Pliers are provided. Pliers include an upper handle, a lower handle, an upper jaw coupled to the upper handle, and a lower jaw coupled to the lower handle. In general, the upper jaw includes workpiece engagement surface, such a first set of teeth configured to engage a workpiece, and the lower jaw includes a workpiece engagement surface, such as a second set of teeth and a third set of teeth. The lower jaw opposes the upper jaw such that the first set of teeth faces the second set of teeth and the third set of teeth. At least a section of the workpiece engagement surface of the lower jaw is movably coupled to the lower jaw such that it moves relative to the lower as torque is applied to a workpiece, thereby increasing torque applied to the workpiece.

A hand tool includes a handle section, a working end operably coupled to the handle section, and a jaw assembly disposed at the working end. The jaw assembly includes a movable jaw and a fixed jaw. A span defined between the movable jaw and the fixed jaw is adjustable. Each of the movable jaw and the fixed jaw includes an array of teeth defined by ridges that extend substantially parallel to each other. The array of teeth on each of the fixed jaw and the movable jaw includes a first set of teeth having a first width and a first depth, and a second set of teeth having a second width and a second depth. The first depth is less than the second depth and the first width is less than the second width.

A pipe wrench is provided with an extendable handle that fits within a cavity of the head. A lever locks the extended length of the extendable handle along a continuous spectrum between a maximum and a minimum extension of the handle. The lever includes cam surfaces. In an unlocked position, the thickness of the lever between the pivot and a friction plate is less than the thickness between the pivot and the friction plate in the locked position. The friction plate is a composite comprising a top lever plate, a midsection, and a concave surface. The lever plate and concave surface include hard, durable materials, and the midsection is a soft elastic material that redistributes frictional forces across the frictional block. The channel-lock prevents inadvertent overextension and/or accidental removal of the extendable handle.

A pipe wrench is provided with an extendable handle that fits within a cavity of the head. A lever locks the extended length of the extendable handle along a continuous spectrum between a maximum and a minimum extension of the handle. The lever includes cam surfaces. In an unlocked position, the thickness of the lever between the pivot and a friction plate is less than the thickness between the pivot and the friction plate in the locked position. The friction plate is a composite comprising a top lever plate, a midsection, and a concave surface. The lever plate and concave surface include hard, durable materials, and the midsection is a soft elastic material that redistributes frictional forces across the frictional block. The channel-lock prevents inadvertent overextension and/or accidental removal of the extendable handle.

A pipe wrench with an extendible handle is provided. The extendible handle may include a web and a flange to reduce bending stress. The pipe wrench may include a locking button that slides within a channel of the web to lock the extension handle at predetermined extended or retracted lengths. The locking button selectively enables the extension or retraction of the extension handle relative to the first handle of the pipe wrench. The locking button is biased by a spring and coupled to the extension handle with an e-clip. The body, the first handle, and/or the extension handle can include composite materials. In some embodiments, carbon fiber reinforced plastics, fiberglass reinforced plastics, and/or other reinforced polymers are used to form one or more features of the pipe wrench.

The present invention provides a wrench, and its structure includes a guide rod, a first pawl mounted on the guide rod, a sliding member sheathed on the guide rod, a second pawl mounted on the sliding member and matching with the first pawl, and a toothed block disposed on the sliding member and matching with the guide rod. The toothed block has a first position and a second position. When the toothed block is in the first position, the toothed block is slidable along the guide rod toward the first pawl, and is locked in the direction away from the first pawl. When the toothed block is in the second position, the toothed block is slidable along the guide rod toward or away from the first pawl.

A hand tool includes a handle section, a working end operably coupled to the handle section, and a jaw assembly disposed at the working end. The jaw assembly includes a movable jaw and a fixed jaw. A span defined between the movable jaw and the fixed jaw is adjustable. Each of the movable jaw and the fixed jaw includes an array of teeth defined by ridges that extend substantially parallel to each other. The array of teeth on each of the fixed jaw and the movable jaw includes a first set of teeth having a first width and a first depth, and a second set of teeth having a second width and a second depth. The first depth is less than the second depth and the first width is less than the second width.

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for use with an adjustable wrench to limit the displacement of a broken portion of the adjustable wrench relative to the remaining parts of the adjustable wrench when the wrench fractures.

Pliers are provided. Pliers include an upper handle, a lower handle, an upper jaw coupled to the upper handle, and a lower jaw coupled to the lower handle. In general, the upper jaw includes workpiece engagement surface, such a first set of teeth configured to engage a workpiece, and the lower jaw includes a workpiece engagement surface, such as a second set of teeth and a third set of teeth. The lower jaw opposes the upper jaw such that the first set of teeth faces the second set of teeth and the third set of teeth. At least a section of the workpiece engagement surface of the lower jaw is movably coupled to the lower jaw such that it moves relative to the lower as torque is applied to a workpiece, thereby increasing torque applied to the workpiece.

Wrenches such as pipe wrenches or Stillson wrenches are described that include particular geometries for a channel extending through the wrench housing. Also described are wrenches such as pipe wrenches or Stillson wrenches that include one or more shim components positioned in the channel. Furthermore, methods to reduce failure or fracturing of the wrench due to application of high side or lateral loads are described.