摘要 |
A fastener, method of fastening, a fastener and drive tool system, and a drive tool for driving a fastener in which the fastener has a leading portion or drill tip portion which is frangible and detachable from the threaded portion. The fastener includes a shank having a head formed at one end, the leading portion or drill tip at an opposite end thereof, and the threaded portion positioned intermediate the head and drill portion. A weakened or frangible portion is provided on the shank between the drill tip and the threaded portion for dividing the fastener into the threaded portion which is retained in engagement with the workpieces and the drill tip which is detached from the fastener. The method includes driving the fastener into a workpiece and detaching or fracturing the drill tip from the threaded portion generally at a predetermined location. The detachment or frangible portion is formed to facilitate fracture at a predetermined area along the shank either manually or automatically as a function of the structure of the fastener and/or the fastener driving process. The present invention also includes the tool included in the fastener system which is used to drive the fastener into a workpiece. The tool includes an interference block having a surface which promotes fracture and detachment of the drill from the threaded portion when the drill portion abuts and is deflected by the surface.
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