Abstract: A clamp assembly that can be installed on and removed from its mounting on an elongated structure (e.g., 2×4) without the need for sliding past an end of the structure is disclosed. The clamp assembly may include a pair of clamp bodies with pads for engaging a workpiece. Each of the clamp bodies includes a clamp mount with a movable member arranged to be moved into forced engagement with an exterior surface (e.g., side) of the 2×4 to fix the clamp body on the 2×4. At least one of or both of the clamp bodies include a releasable connection that, when released, allows for the removal of the clamp body from the 2×4 without the need to longitudinally slide the body past an end of the 2×4.

Abstract: A chalk box includes a housing with an opening and a rotatable reel disposed within the housing. An elongated line is arranged to be wound on the reel. A reel winder is arranged to rotate the reel to wind the line on the reel. A movable cover is mounted to the housing and is movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover when open permits a powder or a fluid marker material to be placed into the housing through the opening in the housing. The movable cover includes an elastomeric material enabling the cover to seal with the housing when the cover is closed to prevent leakage of the marker material at an interface between the movable cover and the housing. A releasable lock is arranged to releasably lock the cover in the closed position, the releasable lock being manually manipulable by a user's fingers to release the lock to permit access into the housing through the opening.

Abstract: A device for determining the relationship of a surface relative to level is provided, the device having an elongated body portion and at least one attachment portion for attaching the elongated body portion to a workpiece. The at least one attachment portion may include a clamp or other attachment mechanism that can be stored in a storage position and deployed in at least one deployed position so as to attach the elongated body portion to the workpiece.

Abstract: A chalk box includes a housing with an opening and a rotatable reel disposed within the housing. An elongated line is arranged to be wound on the reel. A reel winder is arranged to rotate the reel to wind the line on the reel. A movable cover is mounted to the housing and is movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover when open permits a powder or a fluid marker material to be placed into the housing through the opening in the housing. The movable cover includes an elastomeric material enabling the cover to seal with the housing when the cover is closed to prevent leakage of the marker material at an interface between the movable cover and the housing. A releasable lock is arranged to releasably lock the cover in the closed position, the releasable lock being manually manipulable by a user's fingers to release the lock to permit access into the housing through the opening.

Abstract: A device for determining the relationship of a surface relative to level is provided, the device having an elongated body portion and at least one attachment portion for attaching the elongated body portion to a workpiece. The at least one attachment portion may include a clamp or other attachment mechanism that can be stored in a storage position and deployed in at least one deployed position so as to attach the elongated body portion to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mount includes dispensing a predetermined amount of molten thermoplastic adhesive on a release liner, attaching a tab to the adhesive while the adhesive is at a temperature above its softening point, and cooling the adhesive to a temperature below its softening point.

Abstract: A longitudinally-elongated, hand-held level includes a body having a reference surface, a longitudinally-extending corner adjacent the reference surface, and a plurality of bubble vials for indicating an orientation of the reference surface. One or more battery-powered lights (e.g., LEDs) create a longitudinally elongated light emitting region along the corner to illuminate a longitudinally-elongated area that is adjacent to the level for use in low-light environments. The light(s) may project light through a light guide and/or light diffuser(s) extending along the corner to disperse light along the longitudinal extent of the level. The light(s) may also illuminate the corner(s) of the level and/or the bubble vials to enhance use in low-light environments.

Abstract: A device includes a housing, a vial carried by the housing, a light source carried by the housing, and a base movably connected to the housing. The base and the housing have cooperating structures so as to allow movement of the housing and the base relative to each other along an arc. The base is mountable on a reference surface, and the light source is arranged to form a line of light on the reference surface.

Abstract: A level includes a body having first and second arms attached to each other for relative pivotal movement about a pivot axis between open and closed positions. The level also includes a bubble vial mounted to the body and having a longitudinal axis coaxial with the pivot axis. Movement of the arms from their closed position to their open position exposes a measurement portion of the first bubble vial for use. Movement of the arms from their open position to their closed position shields the measurement portion of the first bubble vial within the body to protect the bubble vial from damage during storage.

Abstract: A level includes a body having first and second arms attached to each other for relative pivotal movement about a pivot axis between open and closed positions. The level also includes a bubble vial mounted to the body and having a longitudinal axis coaxial with the pivot axis. Movement of the arms from their closed position to their open position exposes a measurement portion of the first bubble vial for use. Movement of the arms from their open position to their closed position shields the measurement portion of the first bubble vial within the body to protect the bubble vial from damage during storage.

Abstract: An anchor for securing a line is provided that has an elongated housing with a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The housing houses an attachment member for securing the anchor to a surface and the attachment member is configured to protrude from the housing and to retract substantially entirely within the housing. An actuation member is received by the housing and has a protruding. The actuation member is operably connected to the attachment member and biased in a direction toward the second end of the housing. The actuation member is further configured to slide axially within the housing and rotate about the longitudinal axis to selectively move the attachment member such that it protrudes from the first end of the housing at any one of a plurality of predetermined distances.

Abstract: A longitudinally-elongated, hand-held level includes a body having a reference surface, a longitudinally-extending corner adjacent the reference surface, and a plurality of bubble vials for indicating an orientation of the reference surface. One or more battery-powered lights (e.g., LEDs) create a longitudinally elongated light emitting region along the corner to illuminate a longitudinally-elongated area that is adjacent to the level for use in low-light environments. The light(s) may project light through a light guide and/or light diffuser(s) extending along the corner to disperse light along the longitudinal extent of the level. The light(s) may also illuminate the corner(s) of the level and/or the bubble vials to enhance use in low-light environments.

Abstract: A device includes a housing, a vial carried by the housing, a light source carried by the housing, and a base movably connected to the housing. The base and the housing have cooperating structures so as to allow movement of the housing and the base relative to each other along an arc. The base is mountable on a reference surface, and the light source is arranged to form a line of light on the reference surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mount includes dispensing a predetermined amount of molten thermoplastic adhesive on a release liner, attaching a tab to the adhesive while the adhesive is at a temperature above its softening point, and cooling the adhesive to a temperature below its softening point.

Abstract: A mount for removably mounting a device to a reference surface is provided. The mount includes a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive, and a tab that extends from the adhesive. The adhesive is configured to adhere to the surface and the device when the device is mounted to the surface. The adhesive is also configured to be removed from the surface without damaging the surface by moving the tab in a direction substantially parallel to the surface.

Abstract: A waterproof chalk composition including silicone oil, powdered chalk, and optional colorants, suitable for applying to a chalk line of a chalk line device, is provided. Methods of making and using the waterproof chalk composition using silicone oil, powdered chalk, and colorants, are provided. The waterproof chalk composition provided herein can be used or packaged immediately after preparation, and does not require a drying step to evaporate solvents. The waterproof chalk composition provided herein does not contain environmentally unfriendly components such as solvents.

Abstract: A mount for removably mounting a device to a reference surface is provided. The mount includes a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive, and a tab that extends from the adhesive. The adhesive is configured to adhere to the surface and the device when the device is mounted to the surface. The adhesive is also configured to be removed from the surface without damaging the surface by moving the tab in a direction substantially parallel to the surface.

Abstract: An anchor for securing a line is provided that has an elongated housing with a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end. The housing houses an attachment member for securing the anchor to a surface and the attachment member is configured to protrude from the housing and to retract substantially entirely within the housing. An actuation member is received by the housing and has a protruding. The actuation member is operably connected to the attachment member and biased in a direction toward the second end of the housing. The actuation member is further configured to slide axially within the housing and rotate about the longitudinal axis to selectively move the attachment member such that it protrudes from the first end of the housing at any one of a plurality of predetermined distances.

Abstract: A hand tool has two digital video cameras mounted thereon adjacent to a working end of the tool for viewing a work site, which video cameras are connected to a pair of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) mounted on the tool proximate a control end of the tool. The hand tool includes a barrel with a handle at the control end and a control operator for activating the tool, wherein the control operator is in operative relationship with the handle and wherein the working end of the tool is positioned at the end of the barrel opposite the control end of the tool. In an illustrated example, the cameras and LCDs are mounted on a pneumatic nut runner with a T-head tool drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a predetermined amount of adhesive weighted tape includes a controller adapted to receive a request for a desired amount of adhesive weighted tape and an elongated track member adapted to receive a supply of the adhesive weighted tape. A sensor is mounted adjacent a second end of the track member. The sensor in communication with the controller is operable to transmit a signal to the controller corresponding to a measured amount of weighted tape passing thereby. A motive apparatus in communication with the controller is adapted to move the weighted tape from a first end to the second end of the track member in response to the signal from the sensor. A cutting member disposed adjacent the second end of the track member is in communication with the controller and is adapted to cut the weighted tape in response to the signal from the sensor.