How to free up a stuck chuck on a drill press?

[chad22]

Don't know if this is in the correct section but this is the only section I could think of to put this.

Anyway here is the problem.

My dad was given an old drill press awhile back with a few problems.

The motor was froze on it. So I got out the pipe wrench and worked it back and forth and put some old motor oil in it until it started working again. It's still working fine.

The only problem now is I can't get the chuck to turn with the key to put in the drill bits. Any suggestions on getting that freed up?

Thanks

Chad

 

[zman007007]

try some wd40, ie., on it the best you can get in it. then put a pipe wrench on the outside of it, and bump with a hammer a few times, in both directions. zman :thumbsup:

 

[teg]

two sets of pliers, have worked for me but I don't think it was as bad as yours. Soak it with penetrating oil, too.

 

[crazyal]

On my drill press there's a tapered spindle the chuck is mounted to. When you turn the handle to lower down the chuck there is a slot that you can drive a tapered flat piece of steel into and it releases the spindle (it's only held into place by force, no keyed slots). If you can't remove it I put a cup or soda bottle cut open with some penetrating oil on the table then raise it up and soak the chuck in it for a few days. Then try some of the other suggestions, if it still doesn't want to turn soak it some more, repeat enough times and I think you'll get it.

If you put a pipe wrench on the outside be careful you don't squeeze it too much otherwise you could egg shape it.

 

[chad22]

Thanks

I finally got it at least where I can put a drill bit in it. I used my air chisel and gave it a few blows around the top of the chuck and it loosened enough rust to where I can turn it with the pipe wrench. :thumbsup:

I think I'll give a go at letting the chuck soak in some oil.

Chad

 

[Shmudda]

PB Blaster is the ticket here! You can find it at most big box stores.....

It's a wonderful product for loosening tight or frozen anything...

Craig

 

[Kays Supply]

FYI, I have been a PB Blaster man for years. I read a post here on TBN about automatic trasmission fluid and acetone 50/50. It is cheaper and actually works as well or better.

 

[dstig1]

Replacement chucks are not very expensive...even quality ones. Might be worth it. At least get the chuck off and soak it in oil for days first, if you are reall **** bent on keeping it.

 

[mojoinco]

Cup 'o diesel. Soak. Good luck!

Oh- look up the model (if you can find it) to see if it is a Morris Taper (MT2/mt3). It may not be a morris taper, but likely is. That is what a previous post pointed out for the pressed on chuck.

Had a real fun time when I set my bro in law up: He had recently acquired a drill press. I had a couple of MT drill bits to use. He wasn't aware that the chuck popped off. So I grabbed a hammer, block of wood, and wacked it off before he could respond. I about fell down from laughter watching his face. Good thing I was right!

 

[Redneck in training]

Cup 'o diesel. Soak. Good luck!

Oh- look up the model (if you can find it) to see if it is a Morris Taper (MT2/mt3). It may not be a morris taper, but likely is. That is what a previous post pointed out for the pressed on chuck.

Had a real fun time when I set my bro in law up: He had recently acquired a drill press. I had a couple of MT drill bits to use. He wasn't aware that the chuck popped off. So I grabbed a hammer, block of wood, and wacked it off before he could respond. I about fell down from laughter watching his face. Good thing I was right!

Google Morse taper for more info.
http://www.woodturners.org/tech_tips/morse_taper_sizes.htm