Abstract: A hammer device is provided for facilitating the driving, countersinking, and removal of relatively small fasteners, such as penny nails. A hammer includes a handle that can define an on-board tool storage area. A nail start accessory can include a tool portion and a nail holder portion. The tool portion can have a first end and a second end, with the nail holder portion being arranged at one of the first end and the second end. The on-board tool storage area of the hammer can be configured to removably store the nail start accessory substantially within the handle.

Abstract: A utility vacuum that may be configured to employ a disposable bag or removable and reusable container for the collection of dirt and debris that are drawn into the utility vacuum. The utility vacuum may employ one or more movable legs that are movable between an extended position, which provides relatively stable operation of the utility vacuum, and a retracted position, which reduces the footprint of the utility vacuum so that it is easier to store.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a cart for holding and transporting a portable blower includes one or more of the following: a rotary member configured to receive a housing of a portable blower; a cylindrical base member for supporting the rotary member; a tubular member attached at a lower end thereof to the rotary member and the base member in such a way as to permit the rotary member to be rotatable while supported on the base member; a handle attached to an upper end of the tubular member; and at least one wheel attached to the cart for guiding the cart over a surface. The cart may also include a tube locking member for adjusting the height of the tubular member, a cord retention system for securing the cord of the blower in place, a stand for holding the cart upright, and a tool storage member.

Abstract: A workbench with a collapsible frame and a plurality of top members. The collapsible frame can include a first set of legs and a second set of legs can be coupled to one of the top members. The frame and top members can be positioned and supported by the first and second sets of legs to form a pair of free standing structures that can be employed as work benches and/or saw horses.

Abstract: A light line generating device is configured to generate horizontal and vertical light lines on a work surface. The device includes a pendulum assembly, a pendulum lock mechanism, level indicator device, a light line generating assembly. The pendulum assembly includes a gimbal mechanism that supports a pendulum such that the pendulum levels within two planes. The lock mechanism is configured to selectively capture the pendulum. The level indicator device and the light line generating assembly are coupled to the pendulum. The device further includes a pendulum reorientation mechanism configured to reposition the gimbal. In operation, the device may be utilized to generate either a self-leveling horizontal light line or a manually-leveled vertical light line.

Abstract: A light line generating device is configured to generate horizontal and vertical light lines on a work surface. The device includes a pendulum assembly, a pendulum lock mechanism, level indicator device, a light line generating assembly. The pendulum assembly includes a gimbal mechanism that supports a pendulum such that the pendulum levels within two planes. The lock mechanism is configured to selectively capture the pendulum. The level indicator device and the light line generating assembly are coupled to the pendulum. The device further includes a pendulum reorientation mechanism configured to reposition the gimbal.

Abstract: A tool incorporating a device that generates a light line on a work surface such as a wall is disclosed. The device includes a housing containing a self-leveling pendulum assembly and a light source that directs a light beam along a pathway. A redirection assembly, also contained in the housing, is capable of altering the pathway of the light beam prior to exiting the housing. In use, the device selectively generates a light line on the work surface in a desired direction.

Abstract: A device that generates a light line on a work surface such as a wall is disclosed. The device includes a housing containing a self-leveling pendulum assembly and a light source that directs a light beam along a pathway. A redirection assembly, also contained in the housing, is capable of altering the pathway of the light beam prior to exiting the housing. The device may further include a measuring tool responsive to rotation of the housing on the work surface. In use, the device selectively generates a light line on the work surface in a desired direction.

Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for various tools that incorporate materials with a high coefficient of friction and a low coefficient of friction. The materials with a low coefficient of friction may be mounted on a tool and have a perpendicular movement to the tool. This perpendicular movement may be implemented with a spring mechanism. The materials with a high coefficient of friction may be mounted on the tool in a fixed position. The tool may be pressed against a surface, first engaging the materials with a low coefficient of friction. The tool may freely move across the surface while the materials with a low coefficient of friction maintain contact with the surface. As the tool is continually pressed to the surface, the materials with a high coefficient of friction subsequently make contact with the surface, thereby causing the lateral movement of the tool with respect to the surface to be restricted and stabilized. An example of the tool may be a spirit or carpenter level.

Abstract: A laser, square, protractor kit has a laser marker with a housing. The housing has a first positioning member. The protractor has a base with a second positioning member which cooperates with the first positioning member to position the housing on the protractor base. The protractor base also includes a third positioning member. A framing square is coupled with the third positioning member enabling the protractor to be positioned on the framing square.

Abstract: A vacuum that includes a container, a hose in fluid communication with the container, a fan assembly coupled to the container, an attachment and an accessory apron. The fan assembly includes a fan housing and a fan that is configured to draw a debris-laden air flow through the hose and into the container. The attachment is capable of being releasably coupled to at least one of the hose and the fan housing. The accessory apron has a strap and a holder that is sized to receive and removably store the attachment. The strap is configured to be releasably secured to at least one of the canister and the fan assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for generating light lines on a surface is disclosed. The assembly may include a first housing coupled to a second housing. The first housing includes the first housing may include a first light source and a second light source capable of generating intersecting light lines on the surface. The first housing, moreover, may be repositioned with respect to the second housing to reorient the light lines on the surface. The assembly may further include a pendulum assembly operable to self-level the light lines to create substantially vertical (plumb) and/or horizontal lines over a generally vertical surface such as a wall.

Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for various tools that incorporate materials with a high coefficient of friction and a low coefficient of friction. The materials with a low coefficient of friction may be mounted on a tool and have a perpendicular movement to the tool. This perpendicular movement may be implemented with a spring mechanism. The materials with a high coefficient of friction may be mounted on the tool in a fixed position. The tool may be pressed against a surface, first engaging the materials with a low coefficient of friction. The tool may freely move across the surface while the materials with a low coefficient of friction maintain contact with the surface. As the tool is continually pressed to the surface, the materials with a high coefficient of friction subsequently make contact with the surface, thereby causing the lateral movement of the tool with respect to the surface to be restricted and stabilized. An example of the tool may be a spirit or carpenter level.

Abstract: A detector level system for use with a work-piece is provided. The system can include a clam shell housing with a first shell and a second shell that define a set of lateral walls and a cavity. The set of lateral walls can define two parallel planes. The system can include a hidden object detector retained within the cavity and operable to detect an object hidden by the work-piece. The system can further include at least one bubble level retained in the cavity. The at least bubble level can be disposed between the parallel planes and visible through apertures formed in the set of lateral walls. The system can include at least one magnet coupled to one of the first shell, or second shell. The at least one magnet can be operable to enable the detector level system to be coupled to a metallic material.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing, a rule blade coilable within the housing, and an edge guide coupled to the housing. The edge guide may be oriented in either a first position, in which the edge guide contacts the edge of a work surface, or a second position, in which the edge guide does not contact the edge of the work surface. The edge guide may be permanently or releasably connected to the housing. The tape measure may further include a laser assembly that generates a laser line intersecting the rule blade and the work surface and a calibration mechanism to adjust the alignment of the laser line. In use, the edge guide may orient the tape measure on the work surface such that the laser line is generally perpendicular to the work surface edge.

Abstract: A utility vacuum that may be configured to employ a disposable bag or removable and reusable container for the collection of dirt and debris that are drawn into the utility vacuum. The utility vacuum may employ one or more movable legs that are movable between an extended position, which provides relatively stable operation of the utility vacuum, and a retracted position, which reduces the footprint of the utility vacuum so that it is easier to store.

Abstract: A laser level disposable on a reference surface includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably connected to the housing, a first laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a first laser beam along a first path, a first lens disposed on the pendulum in the first path for converting the first laser beam into a first planar beam, the first planar beam forming a first line on the reference surface, a second laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a second laser beam along a second path, and a second lens disposed on the pendulum in the second path for converting the second laser beam into a second planar beam, the second planar beam forming a second line on the reference surface, wherein the first and second lines are substantially perpendicular and non-intersecting.

Abstract: A line generating device may include a housing having a bottom surface, a top surface, a front surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, a rear surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, and a side surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces, a support assembly mounted within the housing. In addition, the device may include a light source mounted on the support assembly, and a lens for receiving light and projecting the light in the shape of a fan within a plane. The light plane exits through the front surface. The device is disposable on a reference surface on the bottom, rear and side surfaces.

Abstract: A laser calibration device includes a housing and a pendulum pivotally coupled to the housing and suspending downwards therefrom. A laser deck is mounted to the pendulum. At least one laser for emitting a laser line is mounted to the laser deck. The laser includes a laser barrel rotatable within a barrel holder and a laser lens pivotally coupled to the laser barrel. A first adjustment mechanism is mounted between the laser deck and the laser for adjusting pitch. A second adjustment mechanism is mounted between the barrel holder and the laser barrel for adjusting roll. A third adjustment mechanism is mounted between the laser barrel and the laser lens for adjusting crowning. A fourth adjustment mechanism mounted to the pendulum for adjusting a center of gravity of the pendulum.

Abstract: A two wire laser control circuit for a laser leveler includes a switch mounted on a housing and having an electrical current passing therethrough. The switch has a first position and a second position. A diode bridge is mounted on a pendulum. A plurality of laser diodes are mounted on the pendulum and are electrically coupled to the diode bridge. A first wire extends from the switch to the diode bridge. A second wire extends from the switch to the diode bridge. Current from the switch passes through the first wire to the diode bridge and to one of the plurality of laser diodes when the switch is in the first position. Current from the switch passes through the second wire through the diode bridge and to all of the plurality of laser diodes when the switch is in the second position.