HF cordless impact driver

[AlanWS]

Does anyone have the 18V HF cordless impact driver (#94371)? It's now in the stores, not just the catalog, at $40 in book 1211 p.5. The 15% off coupon posted in the bargain section of this website brings it down further.

I just got one, and my question is this: does the chuck actually hold the bit in yours? In mine the bit falls out if you point it down. It appears that there is a ball that I'd expect to be spring loaded to hold in the hex bit, but it is immobile, serving only as a stop that prevents the bit from going in too far. It's a pain to get to the HF store, so want to make sure that a different one will behave differently before bringing it back for an exchange.

As far as I know, the difference between the impact driver and the similar 18V cordless impact wrench is the hex chuck on the driver.

[messmaker]

I can't say from hands on experience with that tool but all the others I have ever seen have the retainer spring. I bet that one does too. Sorry.

[Thom2]

There should be a sleeve around the outside out of the chuck, pull this sleeve forward will allow the ball to recess and the bit to insert fully, this sleeve should then slide back to lock the ball into the grooved area on the bit. (you do need to use the hex bits with the groove 1/4" from the end).

HTH

[AlanWS]

Thom2:

Thank you. That's all it was. I should have figured that out myself, but I appreciate your help.