WO2010027315A1

WO2010027315A1 - Tool pick with channeled shaft end

Info

Publication number: WO2010027315A1
Application number: PCT/SE2009/050733
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph Fader; Daniel Mouthaan; Kenneth Monyak
Original assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
Current assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
Priority date: 2008-09-05
Filing date: 2009-06-15
Publication date: 2010-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 2011-03-05

Abstract

A tool pick design which features one or more channels in the rear portion of the shank to evacuate debris, e.g., cuttings and fines,rearward and out from the space adjacent a retaining element is disclosed. The tool pick mounts in a bore of sleeve, which itself may incorporate one or more channels in a rear portion of the shank to evacuate debris. Removing debris prevents debris from becoming lodged between the retaining element and shank and/or bore of a sleeve, thus enhancing tool pick rotation and reducing wear.

Description

TOOL PICK WITH CHANNELED SHAFT END

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rotatable tool pick. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a rotatable tool pick having axially extending rearward channels that assist in removing debris from the area of a retaining element.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the discussion of the background that follows, reference is made to certain structures and/or methods. However, the following references should not be construed as an admission that these structures and/or methods constitute prior art. Applicant expressly reserves the right to demonstrate that such structures and/or methods do not qualify as prior art.

[0003] Internally retained picks are conventional for the mechanical excavation of rocks and minerals. Such picks include a head, which contacts the rocks and minerals during excavation, and a shank, which is mounted in a holder. A retainer, which can come in several forms, is positioned about the shank of the pick and retains the pick in the holder while also allowing rotation of the pick. Typically, the retainer uses springlike behavior to allow the retainer to be placed over and retained about the shank and to be placed into and be retained within the bore of the holder or into a bore of a sleeve that itself is placed into and retained with the bore of the holder. [0004] During excavation, debris, such as fines, dusts, grit, pebbles, dirt and so forth, is produced. This debris can accumulate between the internal retainer and the pick shank. This accumulated debris inhibits rotation of the pick. If there is enough debris trapped, the pick will be completely stopped from rotating. This leads to premature failure of the pick. Accumulated debris inside the retainer also can negatively impact the extraction of the pick. Some retainer/pick styles incorporate the collapse of the retainer, e.g., the retainer is compressed during mounting/removal. The accumulation of debris prevents these retainers from compressing making pick extraction extremely difficult. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a shank 2 of a prior art pick in the bore of a sleeve 4 with an internal retainer 6 and shows the accumulation of debris 8 between the retainer 4 and the shank 2 that impacts rotation and/or prevents compression of the retainer 6, e.g., a retaining feature such as bump 10 cannot be removed from groove 12 in the surface of the bore because the debris prevents sufficient radial compression of the retainer 6.

SUMMARY

[0005] An innovative pick design which features one or more passageways in the rear portion of the shank to urge debris rearward. Removing debris prevents it from becoming lodged between the retainer and shank, thus enhancing rotation and removal. This design is applicable to any internally retained pick, particularly conical picks.

[0006] An exemplary tool and block assembly comprises a block including a body having a bore extending axially from a first side to a second side, a sleeve mounted in the bore of the block, the sleeve having a bore extending axially from a first end to a second end, a tool pick rotatably mounted in the bore of the sleeve, the tool pick including a head portion and a shank portion, the shank portion projecting rearwardly from the head portion and having a circumferential channel therein, a retaining element positioned about at least a portion of the shank portion, and a rearward opening channel in at least one of a surface of the bore of the sleeve and the shank portion of the tool pick.

[0007] An exemplary tool pick comprises a head portion, a shank portion, the shank portion projecting rearwardly from the head portion and having a circumferential channel therein, a retaining element positioned about at least a portion of the shank portion, and a rearward opening channel in a surface of the shank portion. [0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0009] The following detailed description can be read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate like elements and in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a shank of a prior art pick in the bore of a sleeve with an internal retainer.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a tool pick mounted in a sleeve.

[0012] FIGS. 3A to 3C are isometric, disassembled views of three variations of picks showing different style of retaining elements.

[0013] FIGS. 4A to 4C schematically show cross-sections of tool picks with different rearward opening channels in the shank portion of the tool mounted in sleeves.

[0014] FIGS. 5A to 5C schematically show cross-sections of tool picks mounted in sleeves with different rearward opening channels in the surface of the bore in the sleeve.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric view of a pick showing a rear retaining element positioned about the shank portion.

[0016] FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-section of tool with a rear retaining element positioned about the shank portion with rearward opening channels in the shank portion of the tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] An exemplary embodiment 50 of a tool pick mounted in a sleeve is shown in partial cross-sectional view in FIG. 2. The sleeve 52 (in cross-section) has a body 54 with a bore 56 extending axially from a first end 58 to a second end 60. A tool pick 100 is mounted in the bore 56 of the sleeve 52. Preferably, the tool pick 100 is mounted for rotatable motion R during excavation.

[0018] At least one of a surface of the bore of the sleeve and the shank portion of the tool pick includes a rearward opening channel as disclosed and described herein. The rearward opening channel advantageously evacuates material from a region, for example, a circumferential channel in the shank portion or in the surface of the bore, for improved performance of the retaining features of the tool and block assembly 50 and the tool and block assembly, in general. Removing debris minimizes or prevents debris from becoming lodged between the retaining feature and shank and/or bore, thus enhancing rotation and removal. The disclosed tool and block assembly 50 is applicable to any internally retained tool pick, particularly to conical tool picks. [0019] The assembled tool pick and sleeve can subsequently be mounted in the bore of a block (not shown) to form a tool and block assembly. A base portion of the block is adapted for mounting to a rotating element of a mining machine, construction machine, tunneling machining or trenching machine, such as Sandvik model MT720 tunneling machine or Voest-Alpine's Alpine Bolter Miner ABM 25. An exemplary mining machine comprises a rotating element in the form of a rotatable drum, and one or more blocks mounted on the rotatable drum, for example, by bolts and or welds. [0020] In a first exemplary embodiment, the shank portion of the tool pick includes a rearward opening channel. Exemplary embodiments of various tool picks 100 are shown in isometric, disassembled view in FIGS. 3A to 3C and FIG. 6. Common to the tool picks 100 in these figures are a head portion 102 and a shank portion 104. The head portion can include any suitable features, including, for example, a shoulder region 106, a tapered region 108 and a tip 110. The tip 110 can be made from a hard material, such as tungsten carbide. The shank portion 104 projects rearwardly from the head portion 102 to an end surface at a distal end 112 and has a region 114 about which a retaining element 116 is positioned.

[0021] The region 114 can have one or more circumferential channels 118. The circumferential channel 118 has a smaller radius than a radius of a portion of the shank portion 104 directly axially forward from the circumferential channel 118 and a radius of the shank portion 104 directly axial rearward from the circumferential channel 118. In some embodiments, the radius of the portion of the shank directly axially forward from the circumferential channel 118 is the same as the radius of the portion of the shank directly axially rearward from the circumferential channel 118. In other embodiments, the radius of the portion of the shank directly axially forward from the circumferential channel 118 is different than the radius of the portion of the shank directly axially rearward from the circumferential channel 118. Also and as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the circumferential channel 118 has a constant depth along its axial extent and has a surface 120 that is parallel to an axis 122 of the tool pick, while in FIG. 3C the circumferential channel 118 has a depth that varies along its axial extent while the surface 120 is non-parallel to the axis 122 of the tool pick. The FIG. 3C non-parallel surface cooperates best with a "bump sleeve" retaining element as shown in FIG. 3C. [0022] The tool pick 100 includes a rearward opening channel 124 in a surface of the shank portion 104. There may be one or a plurality of channels 124 that may be regularly or irregularly distributed about the circumference of the surface of the shank portion 104. The rearward opening channel 124 includes a forward end 126 that opens into the circumferential channel 118 in the shank portion 104 and a rearward end 128 that opens at a distal end 112 of the shank portion 104. In other respects, the size, orientation, position and other features of the channel 124 can be any suitable feature as long as the channel 124 provides a path to evacuate material from the circumferential channel 118 in the shank.

[0023] FIGS. 4A to 4C schematically illustrate in cross-section the channels 124 on the tool picks 100 in FIGS. 3A to 3C, respectively. In FIGS. 4A to 4C, the tool picks 100 are shown positioned in the bore of the sleeve 52. The channels 124 have a bottom surface 130 that is at a depth that is greater than a depth of the circumferential channel 118 in the shank portion 104. The bottom surface 130 can optionally be angled (θ) with respect to one or more of the surface 120 of the circumferential channel 118, the surface of the shank portion 104 and the axis 122 of the shank portion 104. In FIGS. 4A to 4C, the angle (θ) is labeled between the bottom surface 130 and the axis 122 of the shank portion 104 as an example. The angle (θ) orients the rearward opening channel 124 such that the channel 124 is increasingly opening as the position within the channel 124 moves rearward. By utilizing a bottom surface 130 that slopes radial inward as the channel extends toward the end surface of the tool pick, debris in the circumferential channel 118, e.g., material due to use in mining, excavating, etc., is urged rearward. In exemplary embodiments, the angle (θ) can be about 5°, alternatively about 10°.

[0024] The positions of the bottom surface 130 of the rearward opening channels 124 and the surface 120 of the circumferential channel 118 can also be described relative to the axis 122 of the tool pick 100. Whether the bottom surface 130 slopes radially inward or is parallel to the axis 122, the position of the bottom surface 130 of the rearward opening channel 124 is at a radially smaller distance from the axis 122 than is the surface 120 of the circumferential channel 118. For example, at least a portion of the bottom surface 130 of the rearward opening channel 124 is at a first radial distance (a-i) from the axis 122 of the tool pick 100 and a surface 120, e.g., a bottom surface, of the circumferential channel 118 is at a second radial distance (a₂) from the axis 122 of the tool pick 100. In the illustrated example, the first radial distance (a-i) is less than the second radial distance (a₂). Similarly, the positions of the bottom surface 130 of the rearward opening channels 124 and the surface 120 of the circumferential channel 118 can also be described relative to the surface of the shank portion 104.

[0025] Also for example, the forward end 126 of the channel 124 can be located at various positions relative to the circumferential channel 118. Examples of three different positions are shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. As shown in FIG. 4A, the forward end 126 of the channel 124 is coterminous with a forwardmost edge 132 of the circumferential channel 118. As shown in FIG. 4B, the forward end 126 of the channel 124 terminates at an intermediate position 134 between the forwardmost edge 132 of the circumferential channel 118 and the rearwardmost edge 136 of the circumferential channel 118. As shown in FIG. 4C, the forward end 132 of the channel 124 is approximate a rearwardmost edge 136 of the circumferential channel 118. [0026] In a second exemplary embodiment, the rearward opening channel is in a surface of the bore of the sleeve. Examples of the rearward opening channel in a surface of the bore of the sleeve are shown and described in reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C. In FIGS. 5A to 5C, a tool pick 200 is shown positioned in a bore 204 of a sleeve 206. The tool pick 200 can be any suitable tool pick, such as the tool picks 100 shown and described in connection with FIGS. 3A to 3C, except that the rearward opening channel 124 in the tool picks 100 in FIGS. 3A to 3C are not present in the embodiments in FIGS. 5A to 5C. Rather, in FIGS. 5A to 5C the rearward opening channel 202 is in the surface of the bore 204 of the sleeve 206.

[0027] Returning to FIGS. 5A to 5C, the rearward opening channels 202 are schematically illustrated in cross-sectional view. The bore 204 has a circumferential channel 208 in its surface. Intersecting the circumferential channel 208 is one or more rearward opening channels 202. There may be one or a plurality of channels 202 that may be regularly or irregularly distributed about the circumference of the bore 204. A forward end 210 of the rearward opening channel 202 opens into the circumferential channel 208 and a rearward end 212 of the rearward opening channel 202 opens at a second end 214 of the sleeve 206. The channels 202 have a bottom surface 216 that is at a depth that is greater than a depth of the surface 218 of the circumferential channel 208. In other respects, the size, orientation, position and other features of the channel 202 can be any suitable feature as long as the channel 202 provides a path to evacuate material from the circumferential channel 208.

[0028] The bottom surface 216 of the rearward opening channel 202 can optionally be angled (φ) with respect to one or more of the surface 218 of the circumferential channel 208, the surface of the bore 204 and the axis 220 of the bore 204. In FIGS. 5A to 5C, the angle (φ) is labeled between the bottom surface 216 and the surface of the bore 204 as an example. The angle (φ) orients the rearward opening channel 202 such that the channel 202 is increasingly opening as the position within the channel 202 moves rearward. By utilizing a bottom surface 216 that slopes radial outward as the channel extends toward the second end 214 of the sleeve 206, debris in the circumferential channel 208, e.g., material due to use in mining, excavating, etc., is urged rearward. In exemplary embodiments, the angle (φ) can be about 5°, alternatively about 10°.

[0029] The positions of the bottom surface 216 of the rearward opening channels 202 and the surface 218 of the circumferential channel 208 can also be described relative to the axis 220 of the bore 204. Whether the bottom surface 216 slopes radially outward or is parallel to the axis 220, the position of the bottom surface 216 of the rearward opening channel 202 is at a radially larger distance from the axis 220 than is the surface 218 of the circumferential channel 208. For example, at least a portion of the bottom surface 216 of the rearward opening channel 202 is at a first radial distance (b-i) from the axis 220 of bore 204 and a surface 218, e.g., a bottom surface, of the circumferential channel 208 is at a second radial distance (b₂) from the axis 220 of the bore 204. In the illustrated example, the first radial distance (b-i) is greater than the second radial distance (b₂). Similarly, the positions of the bottom surface 216 of the rearward opening channels 202 and the surface 218 of the circumferential channel 208 can also be described relative to the surface of the bore 204.

[0030] Also for example, the forward end 210 of the channel 202 can be located at various positions relative to the circumferential channel 208. Examples of three different positions are shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C. As shown in FIG. 5A, the forward end 210 of the channel 202 is coterminous with a forwardmost edge 222 of the circumferential channel 208. As shown in FIG. 5B, the forward end 210 of the channel 202 terminates at an intermediate position 224 between the forwardmost edge 222 of the circumferential channel 208 and the rearwardmost edge 226 of the circumferential channel 208. As shown in FIG. 5C, the forward end 210 of the channel 202 is approximate a rearwardmost edge 226 of the circumferential channel 208. [0031] In further alternative embodiments, the sleeve 206 with the rearward opening channel 202 in a surface of the bore 204 can be used with a tool pick 100 having a rearward opening channel 124 in a surface of the shank portion 104. For example, any of the embodiments of tool picks 100 shown in FIGS 3A to 3C and 4A to 4C can be used in any of the embodiments of sleeves 206 shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C. [0032] The tool pick 100 includes a retaining element, preferably an internal retaining element, although an external retaining element such as a retaining clip can be used.

[0033] In the FIGS. 3A to 3C views, the retaining element 116 is an internal retaining element, such as a compressible sleeve. The retaining element 116 is positioned in the circumferential channel 118 or covers the circumferential channel 118. Exemplary embodiments of retaining elements include a body having a first end, a second end, and an axially continuous surface between the first end and the second end. Examples of retaining elements can have a first axially extending slit in the continuous surface extending from the first end to the second end that allows for circumferential compression of the retaining element.

[0034] The retaining element can utilize a friction fit retaining feature or can utilize a physical retaining feature that projects radially from the axially continuous surface. Examples of such radially extending projections include tabs, bumps, and convex portions. Radially extending projections in the form of a plurality of bumps 140 are shown in FIG. 3A (also know as a wedding band retainer); radially extending projections in the form of a circumferential convex portion 140 are shown in FIG. 3C (also known as a bump sleeve retainer).

[0035] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the retaining element is a retaining clip 300. The retaining clip 300 mounts in the circumferential channel 302 in the shank portion 304 of the tool pick 306. The remaining features shown in the FIG. 6 view are similar to those shown and described in connection with the tool picks 100 in FIGS. 3A to 3C, including a plurality of rearward opening channels 308. In the FIG. 6 view, the rearward opening channels 308 have a forward end 310 that is axially forward of the forwardmost edge 312 of the circumferential channel 302.

[0036] FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-section of a tool pick 306 in a sleeve 314 with a retaining clip 300 positioned about a shank portion 304 with rearward opening channels 308. A distal end 316 of the tool pick 306 projects out of the bore in the sleeve 314 past the second side 318 of the sleeve 314. The projection of the distal end 316 exposes the circumferential channel 302 to allow insertion and removal of the retaining clip 300. The bottom surface 320 of the rearward opening channels 308 are at a greater depth from the surface 322 of the shank portion 304 than the depth of the bottom surface 324 of the circumferential channel 302. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, the bottom surface 320 is angled with respect to the bottom surface 324 of the circumferential channel 302. In addition and as an alternative to the about 90 degree forward end surfaces depicted in FIGS. 4A to 4C and 5A to 5C, the forward end surface 326 of the circumferential channel 302 in FIG. 7 is angled with respect to the bottom surface 320 and is at a non-right angle to the surface 322 of the shank portion 304. The additional angling of surfaces of the rearward opening channels 308, i.e., the non- right angles, can facilitate evacuation of debris.

[0037] The disclosed rearward opening channel, whether located in the shank portion of the tool pick or in the surface of the bore of the sleeve, facilitates retaining element operation and operation of the tool pick in general. For example, by providing channels in the rear end of the pick shank or sleeve bore, a path is created for debris to escape. These channels can encompass any geometric void that would allow additional clearance at portions of the retainer for the movement of debris from between the retainer and the shank to the exterior and/or from between the retainer and the sleeve to the exterior. Because the debris is not lodged in the void space, tool rotation is less inhibited. Similarly and for example, the removal of debris leaves a free space about the retaining element. This free space provides sufficient space for retainers to expand for retention and to collapse for extraction. This allows much easier tool pick extraction. In another example, the rearward opening channels are equally advantageous to the sleeve, pick, and retainer. Excess cutting debris results in excess wear; a reduction in trapped debris results in an average longer life of these parts. In still another example, the disclosed arrangement can also benefit tool picks with external retainers, where the shank portion extends past the rear surface of the sleeve and uses a clip at the back. A standard method of removing these retainers involves prying the clip off with a removal tool. The addition of these grooves in the pick shank provides additional clearance and in some cases a guide to insert a removal tool and pry off these external retainers.

[0038] Although described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, deletions, modifications, and substitutions not specifically described may be made without department from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0039] The disclosures in U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/136,450, from which this application claims priority, are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A tool and block assembly, comprising: a block including a body having a bore extending axially from a first side to a second side; a sleeve mounted in the bore of the block, the sleeve having a bore extending axially from a first end to a second end; a tool pick rotatably mounted in the bore of the sleeve, the tool pick including a head portion and a shank portion, the shank portion projecting rearwardly from the head portion and having a circumferential channel therein; a retaining element positioned about at least a portion of the shank portion; and a rearward opening channel in at least one of a surface of the bore of the sleeve and the shank portion of the tool pick.

2. The tool and block assembly of claim 1 , wherein the rearward opening channel is in the shank portion of the tool pick and wherein the rearward opening channel includes a forward end that opens into the circumferential channel and a rearward end that opens at a distal end of the shank portion.

3. The tool and block assembly of claim 2, wherein the rearward opening channel evacuates material from the circumferential channel.

4. The tool and block assembly according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the forward end of the rearward opening channel is coterminous with a forwardmost edge of the circumferential channel.

5. The tool and block assembly according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the forward end of the rearward opening channel terminates at an intermediate position between the forwardmost edge of the circumferential channel and a rearwardmost edge of the circumferential channel.

6. The tool and block assembly as in any one of claims 2-5, wherein at least a portion of a bottom surface of the rearward opening channel is at a first radial distance from an axis of the tool pick and a bottom surface of the circumferential channel is at a second radial distance from the axis of the tool pick, and wherein the first distance is less than the second distance.

7. The tool and block assembly as in any one of claims 2-5, wherein the rearward opening channel has a bottom surface that is angled with respect to one or more of an axis of the shank portion and a bottom surface of the circumferential channel.

8. The tool and block assembly of claim 1 , wherein the rearward opening channel is in the surface of the bore of the sleeve and wherein the rearward opening channel includes a forward end that opens into a circumferential channel in the surface of the bore of the sleeve and a rearward end that opens at the second end of the sleeve.

9. The tool and block assembly of claim 8, wherein the rearward opening channel evacuates material from the circumferential channel.

10. The tool and block assembly according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the forward end of the rearward opening channel is coterminous with a forwardmost edge of the circumferential channel in the surface of the bore of the sleeve.

11. The tool and block assembly according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the forward end of the rearward opening channel terminates at an intermediate position between the forwardmost edge of the circumferential channel in the surface of the bore of the sleeve and the rearwardmost edge of the circumferential channel in the surface of the bore of the sleeve.

12. The tool and block assembly as in any one of claims 8-11 , wherein at least a portion of a bottom surface of the rearward opening channel is at a first depth from the surface of the bore of the sleeve and a bottom surface of the circumferential channel is at a second depth from the surface of the bore of the sleeve, and wherein the first depth is greater than the second depth.

13. The tool and block assembly as in any one of claims 8-11 , wherein the rearward opening channel has a bottom surface that is angled with respect to one or more of an axis of the bore of the sleeve and a bottom surface of the circumferential channel in the surface of the bore of the sleeve.

14. The tool and block assembly as in any one of claims 1 -13, wherein the retaining element includes a body having a first end, a second end, an axially continuous surface between the first end and the second end, a first axially extending slit in the continuous surface extending from the first end to the second end, and a tool pick retaining feature, and wherein the tool pick retaining feature includes a projection that projects radially outward from the axially continuous surface into a circumferential channel in the surface of the bore of the sleeve.

15. The tool and block assembly as in any one of claims 1 -14, wherein the portion of the shank portion about which the retaining element is positioned includes the circumferential channel in the shank portion.

16. A tool pick, comprising: a head portion; a shank portion, the shank portion projecting rearwardly from the head portion and having a circumferential channel therein; a retaining element positioned about at least a portion of the shank portion; and a rearward opening channel in a surface of the shank portion.

17. The tool pick of claim 16, wherein the rearward opening channel includes a forward end that opens into the circumferential channel and a rearward end that opens at a distal end of the shank portion.

18. The tool pick according to claims 16 or 17, wherein the rearward opening channel evacuates material from the circumferential channel.

19. The tool pick according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the forward end of the rearward opening channel is coterminous with a forwardmost edge of the circumferential channel.

20. The tool pick according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the forward end of the rearward opening channel terminates at an intermediate position between the forwardmost edge of the circumferential channel and the rearwardmost edge of the circumferential channel.

21. The tool pick as in any one of claims 16-20, wherein a surface of the circumferential channel has a smaller radius than a radius of a portion of the shank directly axially forward from the circumferential channel and a radius of the shank directly axial rearward from the circumferential channel.

22. The tool pick of claim 21 , wherein the radius of the portion of the shank directly axially forward from the circumferential channel is different than the radius of the portion of the shank directly axially rearward from the circumferential channel.

23. The tool pick as in any one of claims 16-22, wherein at least a portion of a bottom surface of the rearward opening channel is at a first radial distance from an axis of the tool pick and a bottom surface of the circumferential channel is at a second radial distance from the axis of the tool pick, and wherein the first distance is less than the second distance.

24. The tool pick as in any one of claims 16-22, wherein the rearward opening channel has a bottom surface that is angled with respect to an axis of the shank portion.

25. The tool pick as in any one of claims 16-24, wherein the retaining element includes a body having a first end, a second end, an axially continuous surface between the first end and the second end, a first axially extending slit in the continuous surface extending from the first end to the second end, and a tool pick retaining feature, and wherein the tool pick retaining feature includes a projection that projects radially outward from the axially continuous surface.

26. The tool pick as in any one of claims 16-24, wherein the portion of the shank portion about which the retaining element is positioned includes the circumferential channel in the shank portion.