How to Replace the Chuck on a Milwaukee Cordless Drill

If broken drills and service bills are boring holes in your budget; it's time to face the fix. Whether you are a master craftsman or an occasional drill-seeker, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

The chuck on a cordless drill takes a lot of punishment. Over time, it will need to be replaced. Common problems include a chuck that no longer opens or closes smoothly. Or occasionally, one of the jaws will break and the chuck will not secure a drill bit. Fortunately, replacing the chuck on a cordless drill is very easy to do and this article will show you how.

Let's get started.

  REMOVING THE CHUCK [top] 1. Remove the battery from the drill.

     2. Switch the transmission to the lowest setting.

Slide the gear selector switch to the lowest setting.

    3. Set the clutch to the “Drill” setting.

Rotate the clutch assembly to the “Drill” setting.

    4. Remove the chuck retaining screw.

Open the chuck to the widest position.

Use a Phillip's screwdriver to loosen the retaining screw. The screw is reverse-threaded (requiring clockwise rotation to loosen).

Remove the screw from the chuck assembly.

  5. Remove the chuck from the drill.

Insert the short end of a large Allen wrench (as large as the chuck will accommodate) into the chuck assembly.

Secure the Allen wrench in the chuck.

Position the drill on a surface that allows the chuck (and Allen wrench) to overhang the edge.

SPECIFIX: The next step involves striking the Allen wrench with a rubber mallet to loosen the chuck assembly. Before proceeding to the next step, make certain that the drill is positioned to ensure that the blow from the mallet rotates the assembly in a counter-clockwise direction. Striking the wrench in the wrong direction will tighten (and possibly damage) the assembly.

While securely holding the drill against the flat work surface, strike the exposed end of the Allen wrench with a rubber mallet. This should loosen the chuck assembly. (This step may require multiple attempts).

Continue to rotate (unscrew) the chuck assembly by hand until it disengages the spindle.

Remove the chuck assembly from the drill.

  INSTALLING THE NEW CHUCK [top] 6. Install the chuck.

Thread the new chuck assembly onto the spindle.

Secure the chuck assembly as tightly as possible (by hand).

Open the chuck to accept the retaining screw.

Install the retaining screw.

Secure the screw with a Phillip's screwdriver. The screw is reverse-threaded (requiring counterclockwise rotation to secure).

As you just learned, fixing things yourself means more drilling with less billing. Hopefully, this article has helped restore your ability to drill holes without replacing your whole drill. And that's just the tip of the bit. Our Follow-and-Fix field guides can help expand your skills far beyond drills; empowering you to face power tool problems as they arise and to fearlessly fix whatever fails you. Find your next fix here.   [top]