UNDERWATER TOOLS 



Chairles Yo\ing, Jr. 

 Project Manager 



Swimmer Weapons System 

 U. S. Naval Ordnance Laboratory 



ABSTRACT: Tools being developed at the U. S. Naval Ordnance 

 Laboratory, White Oak, for use by underwater swimmers are dis- 

 cussed. Particular emphasis is placed on stud drivers, cable 

 cutters, and fastening devices for use in raising sunken articles 

 from the Continental Shelf. The presentation includes pictures 

 of tools and a discussion of function and intended use and develop- 

 ment status for each. 



INTRODUCTION 



Over the years, new tools have improved the capability of man 

 to do work. In his normail environment today, he uses a large 

 number and variety of tools to do an incredible number of tasks. 

 However, with few exceptions, these tools are not suitable for 

 use under water. Some of the reasons for this are quite obvious, 

 while others are not. 



First, effective electrical or pneumatic tools must be supplied 

 by relatively large power sources through well-insulated cabling. 

 Cabling is heavy and difficult to move about xrnder water. Oper- 

 ating depths are limited when surface power supplies are used. 

 Second, bottom time for a working diver or vehicle is precious 

 and at times may be measured in seconds. Rapid cutting or drill- 

 ing operations are essential. Third, unless he is well anchored, 

 a diver reacts to the output forces of a power tool. A power tool 

 providing rotary motion may be as likely to spin him as to per- 

 form its work function. 



Less obvious underwater tool problems exist because the user 

 is operating in a hostile environment. Underwater currents, poor 

 visibility, and generally a neutrally buoyant condition all tend 

 to disorient the working diver. The object of his work may be 

 tilted awkwardly and he may be unable to brace himself properly. 

 Moreover, he may be cold and fatigued. His hands may be soft and 

 unfeeling after long underwater exposure. Tasks requiring more 

 than a few simple operations will be in Jeopao'dy unless the man 

 has been well rehearsed. Even then, the working diver, suddenly 

 confronted with a large chunk of kelp in his face, may react in- 

 voluntarily and unpredictably. He may not always recover quickly 

 enough from momentary distractions such as these. An underwater 

 power tool may become a lethal instrument, or the sequence of an 



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