Patent ID: 8686312

Claim:
A weld cap changing tool for removing weld caps from weld shanks, comprising: an elongated shaft portion having an elongated axis extending along a length of the shaft portion; a first weld cap removing portion comprising two prongs extending away from the shaft portion to free distal ends, the two prongs comprising a lifting surface and a fulcrum surface that are spaced apart from one another, where the lifting surface and the fulcrum surface are generally parallel with one another and are both offset in a common direction from the elongated axis of the shaft portion, and the two prongs of the first weld cap removing portion being separated by a first characteristic gap that is sized to position at least part of the first weld cap removing portion beneath at least a portion of a first weld cap for a removal operation; and a second weld cap removing portion comprising two prongs extending away from the shaft portion to free distal ends, the two prongs comprising a lifting surface and a fulcrum surface that are spaced apart from one another, where the lifting surface and the fulcrum surface are generally parallel with one another and are both offset in a common direction from the elongated axis of the shaft portion, and the two prongs of the second weld cap removing portion being separated by a second characteristic gap that is different than the first characteristic gap that is sized to position at least part of the second weld cap removing portion beneath at least a portion of a second weld cap for a removal operation; wherein, in a first engagement position, the first weld cap removing portion engages the first weld cap and, in a second engagement position different from the first engagement position, the second weld cap removing portion engages the second weld cap of a different size than the first weld cap.