Device for performing working operations on a workpiece by detonation of blasting charges

A hand-operated portable tool for carrying out working operations on a workpiece directly by blasting action produced by detonation of an explosive cartridge, comprising:

• an elongated tool body;
• a front unit means for engagement with the workpiece, including means for accommodating a prefabricated explosive cartridge in a position in which the front end of said cartridge is situated near the front end of said front unit means, said front unit means being swingably connected to said tool body about an axis situated in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of length of said tool body and being swingable between a first position in which the tool is ready for firing and a second position in which an explosive cartridge can easily be inserted into said cartridge accommodating means;
• an igniting means for the explosive cartridge;
• a first handle having first manually operale means for releasing said igniting means;
• a security means having an operative position to render said ignition means inoperative;
• and a second handle disposed a substantial distance forward of said first handle and near said front means having second manually operable means for making said security means temporarily inoperative to render said ignition means operative.