3/8" hex lathe chuck key

[The Cobbler]

Not able to find a 3/8" hex lathe chuck key. other than making one, any ideas where to source one?

 

[larry_g]

Please confirm you need 3/8" hex, 6 sided..

Most chuck keys are square, 4 sides.

If you really need hex the get a T handled hex key, and cut it to length.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[kunkernator]

Please confirm you need 3/8" hex, 6 sided..

Most chuck keys are square, 4 sides.

If you really need hex the get a T handled hex key, and cut it to length.

lg
no neat sig line

Most likely a square key. I have never seen a hex chuck key.... anyhow, these guys have every size you would need.

http://stores.ebay.com/drillspot/_i.html?_nkw=lathe+chuck+key

 

[larry_g]

On second thought, Adjust-tru chucks have a ring of socket head screws for adjusting the runout. OP is this what you have?

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Alchymist]

Most likely a square key. I have never seen a hex chuck key.... anyhow, these guys have every size you would need.

http://stores.ebay.com/drillspot/_i.html?_nkw=lathe+chuck+key

Not so ..... this is on my South Bend.

 

[rsanter]

Buy a T slot bar and the right size hex drive, done

Or get the right size Allen wrench and weld a t bar to it

Bob

 

[nine4gmc]

Make the T handle on the lathe and cut a Hex Key that fits. Drill to size and press the hex into the round hole, effectively broaching it in.

 

[The Cobbler]

It's definitely 3/8 hex on my 4 jaw . I am using 3/8 allen wrench now but I was hoping to buy one. oh well, I guess I will make one.
thanks

 

[The Cobbler]

Make the T handle on the lathe and cut a Hex Key that fits. Drill to size and press the hex into the round hole, effectively broaching it in.

how much smaller of a hole would I drill to achieve this? I have apc of cold rolled 5/8 round stock for the body .

 

[MShaw]

Why not just buy a T handle hex key already made????????

 

[APEowner]

Why not just buy a T handle hex key already made????????

That's what I use.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

I made my own. Just cut a piece from a hex key and press it into a barrel. Crossed drilled the barrel for a handle and pressed that is as well. Easy.

 

[larry_g]

Something to think about; You have a screw in this chuck that for all intents and purposes is irreplaceable. I would be a bit cautious about using a key that is harder than the screw material. I would want the key to wear out before the screw. Makes a case for making your own out of some 3/8" hex stock, CRS.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[dr_clyde]

My Kalamazoo 12" chuck takes both. A square key for the scroll pinion and a 10mm hex for the adjust-true screws. For the adjust true, the lathe came with a 10mm hex wrench welded to a piece of CRS for a handle. Crude, but effective.

My 4 jaw didn't come with a chuck wrench, so I had to make one. If you want to see mine, page 2 of my shop projects thread.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=309378&page=2