Importance

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Abstract

A rotary tool assembly and method for repairing dents in sheet metal features a self-drilling sheet metal screw held within a rotary chuck. A back plate is coupled for relative rotation and limited axial movement about an outer anchor portion of the chuck. A threaded ram secures the self-drilling sheet metal screw within the chuck. A coupling shaft portion of the ram is engaged by the chuck of a power drill. In operation, the self-drilling sheet metal screw of the rotary tool assembly is pressed against a dented portion of a sheet metal panel which is to be straightened. Rotation of the chuck causes an outer drill bit section of the self-drilling sheet metal screw to penetrate the sheet metal to form a drilled hole, back pressure is maintained, and the sheet metal is pulled outwardly. Drilling is continued until the sheet metal panel is pulled against the back plate which may be of various sizes and shapes. As the sheet metal is pulled flat against the back plate and the chuck, the metal surrounding the self-drilling sheet metal screw becomes stripped, thereby releasing the rotary tool assembly. This process is repeated until the dented area of the sheet metal panel approximates its original form but having a circular indentation about each of the drilled holes which are then filled, sanded, and painted.

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First Claim