Patent ID: 8438715
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: B23P,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of installing a snap ring onto an O-ring located in an annular groove of an anvil of an impact wrench, the snap ring being severed forming opposed snap ring ends each separated by a gap, the snap ring having an outer diameter, an opposed inner diameter bounding an anvil-receiving opening, the snap ring moveable between a closed position and an open position enlarging the outer and inner diameters of the snap ring and the gap between the snap ring ends to allow the snap ring to be received over the anvil and onto the O-ring located in the annular groove, the method comprising the steps of: providing a base formed with an annular seat, the annular seat being deformable and defining an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the snap ring in the closed position of the snap ring; seating the snap ring in the closed position thereof into the annular seat, the annular seat holding the snap ring such that the outer diameter of the snap ring is received in juxtaposition with respect to the inner diameter of the annular seat, and the anvil-receiving opening is presented so as to be available to receive the anvil therethrough; applying the anvil into and through the opening of the snap ring seated in the seat of the base and into the base applying the snap ring over the anvil and onto the O-ring located in the groove; and the anvil interacting with the inner diameter of the snap ring in response to applying the anvil into and through the opening of the snap ring moving the snap ring from the closed position thereof to the open position thereof enlarging the inner and outer diameters of the snap ring and the gap between the snap ring ends of the snap ring deforming the annular seat and allowing the snap ring to be received over the anvil and onto the O-ring located in the annular groove.