Smith International, Inc.

Charles W Witt

John Adam Meyers

David E Drake

A retention system is disclosed for a hammer-percussion bit assembly which prevents the loss of the lower section of bit after a crack propagates through the shank (rotational drive) section of the bit. The system includes retainer which is mounted onto the drive sub of the assembly. The retainer is adapted to extend around the head section of the bit and functions to grab the severed bit head section upon lifting of the drill string while not interfering with the normal operation of the assembly.

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Fort Smith, AR, United States of America

Charles W Witt