Quick-connect mechanism

A holder for a tool bit, the holder comprising:

• a body having mounting means for securing a proximal end of said body to a driving tool, and a blind axial hole at a distal end thereof for receiving said tool bit, at least a portion of said axial hole having a cross-section corresponding to a corresponding cross-section of said tool bit when said tool bit is inserted in said axial hole;
• a locking means engaging at least a portion of said tool bit when said tool bit is fully inserted into said axial hole;
• a collar mounted around at least a portion of said body, slidable along said body between a bit-locking position and a bit-unlocking position, moving said collar from said bit-locking position freeing said bit from engagement by said locking means;
• a spring mounted between said body and said collar to bias said collar towards said bit-locking position;
• initial insertion of said bit into said axial opening resulting in said bit contacting means arranged to cause displacement of said collar away from said bit-locking position to allow further insertion of said bit, full insertion of said bit then allowing said locking means to engage said bit and said collar to move back to said bit-locking position.