Abstract: A composite insulating breaker bar includes an elongated shaft formed of pultruded glass/polyester material, having a reduced end adhesively secured in an axial bore in a plastic handle, and a working end adhesively received in one end of a composite sleeve made of alternating layers of braided and longitudinal glass fibers in an epoxy resin matrix. Press-fitted in the other end of the sleeve is a swivel yoke insert including a knurled body and a pivoting square drive lug, pivotal movement of the square drive being accommodated by a diametral slot formed axially in the distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A wrench includes a driving cartridge having one end rotatably secured to a handle at a shaft and rotatable in a horizontal plane parallel to that of the handle. A pawl is slidably disposed between the driving cartridge and the handle and is selectively coupled to the driving cartridge for allowing the driving cartridge to be adjusted relative to the handle at any selected angular position. A barrel is rotatably disposed between the driving cartridge and the handle for receiving the pawl and coupled to the pawl for moving the pawl toward and away from the cartridge.

Abstract: A screwdriver-type tool includes a handle having first and second handle parts connected pivotally to each other. An inclination positioning unit is provided such that the first and second handle parts are rotatable between an alignment position, where the first and second handle parts are aligned with each other, and an inclined position, where the first and second handle parts form an obtuse angle therebetween.

Abstract: A device for providing proper clearance when driving a nail having a head into a surface. The device includes a handle, a blade, an anvil, and apparatus that rotatably attaches the blade to the handle. The handle is held in a hand of a user. The blade extends rotatably from, and is replaceably attached to, the handle and captures the nail between the head of the nail and the surface when the nail is being driven into the surface. When the nail is driven into the surface, the blade provides the proper clearance. The anvil is disposed on the handle, opposes the blade, and is hit sideways to free the blade from between the head of the nail and the surface after the nail has been driven into the surface.

Abstract: A tool, such as an adjustable wrench, has an adjustment mechanism to allow the operator to alter the angle of the tool head with respect to at least a portion of the tool handle. The adjustment mechanism, in a preferred embodiment, utilizes a pair of wings, one or both of which may be pushed rearwardly along the handle to disengage the locking mechanism from the tool head to allow for an operator to alter the angle of the tool head with respect to the handle. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism has at least two teeth which engage a toothed hub which faces rearwardly of a pivot point on the tool head and is held into position by a spring when not disengaged by an operator.

Abstract: A locking device for a tool, such as a ratchet wrench, having a jointed drive head which may be situated in a series of angular positions relative to a handle, and which has means for temporarily holding the drive head of the tool at a predetermined angle with respect to the handle. The tool includes a spring-biased locking element disposed in the handle and which may be either engaged with, withdrawn from, or disengaged from the drive head. In the engaged position, the tool drive head is locked in place by the locking element. In the withdrawn position, the locking element is withdrawn from the head, and held away from it by the user to permit continuous changes in the angular relationship between the handle and the drive head. Finally, in the third orientation, the locking element is withdraw from the head and secured in a temporary holding position, allowing continual changes in the angular relationship between the handle and the head without the need for the user to continually hold the locking element.