Sample retrieval apparatus and method

A sample retrieval tool to form a hole in a workpiece, retrieve samples from an interior of the workpiece and to perform a blind side expansion to seal the hole in the workpiece, the sample retrieval tool comprising:

• a plug comprising a head and a body, a flange bearing surface formed by a transition between the head and the body to bear against an exterior surface of the workpiece, a passage extending through the head and the body, the body being plastically expandable between an unexpanded configuration in which a portion of the body is sized to be receivable through the hole in the workpiece and an expanded configuration in which at least some of the portion of the body is sized to be in sealing engagement with at least a portion of the workpiece;
• and
• a multi-section tool bit comprising a leading section and a trailing section selectively detachable from the leading section, the leading section comprising an elongated stem having a front end and a rear end, a cutter at least proximate at least the front end of the stem, a mandrel section spaced rearwardly from the cutter, the mandrel section having an outer perimeter sized to be received in a portion of the passage that extends through the body of the plug and to plastically expand at least a portion of the body of the plug into the expanded configuration as the mandrel section is moved rearwardly through the portion of the passage from a blindside of the hole in the workpiece, the trailing section comprising an elongated shank having a leading end, a trailing end, and a sample chamber that is openable to receive a sample therein and closable to retain the sample therein.