Need Central Machinery drill press chuck key

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Benjamin Maggi
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Need Central Machinery drill press chuck key

Post by Benjamin Maggi »

Several years ago I was gifted a tabletop (small) Central Machinery drill press. A chuck key was provided but it wasn't original to the drill and while it worked okay, the gear fit wasn't perfect and over time the key has become worn down from the mismatch of the gears as well as soft Asian steel used on the key. The chuck on the drill itself still looks brand new.

I love my little drill and want to purchase a replacement chuck key. I called Harbor Freight and they said they didn't sell the keys separately, but I could buy a new replacement chuck and the key would come with it. I see lots available online but am not sure which one I should purchase.

Anyone know of a correct replacement chuck key?

Thanks.
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
curtis cutter
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Re: Need Central Machinery drill press chuck key

Post by curtis cutter »

No numbers or identifying things on the chuck itself?
Gregg
Just let go of it, it will eventually unplug itself.
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mklotz
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Re: Need Central Machinery drill press chuck key

Post by mklotz »

Regards, Marv

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whateg0
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Re: Need Central Machinery drill press chuck key

Post by whateg0 »

I dealt with that for a long time and then one of the chuck jaws broke, so I just replaced the whole chuck with a used Jacobs. IIRC, the taper was a 33JT, but your DP might be different. In the end, it was about the same cost as a new chuck key and the Jacobs works way better and smoother than the original ever did. YMMV

FWIW, I wish there was some kind of standard for chuck keys, but especially on the no-name stuff, it's a guessing game as to what will fit it. I don't think I even ever found a table of teeth, pinion (is that what the nub on the end is called?) diameter, etc. That would be nice for cross referencing to others.

Good luck!

edit: just looked at the pdf that Marv posted. that is a helpful document. I wish I would have found that years ago! Still doesn't say the diameter or pitch of the teeth, though.

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mklotz
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Re: Need Central Machinery drill press chuck key

Post by mklotz »

It might be worth keeping one of these in your toolbox...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sunex-4-Way ... /300685499

Some more data...

https://www.icscuttingtools.com/catalog/page_132.pdf
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nabob
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Re: Need Central Machinery drill press chuck key

Post by nabob »

American science and surplus in Chicago has had four way keys in past.
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Benjamin Maggi
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Re: Need Central Machinery drill press chuck key

Post by Benjamin Maggi »

Thanks everyone. I will check out a 4-way chuck key and see how that works.
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
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