Making a Better Chuck Key for the Lathe

The silly little keys that come with import chucks are always a frustration. Today, I’m making a glorious new key that should make the 4-jaw a joy to dial in. Or at least less of a chore.

Tools used in this video:

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Shars AXA Quick Change Tool Post Set (eBay*): https://ebay.to/2SWkUQZ
Shars CCMT0602 RH turning tool holder (eBay*): https://ebay.to/2SUS4jL
Kyocera CCMT060204-HQ Cermet Inserts (eBay*): https://ebay.to/2QPV53h
ZLiveCenter 3MT triple ball bearing live center (eBay*): https://ebay.to/2RSpdzm
5C Collet Chuck (eBay*): https://ebay.to/3lMVbbr
5C Collets Set – Imperial (Amazon*): https://amzn.to/3mOcmcQ
5C Collet Set – Metric (Amazon*): https://amzn.to/3rsBz00
5C Collet Block Set (Amazon*): https://amzn.to/2WG2vv1
YG-1 1/4″ 120 degree spotting drill (eBay*): https://ebay.to/2MayWfj
YG-1 4-Flute Carbide 1/4″ end mill (eBay*): https://ebay.to/2QRDK9S
Chicago Latrobe HSS Short Franctional Drill Set (Amazon*): https://amzn.to/3mkmziD
Kurt DX6 6″ Mill Vise (Amazon*): https://amzn.to/3nntHuh
Mill Vise Speed Handle (Amazon*): https://amzn.to/3u4DsSa
Starrett 827A Edge Finder (Amazon*): https://amzn.to/38DGNPp
Angle Block Set (Amazon*): https://amzn.to/2R3Lews
Noga Deburring Set (Amazon*): http://amzn.to/2xMfiPz
Dewalt Bifocal Safety Glasses (Amazon*): https://amzn.to/35eCYhl
Shars 0-6″ .0001″ micrometer set (eBay*): http://ebay.to/3sxGRqK
Aventor 8″ DPS IP54 Caliper (eBay*): https://ebay.to/37y1Tg3
Scotch Brite Maroon Very Fine (eBay*): https://ebay.to/2FzIZco
Scotch Brite Gray Ultra Fine (eBay*): https://ebay.to/2QRJUXN
Emery Cloth 1″ Roll (Amazon*): https://amzn.to/3fxodw6
RapidTap Cutting Fluid for steel (eBay*): https://ebay.to/2QPjPZq
eSun ABS Filament, 1.75mm (Amazon*): https://amzn.to/2xYW8uc