Hand tool

The hand tool design with a line spring biasing mechanism addresses the challenge of securely holding tool bits without increasing wall thickness, achieving a slim profile and improved versatility.

CN223099143UActive Publication Date: 2025-07-15MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202421593687.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-24
Filing Date
2024-07-08
Publication Date
2025-07-15
Estimated Expiration
2034-07-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing hand-held tools require a large wall thickness when fixing the tool cutter head, resulting in an increase in tool shaft profile width, affecting the portability and versatility of the tool.

Method used

A linear spring is used as a biasing component to fix the tool cutter head through deformation in the slot to reduce the wall thickness requirement of the tool shaft and achieve a narrow contour design.

Benefits of technology

The tool cutter head is firmly fixed while maintaining the narrow contour of the tool shaft, improving the portability and versatility of the tool.

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Abstract

A handheld tool is shown. The handheld tool comprises a handle; a reversible shaft removably coupled to the handle; and a plurality of tool bits. The plurality of tool bits are removably coupled to the first end and the second end of the reversible shaft. In a particular embodiment, at least one of the plurality of tool bits is a routing tool bit.
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Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 512,390, filed on July 7, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present utility model generally relates to the field of hand tools. Background Art

[0004] The present utility model specifically relates to a hand tool, such as a multi - purpose hand tool that can be used with a wire - stripping tool bit. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] One embodiment of the present utility model relates to a hand tool. The hand tool includes: a handle having a hole; and a tool shaft removably coupled within the hole of the handle. The tool shaft includes: a first end having a first recess; a second end opposite the first end and having a second recess; a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; and a slot defined within the tool shaft adjacent the first end. The hand tool further includes a biasing member positioned within the slot. The first recess is configured to receive a first reversible tool bit, and the second recess is configured to receive a second reversible tool bit. The biasing member is configured to fix the first reversible tool bit within the first recess.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present utility model relates to a hand tool. The hand tool includes: a handle having a hole; and a tool shaft removably coupled within the hole of the handle. The tool shaft includes: a first end including a first recess; a second end opposite the first end and including a second recess; and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The hand tool further includes: a tool bit holder positioned within the first recess; and a spring engaging the tool bit holder and longitudinally extending along the outer surface of the tool bit holder. The first recess is configured to receive a first reversible tool bit, and the second recess is configured to receive a second reversible tool bit.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present utility model relates to a hand-held tool. The hand-held tool includes: a handle having a hole; and a tool shaft removably coupled within the hole of the handle. The tool shaft includes: a first end including a first recess; a second end opposite the first end and including a second recess; a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; and a slot defined within the tool shaft. The slot extends along the longitudinal axis of the tool shaft. The hand-held tool further includes a spring positioned within the slot. The first recess is configured to receive a first reversible tool bit, and the second recess is configured to receive a second reversible tool bit. A biasing member is configured to secure the first reversible tool bit within the first recess.

[0008] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments as set forth in the written description and / or the drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0009] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the various embodiments. Description of the Drawings

[0010] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like components, and in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multi-purpose hand-held tool according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 the multi-purpose hand-held tool taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1 a cross-sectional view.

[0013] Figure 3 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 the multi-purpose hand-held tool with a portion of the handle removed, a top view.

[0014] Figure 4 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 the multi-purpose hand-held tool with the handle removed, a top view.

[0015] Figure 5 is according to an exemplary embodiment of Figure 1Bottom view of a multi-purpose hand tool with the handle removed.

[0016] Figure 6 is of an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Exploded view of a multi-purpose hand tool with the handle removed.

[0017] Figure 7 is of an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed front perspective view of one end of a multi-purpose hand tool.

[0018] Figure 8 is of an exemplary embodiment Figure 7 Front perspective view of one end of a multi-purpose hand tool as seen from above.

[0019] Figure 9 is of an exemplary embodiment Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of one end of a multi-purpose hand tool taken along Figure 7 line 9-9.

[0020] Figure 10 is of an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Right side view of a multi-purpose hand tool with the spring deformed.

[0021] Figure 11 Perspective view of a wire stripper tool tip of an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 Detailed perspective view of one end of a multi-purpose hand tool of another exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0023] Generally referring to the drawings, various different embodiments of a hand tool, specifically a multi-purpose or multi-functional tool, are shown. The various different embodiments of the multi-purpose tool discussed herein include an innovative biasing member that is used to engage with a tool tip (such as a wire stripper tool tip). The applicant has determined that it is desirable to maintain a narrow profile of the tool shaft and / or the tool tip holder while providing a spring force to secure the wire stripper tool tip to the tool shaft and / or the tool tip holder. Compared with conventional methods of securing a tool tip (such as a ball detent and a spring that require a relatively large wall thickness of the tool shaft to accommodate the securing components), the biasing member discussed herein does not require a relatively large wall thickness. In various different embodiments, the biasing member is a wire spring. Compared with conventional securing methods (such as using a C-shaped clamping spring), the height of the wire spring developed by the applicant is relatively long compared to the height of the tool shaft. The applicant believes that the size and / or shape of the biasing member of the multi-purpose tool discussed herein allows for a secure holding of the wire stripper tool tip while maintaining the narrow profile of the tool shaft.

[0024] Refer toFigure 1 , which shows a multi - purpose handheld tool according to an exemplary embodiment, shown as a multi - purpose tool that combines a wire stripper and a screwdriver. The multi - purpose tool 10 can be operated as a wire stripper to terminate wires at connectors, cross - connect panels, terminal jacks, etc., and can also be operated as a screwdriver to rotate and drive fasteners (e.g., Phillips - head screws, flat - head screws, etc.). As is generally understood, there are various different types of (e.g., impact, non - impact) wire strippers. Impact wire strippers include an impact mechanism (i.e., a pin rammer, a hammer spring) to provide the force for cutting, while non - impact wire strippers can alternatively include a double - sided blade without any impact mechanism.

[0025] The multi - purpose tool 10 includes a housing or tool shaft 12 and a handle 14. The handle 14 includes a body 32 and a grip portion 28 that at least partially surrounds the body 32. In various different embodiments, the grip portion 28 includes a plurality of ridges to improve the user's grip on the handle 14. In a specific embodiment, the grip portion 28 is formed of a material (e.g., rubber, etc.) that provides friction and is different from the material of the body 32 of the handle 14.

[0026] A connector 26 is positioned between the shaft 12 and the handle 14. The connector 26 is shaped to fit within a hole 27 in the body 32 of the handle 14. The hole 27 will have a shape corresponding to the shape of the connector 26. In various different embodiments, the connector 26 has a polygonal shape. In various different specific embodiments, the connector 26 has a generally hexagonal shape (i.e., a hexagonal prism). The polygonal shape prevents unwanted rotation between the connector 26 and the handle 14. As will be discussed in more detail below, the connector 26 engages with the shaft 12 to inhibit rotation of the shaft 12 relative to the handle 14. Thus, when the user rotates the handle 14, the shaft 12 and the tool bit 30 rotate together with the handle 14.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the shaft 12 includes a first end 16 and a second end 18 opposite the first end (see, for example Figure 4)。The shaft 12 defines a longitudinal axis 34 that extends between a first end 16 and a second end 18. The shaft 12 includes a generally cylindrical portion 20. A slot 22 is defined within the generally cylindrical portion 20 of the shaft 12 adjacent the first end 16. The slot extends along the longitudinal axis 34 in an orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 34. A biasing member (shown as spring 24) is positioned within the slot 22. In a specific embodiment, the spring 24 is a wire spring. The multi-purpose tool 10 includes a removable wire-stripping tool tip 30. The wire-stripping tool tip 30 extends beyond the first end 16 of the shaft 12. The wire-stripping tool tip 30 can include a standard configuration, such as a 110-type terminal or a 66-type terminal. In various different embodiments, the wire-stripping tool tip 30 is reversible and includes, for example, both a 110-type terminal and a 66-type terminal. As is generally understood, 66-type terminals are used to connect wires and come in various different sizes (e.g., A, B, and M), and are configured to terminate wires (such as 22 to 26 American Wire Gauge (AWG)). As is generally understood, 110-type terminals are an updated version of 66-type terminals, having a different shape and being configured to terminate wires (such as 22 to 26 American Wire Gauge (AWG)).

[0028] Reference Figures 4 to 6 , a top view, a bottom view, and an exploded view of the multi-purpose tool 10 with the handle 14 removed are shown, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The handle 14 and the shaft 12 are removably coupled such that either the first end 16 or the second end 18 is received within the handle 14. A height H1 of the shaft 12 is defined between the first end 16 and the second end 18 of the shaft 12.

[0029] The first end 16 of the shaft 12 includes a first recess 40 configured to receive the tool tip 30. At the second end 18, the shaft 12 includes a second recess 38 configured to receive a tool tip holder 36 and a plurality of tool tips (shown as reversible screwdriver tips 42, 58). The reversible screwdriver tips 42, 58 are removably coupled to the tool tip holder 36. Each of the reversible screwdriver tips 42, 58 includes a hole 70, 68 configured to receive a biasing member shown as a spring 54 and a ball 56, which together fix the tips 42, 58 to the tool tip holder 36.

[0030] The tool tip holder 36 includes a first end 60 and an opposite second end 64. The first end 60 of the tool tip holder 36 includes a recess 64 configured to receive the reversible tool tip 58. At the second end 62, the tool tip holder 36 includes a recess 66 configured to receive the reversible tool tip 42.

[0031] When the multi - purpose tool 10 is assembled, the shaft 12 is positioned within the connector 26. Specifically, the connector 26 includes an inner or inward - facing surface 50 that defines a passage 46 extending through the connector 26. When the multi - purpose tool 10 is assembled, the shaft 12 is positioned within the passage 46 of the connector 26 and extends through the passage of the connector. The shaft 12 further includes a bore 52 defined in a generally cylindrical portion 20 of the shaft 12. The bore 52 extends in a direction generally perpendicular (i.e., 90 degrees plus or minus 10 degrees) to the longitudinal axis 34 and is configured to receive a spring 54 and a ball 56. When the multi - purpose tool 10 is assembled, the spring 54 is positioned within the bore 52 and provides a force to the ball 56. The ball 56 engages the inward - facing surface 50 of the connector 26.

[0032] When the second end 18 is received within the handle 14, a protrusion 44 on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 20 engages a corresponding recess 48 of the connector 26, and the shaft 12 is in a first position (see, for example Figure 1 ). Similarly, when the first end 16 is received within the handle 14, the protrusion 44 engages the recess 48 of the connector 26, and the shaft 12 is in a second position. The engagement between the protrusion 44 and the connector 26, together with the engagement between the ball 56 and the connector 26, resists rotation of the shaft 12 relative to the connector 26. Thus, the shaft 12 is convertible relative to the handle 14 between the first position and the second position. When the shaft 12 is in the second position, the tool 10 can be used as a screwdriver. When the shaft 12 is in the first position, the tool 10 can be used as a wire - stripping tool, as described in more detail below.

[0033] The connector 26 further engages the body 32 of the handle 14. In various embodiments, the outer surface of the connector 26 includes a plurality of ridges 47 that are configured to engage the body 32 and resist rotation of the connector 26 relative to the body 32 of the handle 14. Thus, when the user rotates the handle 14, the shaft 12 and the tool bit 30 rotate together with the handle 14.

[0034] To operate the multi - purpose tool 10 as a wire - stripping tool, the user presses the wire - stripping tool bit 30 against an exposed wire to terminate the wire. Specifically, the tool bit 30 includes an angled or cutting portion for terminating the wire. To operate the multi - purpose tool 10 as a screwdriver, the user removes the shaft 12 from the handle 14, then reverses the shaft 12 and inserts the first end 16 into the handle 14. The recess 48 in the connector 26 receives the protrusion 44 to inhibit relative rotation between the shaft 12 and the handle 14 during use of the multi - purpose tool 10. Reversible screwdriver bits 42, 58 can be used to perform the desired operations on fasteners or other workpieces.

[0035] Reference Figures 7 to 8, details of the first end 16 of the shaft 12 are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The spring 24 is positioned within the slot 22 defined in the generally cylindrical portion 20 of the shaft 12 such that the spring 24 extends into the recess 40. The tool bit holder 39 is positioned within the recess 40. In other words, when the tool bit holder 39 is positioned within the recess 40, a first section of the spring 24 extends into the shaft of the tool bit holder 39 to secure the spring 24 to the tool bit holder 39. In particular embodiments, the tool bit holder 39 is integrally formed with the shaft 12 and / or the recess 40. In other embodiments, the bit holder 39 is removably coupled to the shaft 12.

[0036] refer to Figure 9 , showing the first end 16 along the Figure 7 9-9 of FIG. The tool bit holder 39 includes an upper portion (shown as an upper cylindrical portion 72), an intermediate portion (shown as an intermediate cylindrical portion 74), and a lower portion (shown as a lower cylindrical portion 76). The intermediate cylindrical portion 74 is positioned between the upper cylindrical portion 72 and the lower cylindrical portion 76. The lower cylindrical portion is positioned between the upper cylindrical portion 72 and the second end 18 of the shaft 12.

[0037] The spring 24 includes a first or upper section 78, a generally vertical (at Figure 9 12 ) or longitudinal section 80, and a second or lower section 82. Typically, the upper section 78 of the spring 24 extends into the shaft of the tool bit holder 39 near one end of the tool bit holder 39, while the lower section 82 of the spring 24 extends into the shaft of the tool bit holder 39 adjacent the opposite end of the tool bit holder 39. Thus, in this arrangement, the upper section 78 and spring end 85 of the spring 24 are located in the longitudinal direction (i.e., along the longitudinal axis 34 of the shaft 12) between the open end 41 of the tool bit holder 39 and the lower section 82, and the lower section 82 is located in the longitudinal direction between the other end 43 of the tool bit holder 39 and the upper section 78. The longitudinal section 80 of the spring 24 extends along the longitudinal axis 34 of the shaft 12. The upper section 78 and the lower section 82 of the spring 24 extend from the longitudinal section 80 , and thus the longitudinal axis 34 of the shaft 12 , in a generally perpendicular (ie, 90 degrees plus or minus 10 degrees) direction or orientation.

[0038] When the multi-purpose tool 10 is assembled, the upper section 78 of the spring 24 extends through the wall of the upper cylindrical portion 72 and specifically through the hole 84 of the upper cylindrical portion 72. A spring passage 86 extends through the first end 16 of the shaft 12 and the lower cylindrical portion 76. In a particular embodiment, the spring passage 86 extends through a majority of the first end 16 of the shaft 12. The lower section 82 of the spring 24 is positioned within the spring passage 86.

[0039] Reference Figures 9 to 10 shows details of a spring 24 according to an exemplary embodiment. A lower section 82 of the spring 24 includes a first length L1 defined between one end 83 and a longitudinal section 80. In various embodiments, L1 is less than a maximum length.

[0040] The spring 24 further includes a thickness T defined between opposite surfaces of the longitudinal section 80. In various embodiments, T is between 0.01 inches and 0.07 inches, specifically between 0.02 inches and 0.06 inches, more specifically between 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches. In a specific embodiment, T is about 0.044 inches (i.e., 0.044 inches plus or minus 0.01 inches).

[0041] The longitudinal section 80 of the spring 24 has a spring height H2 that is defined between an outer surface of the lower section 82 of the spring 24 and an outer surface of an upper section 78. In various embodiments, H2 is between 1 inch and 1.6 inches, specifically between 1.1 inches and 1.5 inches, more specifically between 1.2 inches and 1.4 inches. In a specific embodiment, H2 is about 1.38 inches (i.e., 1.38 inches plus or minus 0.05 inches). In various embodiments, L1 is less than 50% of H2.

[0042] The longitudinal section 80 of the spring 24 has a second spring height H3 that is defined between an inner surface of the lower section 82 of the spring 24 and an inner surface of the upper section 78. In various embodiments, H3 is between 80% and 99% of H2, specifically between 85% and 97% of H2, more specifically between 90% and 95% of H2. In such an embodiment, H3 is about 93% of H1 (i.e., 93% plus or minus 2%).

[0043] As previously described, the height of the spring 24 is relatively long compared to the height of a conventional fixed component with respect to the height of the shaft 12. In various embodiments, H2 is greater than 20% of H1. In various embodiments, H2 is between 20% and 40% of H1, specifically between 25% and 35% of H1, more specifically between 29% and 32% of H1. In such an embodiment, H2 is about 31% of H1 (i.e., 31% plus or minus 0.5%).

[0044] The upper section 78 of the spring 24 includes a second length L2 defined between one end 85 and the longitudinal section 80. In various embodiments, L2 is less than L1. In various specific embodiments, L2 is less than 50% of L1. In various embodiments, L2 is less than a maximum length.

[0045] After the spring 24 is installed in the first end 16 of the shaft 12 and / or the tool bit holder 39, a punch is used to deform the spring 24. Specifically, the punch applies a force to the lower section 82 of the spring 24 to deform the lower section 82, thereby fixing the spring 24 in place. In other words, when the spring 24 is positioned within the slot 22, the outer portion or surface of the spring 24 is deformed to secure the spring 22 to the shaft 12. As Figure 10 shown, once the lower section 82 is deformed, the deformed lower section 82a does not extend from the longitudinal section 80 in a completely vertical or horizontal orientation. Due to the deformed section 89 of the lower section 82a, the spring 24 resists removal from the tool bit holder 39, and the spring 24 is securely mounted at the first end 16 of the shaft 12. In other words, if a user attempts to remove the spring 24 from the tool bit holder 39, the deformed section 89 engages the spring channel 86 to provide resistance.

[0046] The deformed lower section 82a of the spring 24 includes a third length L3 defined between one end 83 and the longitudinal section 80. In various different embodiments, L3 is between 0.1 inches and 1 inch, specifically between 0.2 inches and 0.8 inches, and more specifically between 0.4 inches and 0.6 inches. In a specific embodiment, L3 is approximately 0.5 inches (i.e., 0.5 inches plus or minus 0.075 inches).

[0047] Reference Figure 11 , details of the tool bit 30 according to an exemplary embodiment are shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the wire-stripping tool bit 30 is reversible and includes two ends. The first end 90 of the wire-stripping tool bit 30 is a type 110 terminal, while the opposite second end 94 is a type 66 terminal. In various different other embodiments, the wire-stripping tool bit may have different terminal types. The central body portion 92 is positioned between the first end 90 and the second end 94 of the wire-stripping tool bit 30 and is connected to the first end and the second end of the wire-stripping tool bit. The central body portion 92 includes a slot 93 configured to engage the upper section 72 of the spring 24. In various different embodiments, the central body portion 92 includes two slots 93 such that the wire-stripping tool bit 30 can be positioned with either side of the central body portion 92 facing the spring 24.

[0048] When the spring 24 is installed in the tool bit holder 39, the upper section 72 of the spring extends through the wall of the tool bit holder 39, where the spring end 85 extends freely into the first recess 40. When the wire-stripping tool bit 30 is positioned within the first recess 40, the upper section 72 is aligned with and engages the slot 93. Then, the wire-stripping tool bit 30 is rotated within the first recess 40 to fix the wire-stripping tool bit 30 relative to the shaft 12.

[0049] Reference Figure 12, a detailed perspective view of the first end 116 of the multi-purpose tool 100 according to another exemplary embodiment is shown. Except for the differences discussed herein, the multi-purpose tool 100 is substantially the same as the multi-purpose tool 10. The punch is used to deform a longitudinal section 180 of the spring 124 and a portion of the shaft 112, rather than using the punch to fix the lower section 82 of the spring 24. Specifically, the punch applies a force to the longitudinal section 180 of the spring 124 to fix the spring 124 in place within the slot 122 and relative to the shaft 112. The deformed section 190 of the spring 124 is positioned along the longitudinal section 180 of the spring 124.

[0050] The position of the deformed section 190 (i.e., the position where the force is applied) is selected to provide a desired spring force to the spring 124. The spring force is determined by the cantilever distance D. As is generally understood, selecting a smaller cantilever distance will provide a greater spring force. The cantilever distance D is defined between the upper section 178 of the spring 124 and the center 192 of the deformed section 190. In a specific embodiment, D is selected to be half of the first height of the longitudinal section 180. In such an embodiment, the spring force is greater than the minimum force. In other embodiments, D is selected to be a different distance.

[0051] In various different specific embodiments, D is between 1% and 99% of H2, specifically between 30% and 80% of H2, more specifically between 40% and 70% of H2. In such an embodiment, D is approximately 50% of H2 (i.e., 50% plus or minus 5%).

[0052] It should be understood that the drawings show in detail the exemplary embodiments, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered restrictive.

[0053] In accordance with this specification, additional modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this specification should be construed as merely illustrative. The structures and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications can be made (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions, parameter values, installation arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. of various components) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some components shown as integrally formed can be constructed from multiple parts or components, the positions of the components can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete components can be altered or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm or method step can be changed or re-ordered. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] Unless otherwise expressly stated, no intention is ever made to interpret any method set forth herein as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order of its steps to be followed or where the claims or specification do not specifically state that the steps are limited to a particular order, no particular order should be inferred. Further, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more components or elements and is not to be construed as meaning only one.

[0055] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two components are directly or indirectly coupled to each other. Such a coupling can be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such a coupling can be achieved by integrally forming two members and any additional intermediate members together into a single unitary body, or by attaching two members or two members and any additional members to each other. Such a coupling can be permanent in nature or alternatively removable or releasable in nature. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" means that two components are coupled in such a way that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship under the action of forces.

[0056] Although this application recites a particular combination of features in the appended claims, the various different embodiments of the present invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein (whether such combination is currently claimed or not), and any such combination of features can be claimed in this application or in future applications. Any feature, component or element of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above can be used alone or in combination with any feature, component or element of any of the other exemplary embodiments discussed above.

[0057] In a variety of different exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions (including angles, lengths, and radii) shown in the figures are proportional. An actual measurement of the figures will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. The variety of different exemplary embodiments extends to various ranges of absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and proportions that can be determined from the figures. The variety of different exemplary embodiments includes any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the figures. Further, the actual dimensions not explicitly stated in this specification can be determined by using the ratios of the dimensions measured in the figures in combination with the explicit dimensions stated in this specification.

Claims

1. A handheld tool, the handheld tool comprising: A handle, the handle including a hole; A tool shaft removably coupled within the hole of the handle, the tool shaft including: A first end, the first end including a first recess; A second end opposite the first end, the second end including a second recess; A longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; and A slot defined within the tool shaft adjacent the first end; and A biasing member positioned within the slot; Characterized in that the first recess is configured to receive a first reversible tool bit and the second recess is configured to receive a second reversible tool bit, and wherein the biasing member is configured to fix the first reversible tool bit within the first recess.

2. The hand-held tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slot extends longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the tool shaft.

3. The hand-held tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The biasing member is an elongated biasing member extending longitudinally along the tool shaft.

4. The hand-held tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The biasing member is a wire spring.

5. The hand-held tool according to claim 1, characterized in that The first reversible tool bit is a wire-stripping tool bit.

6. The hand-held tool according to claim 5, characterized in that, A first end of the wire-stripping tool bit is a type 110 terminal and a second end of the wire-stripping tool bit is a type 66 terminal.

7. The hand-held tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handheld tool further includes a tool bit holder positioned within the first recess between the tool shaft and the first reversible tool bit.

8. The hand-held tool according to claim 7, wherein, The biasing member includes a longitudinal section extending along the longitudinal axis of the tool bit holder.

9. The hand-held tool according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tool bit holder further includes: A shaft; A first end; and A second end opposite the first end; Wherein, at the first end, a first biasing member end extends into the shaft of the tool bit holder, and wherein, at the second end, a second biasing member end extends into the shaft of the tool bit holder.

10. A handheld tool, the handheld tool comprising: A handle, the handle including a hole; A tool shaft removably coupled within the hole of the handle, the tool shaft including: A first end, the first end including a first recess; A second end opposite the first end, the second end including a second recess; and A longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; A tool bit holder positioned within the first recess; and A spring engaging the tool bit holder and extending longitudinally along an outer surface of the tool bit holder; Characterized in that the first recess is configured to receive a first reversible tool bit and the second recess is configured to receive a second reversible tool bit.

11. The hand-held tool according to claim 10, wherein, The spring further includes: A first section; A second section; and A longitudinal section extending between and connecting the first section and the second section.

12. The hand-held tool according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first section of the spring and the second section of the spring each extend into the shaft of the tool bit holder to fix the spring to the tool bit holder.

13. The hand-held tool according to claim 10, characterized in that, The tool shaft further includes a slot extending along the longitudinal axis of the tool shaft.

14. The hand-held tool according to claim 13, characterized in that, The spring is positioned within the slot and an outer portion of the spring is deformed to fix the spring to the tool shaft.

15. A handheld tool, the handheld tool comprising: A handle, the handle including a hole; A tool shaft removably coupled within a bore of the handle, the tool shaft comprising: A first end including a first recess; A second end opposite the first end, the second end including a second recess; A longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; and A slot defined within the tool shaft and extending along the longitudinal axis of the tool shaft; A spring positioned within the slot; Characterized in that the first recess is configured to receive a first reversible tool bit and the second recess is configured to receive a second reversible tool bit, and wherein the spring is configured to secure the first reversible tool bit within the first recess.

16. The hand tool according to claim 15, characterized in that, The spring further comprises: A first section; A second section; and A longitudinal section extending between and connecting the first section and the second section, wherein the longitudinal section is positioned within the slot of the tool shaft.

17. The hand-held tool according to claim 16, wherein, A first height is defined between the first section and the second section of the spring, and wherein a second height is defined between the first end and the second end of the tool shaft.

18. The hand tool according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first height is greater than 20% of the second height.

19. The hand-held tool according to claim 16, characterized in that, The hand tool further comprises a tool bit holder positioned within the first recess, and a first section of the spring extends into a shaft of the tool bit holder to secure the spring to the tool bit holder.

20. The hand-held tool according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first section of the spring has an orientation substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal section of the spring.