just to settle an old argument

[kier]

few years back I was using a friends pillar drill and tightened the chuck with the key just in the one hole only , and was told to tighten the chuck using the three holes one by one, I thought that was rubbish and said so , and was told the 3 holes were put there for tightening the chuck not for my convenience.
who was right

 

[dobbslc]

I normally use at least two holes....

 

[Richard.]

I've only ever used one point to tighten it. I'm not saying that's right or wrong but it's not caused me any issues over the years.

 

[WorkshopChris]

On a good quality chuck in good condition it shouldn't make any difference.
Its only 1 gear shouldn't matter if the key engages with it in 1, 2 or 3 positions.
If anything you should probably tighten with both sides of the chuck key to allow for any wear, as the chuck will stop in a random location but you normally use the key in the same position.

 

[Richard.]

I would say even though I don't do it the correct way would be to touch on all 3 points.
When I use my lathe chuck I religiously check all 3 yet with my drill chuck I don't usually. It shouldn't be treated any differently really as the jaws will touch on at different points applying different amounts of pressure.

 

[Swift&Bold]

I tighten all three.
I very much doubt it makes any difference but it's what I was taught and has became an old habit.

 

[WorkshopChris]

Are a drill and lathe chuck fundamentally different in design. The drill chuck is normally friction from the angle cone operated from the gear. But on the lathe the jaws are operated by engaging with a thread individually so would definitely benefit from tightening all round.

 

[gordon stephenson]

Usually only tighten one on drill chucks, But lathe self centering chucks i do all three,

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I tighten all three.
I very much doubt it makes any difference but it's what I was taught and has became an old habit.

Me too.

 

[fenman]

Three for me

 

[Freddy0309]

I got taught to tighten at least 2 so that's the way I do it

 

[Welderpaul]

Tighten with one hole only..with a ring spanner on the end of the chuck key

 

[TechnicAl]

I was taught that all 3 should be tightened.........but I dont always bother except on the lather

I think its an alignment issue.......all 3 makes sure its perfectly centred.......I think

 

[Welderpaul]

Which ever hole you use (erm), only turns the same toothed ring though.

 

[optima21]

just one hole for me.......thinking about it, what would you do if it was a keyless chuck

 

[ford34/2]

Always at least two, depends on drill size too. in which case three. Even 5" and bigger in the Lathe all three or four-- I have a 4 big 4 jaw and the 4 jaw independent one as well

Stan

 

[Cobbler]

Only ever use one, never heard anyone using three before. As Paul says which ever one you use it bears on the same ring

 

[BrokenBiker]

I got told off in college for tightening all 3 on a drill chuck as it was seen as a waste of time

 

[Burdekin]

Taught all 3 too.

 

[Robotstar5]

Normally 2 here