Drill chucks can sometimes prove to be a bigger pest than any other tool-part in the shop. It is said that we all shouldn't "sweat the small stuff," but it seems the "small stuff," like our drill chucks, can be the most frustrating of all. Here are some tips to help you keep your cool and get results around a stubborn chuck.



Chuck Removal

Simply removing your drill chuck can sometimes be an insurmountable struggle. Lear to simplify this process with a few quick and easy steps.

-- First, make sure the tool's gear box is set in low, and that the clutch is fully engaged.

-- Fully open the chuck, and you will find a small screw down in the middle of it (sometimes this screw, however, is missing, but don't fret it is easily replaceable, and not necessary to get the chuck off).

-- Remove the screw. Keep in mind that the screw has left-handed threads, and the chuck has right-handed threads.

-- Once the screw has been removed put the small end of a large allen wrench inside the chuck's jaws.

-- Place the tool on its side and, with a hammer, safely hit the long end of the allen wrench counter-clockwise until the chuck comes loose. Some chucks are on very tightly, so be patient and keep tapping.

-- If hammer-tapping doesn't free the chuck, remove the allen wrench and spray some WD-40 down into the inside of the chuck. Let the lubricant set in the chuck for at least one hour.

-- After waiting, reinsert allen wrench and resume hammer-tapping.

-- Repeat lubrication and hammering process until chuck breaks free.

This may take a few attempts, but that pesky chuck is sure to come loose with some good, old-fashioned deliberation.

Seeking Closure?

It's very common for drill chuck to toggle slightly out of place and not completely close. There is a screw inside your drill chuck there is a screw that holds the chuck in place. On occasion these rascally screws are know to wiggle loose from their threads stopping the chuck from making a complete closure. There is a simple solution: Simply locate a screwdriver that will fit the screw's head, and tighten counter clockwise. A mere twist of the wrist should keep your drill chuck closing tightly and securely.

If your wobbly chuck problems proceed, the chuck's threads or the screw itself could be stripped. There are also other factors that contribute to an incomplete closure between drill and chuck. For instance- your chuck could be locked up or rusted, or the fingers on the inside of the chuck could have slipped or broken. At this point it is best to take the drill to a service center in your area for a professional inspection.

Best of luck, and hopefully these tips will help you to not "sweat the small stuff" both on the job and in the shop.