Power tool having a quick-release chuck assembly

A quick-release chuck assembly for use in a tool having a housing that includes a handle portion and a distal end portion, said distal end portion includes a spindle capable of receiving a bit and defining an axis of rotation, said quick-release chuck assembly comprising:

• a sleeve disposed about said spindle and spring biased in a locked position of said sleeve, said sleeve capable of being moved axially to an unlocked position to permit insertion and removal of such bit in said spindle, said sleeve being capable of returning to the locked position of said sleeve, and
• a trigger having a finger receiving portion and an actuator portion, said finger receiving portion extends from said housing in a position enabling the user to actuate said finger receiving portion of said trigger with a finger of the hand holding said handle portion of said housing, said actuator portion of said trigger being in physical communication with an engagement portion of said sleeve wherein the activation of said finger receiving portion of said trigger causes said sleeve to move axially to the unlocked position of said sleeve, said engagement portion of said sleeve comprises at least one ear that extends from an outer surface of said sleeve.