Patent ID: 6516689
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A ratchet wrench for use in connecting and disconnecting threaded fasteners comprising:a) a body having a handle engaging perimeteral surface; b) a socket drive connected to and projecting from the body for receipt of a fastener engaging socket; c) a ratchet mechanism housed within the body and operably interposed between the body and the drive; d) the ratchet mechanism being adjustable between on and off conditions selectively and one at a time such that in one condition rotation of the body in a clockwise direction drives the drive in a clockwise direction while the body and drive are relatively rotatable in a counterclockwise direction and in the other condition rotation of the body in a counterclockwise direction drives the drive in a counterclockwise direction while the body and drive are relatively rotatable in a clockwise direction; e) a handle including a surface defining a body receiving aperture; f) the surfaces including interactable surface parts for transmitting operator supplied body driving forces from the handle to the body; and g) a selected one of the body and the handle including an engagement lever having a normal position interactable with a complemental recess in the other for releasably retaining a portion of the body within the handle aperture, the lever also being moveable from its normal position to a release position to permit removal of the body from the handle aperture.