Abstract: An apparatus for installing a plastic blind fastener in a remote hard-to-reach location comprising an adapter formed to hold a fastener and manipulatable by a conventional hand-operated fastener tool. The adapter includes a bowden cable operatively connected between an actuator at one end and bushings at the other. Squeezing the tool handles applies opposed forces on the bushings which are transmitted through the cable to a fastener in the actuator causing it to spread outwardly to secure adjacent structure thereto.

Abstract: A tool specifically designed for use in removing headed clips having threaded shanks used to fasten panels. The tool includes a pair of pivotally connected members having thin, elongate proximal jaw portions adapted to be inserted between the clip head and underlying structure and having distal handle portions for separating the jaw portions to pull on the clip. Preferably, the handles are spring biased apart, and the proximal jaw portions have specially shaped recesses and surfaces enabling them to be disposed in coplanar relation to permit desirable forces to be applied to the clip when the handles are squeezed together.

Abstract: Compact and portable apparatus particularly useful in aligning the axles of trailers comprises an instrument case connected by an elongated spring-loaded cable to the trailer kingpin and connected by a pair of cables to clips releasably fastened at spaced locations to the trailer axle. The case contains a sector gear which is connected to the kingpin cable and which meshes with a pinion gear coupled to a pointer adapted to register with an array of graduations to provide a readout of the misalignment which is readily readable by a workman stationed at the location adjacent the trailer axle adjustment mechanism. If desired, the case may include a lamp which is connected to a self-contained power supply and which is illuminated when the axle is properly aligned with respect to the trailer frame. In one modified embodiment, a potentiometer is coupled to the input lever and is operable to provide an analog signal corresponding to the misalignment of the axle.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning the axle of a vehicle such as a truck, bus, etc., comprises a carriage adapted to be rolled into position adjacent the axle, a beam mounted on the carriage to pivot about a horizontal axis orthogonal to the axle, and means for projecting a laser ray coaxial with the pivot axis of the beam and onto a target positioned forwardly of the axle at a predetermined location with respect to the frame of the vehicle. The underside of the axle is engaged by a pair of forks adjustably carried by the beam to position the beam parallel to the axle. A centering mechanism is provided to center the laser with respect to the axle by causing the beam pivot axis to move laterally into a central position between the wheels of the vehicle. Preferably, the laser also projects a ray rearwardly through a central bore in the beam pivot pin to facilitate alignment of the laser with the pivot axis of the beam.