Abstract: A threaded fastener holder holds a screw in place and then automatically disengages from the screw and withdraws axially in the proximal direction to permit the user to continue inserting the screw without interruption. The threaded fastener holder has a shaft having a distal end for selectively engaging with a head of a threaded fastener. An inner sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the shaft, and is axially movable with respect to the shaft. The inner sleeve has a plurality of spring fingers disposed at its distal end, each of which has a distal end that is radially movable so as to be selectively engageable with the head of the threaded fastener. A first end of a spring is fixed with respect to the inner sleeve. The second end of the spring is fixed with respect to the shaft. In the rest position, the distal end of the plurality of spring fingers is axially spaced from the distal end of the shaft.