Chuck Keys ... For Dummies.

[NazNomad]

The hole in my chuck is a square with sides (near as dammit) 9mm long.

Am I right in thinking I would buy a chuck key for a 9mm hole, or is there some rule that says these holes are measured diagonally?

I need a long(er) chuck key, is all.

TIA, Mark.

 

[gregmcateer]

Don't know which make you have, or indeed the answer, but failing some bright spark like Chas coming along soon, give Peter at The Toolpost a ring - even if he doesn't have what you want, he'll almost certainly be able to point you in the right direction.

HTH

Greg

 

[Phil Pascoe]

You might find a socket bit to fit it that would fit a handled drive or "T" bar, they are made square for sump plugs - it could be cheaper than a long key. Worth a hunt. They're measured across the flat.

 

[NazNomad]

Thanks for those answers guys.

It's a Bison but I'm not sure which one.

 

[NazNomad]

Now I'm confused, I just read that Axminster super precision chucks used the Bison logo. AAARRGGHH!!!!

 

[woodpig]

Squares and hexagons are measured across flats. 8mm or 10mm keys are common enough, not sure about 9mm though.

Ahh, here you go.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ch ... uck-503036

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Get some 10mm x 10mm steel bar and file the end to fit. 79p per metre at my local place - turn a few handles and as many keys you want for a quid. 9mm seems to be a very odd size - it's unobtainable in keyway steel. Are you sure it's the right size?

 

[NazNomad]

I measured the key and the hole with a digital caliper, it's definitely 9mm.

Woodpig, you may have that cigar now. :-D

 

[Paul Hannaby]

The Bison chuck is one of the badges used on previous incarnations of the Axminster super precision chuck. The long chuck key for these is still available from Axminster in both the 8mm and 9mm variants. If I recall, the chinese versions of these chucks had the 8mm socket but the others were 9mm.

Here's a link to the keys http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-chuck-keys-for-super-precision-chuck-ax821723

By the way, if you make your own, you will need 13mm bar not 10mm. The 9mm is across the flats so diagonally the key is 12.7mm.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

:lol: My fault - I thought 10mm bar was ... well ... 10mm.

 

[NazNomad]

I've ordered one.

If it makes a thumping noise I'll send it to sploo. :-D

 

[Sheptonphil]

I've ordered one.

If it makes a thumping noise I'll send it to sploo. :-D

=D>

 

[woodfarmer]

I've ordered one.

If it makes a thumping noise I'll send it to sploo. :-D

It is quite normal for them to make a thumping noise if you leave it in the chuck.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Only once ...

 

[NazNomad]

Did it with the drill press ... ONCE.

 

[parvum]

Hi try a 3/8" square socket drive,extension bars easily obtainable with a T drive handle instant chuck key

regards Paul

 

[sploo]

I've ordered one.

If it makes a thumping noise I'll send it to sploo. :-D

B*gg*r off. I'm already on my second :wink:

 

[NazNomad]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Paul Hannaby]

The only trouble with 3/8" socket drives is that they are 3/8", not 9mm!

 

[sunnybob]

3/8" in decimal inches is 0.375
9mm in decimal inches is 0.354
so if the key hole is square, you could file / grind a 3/8" extension bar to fit.
but if the key hole is hexagonal, then 3/8 will be a very floppy fit.