The 10 Best Keyless Drill Chucks
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in January of 2019. A good chuck is integral to the consistent and accurate operation of any drill, whether it's an everyday, cordless, handheld model or a freestanding, commercial radial press. Keyless models are especially popular for their ease of use, but it's important to choose a high-quality one with little to no run-out, like these, in order to keep holes perfectly round and machining tolerances to a minimum. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
March 08, 2021:
We've made just a couple additions to the Wiki this time around. One is the Pan300 JT33, a low-cost 33 Jacobs taper model that can serve as a capable replacement for broken down JT33s. We also say hello to the Chum Power Hex Key, which is actually a heavily upgraded version of one of our previous selections. This one has titanium jaws and is able to withstand both clockwise and counterclockwise force, making it a good choice for the toughest jobs.
Overall, the Rohm Extra remains the best choice for most users who just need a new chuck and collar for their hand drill. The Rohm Supra 13, with its automatic clamping system, is a significant step up. The ProTechTrader Universal, on the other hand, is about as inexpensive as they come, although it's not capable of heavy-duty jobs.
April 13, 2019:
Drill chucks generally fall into two categories: those for relatively small, handheld drills, and those for larger and more expensive presses. If you're simply looking to replace a faulty, plastic-collared unit like those found on budget-oriented tools, check out the ProTechTrader, which can repair a busted drill at a very low cost. If you prefer to use mid-range to high-end power tools, the Rohm, All Industrial, and VME models can make great replacements. In fact, Rohm is often upheld by machinists and craftsmen as a very high-quality brand, and its performance comes at a generally reasonable price. The ChumPower is an affordable option that's quite durable with proper installation, though it can only work in one direction. If you're using a commercial press and can afford them, consider going with a Llambrich or Albrecht. These are precision-manufactured in Germany and represent the highest in machining performance, but oh boy, do they cost a lot.
When making your decision, be aware of the limitations of a keyless drill chuck. For the most part, they aren't suitable for use with milling ends, as they can easily be damaged and go out of true, or worse, pop off the arbor during use, which is an incredibly dangerous occurrence. Always use proper protective equipment when working with any power tools, and follow all appropriate safety protocols, in order to preserve not only your own health, but also the longevity of your tools and workshop.