Socket retaining tool using a spring-loaded keeper sleeve

A socket retaining tool for positively attaching and locking a socket to a drive shaft of a driving tool for preventing separation of the socket from the driving tool, comprising:

• a keeper sleeve configured to accommodate insertion and reciprocal movement of a quick change adapter and a quick change sleeve under the action of a biasing member,
• the quick change adapter having a male end and an opposite female end, the male and female ends constructed and arranged to be used with locking mechanisms such that the socket is connected to the male end of the quick change adapter using a socket locking mechanism, and the drive shaft of the driving tool is connected to the female end of the quick change adapter using a driver locking mechanism,
• wherein, when the socket retaining tool and the biasing member are in a relaxed position, an inner surface of the quick change sleeve encloses the female end of the quick change adapter coupled to the driver locking mechanism, and an inner surface of the keeper sleeve encloses the male end of the quick change adapter coupled to the socket locking mechanism so that the socket is securely connected to the driving tool via the socket retaining tool.