Are DP Chuck Keys Universal?

[JoeyGee]

I need to get a key for my Craftsman 10" DP. Are all DP keys universal? Where is a good source for them?

I've tried the 4 way key from HF, and it didn't work.

[jonmulzer]

No, there are several different ones. Your best bet would be Sears Parts since they sold your drill press. Do you have a micrometer? Can you take an accurate measurement of the pilot on the chuck? That might narrow it down a bit for you.

[jon_ramp]

Your local Ace Hardware or big box hardware store should have a selection of various sizes. You could get two or three that look close and get a refund for the ones that don't fit. Or, you can remove the chuck and bring it with you.

[MikeMcM1956]

What Joey said, both Lowe's and HD sell them in various sizes. I got one recently at Lowe's for a corded drill that they key had walked away from, only cost about three bucks....

Mike

[Uncle Cracker]

Fortunately, in the larger chucks there are fewer possibles. I know there are multi-keys available with 3 or 4 different keys on each, but I don't know if they include the big 'uns or not.

[jonmulzer]

You can look at the hardware stores, but chances are they will not have them. I went through the same thing with my Jet drill press recently. Those are all for corded drills, none of them are large enough for a drill press. Hardware stores and the such only carry parts for the most common tools. In hobbiest workshops there are probably a hundred portable drills for every drill press so they don't bother. I went to every place I could think of. No one carries them for drill presses in my neighborhood.

[LCHIEN]

being a craftsman DP, take the 9-digit part number, usually found on the name plate like xxx.xxxxxx
and go to www.sears.com, click on parts, find your DP using the 9-digit number, look up the part on the exploded diagrams or lists and place an order. Too bad it will cost you probably $3 for the key and $5 for shipping, maybe you can have it shipped to the local sears store or parts store for free?

[JoeyGee]

I am surprised, I actually found one today.

I had checked all the Lowes and HD's in my area, and they did not have any. I was travelling for work today and checked an HD in Grand Haven, MI and they had one. A 1/2" Jacobs chuck key--cost me all of $3.14 and works perfectly.

[LinuxRandal]

I am surprised, I actually found one today.

I had checked all the Lowes and HD's in my area, and they did not have any. I was travelling for work today and checked an HD in Grand Haven, MI and they had one. A 1/2" Jacobs chuck key--cost me all of $3.14 and works perfectly.

Good for you. My father got a Sears drill press that was missing the chuck. He ordered it from parts (making it not so much a bargain), and it came with a chuck key that doesn't fit.