Thread die retaining method and apparatus

A socket for receiving a thread die comprising:

• a body including a cavity configured to receive a thread die;
• a plunge component coupled to the body, wherein the plunge component includes at least one pin and a pair of arms, the at least one pin being disposed in the body to engage the thread die in response to movement of the arms;
• and
• means coupled to the body for retaining the thread die in the cavity.

A socket for receiving a thread die comprising:

• a body including a thread die receiving socket;
• means coupled to the adaptor body for retaining the thread die in the socket;
• and
• a plunge component including a plurality of pins for engaging the thread die, the plurality of pins extending into the socket.

A method of retaining a thread die comprising:

• providing a body including a longitudinal axis, a handle engaging portion, a thread die receiving cavity, and a shaft extending longitudinally between the handle engaging portion and the cavity;
• and
• providing a plunge component configured to move along the shaft between a thread die retaining position and a thread die ejecting position, and including at least one arm extending radially outwardly from the annular disc and at least one pin extending longitudinally from the annular disc;
• and
• providing retaining means coupled to the adaptor body, the retaining means cooperating with the plunge component to selectively retain the thread die in the cavity.