Abstract: A combination hand tool for cutting flexible duct and the like, which tool has both (i) a blade-holding mechanism which enables safe, quick and convenient replacement of a utility knife blade for cutting material requiring relatively low cutting pressure (e.g., the insulated portion of flexible duct) and (ii) a replaceable cutting tool having a cutting edge moveable against a cutting surface to enable the user to generate relatively high cutting force on a piece requiring such high cutting force (e.g., the metal or plastic wire component of flexible duct). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned blade-holding mechanism includes two similarly-shaped, overlying plates which are both pivotably moveable to enable separation of the plates and replacement of the utility knife blade positioned therebetween. Also, the aforementioned replaceable cutting tool is held in its operating position by a holding mechanism for releasably securing the cutting tool.

Abstract: A plier-type hand tool having a first member comprising a pair of components formed of sheet material mounted in fixed spaced relation, and a second member formed of sheet material and pivotally mounted between the components of the first member, each of the members having a jaw portion and a handle portion, and a third member pivotally mounted between the components of the first member, wherein the third member includes a recess for receiving a cutting blade, a pin for retaining the cutting blade, and a stud projecting from the third member, and wherein the second member is formed with a recess mating with the stud, such that when the second member is pivoted to an open position, access is afforded to the recess for receiving the cutting blade and the pin for retaining the cutting blade to facilitate replacement of the cutting blade.

Abstract: An improved hand tool for cutting flex-duct material comprising a plier-type wire cutter having retaining member mounted on the outside of the jaws of the wire cutter for releasably retaining a disposable razor-type blade.