Multi-functional tool and method of using same
A multi-functional tool includes a shaft having first and second ends and a first, implement extending from the first end. The tool further includes a second implement extending from the second end and including a base and first and second posts extending from the base. A gap is disposed between the first and second posts and adapted to receive a connector therebetween during locking of the connector to an electrical box.
1 . A multi-functional tool comprising:
a shaft having first and second ends;
a first implement extending from the first end; and
a second implement extending from the second end and including a base and first and second posts extending from the base, wherein a gap is disposed between the first and second posts and adapted to receive a connector therebetween during locking of the connector to an electrical box.
2 . A multi-functional tool of claim 1 , wherein the shaft is cylindrical in shape.
3 . The multi-functional tool of claim 1 , wherein the first implement includes a deburring section formed of a body having a first cylindrical portion having a first diameter, a second cylindrical portion having a second diameter, and a third cylindrical portion having a third diameter, wherein the first, second, and third diameters are different.
4 . The multi-functional tool of claim 3 , wherein each of the first, second, and third cylindrical portions includes a hook-shaped member for deburring different sized sections of wire casing.
5 . The multi-functional tool of claim 1 , wherein a knockout hammer extends from the deburring section and includes a cylindrical portion.
6 . The multi-functional tool of claim 5 , wherein the knockout hammer further includes a divider extending across a central portion of the cylindrical portion to receive and tighten a connector screw.
7 . The multi-functional tool of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first post is cylindrical and a slot is disposed in an end thereof in a central portion thereof.
8 . The multi-functional tool of claim 1 , wherein the second post is semi-cylindrical in shape and a locking member extends at about a ninety degree angle from the second post, such that when the connector is disposed between the first and second posts, the locking member interferes with a screw extending from the connector to rotate and tighten the connector.
9 . A multi-functional tool comprising:
a shaft having first and second ends;
a first implement extending from the first end, wherein the first implement includes a knockout hammer; and
a second implement extending from the second end, wherein the second implement includes a base, first and second posts extending from the base, and a locking member extending at an angle of about ninety degrees from the second post.
10 . The multi-functional tool of claim 9 , the first implement further including a deburring section having a body having a first cylindrical portion having a first diameter, a second cylindrical portion having a second diameter, and a third cylindrical portion having a third diameter, wherein the first, second, and third diameters are different.
11 . The multi-functional tool of claim 10 , wherein each of the first, second, and third cylindrical portions includes a hook-shaped member for deburring different sized sections of wire casing.
12 . The multi-functional tool of claim 9 , wherein at least a portion of the first post is cylindrical and a slot is disposed in an end of the first post in a central portion thereof.
13 . The multi-functional tool of claim 9 , wherein the locking member includes a divider extending across a central portion thereof.
14 . The multi-functional tool of claim 9 , wherein the first and second posts are coupled to the base of the second end forming a gap that is large enough to accommodate a connector therebetween during locking of the connector to an electrical box.
15 . The multi-functional tool of claim 9 , wherein the knockout hammer includes a divider disposed in an end thereof and extending across a central portion thereof to receive and tighten a connector screw.
16 . A method of using a multi-functional tool, the method comprising the steps of:
knocking out a portion of a knockout in an electrical box utilizing a knockout hammer of the tool;
inserting an edge of the knockout into a slot disposed in a cylindrical member extending from an end of the tool;
twisting the tool to remove the knockout from the electrical box;
inserting a threaded end of a connector into a hole formed in the electrical box by removal of the knockout;
attaching and rotating a locking ring along the threaded end of the connector;
inserting an end of the tool into a hollow portion of the connector, wherein a cylindrical wall of the connector is located between first and second spaced posts;
turning the tool in a clockwise manner until the electrical box is held tightly between the connector and the locking ring;
inserting a section of wire casing into the connector; and
securing the section of wire casing to the connector by rotating a connector screw in the connector into engagement with the section of wire casing to retain the section of wire casing within the connector.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein during the turning step, the second post interferes with a connector screw extending from the connector to cause rotation of the connector.