How Many Holes?

[cabinetman]

This is for those of you like me who still have drills and DP's with keyed chucks. I've always had a habit of tightening the chuck using all three holes. I know that just using the key in one hole will tighten the chuck. But, is there more even tightening, and less stress on the innards if all three were used instead of just one? How many do you use?
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[SARGE..g-47]

One has worked for me over the years...

[LCHIEN]

I always tighten one but then snug all three. Particularly on larger bits e.g. forstners. A habit i think from wanting to center the bit well and avoid runout, I'm not really sure it helps but I guess it can't hurt.

[Russianwolf]

only use one.

with the design of the mechanism, I don't see how using all three would help in centering or tightening.

Same for my chuck on the lathe. it has either 3 or 4 positions for the tommy bars (it's a cheapy) but I only use one location each time.

[jking]

I've always used all three holes. Mainly because that's the way my Dad & Grandfather always told me to do it. They claimed it ensured the chuck was tight. I don't really see how it could make much difference, though. I will still tend to use all three holes because I like to make sure it's tight (triple check).

[RAFlorida]

Just habit,

but I always use all 3 holes to tighten the chuck. I've found that when tightening one hole then going to the next, it chucks up a bit more.

[dbhost]

A chuck key, and chuck are a simple ring and pinion gear arrangement. So whether you top, bottom, front, or rear load the pinion onto the ring doesn't matter, so one will do quite nicely...

It's usually the one closest to my right hand...

[dbhost]

but I always use all 3 holes to tighten the chuck. I've found that when tightening one hole then going to the next, it chucks up a bit more.

I do believe the effect you are seeing isn't an effect of any added torque from using multiple holes, but rather by rotating the chuck assembly, and in that process, even minutely loosening the bit off of any eccentricity on the shaft. So if the bit isn't seated "quite right" or the shaft isn't prefectly round etc... and in turn making the bit / chuck fit closer.

I tend to "jiggle" the bit just a shave s the chuck starts to snug down on it, and continue to chuck it down... I have seen guys do what I do, but rotate the chuck in the process and use the other holes.

Whatever works I guess.

[Alex Franke]

I use just one.

[Uncle Cracker]

I have had bits slip when I just use one hole, but never when I tighten two. I don't do all three, because it doesn't seem like I need to...

[SARGE..g-47]

A chuck key, and chuck are a simple ring and pinion gear arrangement. So whether you top, bottom, front, or rear load the pinion onto the ring doesn't matter, so one will do quite nicely...

It's usually the one closest to my right hand...

This is my point and mentioned by Russianwolf. The number of holes should not matter IMO as all are connected to one set of teeth on one gear. I cannot say I know that it doesn't matter and back it with sceintific testing but.. I will just continue to use one until a problem arises then I may try two even though I don't anticipate that.

I see no problem using two or three.. I also see no problem using one or at least I've haven't had one.

[steve-norrell]

Using chuck keys and where to store them (see other post)?

What do you all think about those key-less chucks?

Regards, Steve

[dbhost]

Keyless chucks?

In concept a great idea.

In practice, they tend to not hold the bit strongly enough and tend to slip.

I have keyless on my hand held drills, but won't consider it on a drill press.

[herb fellows]

I have had bits slip when I just use one hole, but never when I tighten two. I don't do all three, because it doesn't seem like I need to...

Me also. I don't think I ever made a conscious decision to do so. I guess it's the best fit for me between being 'lazy' and over doing it. If I did one I'd feel guilty, three seems like overkill.

[Bill in Buena Park]

Only keyed on my DP, and usually just one hole used, slippage is rare - there's a 66% chance I use a second hole if I need to re-tighten.