A hand tool

Abstract

A hand tool comprises a handle and a tool head pivotally mounted to the handle at a pivot joint such that the handle can be angled with respect to the tool head at a plurality of positions. The hand tool also comprises a locking mechanism arranged to selectively release and fix a relative position of the handle and the tool head. The locking mechanism comprises a moveable pawl having a first tooth surface and a second release surface and a reciprocal tooth surface. The moveable pawl is mounted on the handle or the tool head and the reciprocal tooth surface is mounted on the other of the handle and the tool head. The moveable pawl is configured to move between a locked position wherein the first tooth surface engages the reciprocal tooth surface such that the handle is fixed with respect to the tool head, and a release position wherein the second release surface is adjacent to the reciprocal tooth surface and permits relative movement therebetween such that the handle can pivot with respect to the tool head.

Description

[0001] A HAND TOOL

[0002] Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a hand tool.

[0004] Background

[0005] Handles such as wrenches and ratchet wrenches may need to be used in tight spaces. This means that sometimes the handle of a hand tool is too long for the hand tool to be placed in engagement with, e.g. a fastener.

[0006] It is known that some hand tools have a flexible joint between the handle and the tool head to adjust the angle of the tool head with respect to the handle. However, the joint may not securely hold the position of the tool head with respect to the handle. This means that the tool head may change position with respect to the handle when the user is applying force to the handle. This might mean the user could slip and damage the fastener, the hand tool, or hurt themselves.

[0007] Summary

[0008] Examples of the present disclosure aim to address the aforementioned problems.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is a hand tool comprising: a handle; a tool head pivotally mounted to the handle at a pivot joint such that the handle can be angled with respect to the tool head at a plurality of positions; and a locking mechanism arranged to selectively release and fix a relative position of the handle and the tool head; wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a moveable pawl having a first tooth surface and a second release surface; and a reciprocal tooth surface; wherein the moveable pawl is mounted on the handle or the tool head and the reciprocal tooth surface is mounted on the other of the handle and the tool head; wherein the moveable pawl is configured to move between a locked position wherein the first tooth surface engages the reciprocal tooth surface such that the handle is fixed with respect to the tool head, and a release position wherein the second release surface is adjacent to the reciprocal tooth surface and permits relative movement therebetween such that the handle can pivot with respect to the tool head.

[0010] Optionally the pivot joint comprises a yoke and a centre arm pivotally mounted between the yoke wherein one of the handle and the tool head comprises the yoke and the other of the handle and the tool head comprises the centre arm .

[0011] Optionally the centre arm comprises the reciprocal tooth surface and the yoke comprises the moveable pawl .

[0012] Optionally the moveable pawl is pivotable about a pawl pivot axis between the locked position and the release position.

[0013] Optionally the pawl pivot axis is perpendicular to a handle longitudinal axis or a tool head longitudinal axis .

[0014] Optionally the first tooth surface and the second release surface are concave and the reciprocal tooth surface is convex.

[0015] Optionally the first tooth surface and the second release surface are convex and the reciprocal tooth surface is concave.

[0016] Optionally the locking mechanism comprises a selector lever arranged to move the moveable pawl between the locked position and the release position.

[0017] Optionally the selector lever comprises at least one biased pin configured to engage a camming surface on the moveable pawl .

[0018] Optionally the first tooth surface , the second release surface and the reciprocal surface each curve in a single direction. Optionally the first tooth surface extends in a first direction and the second release surface extends in a second direction angled with respect to the first direction .

[0019] Optionally the first tooth surface is not curved in the first direction and the second release surface is not curved in the second direction .

[0020] Optionally the second release surface is smooth.

[0021] Optionally the moveable pawl comprises at least one sliding surface configured to engage a reciprocal guide surface in the handle or the tool head when the moveable pawl moves between the locked position and the release position.

[0022] Optionally the second release surface is configured to exert a force against the reciprocal tooth surface when the moveable pawl is in the release position.

[0023] Optionally the tool head comprises a ratchet wrench, a wrench, a socket wrench, a screwdriver, or a socket driver.

[0024] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Various other aspects and further examples are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the hand tool according to some examples;

[0027] Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the hand tool according to some examples;

[0028] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the hand tool according to some examples;

[0029] Figures 4a and 4b respectively show a side cross-sectional view and a plan cross-sectional view of the hand tool in a locked position according to some examples; Figures 5a and 5b respectively show a side cross-sectional view and a plan cross-sectional view of the hand tool in a released position according to some examples; and

[0030] Figures 6a and 6b show perspective views of a component of the hand tool according to some examples.

[0031] Detailed Description

[0032] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the hand tool 100. The hand tool 100 as shown in Figure 1 is a wrench and specifically, the hand tool 100 is a ratchet wrench. However, in other examples, the hand tool 100 can be any sort of tool. For example, the hand tool 100 can be a ratchet wrench, a wrench, a socket wrench, a screwdriver, a socket driver or any other suitable hand tool 100.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1 , the hand tool 100 comprises a handle 102, which extends along a handle longitudinal axis 128. The hand tool 100 also comprises a tool head 104, which extends along a tool head longitudinal axis 130.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1 , the tool head longitudinal axis 130 and the handle longitudinal axis 128 are parallel to each other and indeed coaxial. The tool head 104 is pivoted pivotally mounted to the handle 102 at a pivot joint 106. The pivot joint 106 allows the tool head 104 to be moved with respect to the handle 102.

[0035] Whilst the tool head 104 as shown in Figure 1 is not inclined with respect to the handle 102, the pivot joint 106 allows the tool head 104 to be angled at any suitable pivot angle 164 with respect to the tool handle 102.

[0036] The pivot angle 164 as shown in Figure 1 is 180 degrees. However, the pivot angle 164 can be adjusted to be any angle that the pivot joint 106 allows. For example, the tool head 104 can rotate clockwise with respect to the handle 102 as shown in Figure 1 by e.g. 90 degrees, 100 degrees or 120 degrees. Similarly, the tool head 104 can pivot about the pivot joint 106 at the pivot axis 162 in a counterclockwise direction by e.g. 90 degrees, 100 degrees or 120 degrees.

[0037] The hand tool 100 will now be discussed in further detail with respect to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows another perspective view of the hand tool 100 on a different side than shown in Figure 1 .

[0038] The hand tool 100 comprises a locking mechanism 112 configured to selectively lock or release the tool head 104 with respect to the handle 102.

[0039] The locking mechanism 112 is configured to selectively allow relative movement of the tool head 104 about the pivot axis 162 with respect to the handle 102 when the locking mechanism 112 is in a release position. Specifically, when the locking mechanism 112 is in the release position, the tool head 104 is perm itted to pivot about the pivot axis 162 with respect to the handle 102. In contrast, the locking mechanism 112 is configured to selectively prevent relative movement of the tool head 104 with respect to the handle 102 when in a locked position.

[0040] The locking mechanism 112 is optionally operatively connected to a selector lever 132. The selector lever 132 allows the user to activate or release the locking mechanism 112. The selector lever 132 is positioned on the handle 102 and allows the user to actuate the locking mechanism 112 while gripping the handle 102. For example, the user can actuate the selector lever 132 with their thumb whilst gripping the handle 102 with their fingers. Whilst the Figures show the locking mechanism 112 is actuated with a selector lever 132, in other examples, any other suitable component can be used to actuate the locking mechanism 112 e.g. a depressible button, a slider etc.

[0041] As mentioned above, the hand tool 100 is a ratchet wrench. Accordingly, the hand tool 100 comprises a ratchet mechanism 158. The ratchet mechanism 158 is actuated with a ratchet mechanism selector lever 160 as shown in Figure 2. The ratchet mechanism selector lever 160, in some examples, is the same component as the selector lever 132. This means that manufacturing and assembly of the hand tool 100 is more efficient and easier.

[0042] The ratchet mechanism 158 is shown in more detail in Figures 3, 4 and 5. However, the ratchet mechanism 158 is known and will not be discussed in any further detail herein. Indeed, the locking mechanism 112 is independent of the ratchet mechanism 158 and can be implemented in hand tool 100 without a ratchet mechanism 158.

[0043] Reference will now be made to Figure 3 to describe the hand tool 100 in more detail. Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the hand tool 100.

[0044] The handle 102 comprises a yoke 122 having a first yoke arm 166 and a second yoke arm 168 which are spaced apart. The yoke 122 may also be referred to as “stirrups” but hereinafter the term yoke 122 will be used.

[0045] The first yoke arm 166 and the second yoke arm 168 are configured to receive a central arm 124 there between. The first yoke arm 166, the second yoke arm 168 and the central arm 124 form the pivot joint 106 when the pivot screw 108 is inserted into the yoke 122 and the central arm 124.

[0046] Whilst the yoke 122 is shown integral with the handle 102 and the central arm 124 is integral with the tool head 104, other arrangements can be used. For example, alternatively, the tool head 104 can comprise the yoke 122 and the handle 102 comprises the central arm 124.

[0047] The central arm 124, the first yoke arm 166 and the second yoke arm 168 comprise pivot holes 110 to receive a pivot screw 108. The pivot screw 108 is inserted into the pivot hole 110 and screws into a threaded pivot hole 110 on the second yoke arm 168. The pivot screw 108 is optionally used and other suitable fasteners can be used to form the pivot joint 106. For example, the pivot screw 108 can be replaced with a rivet. The pivot screw 108 can be optionally further secured in the threaded pivot hole 110 with an adhesive threadlocker. The pivot screw 108 has a smooth shank portion 170 about which the central arm 124 can pivot. In this way, when the pivot screw 108 is inserted into the pivot holes 110, the pivot joint 106 is formed.

[0048] The hand tool 100 and the locking mechanism 112 will now be discussed in more detail with respect to Figures 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b.

[0049] Figures 4a and 4b respectively show a side cross-sectional view and a plan cross-sectional view of the hand tool 100 when the locking mechanism 112 is in a locked position.

[0050] Figures 5a and 5b respectively show a side cross-sectional view and a plan cross-sectional view of the hand tool 100 when the locking mechanism 112 is in a released position.

[0051] Figures 4a and 5a are cross-sectional side views along the handle longitudinal axis 128 in the direction represented by the arrows as shown in Figure 1. Figures 4b and 5b are cross-sectional plan views along the handle longitudinal axis 128 in the direction represented by the arrows as shown in Figure 2.

[0052] Figures 6a and 6b show part of the locking mechanism 112 in different perspective views.

[0053] As mentioned above, the locking mechanism 112 is arranged to selectively release and fix a relative position of the handle 102 and the tool head 104.

[0054] The locking mechanism 112 as shown in e.g. Figure 4a comprises a movable pawl 114. The movable pawl 114 comprises a first tooth surface 116 and a second release surface 118.

[0055] The first tooth surface 116 is arranged to selectively engage a reciprocal tooth surface 120. The movable pawl 114 is movable between a locked position where the first tooth surface 116 engages the reciprocal tooth surface 120. The movable pawl 114 is also movable into a release position whereby the first tooth surface 116 is no longer in engagement with the reciprocal tooth surface 120.

[0056] Instead in the release position, a second release surface 118 of the movable pawl 114 is adjacent to the reciprocal tooth surface 120. The first tooth surface 116 has been moved away from the reciprocal tooth surface 120 such that it is distal from the reciprocal tooth surface 120. This means that the teeth of the first tooth surface 116 and the reciprocal tooth surface 120 cannot mesh when the movable pawl 114 is in the release position.

[0057] As shown in Figure 4a, the central arm 124 comprises the reciprocal tooth surface 120.

[0058] In this way, the teeth on the reciprocal tooth surface 120 extend circumferentially around the entire of the central arm 124. The extent of the reciprocal tooth surface 120 determines the maximum range of the pivot angle 164 that the tool head 104 can pivot with respect to the handle 102. In some examples the maximum range of the pivot angle 164 that the tool head 104 can pivot with respect to the handle 102 is 240 degrees. However, in some other examples the maximum range of the pivot angle 164 that the tool head 104 can pivot with respect to the handle 102 is 180 degrees, 190 degrees, 200 degrees, 210 degrees, 220, degrees, 250 degrees, 260 degrees, 270 degrees, 280 degrees, 290 degrees, 300 degrees, 310 degrees, 320 degrees etc or any other suitable angular range of the pivot angle 164.

[0059] The movable pawl 114 is pivotal about a pawl pivot axis 126 as shown in Figures 4a and 5a. The movable pawl 114 is pivoted between the locked position and the released position by a selector lever 132.

[0060] The pawl pivot axis 126 is perpendicular to the handle longitudinal axis 128 as shown in Figure 1. In some alternative environments the movable pawl 114 is mounted within the tool head 104 instead of the handle 102. In this case the pawl pivot axis 126 is perpendicular to the tool head longitudinal axis 130. Indeed, in the arrangement as shown in Figure 1 , both the handle longitudinal axis 128 and the tool head longitudinal axis 130 are perpendicular to the pawl pivot axis 126. However, as soon as the tool head 104 pivots about the pivot axis 162, the tool head longitudinal axis 130 will no longer be perpendicular to the pawl pivot axis 126.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6a, the movable pawl 114 has the first tooth surface 116 and the second release surface 118 extending respectively in a first direction 148 and a second direction 150.

[0062] The first direction 148 and the second direction 150 are angled with respect to each other by a direction angle 172 as shown in Figure 6a. The intersection of the first direction 148 and the second direction 150 is aligned with the pawl pivot axis 126.

[0063] In some examples the angular rotation of the movable pawl 114 about the pawl pivot axis 126 between the locked position and the release position is equal to the angle between the first direction 148 and the second direction 150. In some other examples the angular rotation of the movable pawl 114 about the pawl pivot axis 126 between the locked position and the release position is optionally greater than the angle between the first direction 148 and the second direction 150. In some examples the angular rotation of the movable pawl 114 about the pawl pivot axis 126 between the locked position and the release position is 20 degrees. In other examples, the angular rotation of the movable pawl 114 about the pawl pivot axis 126 between the locked position and the release position can be 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees etc.

[0064] In some examples, the direction angle 172 between the first direction 148 and the second direction 150 is 20 degrees. In other examples, the direction angle 172 between the first direction 148 and the second direction 150 can be 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees etc. The first tooth surface 116 and the second release surface 118 are arranged to curve in a single direction as shown in Figure 6a. Indeed, the first tooth surface 116 is arranged to curve in a direction perpendicular to the first direction 148. Likewise, the second release surface 118 is arranged to curve in a direction perpendicular to the second direction 150.

[0065] The first tooth surface 116 and the second release surface 118 are both curved surfaces. In some examples, the first tooth surface 116 and the second release surface 118 are concave surfaces. In this way, the first tooth surface 116 and the second release surface 118 cooperate with the reciprocal tooth surface 120. As shown in Figure 4a, the reciprocal tooth surface 120 is convex.

[0066] In alternative examples, the first tooth surface 116 and the second release surface 118 can be alternatively convex. Likewise, the reciprocal tooth surface 120 can alternatively be concave.

[0067] When the first tooth surface 116 is in physical engagement with the reciprocal tooth surface 120, the tool head 104 is fixed with respect to the handle 102. In this way, the teeth on the respective first tooth surface 116 and the reciprocal tooth surface 120 resist any relative pivotal movement of the tool head 104 with respect to the handle 102. This means that the user can apply significant force to the handle 102 and the tool head 104 will not move with respect to the handle 102 about the pivot joint 106.

[0068] The selector lever 132 comprises a first pin 134 and a second pin 136. The first pin 134 is urged by the selector lever 132 against a camming surface 142 of the movable pawl 114. Similarly, the selector lever 132 urges a second pin 136 against the camming surface 142. As the first pin 134 and the second pin 136 move against the camming surface 142, the movable pawl 114 moves between the locked position and the released position. The first pin 134 is biased towards the camming surface 142 by a first spring 138. Similarly, the second pin 136 is biased towards the camming surface 142 by a second spring 140.

[0069] The arrangement as shown in the Figures uses a first pin 134 and a second pin 136. However, in other examples, any other suitable element for engaging the camming surface 142 can be used. For example, a single first pin 134 can be used instead of the first pin 134 and the second pin 136.

[0070] The camming surface 142 is best shown in Figure 6b. When the movable pawl 114 is in the locked position, the first pin 134 and the second pin 136 are engaged with a first camming surface portion 144. This can be seen in Figure 4b. Similarly, when the movable pawl 114 is in the released position, the first pin 134 and the second pin 136 are engaged with a second camming surface portion 146. The first camming surface portion 144 and the second camming surface portion 146 are located in different positions on the camming surface 142.

[0071] Since the first pin 134 and the second pin 136 are biased towards the camming surface 142 respectively by the first spring 138 and the second spring 140, the movable pawl 114 snaps between the locked position and the release position. This means that the movable pawl 114 behaves as a bi-stable component between the locked position and the release position.

[0072] The movable pawl 114 as shown in the accompanying Figures is illustrated as pivoting between the locked position and the released position. However, in other examples, the movable pawl 114 can move between the locked position and the released position using other movements. For example, translation, e.g. sliding, or a combination of sliding and rotating.

[0073] As shown in Figures 4b and 5b, the movable pawl 114 is mounted within the yoke 122. The yoke 122 comprises a reciprocal guide surface 156 on an inner face of the yoke 122. The reciprocal guide surface 156 is configured to engage a first sliding surface 152 and a second sliding surface 154 of the movable pawl 114. In this way, as the movable pawl 114 pivots between the locked position and the released position, the first sliding surface 152 and the second sliding surface 154 are guided by the reciprocal guide surface 156 and constrain the movement of the movable pawl 114.

[0074] In some examples, the second release surface 118 is a smooth surface. In this way, when the locking mechanism 112 is in the release position, the smooth second release surface 118 is adjacent to the reciprocal tooth surface 120. This means that the teeth of the reciprocal tooth surface 120 can slide past the smooth second release surface 118. In some examples, the second release surface 118 does not engage the reciprocal tooth surface 120 when the locking mechanism 112 is in the release position. In this case, the tool head 104 will freely pivot about the pivot axis 162.

[0075] In other examples, the second release surface 118 exerts a force against the reciprocal tooth surface 120 when the locking mechanism 112 is in the release position. In this case, the second release surface 118 exerts a frictional force against the reciprocal tooth surface 120. This means that the tool head 104 can pivot about the pivot axis 162 but will be held at a specific position before the user actuates the locking mechanism 112 with the selector lever 132. In some examples this can be optionally achieved by reducing the angular rotation of the moveable pawl 114 when it moves between locked position and the release position. Accordingly, a very small portion of the first tooth surface 116 engages the reciprocal tooth surface 120 when the moveable pawl 114 is in the release position. The partial engagement between the first tooth surface 116 and the reciprocal tooth surface 120 can hold the tool head 104 in position with respect to the handle 102 but not prevent the user adjusting the pivot angle 164 therebetween. Additionally, or alternatively, the second release surface 118 physically engages the reciprocal tooth surface 120 and exerts the friction force when the moveable pawl 114 is in the release position. In some other examples, the hand tool 100 optionally comprises a spring washer 174 (best shown in Figure 3). The spring washer 174 is mounted on the pivot screw 108 and is arranged to urge against the centre arm 124. This exerts a friction force when the moveable pawl 114 is in the release position. Accordingly, again the tool head 104 can pivot about the pivot axis 162 but will be held at a specific position before the user actuates the locking mechanism 112 with the selector lever 132.

[0076] This means that the user can adjust the tool head 104 with respect to the handle 102 with a one-handed movement because the pivot angle 164 will stay the same until the user pushes the tool head 104 about the pivot axis 162 even when the locking mechanism 112 is in the release position.

[0077] In another example, two or more examples are combined. Features of one example can be combined with features of other examples.

[0078] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0079] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0080] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0081] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0082] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Claims1. A hand tool (100) comprising: a handle (102); a tool head (104) pivotally mounted to the handle (102) at a pivot joint (106) such that the handle (102) can be angled with respect to the tool head (104) at a plurality of positions; and a locking mechanism (112) arranged to selectively release and fix a relative position of the handle (102) and the tool head (104); wherein the locking mechanism (112) comprises: a moveable pawl (114) having a first tooth surface (116) and a second release surface (118); and a reciprocal tooth surface (120); wherein the moveable pawl (114) is mounted on the handle (102) or the tool head (104) and the reciprocal tooth surface (120) is mounted on the other of the handle (102) and the tool head (104); wherein the moveable pawl (114) is configured to move between a locked position wherein the first tooth surface (116) engages the reciprocal tooth surface (120) such that the handle (102) is fixed with respect to the tool head (104), and a release position wherein the second release surface (118) is adjacent to the reciprocal tooth surface (120) and permits relative movement therebetween such that the handle (102) can pivot with respect to the tool head (104).

2. The hand tool (100) according to claim 1 wherein the pivot joint (106) comprises a yoke (122) and a centre arm (124) pivotally mounted between the yoke (122) wherein one of the handle (102) and the tool head (104) comprises the yoke (122) and the other of the handle (102) and the tool head (104) comprises the centre arm (124).

3. The hand tool (100) according to claim 2 wherein the centre arm (124) comprises the reciprocal tooth surface (120) and the yoke (122) comprises the moveable pawl (114).

4. The hand tool (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the moveable pawl (114) is pivotable about a pawl pivot axis (126) between the locked position and the release position.

5. The hand tool (100) according to claim 4 wherein the pawl pivot axis (126) is perpendicular to a handle longitudinal axis (128) or a tool head longitudinal axis (130).

6. The hand tool (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first tooth surface (116) and the second release surface (118) are concave and the reciprocal tooth surface (120) is convex.

7. The hand tool (100) according to any of the claims 1 to 5 wherein the first tooth surface (116) and the second release surface (118) are convex and the reciprocal tooth surface (120) is concave.

8. The hand tool (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the locking mechanism (112) comprises a selector lever (132) arranged to move the moveable pawl (114) between the locked position and the release position.

9. The hand tool (100) according to claim 8 wherein the selector lever (132) comprises at least one biased pin configured to engage a camming surface (142) on the moveable pawl (114).

10. The hand tool (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first tooth surface (116), the second release surface (118) and the reciprocal surface each curve in a single direction.

11. The hand tool (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first tooth surface (116) extends in a first direction (148) and the secondrelease surface (118) extends in a second direction (150) angled with respect to the first direction (148).

12. The hand tool (100) according to claims 11 wherein the first tooth surface (116) is not curved in the first direction (148) and the second release surface (118) is not curved in the second direction (150).

13. The hand tool (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the second release surface (118) is smooth.

14. The hand tool (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the moveable pawl (114) comprises at least one sliding surface configured to engage a reciprocal guide surface (156) in the handle (102) or the tool head (104) when the moveable pawl (114) moves between the locked position and the release position.

15. The hand tool (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the second release surface (118) is configured to exert a force against the reciprocal tooth surface (120) when the moveable pawl (114) is in the release position.

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