Patent ID: 7284622

Claim:
A power tool having a tool holder for releasably securing a tool bit having a shank portion with an elongated groove having a closed rearward end formed therein, the tool holder comprising: an elongated body defining an axis and having a central bore opened at a forward end for receiving the shank portion of the tool bit, said body having an axially extending radial opening formed therein at a first axial location; a locking member positioned in said radial opening and movable axially within said opening between a lock position and a release position, said locking member in said lock position engaging said elongated groove in the shank portion of the tool bit when fitted into said bore; a release member engagable by an operator of the tool and coupled to said locking member to axially move said locking member from said lock position to said release position; and means for confining said locking member to axial movement within said opening except in said release position wherein said locking member is movable in a direction transverse to said axis to permit the shank portion of the tool bit to be inserted into or released from said tool holder.