Abstract: A retainer assembly and tool combination for holding and releasing the shank of a punch includes a triangular retainer body with a punch opening extending through the body. An elongated locking ball hole intersects the axis of the punch opening and a locking ball is movable in the hole to engage tear-drop shaped ball receiving recess formed on the shank of a punch. A generally rectangular ball release access slot is formed in the retainer body through one side wall of the retainer in intersecting relation with the ball receiving hole with its longer axis aligned parallel with the axis of the shank opening. A notch is formed in the wall of the ball hole in opposed relation to the access slot and forms a latching ledge. A ball release tool is proportioned to fit within the access slot and has a pointed end with a ball lifting tapered surface. The terminal end is undercut to form a latching surface which is proportioned to be received in resting relation on the notch ledge.

Abstract: An improved ball-type punch retainer for holding and releasing the shank of a punch or a die includes a retainer body with a shank-receiving opening which extends into the body, and a locking ball is movable by a spring in an inclined hole in the retainer body into locking engagement with a tear-dropped shaped recess formed in the side of the shank. A tool access ball releasing slot is formed through a side wall of the retainer body and extends into the ball hole, to permit a tool to be inserted through the slot and into engagement with the locking ball, at a position between the center of the ball and the lower face of the retainer body. In one embodiment, the ball release access slot extends transversely through the body so that a tool may be inserted through either end of the slot into engagement with the locking ball and is operable to lift the ball against a biasing spring and to dislodge a jammed ball.