Warning: My old drill press needed a new chuck and I had to pick between a cheap import or a pricey name brand

The old Jacobs chuck was shot after maybe 15 years. Found a generic one online for $25. The proper replacement from the tool store was over $80. I went cheap to save cash. It fit fine and works, but the key feels flimsy. Only been a month, so I'm waiting for it to fail. Anyone have a chuck that lasted years, or did the cheap one let you down fast?

3 comments

3 Comments

valthomas2mo ago

You mentioned the key feels flimsy, and that's the real weak spot. The chuck body might hold up, but a worn or broken key leaves you with a useless press. It's worth having a spare key on hand just in case.

henry_grant2mo ago

That bit about the key being the weak spot is dead on. I read a forum post years ago where a guy said his cheap chuck worked for ages, but he went through three keys before the teeth were just gone. He ended up welding a nut onto the last key stub, turning it into a permanent wrench. Your plan to wait and see is smart, but maybe keep an eye on those key teeth for wear.

ward.piper24d ago

My grandpa had an old Delta drill press from the 1950s. The original chuck finally gave up around 2005. He bought a cheap import for like $15 at a flea market. It lasted another ten years before the key stripped out just like @henry_grant mentioned. After that, he drilled a small hole through the key shaft and used a cotter pin as a makeshift handle. Worked fine until the day he passed. The chuck body was still tight and true.