Multi-Bit Tool

Abstract

A multi-bit tool (1) including a housing (2) and a drive input shaft (3). The housing incorporates at least two storage recesses (5) accessible from outside the housing. The housing may include a first (6) and a second (7) socket, each axially aligned with the drive input shaft, the first socket being smaller than the second socket and positioned intermediate the second socket and the drive input shaft such that tool bits (4) driven by the first socket pass through the second socket to drivably engage with the first socket. It is preferable that the storage recesses communicate with a central bore to permit the active bit to be internally interchanged. To this end the housing may further incorporate a bore axially aligned with the drive input shaft and the first and second sockets. The tool may further include a sleeve (20) and bolt (21) assembly operable between a bit loading position and a working position, the bolt having a claw (35) to engage a waisted portion (15) of the tool bit, a flange portion (41) and a drive input portion being the drive input shaft (3). In use, the tool drives bits through the drive input shaft which receives drive input to the bolt part of the tool, the flange portion of the bolt driving the housing to thereby transmit the drive input to the first and second sockets of the housing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.