Tool for tightening and loosening a fastener

A socket (204, 600) is provided for use with a wrench (202) having a shaft (216) to drive the socket for tightening or loosening a fastener (206) having a gripping notch (218). The socket includes a main body (306, 610) and at least one removable driver (308, 310, 602, 604, 606, 608). The main body has a recess (214, 720) being of such dimensions that at least a portion of the fastener fills the recess when inserted therein. The main body further comprises a guide (402, 804) configured for aligning the socket and the fastener. The removable driver has at least one driving element (342, 344, 760, 762) sized and shaped to fit within the gripping notch of the fastener. The removable driver is removably disposed within the main body in an orientation in which a driving element at least partially protrudes into the recess.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Statement of the Technical Field

The invention relates to tightening and loosening tools, and more particularly, tools configured for tightening or loosening fasteners (e.g., nuts or bolts).

2. Description of the Related Art

There are many types of tool assemblies known in the art that are useful for fastener tightening and loosening operations. One such conventional tool assembly is a socket wrench assembly. As should be understood, a socket wrench assembly typically includes a wrench and removable sockets. The wrench and removable sockets collectively provide a mechanism that allows fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts) to be tightened or loosened with a continuous motion.

The removable socket is typically formed of a heat treated alloy steel. The removable sockets can be sized and shaped to fit different fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts). For example, a removable socket can be sized and shaped to fit slotted, notched, spanner, castle, or castellated nuts and bolts. A perspective view of such a removable socket and a slotted nut is provided inFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 1, the removable socket100is comprised of two opposing ends106,108. A square aperture102is formed in a first one of the opposing ends106. It should be noted that the square aperture102is often formed in a separate component (not shown) that is inserted into the removable socket100and welded thereto. The square aperture102is sized and shaped to receive a driving shaft or fitting of the wrench. The removable socket100typically comes in a variety of sizes. Such sizes often include a fourth of an inch size (¼″), a three-eighths of an inch size (⅜″), a half of an inch size (½″), a three fourth of an inch size (¾″), and a one inch size (1″).

A plurality of drivers (or protrusions)104are formed in a second one of the opposing ends108. The drivers104are sized and shaped to fit into gripping slots (or notches)116of a slotted nut114. As such, the number of positions that the removable socket100can adopt when engaging the slotted nut114is limited. The drivers104are provided to drive the slotted nut114when actuated by a wrench for purposes of tightening the slotted nut114or loosening the slotted nut114.

The above described conventional tool assembly suffers from certain drawbacks. For example, the removable socket100is relatively expensive and labor intensive to manufacture, repair, and/or replace. The removable socket100also has a relatively short lifespan. Also, if the removable socket100is not substantially aligned with the slotted nut114or the drivers104are worn, then the drivers104of the removable socket100can dislodge from the gripping slots (or notches)116of the slotted nut114when the tool assembly is in use. As a result of this dislodgement, the removable socket100can damage the slotted nut114and/or a chassis in which the slotted nut114is being coupled to.

In view of the forgoing, there is a need for a tool assembly comprising a removable socket that is less expensive to manufacture, repair, and/or replace. There is also a need for a removable socket with a longer life span as compared to the conventional removable sockets. There is further a need for a removable socket configured to ensure that the drivers will not dislodge from gripping slots (or notches) of a fastener when a tool assembly is being used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a socket for use with a wrench having a shaft to drive the socket for tightening or loosening a fastener having at least one gripping notch. The socket includes a main body, at least one removable driver, and a retaining plate. The main body has a recess being of such dimensions that at least a portion of the fastener fills the recess when inserted therein. The main body also has a guide configured for aligning the socket and the fastener. The guide is defined by a peripheral edge of the main body surrounding the recess. The main body further comprises a stop ledge configured for ensuring that the fastener is inserted a pre-defined distance within the recess.

The removable driver has at least one driving element sized and shaped to fit within the gripping notch of the fastener. The removable driver is removably disposed within the main body in an orientation in which the driving element at least partially protrudes into the recess. The retaining plate is removably coupled to the main body so as to retain the removable driver within the main body.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the removable driver comprises two opposing driving elements sized and shaped to fit within the gripping notch. In such a scenario, the removable driver is removably disposed within the main body in a first or second orientation, wherein the first orientation is opposite to the second orientation. In the first orientation, a first one of the two opposing driving elements protrudes into the recess. In the second orientation, a second one of the two opposing driving members protrudes into the recess.

According to another aspect of the invention, the socket includes a plate having a centrally located aperture sized and shaped to engagingly receive the shaft for rotation therewith. The plate is removably secured to a first end of the main body opposed from a second end of the main body in which the recess is formed. The main body comprises an aperture having dimensions greater than dimensions of the shaft and aligned with the centrally located aperture of the plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention concerns tool assemblies configured for tightening or loosening fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts). Tool assemblies according to embodiments of the invention overcome certain drawbacks of conventional tool assemblies. For example, the tool assemblies of the present application are less expensive and labor intensive to manufacture, repair, and/or replace as compared to conventional tool assemblies. The tool assemblies of the present application comprise a guide for ensuring proper alignment of a removable socket and a fastener (e.g., a nut and a bolt). The tool assemblies of the present application comprise reversible and replaceable drivers. As a result of the guide and reversible/replaceable drivers, the tool assemblies of the present application eliminate a dislodgement drawback of conventional tool assemblies. The above described features of the tool assemblies will become evident as the discussion progresses.

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention, may however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Before describing the tool assemblies of the present invention, it will be helpful in understanding an exemplary environment in which the invention can be utilized. In this regard, it should be understood that the tool assemblies of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different applications where fasteners (e.g., nuts) need to be tightened or loosened. Such applications include, but are not limited to, military applications, automotive applications, shipping applications, electronic applications, and industrial applications.

Referring now toFIG. 2, there is provided a perspective view of a tool assembly200that is useful for understanding the present invention. The tool assembly200is comprised of a wrench202and a removable socket204. The wrench202and removable socket204collectively provide a mechanism that allows the fastener206(e.g., a slotted, a notched, a spanner, a castle, and a castellated nut and bolt) to be tightened or loosened. Although the wrench202shown inFIG. 2is a manual wrench, the invention is not limited in this regard. For example, the wrench202can be any manual or power wrench known to those having ordinary skill in the art for applying a rotational force to a removable socket204. Similarly, the invention is not limited by the exterior shape of the removable socket204shown inFIG. 2. In this regard, it should be understood that the removable socket204can have any exterior shape selected in accordance with a particular tool assembly application. Such shapes include, but are not limited to, a circular shape and a hex shape.

As shown inFIG. 2, the removable socket204comprises two opposing ends208,210. An aperture212is formed in a first one of the opposing ends208. The aperture212can have a shape configured to engagingly receive and lock onto a driving shaft (or member)216of the socket wrench202. In operation, the socket wrench202applies a rotational force to the removable socket204coupled thereto. It should be noted that the aperture212can have any shape and size selected in accordance with a particular driving shaft (or member) configuration. For example, if the driving shaft (or member)216has a rectangular shape (as shown inFIG. 2), then the aperture212has a rectangular shape. Similarly, if the driving shaft (or member)216has a hex shape (not shown), then the aperture212has a hex shape. The invention is not limited in this regard.

Referring again toFIG. 2, a recess214is formed in a second one of the opposing ends210. The recess214is sized and shaped to fit a particular sized and shaped fastener206(e.g., a slotted, notched, spanner, castle, or castellated nut and bolt). Although the fastener206shown inFIG. 2is a nut having a circular shape, the invention is not limited in this regard. For example, the fastener206can have a hex-shape. In such a scenario, the recess214can have a size and a hex-shape suitable to fit the hex-shaped fastener. Notably, the recess214is designed so that the portion of the fastener206inserted therein substantially fills the recess214. Still, it should be understood that recess214can have a circular shape regardless of the shape of a fastener206having notches. This circular configuration can be employed since drive forces are obtained by drivers (described below in relation toFIGS. 3-4) rather than the shaped recess214.

As also shown inFIG. 2, the fastener206can comprise at least one gripping slot (or notch)218formed therein. The gripping slot (or notch)218provides a means for gripping the fastener206so that the fastener206can be driven by the removable socket204. An exemplary embodiment of the removable socket204will be described in further detail below in relation toFIGS. 3-5. Another exemplary embodiment of the removable socket will be described below in relation toFIGS. 6-8.

Referring now toFIGS. 3-5, there are provided additional illustrations of the removable socket204. More particularly, exploded perspective views of the removable socket204are provided inFIGS. 3-4. A cross-sectional view taken along line5-5ofFIG. 2is provided inFIG. 5. It should be understood that the removable socket204can come in a variety of sizes. For example, the removable socket204can have a size of a forth of an inch (¼″), three-eighths of an inch (⅜″), half of an inch (½″), three-fourths of an inch (¾″), and one inch (1″). The invention is not limited in this regard. For example, the removable socket204can have a size denominated in a metric unit.

As shown inFIGS. 3-4, the removable socket204is comprised of mechanical connectors302,314, plates304,312, a main body306, and drivers308,310. The plates304,312can be removably coupled to the main body306via the respective mechanical connectors302,314. Each of the mechanical connectors302,314can be any mechanical connector commonly used in the art for securing various types of components together. Such mechanical connectors include, but are not limited to, rivets, pins, and screws (as shown inFIGS. 3-4).

The plate304is comprised of apertures316,212. The apertures316are sized and shaped for receiving the mechanical connectors302. The aperture212is sized and shaped for receiving the driving shaft (or member)216of the socket wrench202(described above in relation toFIG. 2). As such, the aperture212has dimensions selected in accordance with a particular driving shaft (or member)216configuration. The plate304can be formed of any suitable material known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Such materials include, but are not limited to, heat treated steel.

Although the removable socket204is shown to have a single plate304, the invention is not limited in this regard. For example, the socket204can comprise a plurality of plates304. The plates304can be laminated together. In such a scenario, a torque loading is distributed over an increased area, i.e., each of two stacked plates experience half of the torque loading as a single plate304. As should be understood by those skilled in the art, the phrase “torque loading”, means a loading as a result of torque.

It should be noted that the plate304is a removable component of the socket204. As such, the plate304can be replaced with a different plate (not shown) having an aperture212with dimensions and shapes selected in accordance with a particular socket wrench employed (e.g., a wrench with a square-shaped driving shaft and a wrench with a hex-shaped driving shaft). Notably, the replaceable plate304configuration provides a universal tool assembly200that can be used with wrenches having different shaped driving shafts (or members).

Also, the replaceable plate304configuration provides a tool assembly200that is less expensive to manufacture and repair as compared to conventional tool assemblies. In this regard, it should be understood that only the plate304needs to be machined for each of the wrenches having different shaped driving shafts. In contrast, an entire conventional removable socket or conventional adapter needs to be machined for each of the wrenches having different shaped driving shafts. Similarly, only the plate304needs to be replaced when the aperture212becomes worn so that it no longer engagingly receives the driving shaft (or member)216of the wrench202for rotation therewith. One can appreciate that it is less expensive to machine a plate304as compared to the cost of machining a conventional removable socket and/or a conventional wrench adapter.

Further, the replaceable plate304eliminates certain drawbacks of conventional wrench adaptors. In this regard, it should be understood that conventional wrench adapters permit the drive tool (e.g., wrench202ofFIG. 2) to flex at the joint connected to the adapter. As a result of this joint flexing, the drive tool and the aperture212of the socket can become prematurely worn.

Referring again toFIGS. 3-4, the main body306is formed of any suitable material known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Such materials include, but are not limited to, various metals (such as steel and brass). The main body306is comprised of apertures322,324, slots326, and a recess214. The apertures322are sized and shaped for receiving the mechanical connectors302. According to an embodiment of the invention, the mechanical connectors302are threaded mechanical connectors. In such a scenario, the apertures322are threaded apertures in which the mechanical connectors302can screwingly engage. The invention is not limited in this regard.

The aperture324of the main body306is sized and shaped for receiving the driving shaft (or member)216of the wrench202(described above in relation toFIG. 2). In this regard, it should be understood that the aperture324can have dimensions (not shown) selected for receiving driving shaft (or member)216having different sizes. As such, the main body306can be used in tool assembly applications where wrenches with different sized and shaped driving shafts (or members) are employed for tightening or loosening fasteners (e.g., a nut). One can appreciate that such a main body306configuration facilitates a universal tool assembly200that is less expensive to manufacture and repair as compared to conventional tool assemblies.

The slots326are provided for receiving at least a portion334of a driver308,310. The slots326can have any shape selected in accordance with a particular socket204application. Such shapes include, but are not limited to, cylindrical shapes and rectangular shapes (as shown inFIG. 7). The slots326advantageously have a width328slightly larger than the thickness330of a driver308,310.

As shown inFIGS. 3-5, the slots326extend at least partially through a peripheral portion of the main body306. Although four (4) slots326are shown inFIGS. 3-4, the invention is not limited in this regard. The main body306can have any number of slots326selected in accordance with a particular tool assembly200application. For example, if a nut (or bolt) having N slots (or notches) is to be loosened using the tool assembly200, then the main body306can have N slots for receiving N driver portions334.

The recess214is sized and shaped for receiving the drivers308,310and the plate312. The main body306includes apertures404for receiving mechanical connectors314. According to an embodiment of the invention, the mechanical connectors314are threaded mechanical connectors. In such a scenario, the apertures404are threaded apertures in which the mechanical connectors314can screwingly engage. The invention is not limited in this regard.

As shown inFIGS. 4-5, the main body306further comprises a guide wall402, a stop ledge406, and driver insert spaces408formed by slots326. The guide wall402ensures proper alignment of the removable socket204and a fastener206(e.g., slotted, notched, spanner, castle, castellated nuts and bolts). One can appreciate that such a guide wall402configuration provides a tool assembly absent of the dislodgement drawbacks of conventional tool assemblies. One can also appreciate that such a guide wall402also prevents unequal wearing of the drivers308,310. The guide wall402can be defined by a peripheral edge450of the main body306surrounding the recess214. The shape of the peripheral edge450can be annular. However, the invention is not limited in this regard. The peripheral edge450can have any shape selected in accordance with a particular socket204application. For example, the peripheral edge450can also have a hex-shape. The guide wall402extends into the interior of recess214a certain distance from peripheral edge450to transversely intersect with stop ledge406defined within the recess214. Accordingly, the intersection of the guide wall402and stop ledge406form an L-shaped contour329within the recess214. The same L-shaped contour731can be observed inFIG. 7in the area of driver insert space730.

The presence of each slot326defined in main body306forms a pair of opposing slot faces307within an interior portion of main body306. As shown inFIG. 2, a removable driver308,310is disposed between the opposing slot faces307when a portion of the removable driver is inserted within a slot326. The L-shaped contour329formed by guide wall402and stop ledge406naturally results in a portion of each slot face307having an L-shaped profile. A first support face portion331is present on each slot face307, adjacent to the stop ledge406. A second support face portion333is defined in the area where each slot326traverses the guide wall402.

The stop ledge406ensures that the fastener206(described above in relation toFIG. 2) remains in a pre-determined position within the recess214during the operation of the tool assembly200. The driver insert spaces408are sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the drivers308,310. The driver insert spaces408ensure that the drivers308,310remain in a pre-determined position within the main body306during the operation of the tool assembly200.

Referring again toFIGS. 3-4, each of the drivers308,310is formed of any suitable material as would be known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Such materials include, but are not limited to, mild steel. The phrase “mild steel”, as used herein, refers to steel that has a relatively low carbon content (e.g., 0.16-0.29% carbon content). It should be noted that drivers308,310formed of mild steel have an increased life span as compared to conventional drivers formed of heat treated steel.

As shown inFIGS. 3-5, each of the drivers308,310has a substantially H-shape. However, the invention is not limited in this regard. For example, each of the drivers308,310can have any shape selected in accordance with a particular socket204application. Such shapes include, but are not limited to, a substantially Z-shape (such as the drivers602, . . . ,608of the socket600shown inFIGS. 6-8), a substantially T-shape (not shown), a substantially L-shape (not shown), and a substantially U-shape (not shown).

Although two (2) drivers308,310are shown inFIGS. 3-5, the invention is not limited in this regard. The socket204can include any number N of drivers308,310, where N is selected in accordance with a particular socket204application. For example, if the socket204is to be used for fastening/loosening a fastener having eight (8) gripping slots (notches), then the socket204can include one to four (1-4) H-shaped drivers308,310. Although the drivers308,310are shown to be equally spaced apart, the invention is not limited in this regard. The drivers308,310can be equally or non-equally spaced apart from each other. If the drivers308,310are non-equally spaced apart, then the socket204can include two or more Z-shaped drivers (shown inFIG. 8).

Referring again toFIGS. 3-5, each of the drivers308,310comprises an elongated center portion336having elongated parallel end portions334disposed at opposite ends338,340thereof. The elongated end portions334have vertical axis392that are transverse to a horizontal axis390of the elongated center portion336. As should be understood, the drivers308,310can be machined as a single component or as a plurality of components334,336. If the drivers308,310are machined as a plurality of components, then the end portions334are coupled to the elongated center portion336using any suitable coupling technique known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Such coupling techniques include, but are not limited to, a soldering technique and a welding technique.

Referring again toFIGS. 3-5, the elongated end portions334have opposing driving portions342,344that extend away from the elongated center portion336in opposite vertical directions550,552. Such an opposing driving portion configuration provides a socket204with reversible drivers308,310. In this regard, it should be understood that the H-shaped drivers308,310comprise two (2) sets of driving portions360,362. The first set of driving portions360can be used in different tightening/loosening operations than the second set of driving portions362. As such, if the first set of driving portions360becomes worn, then the second set of driving portions362can be used during a next tightening/loosing operation. Such a reversible driver configuration provides a socket204having an increased life span as compared to conventional sockets. Also, the socket204is less expensive to repair and/or replace as compared to conventional socket configurations (where the sockets are machined as a single component including the drivers).

As shown inFIGS. 3-5, the elongated center portions336of each driver308,310has a notch354formed therein. The notch354is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of an elongated center portion336of another driver308,310. As such, the notches354ensure that the drivers308,310reside in predefined positions with respect to each other when positioned within the main body306.

As shown inFIG. 5, the end portions334of the drivers308,310partially extend into the recess214by a certain distance d. The distance d is selected in accordance with a particular socket204application. As should be understood, the end portions338,340are sized and shaped to fit into gripping slots (or notches)218of a fastener206(described above in relation toFIG. 2). Accordingly, the number of positions that the removable socket204can adopt when engaging the fastener206is limited.

Referring again toFIGS. 3-5, the plate312can be formed of any suitable material known in the art. Such materials include, but are not limited to, mild steel and aluminum. The plate312removably secures the drivers308,310to the main body306. In this regard, it should be understood that the plate312includes apertures410. The apertures410are sized and shaped for receiving the mechanical connectors314. The plate312is sized and shaped to fit within the recess214of the main body306. As should be understood, the removable plate configuration advantageously facilitates the provision of a socket204with removable and reversible drivers308,310. However, the invention is not limited in this regard. For example, if the drivers308,310are configured to snap into the main body306, then the removable socket204can be absent of the plate312.

Referring now toFIGS. 6-8, there are provided schematic illustrations of another exemplary removable socket600that is useful for understanding the present invention. More particularly, a perspective view of the removable socket600is provided inFIG. 6. An exploded perspective view of the removable socket600is provided inFIG. 7. A cross-sectional view of the removable socket600taken along line8-8ofFIG. 6is provided inFIG. 8.

As shown inFIGS. 6-8, the removable socket600comprises mechanical connectors702,714and plates704,712. These listed components702,704,712,714are the same as or substantially similar to the mechanical connectors302,314and plates304,312ofFIGS. 3-5, respectively. As such, the discussion provided above in relation to the components302,304,312,314is sufficient for understanding the components702,704,712,714of the removable socket600.

Referring again toFIGS. 6-8, the removable socket600is also comprised of a main body610and drivers602,604,606,608. The main body610is formed of any suitable material known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Such materials include, but are not limited to, brass. The main body610is comprised of apertures722,724,726, driver insert spaces730, and a recess720. The main body610is also comprised of apertures (not shown) for receiving the mechanical connectors714. The apertures (not shown) can be threaded apertures. The recess720is sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the drivers602,604,606,608, the plate712, and a fastener (e.g., the fastener206ofFIG. 2). As should be understood, the recess720is designed so that the portion of the fastener inserted therein substantially fills the recess720.

The apertures722are sized and shaped for receiving the mechanical connectors702. As such, the apertures722can be threaded apertures. The aperture724of the main body610is sized and shaped for receiving the driving shaft (or member)216of the wrench202(described above in relation toFIG. 2). In this regard, it should be understood that the aperture724can have dimensions (not shown) selected for receiving driving shaft (or member)216having different sizes. As such, the main body610can be used in tool assembly applications where wrenches with different sized and shaped driving shafts (or members) are employed for tightening or loosening fasteners (e.g., a nut). One can appreciate that such a main body610configuration facilitates a universal tool assembly200that is less expensive to manufacture and repair as compared to conventional tool assemblies.

The driver insert spaces730are provided to ensure that the drivers602,604,606,608remain in a pre-determined position within the main body610during the operation of a tool assembly. As such, the driver insert spaces730are configured for receiving at least a portion of a driver602, . . . ,608. The driver insert spaces730can have any shape selected in accordance with the particular shape of the drivers602, . . . ,608. For example, if the drivers602, . . . ,608are Z-shaped drivers (as shown inFIGS. 7-8), then the driver insert spaces730can be Z-shaped insert spaces (as shown inFIG. 8).

As shown inFIGS. 6-8, a portion of the driver insert spaces730can extend at least partially through a peripheral portion802of the main body610. In such a scenario, slots (or notches)752are formed in a radial configuration along the peripheral portion802of the main body610. Although the main body610is shown to have four (4) driver insert spaces730, the invention is not limited in this regard. The main body610can have any number of driver insert spaces730selected in accordance with a particular socket600application. For example, if a nut (or bolt) having N slots (or notches) is to be loosened using the socket600, then the main body610can have N driver insert spaces730for receiving N drivers602, . . . ,608.

A shown inFIG. 8, stop ledges810can be provided for ensuring that the drivers602, . . . ,608are inserted a distance812into the main body610. The stop ledges810can also ensure that the drivers602, . . . ,608reside in predefined positions with respect to each other when positioned within the main body610. More particularly, the stop ledges810ensure that the drivers602, . . . ,608reside in the same plane defined by the recess720and are horizontally aligned with each other.

As shown inFIG. 8, the main body610further comprises a guide804and a stop ledge806. The components804,806of the main body610are the same as or substantially similar to the components402,406of the main body306(described above in relation toFIGS. 3-5), respectively. As such, the discussion provided above in relation toFIGS. 3-5is sufficient for understanding the components804,806of the main body610.

Referring again toFIGS. 6-8, each of the drivers602, . . . ,608can be formed of any suitable material known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Such materials include, but are not limited to, mild steel. Each of the drivers602, . . . ,608can have a substantially Z-shape. Although four (4) Z-shaped drivers602, . . . ,608are shown, the invention is not limited in this regard. The socket600can include any number N of drivers602, . . . ,608, where N is selected in accordance with a particular socket600application. For example, if the socket600is to be used for fastening/loosening a fastener having eight (8) gripping slots (notches), then the socket600can include one to eight (1-8) Z-shaped drivers602, . . . ,608.

As shown inFIG. 7-8, each of the drivers602, . . . ,608comprises two (2) opposing driving portions760,762. Such an opposing driving portion configuration provides a socket600with reversible drivers602, . . . ,608. In this regard, it should be understood that a first one of driving portions760can be used in different tightening/loosening operations than a second one of driving portions762. As such, if the first driving portion760becomes worn, then the second driving portions762can be used during a next tightening/loosing operation. One can appreciate that such a reversible driver configuration provides a socket600having a longer life span as compared to conventional sockets. Also, the socket600is less expensive to repair and/or replace as compared to conventional socket configurations (where the sockets are machined as a single component including the drivers).

It should be noted that the drivers602, . . . ,608can be fabricated with different shaped features so that the socket600can drive different fasteners. The different fasteners can have notches with different widths and notches with different shapes. Such a driver feature configuration enables the driving of fasteners206with internal cylindrical recesses (as opposed to recesses formed on a peripheral portion thereof).

As shown inFIG. 8, the driving portions762of the drivers602, . . . ,608partially extend into the recess720by a certain distance D. The distance D is selected in accordance with a particular socket600application. The invention is not limited in this regard. For example, if the drivers602, . . . ,608are inserted into the driver insert spaces730in an orientation reverse than that shown inFIG. 8, then the driving portions760will partially extend into the recess720by the distance D. As should be understood, the driving portions760,762are sized and shaped to fit into gripping slots (or notches) of a fastener (e.g., the fastener206described above in relation toFIG. 2). Accordingly, the number of positions that the removable socket600can adopt when engaging a fastener is limited.