Abstract: A downhole tool includes a fastening assembly securing one component to another component. The fastening assembly may include a threaded fastener located in an aperture of one component and a locking mechanism located in a cavity proximate the aperture. The threaded fastener may include a flange including mutually spaced holes located circumferentially within an outer periphery of the flange. The locking mechanism may include a spring and a dowel member. The locking mechanism may be positioned within a hole of the flange and may be configured to retain the threaded fastener in a fixed position relative to one component. Methods include using a depressor ring including teeth corresponding to the holes of the flange to depress the locking mechanism into the cavity while tightening the threaded fastener.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a formation-engaging structure with a formation-engaging surface at a distal end and a side surface between a proximal end and the distal end along a central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally linear recess may be formed in the side surface along an axis oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally helical recess may be formed in the side surface, and the generally helical recess may intersect the generally linear recess. Earth-boring tools may include such formation-engaging structures. Methods may be used to form such formation-engaging structures.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a fastening assembly securing one component to another component. The fastening assembly may include a threaded fastener located in an aperture of one component and a locking mechanism located in a cavity proximate the aperture. The threaded fastener may include a flange including mutually spaced holes located circumferentially within an outer periphery of the flange. The locking mechanism may include a spring and a dowel member. The locking mechanism may be positioned within a hole of the flange and may be configured to retain the threaded fastener in a fixed position relative to one component. Methods include using a depressor ring including teeth corresponding to the holes of the flange to depress the locking mechanism into the cavity while tightening the threaded fastener.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a formation-engaging structure with a formation-engaging surface at a distal end and a side surface between a proximal end and the distal end along a central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally linear recess may be formed in the side surface along an axis oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally helical recess may be formed in the side surface, and the generally helical recess may intersect the generally linear recess. Earth-boring tools may include such formation-engaging structures. Methods may be used to form such formation-engaging structures.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a formation-engaging structure with a formation-engaging surface at a distal end and a side surface between a proximal end and the distal end along a central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally linear recess may be formed in the side surface along an axis oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally helical recess may be formed in the side surface, and the generally helical recess may intersect the generally linear recess. Earth-boring tools may include such formation-engaging structures. Methods may be used to form such formation-engaging structures.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a body comprising a pocket in a leading end thereof for accepting at least a portion of a bearing element assembly. A bearing element assembly may be disposed within the pocket, and the bearing element assembly may include a retaining element at least partially disposed in a groove in a sidewall of the pocket and a bearing element. The bearing element may include a distal end having a bearing surface, a proximal end, and a side surface between the distal end and the proximal end, the side surface comprising a feature configured to abut the retaining element, wherein mechanical interference between the feature and the retaining element axially retains the bearing element within the pocket. Methods include disengaging a mechanical retention device retaining a bearing element within a pocket in a body of the earth-boring tool, and removing the bearing element from the pocket.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a formation-engaging structure with a formation-engaging surface at a distal end and a side surface between a proximal end and the distal end along a central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally linear recess may be formed in the side surface along an axis oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally helical recess may be formed in the side surface, and the generally helical recess may intersect the generally linear recess. Earth-boring tools may include such formation-engaging structures. Methods may be used to form such formation-engaging structures.