Leytool Hand Drill

[tinkershop]

I've just got a classic vintage Leytool hand drill as its a good size for work I do with kids. But I can't find any instructions online, and it's different to to other drills I've used. It's probably really obvious, but I can't work out how to open the chuck to change bits, and can't find any instructions online. If I loosen the drill sleeve the chuck just goes with it. Anyone can enlighten me, much appreciated!

 

[Rorschach]

The jaws are likely gummed up and stuck, very common with this style of chuck. Loosen it, spray in a good bit of WD40 or similar, you may need to tap the jaws back with a soft hammer.

 

[Bod]

That's in far better condition than mine!
They are just a simple single pinion drill, but handy because of the size.

Bod

 

[tinkershop]

It's in lovely condition, except can't work out how to open chuck, how does yours work?

 

[Bod]

Same as any other hand drill.
Grasp chuck in left hand, smack rotating handle smartly with right hand.
If the chuck is very stiff then more drastic measures are used. The rotating handle is removed, the gears jammed, and the chuck is rotated by non-marking pipe wrench.
Now when you try yours, does the whole chuck turn, revealing a screw thread, a bit thicker than a pencil, or a thread about 20mm diameter?
If its the first, that's normal, the jaws are stuck closed, just give them a tap, they'll spring back.
The second is the chuck unscrewing it's self. Be careful there are small springs in there, don't lose them!
You won't find any instructions for these drills, they were made just after the war. (WWII) You have the standard model, there is a "Leytool Major" which is a larger version, with a breast plate.

Bod

 

[memzey]

I’ve got one too - a great little drill for awkward jobs. IIRC the chuck is standard and opens like most others. Mine was a bit gummed up but a bit of WD40 did the trick.

 

[Trafalgar]

Drop it into a bucket of mineral spirits ('white spirit' over there I think) and leave it there a week. Put a towel over the bucket to slow down evaporation.