MAGNETIC DEVICE FOR ATTRACTING AND RETAINING FASTENERS

摘要

A magnetic device for attracting and retaining a fastener which has a bit, a generally ring-shaped keeper having a bottom surface, at least some portion of which bottom surface is magnetized, at least one pair of magnets, each pair of magnets having two magnets with alternating poles, adjacent to the magnetic bottom surface of the keeper and arranged around the bit such that an even number of magnets with alternating poles is arranged around the bit, and a non-magnetic holder that secures the keeper and the magnets and surrounds the bit. The magnets provide magnetic flux to the keeper and the fastener. Each pair of adjacent magnets provides a closed magnetic flux path through a first magnet of the pair, the keeper, a second magnet of the pair, and the fastener. The location of the magnetic device along the bit may be adjustable or fixed.