Abstract: Pilot drill with coupon retainer and hot tapping machine using the same that positively retains a coupon cut out by a hole saw. The pilot drill bit has a shank having a driving end for attachment to a drill driver and a cutting end having a cutting edge thereon, the cutting edge being sized to drill a hole of selected diameter through a workpiece, and a movable retaining finger mounted on the shank adjacent the cutting edge, the movable retaining finger having a first position fitting within the cutting diameter of the cutting edge and a second, extended position where a portion thereof lies outside the cutting diameter to retain on the drill shank a workpiece through which the drill bit may have drilled.

Abstract: This invention relates to a housing having a shaft with a drill bit for tapping a pressurized fluid pipe. A saddle having a valve is attached to a pipe. A housing having a shaft passing therethrough is threaded to the valve. A drill bit is attached to one end of the shaft and a drill is connected to the other end of the shaft. The housing has a chamber in which the drill bit is retracted before connecting the housing to the valve. With the valve in the open position, the shaft is extended until the drill bit engages the pipe. The drill rotates the drill bit and cuts a hole in the pipe. The housing is sealed such that fluid entering the housing chamber does not escape along the shaft. The shaft and drill bit is then withdrawn into the housing chamber and the valve closed. The housing is then removed from the valve and a branch pipe connected thereto. The valve is then opened to fluidly connect a branch.