Vacuum bit assembly with replaceable drill bit

A vacuum bit assembly comprising:

• an adapter having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a central bore defined in the first end, a locking member extending into the central bore, and a pin extending into the central bore;
• a drill bit having a workpiece engaging end, a connection end opposite the workpiece engaging end, and a suction channel extending between the workpiece engaging and connection ends, the drill bit defining an axis of rotation that extends centrally through the drill bit between the workpiece engaging and connection ends and centrally through the adapter between the first and second ends, the drill bit including an aperture adjacent the connection end and a pin slot adjacent the connection end, the aperture receiving the locking member to secure the drill bit to the adapter, the pin slot receiving the pin to carry torque from the adapter to the drill bit;
• and
• a collar to selectively secure the locking member in the elongated slot.

A method of operating a vacuum bit, the method comprising:

• providing a vacuum bit including
• an adapter having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a locking member,
• a drill bit including a workpiece engaging end, a connection end opposite the workpiece engaging end, an elongated slot that receives the locking member, and a suction channel extending between the first and second ends, the drill bit defining an axis of rotation that extends centrally through the drill bit between the workpiece engaging and connection ends and centrally though the adapter between the first and second ends, and
• a collar to selectively secure the locking member in the elongated slot;
• providing a power tool operable to transfer an impact force to the vacuum bit;
• coupling the drill bit to the adapter;
• coupling the adapter to the power tool;
• applying an impact force from the power tool to the adapter;
• and
• transferring the impact force axially along the axis of rotation from the adapter to the drill bit while allowing the locking member to move axially within the elongated slot.