Abstract: A battery pack release arrangement for a cordless power tool includes a manually operable actuation member which is movable between a latching position and a release position. In the latching position, a pair of battery packs of the cordless power tool are releasably retained within the tool housing. When the actuation member is moved to the release position, the battery packs are permitted to be quickly and easily removed for recharging. Preferrably, the manually operable actuation member is unitarily constructed to include a manual contact push button portion and a latching portion including a pair of latching legs for engaging the battery packs. The latching legs are resiliently deflectable. The battery pack release arrangement of the present invention further includes a guiding member, or camming member, which functions to direct the latching legs of the actuation member out of an normally interfering relation with the battery packs as the actuation member is moved to the release position.