Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Power Tools). This thread is read-only.
Anyone else hate their drill press chuck key? I used my 8″ Wen drill press for the first time today and the key kept wanting to pop out while turning because it has a spring, presumably so it doesn’t get jammed in there. My grandfather had a corded drill when I was growing up with a keyed chuck, it didn’t have a spring and I remember it being a much easier experience. Trying to chuck up a small bit was time consuming. Does anyone see any harm in ripping the spring part out of the key besides it being harder to remove the key from the chuck? Wen sells replacements for $8 should I need one.
check your hardware store for jacobs chuck keys. they might have one without the spring.
My Wen drill press came with a regular key, no spring
My Wen’s key has the spring but it’s not stiff, it’s easy to use. I’d try lubing it, if that doesn’t loosen it then email Wen…they have great customer service, I guarantee they’ll send you a new one.