Patent ID: 6076433
Filing Date: 2000-06-20
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A ratchet wrench comprising:a handle;a housing attached to one end of said handle;a ratchet gear mounted for rotation in said housing, said ratchet gear having an axis of rotation extending through said housing;means connected to said ratchet gear for turning a threaded fastener;a pawl mounted on said handle about a pivot axis that extends through said handle, said pawl pivoting among a first position in which said pawl permits unrestricted rotation of said ratchet gear, a second position in which said pawl engages said ratchet gear to prevent rotation of said ratchet gear in one direction but allows rotation of said ratchet gear in an opposite direction, and a third position in which said pawl engages said ratchet gear to prevent rotation of said ratchet gear in said opposite direction but allows rotation of said ratchet gear in said one direction; anda shoulder on said handle, wherein said pawl does not extend beyond said shoulder, thereby preventing unintended changes in the position of said pawl, and wherein said pawl is exposed and is engageable by a finger of a user.