Patent ID: 6105474
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A hand tool for use with an elongate driver bit means made of a magnetizable material for providing a driver bit at at least one end thereof, the tool comprising an elongate handle defining a handle axis and configured to be gripped by a user's hand for applying a torque thereto about said axis, said handle having a central elongate channel extending along said handle axis and open at at least one axial end for longitudinally receiving only a predetermined length portion of said driver bit means, a portion of the driver bit means being exposed and extending distally from said elongate handle and having a driver tip; retaining means on said handle for retaining the driver bit means fixed to said handle during normal use of the tool for transmitting torque applied to said handle to said driver bit means, said handle defining a receiving zone within said elongate channel extending from said open end and having an axial length for receiving said predetermined length portion of said driver bit means; and magnet means mounted along said receiving zone of said handle along said predetermibed length portion of said driver bit means between said opening in said elongate channel and a free end of said driver bit means received within said elongate channel for generating a magnetic field defining a magnetic axis which is substantially normal to said handle axis, whereby said driver bit means received within said elongate channel becomes part of a magnetic circuit of said magnet means and at least some of the magnetic field passes through both the received and exposed portions of said driver bit means to enhance the magnetization of the exposed tip of the driver bit.