39 No Drill Chuck Key? No Problem • How To Remove Drill Bits Without A Key

AskWoodman.com/ This is a short video showing a quick tip for woodworkers as well as metal workers.
Have you ever lost the drill chuck key to your drill? Here's an easy way to loosen or tighten a drill bit in any keyed chuck drill without a key. All you need is a slip joint pliers and the proper size drill bit. When a drill chuck key goes missing, it can grind any workshop to a halt. But not after you know this little tip!
______________________________________
Want to know which tools and products that AskWoodman uses? Interested in learning more woodworking techniques? Read the articles that go with AskWoodman videos at AskWoodman.com/.
Allan Little is AskWoodman™
Follow him on twitter, be a fan on Facebook, or subscribe to his blog!
/ askwoodman
/ askwoodman
askwoodman.com

[@reneorr2065]

Thank you. I'm a 69-year-old grandmother who is not very handy with tools. I try anyway. I lost my drill chuck (didn't even know what to call the darn thing). Your tip prevented me from throwing my drill out the window. I was able to install my coat rack. Have a great day.

[@shakamakana6718]

After all the swearing and cussing today 🤪 thanks a million 🤙

[@TheVTECHY]

I'm a 30 year old male renovating my first house and I didn't know what to call the darn thing either after I lost it! What a helpful video. I'm glad videos like these can help all people from all walks of life!

[@COCO97233]

Very easy method. I was on the verge of buying a new Chuck Key for My drill press. Thanks. 👍😏🙏

[@terrancebolden1527]

@@shakamakana6718 )0

[@kristineward4313]

You just made my day. Off to finish 3 projects that were stalled due to a missing chuck. Thanks!

[@gainouscarol]

I had this very idea, but because I have very little strength and no feeling in my hands, I couldn't do it. My husband was afraid it would mess up the drill. So I've got to find a way to do it before he gets home today. Thank You very much.😊

[@AskWoodMan]

@steppeterwolf I feel your frustration. It is what drove me to figure this solution out. I am using it almost everyday right now because that Hilti chuck teeth are so hard they have worn down the key that came with it, and I have not located a suitable replacement yet. Thanks for taking the time to send me such positive message. That Milwaukee will have no excuses now about earning its keep :)

[@AskWoodMan]

@MrSuperMation Yes fortunately I lose my chuck key in my shop where I do 99% of my work, so my channel locks are always handy. But in a pinch your method is a sweet technique to keep in my hip pocket. Thanks for commenting bringing more info to the site.

[@AskWoodMan]

I always tighten the chuck. A loose drill bit can be galled by the hardened steel jaws of the chuck. A loose drill bit can get eccentric in the chuck shattering or making a mess of the work piece. I try to never be a nanny on my channel, but for me it is always worth that little extra effort just for consistency/safety in all drilling situations. Stay safe over there and keep in touch. Allan

[@jjf609]

I bought a used drill & finally decided to put up a bathroom mirror after 5 yrs of it sitting around. Everything was measured, marked &, and ready to drill T-H-E-N no loosening tool. Ugh. Ah ha You Tube for the save! Did not disappoint. Thank you so much!

[@andrewludlam5686]

Allan. TWO chuckless drills. Search on and off for whole weekend...hopeless. You RULE Sir !!! Many Thanks.

[@AskWoodMan]

Andrew Ludlam Thanks Andrew. I am glad it helped you. Allan

[@AskWoodMan]

@Manicwensday1 Glad you can use that info. The reason I use Channel Locks is because for one thing they open wide enough to accommodate the chuck but they have a very sensitive bite. They grab with just enough pressure to hold the chuck without over pressuring like a vise grip can. I use a small pair to crack pecans in my shop. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@erbicus]

Thanks for this. Nine years after uploading and your still helping people out👍

[@scottysears6494]

Make that 12!

[@STBRetired1]

Well, add me to the list of 264 other folks who all overlooked the obvious way to overcome a lost chuck key. How did we all not see this? And thanks to you WoodMan for showing all us blind folks how we can use our drills again.

[@AskWoodMan]

@littlespinycactus Thanks. I like that type of pliers for this operation because of their delicate touch on the grab of the chuck. I use the smaller pair to crack pecans because of the precise subtle pressure that can be exerted. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Happy New Year.

[@susanvelleses4354]

I'm a 75 year old grandma and found your video very helpful. Got all my cupboards holes drilled and hardware put on. Thanks!!!!

[@seaneads4018]

Thank you so much for this video! I thought I was going to have to buy a replacement key. Your trick did the job just fine. Really appreciate it.

[@leebeasley8282]

5:22 5:22 y😮😮😊😊 I😮😅😮

[@chigeeng]

I have found the best way to locate your chuck key is to go to the hardware store and buy a replacement. The old key will appear within a day.

[@amydobben859]

My husband has had a SKIL drill for years that we couldn't use because it had a Philips head bit in it and he lost the key. At a point of desperation (installing a new overhead microwave oven) we really needed a drill with the power of the SKIL (battery powered Black & Decker wouldn't go through the cabinet wood). YOU SAVED THE DAY. I was able to switch out the bit in seconds after watching this video. Such a simple solution I can't believe I didn't think of it many projects ago. THANK YOU!

[@itsnotbrittanyitsbingobitch]

Thank you! I found an old impact drill with no chuck key. I've just started a project where I'll need it and am super grateful to find this video. Thank you!!!

[@rodsaunders149]

lost my chuck key for an old Black & Decker drill and went online to see if I could buy a replacement. Saw your video and changed the drill bit in minutes. Excellent service. Thanks very much.

[@AskWoodMan]

Great to hear it Rod. This method will give you an opportunity to come up with a new key on your schedule.

[@AskWoodMan]

Thanks. The key thing is to use this type of tongue and groove pliers because they have such a sensitive touch so very little force has to be applied to the chuck so the risk of damaging or marring the tool is minimal. They are perfect for cracking pecans in the shop too. Thanks again. Allan

[@AskWoodMan]

Interesting. All these chucks have had this done hundreds of times without a problem.

[@685islandboy]

10am to 6.05pm walking around the house trying to find this key. 6.08pm unlock with help. A Big thank you!!

[@TheFuzzylittlebear]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! With your help I can finish hanging the front door! You saved a lady from major distress!

[@dafyddlewis89]

the correct answer was 'go buy some and dont complain'. good vid ;)

[@AskWoodMan]

@GBMorris Thanks for the comment. I have never liked to leave the key on a lanyard attached to the cord. It always seems to get hung up. I misplace my drill press key the most. So I will look for the key for only moment or two before I reach for the drill bit and pliers. The key always turns up, but in the meantime I can keep working.

[@jericarney6544]

Thank you I spent at least 2 hours trying to get my Chuck loosened and another hour trying to find a KZbin video on" how to" til I came apond yours you rock!

[@AskWoodMan]

Glad it helped Jeri. Allan

[@AskWoodMan]

Truer words were never spoken. Very funny. Thanks for the laugh.

[@AskWoodMan]

I have never noticed bending. It takes a surprisingly little amount of force get the gears in the chuck to tighten or loosen. It is just light consistant pressure in either direction. I like to use those tongue and groove pliers also because they have such light touch. Thanks for writing.

[@dknight9456]

Thanks! My husband lost the chuck for his old Skil power drill and after fruitlessley searching for it in the back yard, I decided to find an alternative.

[@austinl.2703]

Thanks , I can do that. Yes , Turning the chuck in the correct direction is a challenge.

[@kandoundou23]

You have no Idea how much you helped me. I was going to buy a drill chuck key 5 minutes ago. not anymore Have a nice week

[@AskWoodMan]

Sorry about that. They are handy. Just a note. I misspoke about what those pliers are called. They are correctly called "tongue and groove pliers" and not slip joint. Those blue ones are by Channel Lock but many companies make quality versions. Many imports too. I did not mean to be so flip about assuming "everbody". I apologize for that. Allan

[@JessicaBuresLRS]

My friend and I love you right now! We lost the chuck to our drill press and have been working on trying ti get the bit out for about an hr now! 1am projects haha. Thank u so much for your help!

[@RealRuler2112]

Thanks for the tip; will keep it in mind the next time a chuck key develops feet and runs to hide somewhere. ;) HF sells those combination chuck keys that have 4 different sizes; think they're $4-5 or so. Good to have a couple around. Something else I've seen is a way to make a keyed chuck keyless. You take a golf or base ball and drill a hole through it for the size of the chuck sleeve. Since the diameter you grab is so much bigger, you can tighten/loosen by hand. Never used this one though.

[@robynhunt2281]

Your video solved my problem of how to get a stuck hole saw off a hammer drill. I have no idea where the chuck key is and now I don't have to stress about buying one for my old last century drill. Many thanks :)

[@lov2playtn]

Tried it today and it worked great ! Could not find one even in Home Depo. I use the drill only a couple of years. Thanks so much !

[@junaidmohammad1967]

Thank you so much for sharing. These have been valuable 5 minutes of 2017 for me.

[@AskWoodMan]

I am glad it was information you can use. All the best in 2018. Allan

[@brookserrano9032]

Thanks! I am in possession of a 1983 Black & Decker without the chuck. Going to try this. Eleven years later you have helped another person with your video! Muito Obrigada!

[@debraperkins2878]

THANK YOU! I just had to stop construction on my bathroom with my bath tub on porch just to hunt for 2 hours for the key with no luck. YOU ARE AMAZING!

[@AskWoodMan]

Glad it helped. Thanks for taking your time to write.

[@AskWoodMan]

Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@TheDaddycatty]

Oh man you saved me big time. I ve looked for my 1/2 inch drill key everywhere except where I put it. I just saw the dang thing and now I need it and can find it. Ugh. I Google how to do it and your video popped up. I used an old phillips screwdriver and a large pair of vise grips and WA LA . Presto. Thank you.

[@AskWoodMan]

Right you are.

[@AskWoodMan]

Lots of new videos are on the way. That is a good method you described. I have used it too. Thanks for reminding people who read these comments about it. There are some good videos showing it also. I really don't have a scratching problem that is any concern. Those tongue and groove pliers have such a sensitive touch that only the slightest pressure is needed. I use them to crack nuts. Great control and feel. Give me a little more time to get all the new videos ready. A lot of computer time.

[@breydan]

Wow!!! Thanks for sharing!!! I've been stuck with this for over a week! Greatly appreciated!

[@amadeusbojiuc2613]

Give this man the Noble Prize!

[@VintageCraftsmanTools]

Saved me a lot of time driving to store which is far from me. Thank you

[@hoserviking]

Just saved me 2 hours of driving at least. Thanks!

[@slmrcs]

thank you so much - just saved me a lot of aggravation w/ a drill that came missing key

[@LuisBiggsRealEstate]

I didn't know this quick trick. 10 seconds and boom I'm able to use the drill until my replacement key comes in! Brilliant thank you!!

[@AskWoodMan]

Thank you. I am always very happy to hear that information on my channel has helped. Thank you also for taking your time to write to me. Best Regards Allan.

[@AskWoodMan]

Those blue tongue and groove pliers have a very sensitive touch. It takes very little pressure to hold the barrel of the chuck. Every one of those drills have had this done hundreds of times and I don't see any wear or damage.

[@philhazlett5454]

Thanks very much I didn't know I could do this. The times I've put the key down and spent time looking for it. Cheers. Phil in the UK. Happy Guy now 😊👍

[@AskWoodMan]

It is nice technique to keep in your bag of tricks to keep from wasting time.

[@mikedip3378]

saved me a lot of time and a trip to home depot kudos man thanks

[@AskWoodMan]

Hi Nick. That drill is called Souix. Milwaukee also sells an identical branded version of. The head is actually 55deg. Mine is over 20 years old and still strong as a young bull. They also have a new version that replaces the paddle trigger with button. Thanks for watching. Keep in touch. Allan

[@mwilson70201]

So simple and it looks easier than than using that blasted key. Once again you saved the day. You don't wear a cape do you?

[@anthonyATteamMUROC]

Thank you sir, you just got me out of a whole lot of trouble. Drill bit was stuck in wood and the old key would allow me to tighten the chuck any more. You fix worked perfectly. Merry Christmas!

[@AskWoodMan]

Thanks for the generous comment. I just wanted to share this to keep people from getting bogged down with such a frustrating problem. No cape but I am partial to a Stetson Open Road straw cowboy hat. Always good to hear from you. Allan

[@devenzang9550]

Thank you sir! 12 years and going strong!

[@stevesage604]

Brilliant, and simple. I lost my key for my old Skil 6225 drill and this saved me having to buy another drill. Excellent video!

[@GBMorris]

That technique could have saved me a lot of hassle if I'd known it a little while ago! Informative as always, thanks!

[@danalvarez7027]

10 years later this helped me today! Thanks!

[@chrisbartlett4580]

best tip ever for anyone that misplaces their key chuck, worked perfect! Thank you very much.

[@Jacobmainchannel]

Thank you , I had this 30 plus year old tool with no key for the chuck and your video save the day I thought the chuck was totally rusted but nope open right up.

[@danymitehazard]

Alright it worked! Thanks ! I finally removed a bit that has been stuck inside a Makita corded drill that’s been sitting there for years!

[@cherryvalleystudio6822]

Best tip ever!

[@AskWoodMan]

Good idea. Thanks for sharing that tip. Allan

[@mikeb.7279]

You are a life saver Sir! Thank you! Had to mount a new RING door bell and you saved me a trip to Home Depot!

[@ianpaddock1814]

great video this will help me to get my drill bit out as i lost the chuck key yesterday thanx bud

[@martinrocha3179]

You’re freaking amazing! It took seconds, I even had the key but it wouldn’t work, your trick worked. Thank You!

[@garyfairbrother5532]

I thought: I know how to do that but what the heck. Thanks. I always used the drill bit in the hole and then used that as a fulcrum to lever the teeth with a screwdriver. I guess I was only half dumb!!! Your way is much better and no more stabbing my left hand with a slipping screwdriver. The savings in bandaids alone make this a great tip!

[@perpetualpaws]

Bought the wrong chuck at home depot. This video saved me. Thanks

[@nicoleoaks4310]

Thank you! I just bought a drill press from a garage sale and was so bummed when I realized I needed a chuck key!

[@AskWoodMan]

You are welcome. I am glad you found some information of value here. Thanks for watching and taking your time to comment. Allan

[@reineire]

You just saved me so much time and effort. Thank you!

[@charlesrankin570]

Worked perfect. Unlocked in seconds. Thank you

[@MrBillow2]

Thank you. Exactly what I needed--Chuck was missing!

[@AskWoodMan]

Glad it worked for you.

[@eileenohara2157]

Hey thanks so much for taking the time to do the video. I'm going to try this as I just lost the chuck key to my drill press

[@ranchroad1005]

Thank you very much. I saw another video on this using screwdrivers, which didn't work for me, but your solution sure did, quickly and easily!

[@DOCKSTARllc]

After wrestling with a worn key and chuck and getting now where, the first 2 minutes of this video saved my ass!

[@AskWoodMan]

Glad it helped.

[@mzhershey]

Thank you! You saved me so much time, effort, and money!

[@AskWoodMan]

That I can't help you with. Thanks for watching.

[@QuiltFinger]

Thanks! It worked. I had the key. The chuck was just really stubborn. Now I know what to do next time a lose the key, which is just about every time I get the drill out.

[@AskWoodMan]

You are saying the the bit is stuck in the wall? If so remove the bit from the drill and get a pair of vise grips to lock on to the bit. Put safety glass and gloves on.Lock the vise grips onto the bit and tap in reverse feed direct with a hammer on the vise grips. Go easy and start out slow. Even before tapping it, work it back and forth with the vise grips and it come free.

[@teresachandlermusic]

Yay! You saved me! Now I can use my drill to mix concrete instead of having to do it by hand. I’m subscribed. Thank you!

[@anthonyschembri7617]

"its a good little technique" What an understatement! Thanks for sharing a great tip mate. :)

[@ct7625]

Wow! What a great idea.

[@0bm31770]

Great tip. Beats buying a new key, when I know I'll misplace that one too.

[@brettbaratheon9776]

Thank you! Got a ‘62 Milwaukee Drill Press with missing key. You saved me. Thanks again.

[@AskWoodMan]

Glad to help. That drill press sounds like a an American classic.

[@brettbaratheon9776]

AskWoodMan- it was my grandfathers. It is really neat. I think it is a ‘62 because those are the first numbers on the serial number i.e.- 62-#####. It may be a little older. It is very unique, works great still after a little refurbishing. Couldn’t find the chuck and tried a bunch of different ones, till I found you here. A true service! Thanks!

[@AskWoodMan]

Will you send me some pictures of your drill press? My email is [e-mail]

[@AskWoodMan]

Thanks for stopping by. I have over 400 videos about woodworking if you need a sleep aid :) Happy New Year.

[@AskWoodMan]

My pleasure. Thank you for visiting my channel.

[@enrico3web]

Wow ! thanks for the great idea. I will throw away all my drill chuck keys in my shop today. NO more frustration looking for them.

[@mycrowell74]

Thank you sooo much for showing us this. Helped us better than the two chucks we bought that didn't work.

[@AskWoodMan]

I know that method but don't use it because I don't want a hardened screwdriver tip against the hardened teeth of the chuck. But I would use if I had to.

[@goatsdoingstuff]

Thank you!....You just saved me a lot of time and frustration. I salute you sir!!!

[@FiestaTacoParty]

thank you...i've spent months without this solution...thank you...it now looks simple but until I saw your video I had no idea

[@AskWoodMan]

Go for it. I prefer this way.

[@brendahall4001]

OMG,Thank you so much,you are a life saver,I actually lost the dam chuck key and I have serched high and low for it,and now after your valuble advice,I was able to change the drill bit very easily. x :)

[@AskWoodMan]

Glad to hear it helped.

[@abr6728]

Thank you so very much..

[@shawbraiz]

Thank you so much for this video! I had a drill where the bit was stuck and the chuck wasn't able to unlock it. I tried the method posted here and I was able to unlock the drill. So cool!

[@micheleb9849]

Thank You! although there wasn't a hole for me to "key" into, this video gave me the concept to open the chuck using a channel lock. Its so simple! Sometimes it just takes a visual aid.