3/8" drill chucks

Sean Garland asks:

Jacobs among others. But can't he just locate bits with cut down shanks?

Charlie Self "Politics: A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage. " Ambrose Bierce

Chucks are available, check McMaster Carr or Grainger.

Often you can buy bits with the shank turned down to 3/8". If not, do you know anyone with a metal turning lathe? Takes but a few minutes to turn it down. Ed

Around here (Northern NJ) even Sears carries turned-down shanks in drill bits up to 1/2". Make sure the drill you're using has enough chutzpeh to drill that size hole in the material in question.

If you're talking wood, consider spade bits as a better alternative for fast hobbing.

If you're talking metal, consider whether or not you might be better served by buying or renting a beefier drill.

It's possible to burn up a small drill by using a bit that's too large for the motor. DAMHIKT.

We sell a lot of 1/2" keyless chucks (Mostly Makita (Jacobs)) that have the standard tread for the 3/8" drills spindles, They provide the larger capacity but you have to remember the spindle is small & easy to snap if you use the drill under extreme 1/2" capacities. After all a drill is only as good as its spindle & gear strength when it comes to heavy work.

For about $35 Canadian or $28US most our customers are very pleased with the upgraded chucks.

I put one of these on one of my corded drills and am quite happy with it. I would have prefered a keyless, but HF did not have one and for $5 ....

Dave Hall