Replies

1. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 09, 2010 05:14pm | #1

   Steve

   Jacobs chucks are sold in many, many different sizes, and there are many different sized keys.  If you go to Jacobs chuck website, (google is your friend), you can look up what size key your chuck takes, and then, just buy the key somewhere.  Hardware stores and online auction sites sell chuck keys all the time.  I've got a box of them.

   Jeff

2. 
   trialnut | Dec 10, 2010 10:32am | #2

   I believe you will find that the JT 2 1/2 refers to the taper in the spindle. JT 2 1/2 = Jacobs Taper size 2 1/2.  This should have nothing to do with the key size which should be a standard size and easily available at any good hardware store. Take the old key with you. All you should need to match is the size of the post on the key that goes into the hole on the chuck.

   Rich

3. 
   JohnWW | Dec 20, 2010 07:16pm | #3

   Too many sizes

   Steve,

   There are some 20 chuck key sizes for Jacobs brand chucks alone, and a probably a dozen more that fit other brands.  Look on the chuck itself and see if you can get a brand name and a model number for the chuck, you may have to look close under a good light.  If it is a Jacobs chuck, or a brand that I can cross reference, I can probably find a supplier.

4. 
   JohnWW | Dec 20, 2010 07:18pm | #4

   Too many sizes

   Steve,

   There are some 20 chuck key sizes for Jacobs brand chucks alone, and a probably a dozen more that fit other brands.  Look on the chuck itself and see if you can get a brand name and a model number for the chuck, you may have to look close under a good light.  If it is a Jacobs chuck, or a brand that I can cross reference, I can probably find a supplier.

1. 
   trialnut | Dec 21, 2010 09:12am | #5

   Look at the key itself for a number. If this is the drill press I think it is and has a 1/2 capicity chuck on it then it should take a #3 key. The old key should have this number on it somewhere, either on the part your thumb goes against when using it or on the body of the key just above the gear.

   As John says there are many key sizes but only a very few are used on the larger chucks. In your favor is that most of these cheaper bench presses use off the shelf parts because they are cheaper so it will likely be a standard easy to find part.

   Rich