Removable key for wrenching tool

Abstract

Abstract There is disclosed a removable torque-transmitting body, such as a key and methods for securing the key in, and releasing it from, a power assisted wrenching tool for the attachment of fasteners, particularly frangible fasteners, in loose and interference fit applications. The key has a main shaft portion with a distal, torque-transmitting head at one end, and an opposite end of reduced thickness and non-circular cross section, with a transverse groove therebetween. The wrenching tool has a subassembly of an outer socket member and an elongated key holder slidably mounted therein, under spring resistance, with a ball detent mounted in a cross bore in the key holder. The reduced thickness end of the key is inserted into the receiving keyway of the holder, and an axial force can be applied to seat the key, with the detent ball received in its transverse groove. Alternatively, the cross bore in the key holder can be aligned with a ball receptacle in the outer socket member, the spring resistance on the holder disengaged, and the key is then slipped into the key holder, and the spring resistance is released to lock the key in its holder. Once the ball is seated in the transverse groove of the key, the key cannot be extracted until the holder is aligned in its ball releasing position and the spring resistance on the holder is disengaged.

Inventors

• 👤 Ronald W. Batten

Bibliographic Details