Abstract: Rebound shock as well as hand and wrist fatigue associated with the use of a large wrench, is alleviated by a covering at least the butt end of the wrench with a sleeve, or gripping device, constructed from an pliant and deformable material, such as soft rubber. The gripping device may be provided for attachment to the elongated handle of a tool. It includes a sleeve dimensioned to encircle the tool handle along three sides and to extend along a substantial length of the handle. The gripping device may be mounted on the tool by means of an internal rib or ribs which lock the tool within the device channel cavity. In another embodiment, the device may include a series of finger size undulation along the outer surface to improve the ability of a person to maintain a grip.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the strength of metals by affecting subsurface zones developed during the application of large sliding loads. Stresses which develop locally within the near surface zone can be many times larger than those predicted from the applied load and the friction coefficient. These stress concentrations arise from two sources: 1) asperity interactions and 2) local and momentary bonding between the two surfaces. By controlling these parameters more desirable strength characteristics can be developed in weaker metals to provide much greater strength to rival that of steel, for example.