-Jacobs used to be the go-to, hard to beat for the money. After shutting down the factory in SC the venture capitalist vultures attempted to capitalize on name brand while reducing the costs of a quality made product that was a standard of the industry for decades. The Chinese made (laser engraved) are absolute sh*t compared to the older USA made (stamped name in body) ones. Even the brand new "Super" ball bearing models are ****, enough so to tell just by looking at or holding one. So very disappointing, for me, to see a, once respected, maker of such a basic component of manufacturing reduced to a not-worth-the-weight-in-scrap disposable POS. So very many other makers of drill chucks have followed the trend. All because of the motherless venture capitalists that have sacrificed good companies for the sake of greater personal profits. Do I sound bitter?
So I did some reading on a machinist board concerning drill chucks. There were some conclusions by unanimous consensus:
1) Almost all of the drill chucks are poorly made now, Americans (not the only ones) demand things by price alone because they think all things are equal except price. I knew the "Outsource" trend would result in a race to the bottom, I just didn't think it would be so pervasive or this fast.
2) Most of the machinists search for older/used chucks on E(vil)-Bay and zoom in on the photos looking for clues about condition.
3) The price of the POS new ones is not much different than the used ones on the market but the difference in quality is huge.
4) The keyless chucks may seem more convenient but do have a tendency to tighten up when being used. For this reason, if you're considering getting one, make sure it uses a wrench (flats cut on the chuck body near the top) to help loosen the chuck or you'll end up needing a "gorilla grip" to get it loose sometimes.
Older brands that used to be good, can't say for certain now.
Rohm- German made, well made chuck but a bit pricey when new
Lyndex-Nikken- Also a well made chuck but mostly used with CNC machines and rather expensive
Albrecht- Preferred by those wanting a keyless chuck
LFA-Made in France, was a good buy for the money. Now not likely to be made in France.
Jacobs- Standard of the industry. Look for the stamped name on the body. All laser marked models to be avoided.
As difficult as it now is to obtain a decently made chuck I wouldn't blame you if you purchased a POS from China. Be advised that the satisfaction of a low price will disappear soon after using a while. The used market may have some slightly beat up models but if they still work (many do after decades) then they'd be my choice. Also be advised that most sellers know the new ones are POS and charge stupidly high prices for better quality older ones. It's sorta the same for bench vises, what you couldn't give away 15 years ago is now commanding top dollar prices. May all venture capitalists be visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley.
