How to Replace the Chuck on a DeWALT Cordless Drill

The chuck adjusts open and closed to securely hold a drill bit. This allows you to use a variety of different sizes. There are three jaws in the chuck that clamp against the drill bit. After years of use, these jaws will wear and your drill bit might begin to slip in the chuck. Sometimes, a jaw inside the chuck can be broken off.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE CHUCK   1. Remove the retaining screw.

a. Open the chuck as wide as possible.

b. Remove the chuck retaining screw. (This screw is reverse-threaded.)

  2. Remove the chuck.

a. Secure a large hex wrench into the chuck.

b. Switch the transmission to the lowest setting.

c. Place the drill on the work bench with the chuck (and the hex wrench) overhanging the edge of the bench.

d. Strike the end of the hex wrench with a rubber mallet until the chuck breaks free of the spindle. (This may require several attempts.)

e. Unscrew and remove the chuck from the drill.

f. Remove the hex wrench from the chuck.

INSTALLING THE NEW CHUCK

  3. Install the chuck.

a. Thread the new chuck onto the spindle.

b. Secure the hex wrench into the jaws of the new chuck.

c. Use the hex wrench (for leverage) to hand-tighten the chuck assembly onto the spindle.

d. Remove the hex wrench from the chuck.

REASSEMBLING THE UNIT

  4. Reinstall the retaining screw.

a. Install the retaining screws.

b. Tighten the retaining screw to secure the new chuck to the spindle. (The screw is reverse-threaded.)