Axially compressive degradation picks and holders

Abstract

A degradation pick or holder shank for facilitating installation, retention and removal is disclosed. The shank may comprise an axially compressive portion that may contract radially when stretched axially and then expand again radially when released. An installation tool may be used to stretch the shank axially during insertion into a bore and then release the shank to retain it within the bore.

1 . A degradation pick, comprising:
 an axially compressive region.   
     
     
         2 . The degradation pick of  claim 1 , wherein the axially compliant region comprises an axially-variable cross section. 
     
     
         3 . The degradation pick of  claim 2 , wherein the axially-variable cross section comprises a bellows shape. 
     
     
         4 . The degradation pick of  claim 2 , wherein the axially-variable cross section comprises an accordion shape. 
     
     
         5 . The degradation pick of  claim 1 , wherein when the axially compressive portion contracts radially when extended axially, and wherein the axially compressive portion expands radially when contracted axially.