Chuck assembly for a rotary power tool

A method of operating a chuck assembly for use with a rotary power tool, the method comprising:

• inserting a tool bit within a central bore of a chuck body, the bore defining a rotational axis;
• displacing a plurality of jaws with the tool bit, from an extended position to a retracted position, during insertion of the tool bit within the central bore;
• biasing the jaws, from the retracted position toward the extended position, after insertion of the tool bit within the central bore with a first spring;
• rotating a tightening sleeve about the rotational axis in a tightening direction, imparting an axial displacement to the tightening sleeve relative to the chuck body;
• inwardly displacing a plurality of clamping nuts in a radial direction in response to engagement between a wedge defined on the tightening sleeve and the clamping nuts, causing respective threads on the clamping nuts and the jaws to engage;
• and
• applying a clamping force on the tool bit with the jaws in response to continued rotation of the tightening sleeve in the tightening direction.