Abstract:
A removable handle for a tool, for example, for a cylindrical file, a method for attaching the handle to a tool, and a method of using the handle are provided. The handle includes a cylindrical body having a threaded hole extending at least partially through the cylindrical body and at least one radial hole in the body, and a threaded cylindrical rod adapted to engage the threaded hole in the body, wherein the radial hole is adapted to receive a projection of a tool and the threaded rod engages the projection when the threaded rod is rotated into contact with the projection. The handle may be mounted to any tool projection, but may be particularly useful when mounted to a cylindrical file used for sharpening chain saw cutters.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The invention is related to methods and devices for assisting mechanics in handling hand tools, for example, files, and related tools. More specifically, the present invention comprises a handle that is adapted to be mounted to an elongated extension of a tool to provide a means for grasping and controlling the operation of the tool, for example, to assist loggers in handling circular files when sharpening the cutters of a chain saw.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     With use, chain saw cutters become dull or otherwise lose their sharpness. As is known to those skilled in the art, chain saw “cutters” are the individual cutting blades mounted to the chain that ride about the periphery of the chain saw guide bar. During the course of a job, the professional logger or the typical homeowner often must stop operating the chain saw and sharpen the cutters. The typical chain saw cutter cutting surface is circular in shape and this surface is typically manually sharpened by using a circular, or “rat tail,” file. However, the angle of the edge of the cutting surface is critical to the proper operation of the chain saw and great pains are taken to ensure the cutters are individually sharpened at the proper angle. For example, for cutting softwood, the cutting surface of the cutters is sharpened to an angle of about 30 degrees with the respect to the plane of the guide bar. For cutting hardwood, the cutting surface of the cutters is sharpened to an angle of about 25 degrees with the respect to the plane of the guide bar.  
         [0003]     In order to achieve these desired cutting surface angles while manually sharpening, the chain saw operator typically must control the direction and orientation of the sharpening tool. Typically, circular files are often provided with a handle, for example, a wooden handle, at one end that is adapted to receive the tapered end of a file. These handles facilitate grasping the file and manipulating the file during sharpening. Devices are known in the art for assisting the sharpener in guiding direction of the file to provide the desired angle. However, the control of the sharpening tool to provide the desired orientation often requires the sharpener to grasp the far end of the file, that is, the end opposite the handle, in order to control the operation of the file. According to prior art methods and practices, the grasping of the far end of a file, for example, of rat tail file, provides limited stability of the filing operation and, due to the narrow shape of such files, can be a safety hazard. Chain saw operators have often injured their hands when filing when the far end of a file pierces the skin of the hand, even when the hand is protected by a glove.  
         [0004]     Attempts have been made to overcome the disadvantages and dangers of prior art methods and devices for sharpening chain saws. U.S. Pat. No. 1,375,634 of Hannigan discloses “a supplemental handle” for a flat or rectangular file. U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,839 of Holdsworth discloses a device that attaches to a flat file and provides a handle for grasping the flat file. U.S. Pat. No. 79,709 of Weare discloses a “file handle” mounted to the tapered end of a flat file. However, none of these inventions overcome the limitations and disadvantages inherent in manipulating a file when, for example, sharpening chain saw cutters.  
         [0005]     Aspects of the present invention overcome the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     As a frequent user of chain saws, the inventor often found the need to sharpen his chain saw. However, the inventor often found the existing technique of grasping a chain saw file with one hand on the wooden handle and one hand on the bare opposite end of the file to be cumbersome at best, and sometimes dangerous. As a seasoned mechanic, the inventor developed the present invention to assist in filing chain saw cutters. The inventor also recognized the application of aspects of the invention to other, non-file like, tools, which will be discussed below.  
         [0007]     Aspects of the present invention provide devices that can be easily attached to the end of a file or similar tool to provide a structure that can be grasped by the user. The proximal end of the tool may have a handle or handle-like structure that accepts a tool. The present invention provides a device that allows the user to grasp both ends, the proximal end and the distal end, of a tool to provide more accurate and less dangerous handling of a tool, for example, the handling of a file or tool of similar structure.  
         [0008]     One aspect of the invention is a handle for a tool, the handle including a body comprising an outer surface and an axis; a threaded hole extending at least partially along the axis of the body, the threaded hole having an internal surface; and at least one substantially radial hole penetrating the outer surface of the body and extending through the internal surface of the threaded hole; and a threaded cylindrical rod adapted to engage the threaded hole in the body, the cylindrical rod having a first end having means for rotating the rod in the threaded hole, and a second end opposite the first end; wherein the at least one substantially radial hole is adapted to receive a projection of the tool, and wherein the second end of the threaded cylindrical rod is adapted to engage the projection when the threaded cylindrical rod is rotated into contact with the projection. In one aspect, the at least one substantially radial hole comprises a plurality of substantially radial holes.  
         [0009]     Another aspect of the invention is a method for attaching a handle to a tool having an elongated projection, the method including providing a handle having a body comprising an outer surface and a longitudinal axis; a threaded hole extending at least partially along the longitudinal axis of the body, the threaded hole having an internal surface; and at least one substantially radial hole penetrating the outer surface of the body and extending through the internal surface of the threaded hole; and a threaded cylindrical rod adapted to engage the threaded hole in the body; inserting the elongated projection into the at least one substantially radial hole wherein the elongated projection at least partially extends into the threaded hole; inserting the threaded cylindrical rod into the threaded hole; rotating the threaded cylindrical rod into engagement with the elongated projection to attach the handle to the tool. In one aspect, the tool may be a cylindrical file, a welding rod, or an Allen-type wrench.  
         [0010]     A further aspect of the invention is a removable file handle, the file handle including a body having an outer surface and an axis; a threaded hole extending at least partially along the axis of the body, the threaded hole having an internal surface; and a plurality of substantially radial holes of varying diameter penetrating the outer surface of the body and extending through the internal surface of the threaded hole; and a threaded cylindrical rod adapted to engage the threaded hole in the body, the cylindrical rod having a first end including means for rotating the cylindrical rod in the threaded hole, and a second end opposite the first end; wherein the at least one radial hole is adapted to receive a cylindrical file, and wherein the threaded cylindrical rod is adapted to engage and secure the cylindrical file to the handle when the cylindrical rod is rotated into contact with the cylindrical file.  
         [0011]     A further aspect of the invention is a method of manipulating a file, the method including mounting a conventional handle to a first end of a file; mounting a handle as recited above in a second end of a file, opposite the first end; grasping the conventional handle in one hand; grasping the handle as recited above in the other hand; and manipulating the file against a surface. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises a method of sharpening the cutters of a chain saw  
         [0012]     These and other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description of aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of one aspect of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the aspect of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another aspect of the invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the aspect shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the body shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of the body shown in  FIG. 3   
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of another aspect of the invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of another aspect of the invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of another aspect of the invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another aspect of the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of still another aspect of the invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another aspect of the invention  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of the aspect of the invention shown in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of aspect shown in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of the threaded insert shown in  FIG. 13 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0029]     Aspects of the present invention assist the mechanic in handling files and file-like tools. Aspects of the invention may also be useful to the physically disabled, injured, or those hampered by ailments, such as arthritis, for grasping files and file-like tools.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tool assembly  10  having a gripping device or handle assembly  12  according to one aspect of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the tool assembly  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . In one aspect, handle assembly  12  comprises a body  14 , for example, a cylindrical body, having a threaded hole  16 , and threaded rod, screw, or threaded plug  18  adapted to engage threaded hole  16 . According to one aspect of the invention, body  14  includes at least one hole  20 , for example, a radial hole, adapted to accept a projection of a tool. Though aspects of the invention may be used for any tool having a projection, the assembly  10  includes a circular file  22  having a conventional file handle  24 , for example, a wooden handle.  
         [0030]     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , aspects of the invention may be used for a circular file  22 , for example, a file that may be used to sharpen chain saw cutters. However, it is understood by the inventor that aspects of the invention may be to provide a handle or handle-like structure to any tool or related item having a projection, for example, an elongated projection, such as a file, a welding rod, or an Allen-type wrench, among others, that may be inserted into one of the holes  20 .  
         [0031]     The aspect of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is a prototype of the invention fabricated by the inventor from readily available hardware for testing and evaluating the invention. Specifically, in the aspect of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , handle body  14  is a conventional threaded hexagonal nut and threaded rod  18  comprises a modified setscrew sized to engage the hex nut. For example, in one aspect, handle body  14  may comprise an ANS hex nut having a nominal size of between ¼ inch to 4 inches, and typically having a nominal size between ¾ inches and 1½ inches. Though the inventor found this aspect of the invention to be effective for testing and evaluation, the inventor recognizes that the invention may be adapted for many different sizes and shapes of structures while providing the desired body  14  and threaded rod  18  aspects of the invention. The following discussion and related drawings discuss and illustrate many typical aspects of the present invention which reflect different embodiments which are based upon the prototype shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another, more general, handle assembly  32  that provides substantially the same function as handle  12  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly  32  shown in  FIG. 3 . According to one aspect of the invention, handle  32  comprises a body  34 , for example, a cylindrical body, having an outer surface  36 , an axis  38 , for example, a longitudinal axis, and a threaded hole  40  extending at least partially along the axis  38  of body  34 .  FIG. 5  is a plan view of handle body  34  shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 6  is an elevation view of handle body  34  shown in  FIG. 4 . In one aspect, body  34  may have a top  35  and a bottom  37 . In one aspect, threaded hole  40  may extend completely through body  34 ; in another aspect, threaded hole  40  may at extend only partially through body  34 . Threaded hole  40  typically has an internal surface  42 , for example, an internal threaded surface  42 . According to an aspect of the invention, handle  32  also includes a at least one hole  44 ,  45 , and  46 , for example, a substantially radial hole, penetrating the outer surface  36  of body  34  and extending through the internal surface  42  of threaded hole  40 .  
         [0033]     As shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , holes  44 ,  45 , and  46 , may take any appropriate geometric shape, for example, depending upon the shape of the tool to which handle assembly  32  may be attached. For example, holes  44 ,  45 , and  46  may be circular or rectangular, as shown, but holes  44 ,  45 , and  46  may also be oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagon, or octagonal, among other shapes. In one aspect, holes  44 ,  45 , and  46  may have a broad variety of sizes and shapes and may vary in size and shape in body  34 . For example, in one aspect body  34  may have three circular holes, for example, through holes, having diameters of about 0.25 inches, about 0.1875 inches, and about 0.125 inches in diameter, respectively. Cylindrical body  34  may have an outer dimension, for example, a diameter, of between about 0.25 inches and about 12 inches, and typically has an outer dimension of between about 0.5 inches and about 3 inches. Cylindrical body  34  may have a height of between about 0.25 inches and about 6 inches, and typically has a height of between about 0.5 inches and about 2 inches.  
         [0034]     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , handle assembly  32  also includes a threaded cylindrical rod, insert, or plug  48 . Threaded rod  48  is typically adapted to engage threaded hole  40  in body  34 . Threaded rod  48  may include a first end  50  and a second end  52 . In one aspect, first end  50  may include means  51  for rotating rod  48  in threaded hole  40 . For example, in one aspect, first end  50  of rod  48  may include an indention or a projection adapted to be engaged by a tool. For example, in one aspect, means  51  in first end  50  may comprise a slot or an indentation adapted to be engaged by a screwdriver or Allen-type wrench or hex wrench. The indentation may comprise any conventional drive, for instance, a slotted, phillips, pozidriv, torx, hex, robertson, tri-wing, torq-set, or spanner drives, and the like. In one aspect, the means  51  may include a projection, such as a rectangular nub, adapted to be engaged by a wrench or pliers, among other tools. In one aspect of the invention, threaded rod  48  may comprise the threaded shank of a bolt and means  51  may comprise the head of the bolt, for example, a hex head of a hex bolt or the socket head of a socket head cap screw, among other conventional fasteners.  
         [0035]     In one aspect of the invention rod  48  includes external threads  54 , which typically are adapted to engage the threads in hole  42 . Threads  54  may extend at least partially along the length of rod  48 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , in one aspect, threads  54  extend substantially along the entire length of rod  48 . Threads  54  may be course, for example, UN, UNC, or UNRC threads, or fine, for example, UNF, UNRF, UNEF, or UNREF threads. Threads  54  may also comprise ACME threads. Threads  54  may be left-handed or right-handed threads. Accordingly, internal surface  42  of body  34  may have complementary internal threads as appropriate. Threads  54  and internal surface  42  may also included American National Standard (ANS) threads or metric threads.  
         [0036]     According to the present invention, handle  32  may be adapted to engage any projection of a tool, for example, the cylindrical end of circular file  22  shown in  FIG. 1 , and provide an easily graspable structure or handle whereby the tool can be readily grasped and/or manipulated. In addition, handle  32  may provide a protective obstruction over a projection of a tool that increases the safety with which the tool can be handled. According to an aspect of the invention, at least one of the holes  44 ,  45 , and  46  is adapted to receive a projection of a tool whereby the projection may be inserted into hole  44 ,  45 , and  46  whereby the projection extends into threaded hole  40 . After insertion of the projection, threaded rod  48  may be threaded into hole  40  whereby the second end  52  of threaded rod  48  contacts and bears against the projection. With sufficient tightening of the threaded rod  48  in threaded hole  40 , for example, by means of a hex wrench, and, for example, the bearing of the second end  52  of threaded rod  48  against the projection and the consequent bearing of the projection against the sides of hole  44 ,  45 , or  46 , handle  32  may be securely engaged with the projection. In one aspect, at least one of the holes  44 ,  45 , or  46  may extend completely through body  34 .  
         [0037]     Again, in one aspect of the invention, handle  32 , and the related handles shown and discussed, may be adapted for mounting to a file, for example, a circular file. In another aspect of the invention, handle  32  may be adapted to mounting to a welding rod or an Allen-type wrench, among others tools.  
         [0038]      FIGS. 7 through 9  are plan views of further aspects of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 7 , body  34  shown in  FIGS. 3 through 6  may be a triangular cylindrical body  56  having a threaded hole  58  and one or more holes  60 , for example radial holes. As shown in  FIG. 8 , body  34  shown in  FIGS. 3 through 6  may be a hexagonal cylindrical body  62  having a threaded hole  64  and one or more holes  66 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , body  34  shown in  FIGS. 3 through 6  may be also be a octagonal cylindrical body  68  having a threaded hole  70  and one or more holes  72 . As discussed above with respect to holes  44 ,  45 , and  46 , holes  60 ,  66 , and  72  may have a broad variety of sizes and shapes and may vary in size and shape in each respective body. In the aspects of the invention shown in  FIGS. 3-9 , only a single threaded hole, for example,  40 , is shown. In one aspect of the invention, two or more threaded holes  40  may be provided. For example, in one aspect, two or more laterally spaced threaded holes in body  34  may be provided having respective radial holes, for example, holes  44 ,  45 , or  46 . The two or more threaded holes may have parallel axes or non-parallel axes.  
         [0039]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another handle assembly  74  according to another aspect of the invention. In addition to being cylindrical, in one aspect of the invention, the handle may be spherical in a manner similar to handle  74 , or hemispherical. According to this aspect of the invention, handle assembly  74  may comprise a spherical body  76  or hemispherical body (shown by equator  81  in phantom) having an axis  77 , at least one threaded hole  78 , one or more holes  80 , and at least one threaded rod or plug  82 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , holes  80  may assume a multitude of shapes and sizes and, as shown in  FIG. 10 , may assume multiple orientations relative to the axis  82  of spherical body  76 . For example, holes  80  may be positioned along the equator  81  of spherical body  76  and project radially inward, or holes  80  may be positioned at a latitude above or below equator  81 , for example, about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees above or below equator  81 , of spherical body  76 . Holes  80  may project radially inward, for example, radially inward toward axis  77  and substantially perpendicular to axis  77 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 10 , handle  74  may include at least one additional threaded hole  84  having at least an additional threaded rod or plug  88  (shown in phantom). In one aspect of the invention, handle  74  may include one or more additional threaded holes and threaded plugs oriented substantially perpendicular to axis  77  or oblique to axis  77  and be adapted to engage one or more through holes to retain a projection of a tool. In this aspect of the invention, handle  74  provides a convenient and ergonomic shape that can be easily grasped by the user. The diameter of body  76  may vary from about 1 inches to about 10 inches, but is typically between about 1 inches and about 3 inches in diameter.  
         [0040]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another handle assembly  92  according to another aspect of the invention. Handle assembly  92  is similar to handle assembly  32  shown in  FIG. 3 , except handle assembly  92  may have holes for accepting tool projections positioned at multiple elevations. According to this aspect of the invention, handle assembly  92  includes a body  94 , for example, a circular cylindrical body (though any shaped cylindrical body may be provided) having an outer surface  96 , an axis  98 , for example, a longitudinal axis, and at least one threaded hole  100  extending at least partially along the axis  98  of body  94 . In one aspect, body  94  may have a top  95  and a bottom  97 . In one aspect, threaded hole  100  may extend completely through the body  94 . In another aspect of the invention, one threaded hole  100  may extend from the top  95  at least partially along axis  98  and another threaded hole  101  may extend from the bottom  97  at least partially along the axis  98  of body  94 . The bottom of threaded holes  100 ,  101  may be separated by a thickness  102 . Threaded holes  100 ,  101  typically have internal threaded surface  104  and  106 , respectively.  
         [0041]     According to one aspect of the invention shown in  FIG. 11 , handle assembly  92  includes at least one hole  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114 , for example, a substantially radial hole, penetrating the outer surface  96  of body  94  and extending through one of the internal surfaces  104 ,  106  of threaded holes  100 ,  101 , respectively. Again, as shown in  FIG. 11 , holes  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114  may take any appropriate geometric shape, for example, depending upon the shape of the tool to which handle assembly  92  may be attached. For example, holes  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114  may be circular, rectangular, oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagon, or octagonal, among other shapes. In one aspect, holes  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114  may have a broad variety of sizes and shapes and may vary in size and shape in body  94 .  
         [0042]     As shown in  FIG. 11 , handle assembly  92  also includes at least one threaded cylindrical rod or plug  118  and  120 . Threaded rods  118 ,  120  are typically adapted to engage threaded hole  100 ,  101  in body  94 , and may have one of the thread specifications referenced above. In one aspect, threaded rods  118 ,  120  may include means for rotating rods  118 ,  120 , for example, indentations, such as hex holes, or projections, as discussed above, which may be engaged by an appropriate tool.  
         [0043]     According to this aspect of the invention, handle assembly  92  may provide multiple holes for engaging and securing handle assembly  92  to many different sized and shaped tools, for example, circular and rectangular files or rasps of varying size and shape.  
         [0044]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an assembly  110  according to another aspect of the invention.  FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of assembly  110  shown in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of assembly  110  shown in  FIG. 12 . According to this aspect of the invention, assembly  110  includes a handle assembly  123  having a body  124 , for example, a circular cylindrical body (though any shaped cylindrical body may be provided) having an axis  126  and at least one threaded hole  128  extending at least partially along the axis  126  of body  124 . In one aspect, handle assembly  123  is adapted to engage a tool  122 , for example, a rectangular file shown. Tool  122  may include a conventional handle  129 , as discussed above. Body  124  typically includes a top surface  125  and a bottom surface  127 . According to this aspect of the invention, handle assembly  122  also includes a threaded insert  130  adapted to engage threaded hole  128 . Threaded insert  130  comprises a threaded rod  132  having an axis  138  and an annular projection  134 , for example, an annular ring, of greater diameter than the diameter of threaded rod  132 . Annular projection  134  includes a top surface  135  and a bottom surface  137 .  FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of threaded insert  130 .  
         [0045]     According to one aspect of the invention, when threaded insert  130  is inserted into threaded hole  128 , top surface  125  of body  124  and bottom surface of annular projection  137  provide means for clamping handle assembly  123  to the projection of tool  122 , for example, a rectangular projection such as the rectangular file shown in phantom in  FIGS. 12, 13 , and  14 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , according to one aspect of the invention, threaded rod  130  may include at least one recess  140 , for example, one recess  140  positioned adjacent to bottom surface  137  of annular projection  134 . According to this aspect of the invention, recess  140  provides additional space for the insertion of the tool projection between bottom surface  137  and top surface  125  to provide greater bearing surface area against the tool projection than would be available without the recess  140 . According to one aspect, the sides  142  of recess  140  may be substantially perpendicular to the axis  138  of threaded rod  132 . In another aspect, the sides  142  of recess  140  may form a substantially oblique angle θ with bottom surface  137  of threaded rod  132 , for example, an angle between about 30 and 60 degrees with bottom surface  137 .  
         [0046]     In one aspect of the invention, the handle assembly  123  shown in  FIGS. 12-15  may also be used as a filing guide for a rectangular file, for example, rectangular file  122  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In one aspect, two or more handle assemblies  123  may be mounted to an elongated edge of file  122 , for example, by tightening insert  130  in body  124  about an edge of file  122 . Thus mounted, the gap between the two or more handle assemblies provided by the space between bottom surface  137  of insert  130  and the top surface  125  of body  124  may provide a pathway for passing the edge of file  122  over a surface, for example, over the edge of a chain saw guide bar to remove burrs or sharp edges. In one aspect, the bottom surfaces  137  of insert  130  and the top surfaces  125  of body  124  may provide guide surfaces for assisting the handling of file  122  when filing chain saw bar edges and similar structures.  
         [0047]     Again, developing this aspect of the invention, the inventor tested and evaluated the invention by using readily available hardware. For example, in fabricating a prototype of assembly  110 , the inventor used a hex head nut for body  124  and a hex head bolt for insert  130 . In one aspect, insert  130  may comprise a bolt, whereby the threaded shank of the bolt comprises threaded rod  132  and the bolt head comprises the annular projection  134 . Similar to the aspects of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1-11 , body  124  and threaded rod  132  may take assorted shapes and dimensions while still providing the function of the aspect of the invention shown in  FIGS. 12-15 .  
         [0048]     Aspects of the invention may be adapted to accept a handle or other extension that facilitates grasping or tightening aspects of the invention. For example, in one aspect, rods or inserts  18 ,  48 ,  82 ,  88 ,  118 ,  120 , and  130  may include an elongated extension or handle that extends along the axis of the insert or plug and can easily be grasped by the operator. In one aspect, the insert or plug may include an elongated extension or handle that projects at an angle to the axis of the insert. For example, in one aspect, the extension or handle may extend at an angle of about 90 degrees from the axis of inserts  18 ,  48 ,  82 ,  88 ,  118 ,  120 , and  130  and, among things, provide a torque arm for tightening the insert into its respective threaded hole.  
         [0049]     In one aspect of the invention, bodies  14 ,  34 ,  76 ,  94 ,  124 , and  127 , and rods  18 ,  48 ,  82 ,  88 ,  118 ,  120 , and  132  may be fabricated from any metallic or non-metallic structural metal. For example, in one aspect, bodies  14 ,  34 ,  76 ,  94 ,  124 , and  127 , and rods  18 ,  48 ,  82 ,  88 ,  118 ,  120 , and  132  may be fabricated from one or more of the following metals iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, nickel, magnesium, brass, bronze, or any other structural metal; one or more of the following plastics; a polyamide (PA), for example, nylon; a polyethylene (PE); a polypropylene (PP); a polyester (PE); a polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE); an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); a polycarbonate (PC); or a polyvinylchloride (PVC), among other plastics; or from wood. In one aspect, bodies  14 ,  34 ,  76 ,  94 ,  124 , and  127  may be fabricated from stainless steel, for example, a 300 or 400 series stainless steel, and rods  18 ,  48 ,  82 ,  88 ,  118 ,  120 , and  132  may be fabricated from tool steel.  
         [0050]     In one aspect of the invention, bodies  14 ,  34 ,  76 ,  94 , and  124 , and rods  18 ,  48 ,  82 ,  88 ,  118 , and  120  may be fabricated by any conventional fabrication process, for example, machined from stock items, forged, cast, and welded, among other processes.  
         [0051]     Aspects of the invention may be used to facilitate the use of a file, for example, the use of a cylindrical file when filing the cutters of a chain saw. For example, in one aspect, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a conventional handle  24  may be mounted to the tapered end of a cylindrical, or rat tail, file and a handle according to aspect of the present invention, for example, handle  12  in  FIG. 1 , may be mounted to the distal end of the file, for example, the non-tapered end. A mechanic may then grasp conventional handle  24 , for example, in a right hand, and handle  12 , for example, in a left hand and manipulate file  22  with greater ease and accuracy, and less potential for injury. Any one of the aspects of the invention disclosed herein may be used to file chain saw cutters, among other filing and non-filing uses.  
         [0052]     In another aspect of the invention, the devices shown in  FIGS. 1-15  may be used various non-filing applications. The following description of alternative uses of aspect of the invention will refer to the aspect shown in  FIGS. 1-15 ; however, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that other aspects of the invention may be utilized in providing the function provided. For example, in one aspect of the invention, the devices shown in  FIG. 1-15  may be mounted to a welding rod or solder and provide a means to facilitate handling of welding rod and solder. When brazing, welding, or soldering, aspects of the invention can facilitate handling of the work consumable material, such as the welding rod, when aspects of the invention are mounted to the consumable material. Even with the glove used as protection from the heat, aspects of the invention provide the operator with improved handling and, therefore, a safer work environment.  
         [0053]     In another aspect of the invention, the devices shown in  FIGS. 1-15  may provide a handle for an Allen-type wrench, for example, a hex wrench, though the Allen-type wrench may drive that is hexagonal or any other conventional drive, for instance, a slotted, phillips, pozidriv, torx, hex, robertson, tri-wing, torq-set, or spanner drives, and the like. Again, mounting aspects of the present invention to a hex wrench provides the mechanic with improved handling and, therefore, a safer work environment.  
         [0054]     In a further aspect of the invention, aspects of the invention may be used to facilitate wire stripping. For example, in one aspect, a wire having insulation may be inserted through one of the holes  20  in body  14  or holes  44  in body  34  and be engaged between the holes and the respective insert when the insert is tightened. By grasping body  14  or  34  in one handle, for example, and pulling on the wire with the other hand, the wire insulation can be removed with relative ease.  
         [0055]     Aspects of the invention may also be used as a wire or a rod coupler. For example, in one aspect, two or more wires, for example, copper or steel wires or rods, may be inserted through holes  20  in body  14  or holes  44  in body  34 , for example, opposite holes, and threaded rods,  18  or  48 , respectively, may be tightened whereby the wires are rigidly engaged between rod  18  or  38  and bodies  14  and  34 , respectively. In one aspect of the invention, a second rod  18  or  38  may also be threaded into the opposite end of threaded hole  16  or  40 , respectively, whereby the wires are pinched between the two opposing inserts. Other structures may also be coupled according to aspects of the invention.  
         [0056]     In another aspect of the invention, the threaded rod  18  or  48  (See  FIG. 1  or  3 .) may be used as a dye to repair external damaged threads, for example, damaged tire lug threads. In one aspect, at least the threads  54  of rod  48  may be made from hardened steel, for example, tool steel, and threaded rod  48  may be threaded onto a bolt or stud of comparable diameter having damaged threads to restore, at least partially, the damaged threads.  
         [0057]     Aspects of the invention may be used with an elongated structure, such as a rod, pole, or stick to provide a depth or distance gauge. For example, in one aspect, a metal rod may be inserted into hole  44  in body  34 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , and threaded rod  48  may be tightened to engage the rod. The location of body  34  on the rod can be varied as needed to provide a distance gage indication from the distal end of the rod to the surface  36  of body  34 .  
         [0058]     In another aspect of the invention, the threaded rod  18  or  48 , shown in  FIG. 2  or  4 , respectively, may also be used as a tap, for example, to chase or restore the internal threads of a threaded hole or nut. In one aspect, the threaded rod or insert  130  shown in  FIG. 15  may be used as a tap or thread chaser. In one aspect, the recess  140  in threaded insert  130  may function as a cavity to collect the material, for example, the shavings, removed while tapping or chasing, and facilitate tapping or chasing.  
         [0059]     Aspects of the invention may also be used as an aid to extracting fasteners, for example, nails or screws. For instance, in one aspect, aspects of the invention may be mounted to fasteners that have been damaged or are otherwise difficult to remove from a material in which they are imbedded. For example, the handle shown in  FIG. 1-15  may be mounted to a nail or screw from which its head has inadvertently been removed and used to grasp the fastener to extract the fastener it or as a means to engage the claw of a hammer, and the like, to extract the fastener.  
         [0060]     Aspects of the invention may also be used as an aid in grasping wires, rods, or cables, for example, as a replacement for knobs or handles. For example, the handles shown in  FIG. 1-15  may be used to replace lost or broken knobs or handles from machinery control devices, such as choke wires or on-off switches, in, for example, heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, skidders, tractors, backhoes, any diesel-powered equipment, and the like. Aspects of the invention may also be used for control cables and related devices light machinery, such as lawn mowers, lawn tractors, snow blowers, and the like.  
         [0061]     Other uses of aspect of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art.  
         [0062]     While several aspects of the present invention have been described and depicted herein, alternative aspects may be effected by those skilled in the art to accomplish the same objectives. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such alternative aspects that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.