Abstract: A socket assembly for rotating a nut, the nut having an annular body with a radially inner edge defining a torque transferring surface, the socket assembly has: an intermediate socket extending axially relative to a central axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the intermediate socket engageable by a tool for rotating the intermediate socket about the central axis; and socket segments detachably connected to the intermediate socket in a circumferential array about the central axis, a socket segment of the socket segments having a nut-engaging end projecting radially outwardly relative to the distal end of the intermediate socket and engageable with the torque transferring surface of the nut to transfer a torque from the intermediate socket to the nut via the socket segments.

Abstract: An adjustable socket assembly includes a collet having a first end, a second end, and a perimeter wall. The second end has a receiving aperture therein. The collet is divided into a plurality of sections. A sleeve has a bottom end that receives the collet. The sleeve has an interior surface that tapers inwardly and abuts the sections to move toward each other as the sleeve moves toward the second ends of the sections. A biasing member extends through a top end of the sleeve and engages each of the sections. The biasing member is actuated to bias the sleeve downward to close together the sections and engaged the valve actuator. An engagement head is attached to the upper end of the biasing member and engages a tool to rotate the collet.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the removing of a spark plug, or portions thereof, from a cylinder head are disclosed. The apparatus includes a lower socket with a longitudinal bore therethrough, a radial compression member disposed in the longitudinal bore of the lower socket, and a shaft disposed on a first end of the radial compression member. The radial compression member includes an internal surface defining a concavity that faces a longitudinal axis of the lower socket. The method includes compressing the radial compression member in a radial direction toward a longitudinal axis of the spark plug terminal, thereby decreasing an outer dimension of the radial compression member in the radial direction.

Abstract: A quick action, cam operated hand tool holder, such as a tap wrench. The cam is moveable between at least one released and one locked positions, preferably by a conventional T-handle. A third position may also be provided which may be either a second locked or a second released position. An adjustable nut, or similar, retains a collet within the wrench and adjusts the wrench to different sizes of tools (i.e. taps) and adjusts the gripping force applied when the cam is locked. The collet is preferably reversible, accommodating different tool sizes on each end, but may also be single ended.

Abstract: An apparatus for engaging a slotted pin comprising a cylindrical member defining a cylindrical axial pin bore and two tab slots spaced 180.degree. apart, the slots for a portion of their length connecting through the member to the bore, engaging tabs pivotally connected in the tab slots, means for biasing the tab members outwardly from the tab slots, and means for causing engagement of the tabs with the slots of a slotted pin inserted into the bore.

Abstract: An adjustable socket for removing threaded fasteners has a split collet socket, a collet ring and an outer barrel. The split collet ring has at least two fingers. The collet ring is mounted about ends of the fingers. The outer barrel threadably engages the split collet socket and frictionally engages the collet ring. Rotating the barrel relative to the split collet socket in one sense urges the collet ring to close the fingers for gripping a head of the threaded fastener. Continued rotation of the barrel in the one sense increases the grip and applies a torque to the threaded fastener for removal thereof. Counter rotation of the barrel relative to the split collet socket relaxes the collet ring allowing removal of the head of the threaded fastener.

Abstract: A spark plug starter tool is provided and consists of a spark plug engaging member attached to distal end of an elongated flexible shaft affixed onto a dowel pin extending from a handle whereby turning of the handle will install and remove a spark plug with respect to a cylinder head of an engine thus eliminating cross-threading. In a modification an adjustable chuck head is on distal end of a rigid shaft so that the chuck head can grasp and release the spark plug.

Abstract: In instances where it is necessary to install a pipe or cable under a road or sidewalk without forming an open topped trench through the road or sidewalk, it is desirable that the operating trench in which the installing device is positioned be as narrow as possible. This is desirable to avoid disrupting the ground adjacent the road or sidewalk more often than is necessary. The installing device is positioned in the bottom of the operating trench, and clampingly engages the actuating rod and forces it axially under the road or sidewalk. Short installation rod segments are threadedly connected into the installation rod in the narrow and deep trench as the installing device pushes the installation rod under the road or sidewalk. To threadedly connect the short rod segments into the installation rod an elongated rod segment threader successively engages the rod segments and is positioned in the ditch and aligns them with the actuating rod at the bottom of the operating trench.

Abstract: An adjustable socket for engaging hardware of various metric and standard sizes includes a body having integral resilient jaws and a threaded cam sleeve rotatably mounted on the body and having an inner tapered surface positioned such that rotation of the sleeve brings the inner surface to bear against the jaws to position the jaws to define driving end openings of various sizes.