: An insulating hand tool has an elongated composite shank including a pultruded polyester/glass core overbraided with an epoxy/glass outer layer. One end of the shank is received in an axial bore in a plastic handle and the other end thereof is received in one end of a braided glass/epoxy sleeve, which receives in the other end thereof a bit holder which carries a permanent magnet for magnetically retaining an associated working bit. The shank is adhesively secured to the handle and to the sleeve and the sleeve is adhesively secured to the bit holder. The handle may have a bit storage cavity therein closed by a threaded cap.