Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Disengaging socket extension

Abstract:

A socket extension assembly adapted to be driven by a power tool is disclosed. The shell surrounds a connector and drive subassembly that are fixedly attached to one another and in axial alignment. A biasing member is interposed between the shell and subassembly to provide disengagement of the drive and shell in a natural state, and engagement and transmission of rotation when axial force is applied to mate the drive and shell. This enables a fastener to be loaded into the socket as usual and hand-started while the fastener is already loaded into the socket. After confirmation that the threads are properly and sufficiently aligned and engaged into the mating threads, the fastening process can be completed by applying axial pressure to transmit the rotational force from the power tool via the bit and the drive to the socket stem.