Chuck Key relacement/alternate

[jhelfer]

I let my shop go unused an got cluttered for a while, now I'm cleaning it up and moving tools around to (hopefully) more efficent locations.

In all the confusion, I seem to have misplaced the chuck key for my Delta drill press. And I can't find another in my collection of tools. And I need the drill press to start a project.

This drill press is the basic Lowes/Home Depot model. Do you think they will stock a replacement?

If not, what could I use to improvise one?

[JR]

HF carries a multi-ended chuck key for multiple sizes. It costs only a coupla bucks.

JR

[os1kne]

I highly recommend sticking a magnet to the side of the drill press and getting in the habit of sticking the new chuck key to the magnet every time you're done with it.

I sometimes have trouble finding things in my shop, but I never have trouble finding my chuck key.

Good luck!

[sweensdv]

...... Do you think they will stock a replacement?

They should have a replacement key that will fit your DP. Most any hardware store should also stock replacement keys.

[LinuxRandal]

They should have a replacement key that will fit your DP. Most any hardware store should also stock replacement keys.

The problem is knowing which one. My father has a Craftsman drill press, that he has been nickling and diming himself to death, trying to guess which one it is. It would have been cheaper to either remove the chuck and take it with him, or order one from Sears via his model number to begin with.

How about a good cleaning around it, and look under the belt cover to see if you placed it there (seen holes drilled in the top for key placement before).

[Uncle Cracker]

This is all you need...

[dbhost]

Almost any hardware store will carry replacement chuck keys. I would strongly suggest you find a way to tether the key somewhere below the work table so that you cannot lose it.

[BobSch]

I got disgusted after I misplaced mine a couple of times so I got a spring-loaded keychain and fastened it to the side of the DP case. I used a cable clamp to fasten the key to the chain.

Keeps the key handy, but out of the way.

[jhelfer]

I just went to my local, privately owned HW store, and they had nothing. It's a shame, that store used to be a good place to get just about anything, no it seems that I walk away empty-handed 5 out of 6 times I'm in there.

Unfortunately, this is after a good shop clean, so there's a chance that it got swept away.

I know that I should have things like this tethered to the machine. Too late for that now.

[cabinetman]

How about converting to a keyless chuck?
.

[LarryG]

If you don't have a Harbor Freight nearby, try Lowe's or Home Depot or similar. There are only about three or four different keys in standard usage. I bought a replacement chuck key (branded as a DeWalt, I think) at Lowe's for my antique Black & Decker corded Holgun, which like many drills has a Jacobs chuck. It fits perfectly.

The two critical dimensions are the diameter of the indexing pin, which you can check with a drill bit, and the diameter of the beveled gear ring. I carefully measured my chuck and got the right key on the first try; but as a worst case you could buy one of each (they're only about $3-4 each) and return the ones that don't fit on your next trip.

[kevincan]

This is what you need so you don't lose the new one.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10762

It is a magnetic retractable chuck key holder. I got one on sale after I got my drill press and I always know where the key is.

I would think that any of the borgs would have the 4 way key.

Kevin

BTW Right after you buy the replacement you will find the original one!

[LCHIEN]

Sears used to have a selection of chuck keys. The best way is to remove the chuck, bring it to the store and try it out with the various keys because there's no markings to tell you which. The next best thing is to just buy a new check, but then you need to know the taper of the quill. Many of them are marked clearly though, something like J33...? I'm in Italy tonight, a bit far from my drill press.