How to Replace the Chuck on a Drill

Say Goodbye to Worn-Out Drill Chucks: Here’s How to Replace Them Yourself

I’m about done with my drills… No matter what I do, the chucks do not stay tight. Drill bits are always falling out at the wrong time. I’ve even had the chuck replaced on one of my drills and it still didn’t solve the problem. I saw that I could get keyed chucks and decided to go that route rather than continue battling the keyless versions. This tutorial on how to replace a chuck on a drill will work for replacing either style of chuck for any corded or cordless drill!

You’ll Need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• 5/16″ Allen wrench (<– affiliate link!)
• A Mallet

Notes About This Project:

• It is very helpful to read any instructions that come with the replacement chuck ahead of time so you’ll have a better understanding of the process
• Don’t ever force the screws loose – WD40 or other lubricant will come in handy, or even use another drill!
• The mallet is used to give a tap-tap-taperoo on the allen wrench, not to beat it into oblivion!

Start by removing the battery and moving the directional switch on the drill to the center lock position.

Open the jaws of the chuck all the way, and locate the screw down inside. This screw is a left-hand thread so “righty-tighty, lefty-loosey” does not apply here. I know, it causes a ripple in the time/space continuum but it’s that way for a reason. It is so the screw doesn’t loosen as it it being used!

Anyhoo, remove the screw and put it in a temporary safe place (not the never-find-it-again safe place). Insert the allen wrench into the jaws and tighten the jaws. Use the mallet to tap the allen wrench in a counter clockwise direction to loosen the chuck from the spindle. If you have a hammer drill, make sure that the speed switch on the drill is set to “1” and the torq is set to the highest number. Once it is a little bit loose, the chuck can be removed by hand. Save the chuck for another drill or for the day you decide that keyed chucks are no longer for you.

Next, thread the new chuck onto the spindle. Insert the allen wrench in the jaws and tighten it, then use the mallet to tap the allen wrench in a clockwise direction to tighten it. Remove the allen wrench, then replace the screw inside the chuck.

 

I attached a chuck key holder to the belt clip of the drill, then attached the chuck key to the end so that the key is always within reach.

Have questions about how to replace the chuck on a drill? Leave a comment below!