Automated bit handling and changing system and process

A drill bit handling and changing system for a drill rig, the system comprising:

• a deck wrench assembly mounted on a deck of a mast of the drill rig, the deck wrench assembly being arranged to break the drill bit from a drill pipe of the rig;
• and
• a bit changing mechanism slidably disposed on the deck wrench assembly between a standby position and an engaged position where the bit changing mechanism is centered with the drill bit and/or drill pipe, the bit changing mechanism including a carousel having a plurality of receptacles, at least one of the receptacles being empty to receive a used drill bit and at least two receptacles holding new drill bits to be connected with the drill pipe after the used drill bit is removed from the drill string, wherein the bit changing mechanism includes a slewing drive arranged to rotate the carousel to present an empty receptacle or a new drill bit to the drill pipe.