Simple Steps to Change a Drill Chuck

At some point or another, you’re going to need to change a drill chuck. Whether your current chuck is worn, you want to give it a clean or you’re adding one to a new tool, replacing the chuck is fairly quick and easy. You don’t need any fancy tools or much DIY experience. There are a few different ways that you can replace a chuck. 

The method you choose will depend on the model. Supplies needed to remove and replace a drill chuck are things you’ll already have in your workshop, including an Allen wrench and an impact wrench and a hex socket.  

A Few Ways to Change a Drill Chuck

Here are two ways that you can change a keyless drill chuck quickly and easily.

Method 1: Use an Allen wrench

One of the safest ways to change the chuck is with an Allen wrench. Most keyless models have a screw at the base, which fastens to the drill case. You can remove this screw with a screwdriver, moving clockwise to remove the reverse-threaded screw. This screw may take a little bit of force as they are coated with fluid that locks the screw into the chuck. If your model doesn’t have a screw, you can continue with the chuck removal. 

Using your Allen wrench, place it into the chuck and turn until it is tight. Set the gearbox to the lowest setting. Next, place the Allen wrench so that it lies horizontal, hanging over your work table. Use a rubber mallet to gently strike the end of the wrench downwards in a counterclockwise direction. Once it’s loose, you can remove the chuck by hand. For chucks with screws, use thread-locking fluid when replacing the chuck. 

Method 2: Use an impact wrench

If the Allen key didn’t do the job, you can try an impact wrench. Be warned - this one can be a bit riskier than the method above as it puts more pressure on the tool. Insert a hex socket in the middle of the chuck to keep it in place. Remove the screw if there is one, using the screw removal steps above. 

Once the screw is removed, you can get started. Set the gearbox of the drill to the locked position. Make sure it’s not set in a forward or reverse position. Use your impact wrench to carefully spin the hex socket you have added, with the wrench set in reverse. Work in short bursts and keep going until the chuck comes loose. From there, you can remove the chuck by hand. If you have unscrewed the chuck, make sure to use thread-locking fluid when you screw it back again. 

Finally, another option is to use a key type chuck instead. These feature a chuck key that allows you to remove drill chucks. Keys may wear or break over time (not to mention get lost in your workshop). They are often a bit cheaper than keyless chucks, however. Each has its own pros and cons. Trying both out is the best way to see which one works for your needs. You may find that a keyed chuck works better for some projects while a keyless one is better for other projects.

At Ruwag, we offer premium quality key type and keyless chucks, along with key chucks with SDS adaptors that will be essential for any SDS drill bits you use. Whether they use a key or not, you shouldn’t have much issue changing a drill chuck if you have a good quality product.

Photo: iStock/maksime