Help with key size for my mortiser chuck

[John Loftis]

I somehow lost my key for my benchtop hollow chisel mortiser (Delta 14-650, Type 2). I bought 3 different chuck keys, including one of those 4-headed keys from one of the borg stores and none of them fits properly. I'm trying to find a key that will work without spending $25 to get an OEM replacement.

Here's the backordered part from e-replacement parts: http://www.ereplacementparts.com/chuck-key-p-171569.html

Can someone tell me exactly what size key I need to buy and/or link one on Amazon or somesuch site?

Thanks so much,
John

[david brum]

Grizzly (http://www.grizzly.com/products/9-32-Pilot-Self-ejecting-Drill-Chuck-Key/G8664)has one that looks similar, although you'd have to measure to be sure. It's cheaper, but it does seem odd that you can't buy a $3 key for your mortiser.

[Mark W Pugh]

Try this place . http://www.acetoolrepair.com/parts-delta-for-14-650-type-2.html

[John Loftis]

On the chuck, it says, 'SELECT 24UNF 3/8" 10mm'. I'm guessing 'Select' is the brand (e.g. Jacobs). 24UNF is the model number of the chuck. There should be a corresponding key to go with that chuck, but I haven't been able to find it.

[david brum]

I'm not sure about "Select", but you're probably right about the brand. 24 unf refers to the internal threads on the back of the chuck, where it screws onto the mortiser shaft. 3/8 and 10mm (pretty much the same measurement) refer to the chuck's drill bit capacity.

The other variables are the chuck's pilot hole size and the tooth arrangement. You can pretty easily measure the pilot hole size and look for a key which matches. Whether the little cog meshes with your chuck's teeth is unknown until you try it. You would think that with a unique chuck like yours, there isn't too much variety.

[Marc Burt]

Not sure this will help but I too lost my key for the same machine. The key for my delta bench top drill press fits the mortiser. Perhaps a replacement for it would be cheaper.