Certainly not better off financially if you buy at twice the cost. What evidence do you have that newly manufactured chucks by Jacobs are sub-standard – or are you considering ‘counterfeit’ items?

There again, two wee chucks should not really ‘break the bank’?

Never had a chuck key wear out, but then I don't work them hard and my main chuck is keyless. (I find it grips better than a Jacobs-type too!)

Chuck keys aren't high-tech and suitable modern steels are at least as good as anything made in last century Sheffield. The main danger is buying too cheap or counterfeit because the maker might be knocking them out with mild-steel or an improperly heat-treated carbon steel. It's not difficult to make chuck keys properly.

New Old Stock is easily faked, and may be completely legal. Many old brands are no longer protected and 'old' might mean it was made last year.

I suggest the retailer is a more important consideration. Buying from unknown web vendors is riskier, especially very cheap from abroad. Reputable UK suppliers:

• will exchange or money-back faulty goods.
• are less likely to pass on counterfeits Items.

Never bought a fake myself, but note attractive brand-names and country of origin are more likely to be counterfeited than mid-range tools. The problem is as old as time. I've a sneaking suspicion many a Silly Old Duffer is delighted with an elderly British 'quality' tool actually cheaply imported in the last century from Belgium, Hong Kong, Japan, or any of a multitude of other countries! Or is today happily buying good value 'British' brands that are actually made abroad to high standards.

I don't want to give the impression than everything on the web is rubbish – far from it. Just that a tasty brand-name, handsome packaging and being stamped 'Sheffield', 'CE' or 'Made in England' may not prove anything. Buyer beware – especially 'bargains'. Does anyone believe a Rolex bought for £20 in a Cambodian street market is genuine?

Dave

That's odd!

Usually, they appear as you unwrap the replacements!

Howard