jj3000 wrote:
You know I wasn't even thinking when I bought the drill, just a
craftsman one about $50, I beleive the term is keyless chuck so you
use your hand to tighten, instead of a key.

I usually drill plastic or aluminum so it didn't show the weakness

Well after one weekend of steel work fabrication. The chuck doesn't
seem to grip the drill bit very well anymore. i.e. the bit stuck in
the metal and the chuck just spins/

I was wondering if I can convert the chunk to use a key, or replace
the fingers in the key. What is the problem? Sure the drill bits are
a bit more dull causing more fiction. But this is to a point where it
is not usable anymore.

This belongs in the category of adding insult to injury, but maybe one
of these HF "chuck converters" would let you get a better grip on the
tightening sleeve of your keyless chuck.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=6902

Otherwise, how about using a couple of those rubber strap wrenches to
tighten the chuck? HF often has 'em for sale for as low as $3.99 a pair,
and their size and bright colored handles would make them less likely to
get lost than a conventional chuck key. (Ducking....)

Jeff

--
Jeff Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)

"My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying."