New Jacobs Chuck keys

[Compulsive purchaserParticipant @compulsivepurchaser]

I need to buy a couple of new chuck keys for some old Jacobs chucks that I have.

Are the new Jacobs manufactured keys (presumably made in China) any good or am I better off buying some new old stock Jacobs Sheffield made keys at twice the price?

thanks.

[Compulsive purchaserParticipant @compulsivepurchaser]

[not done it yetParticipant @notdoneityet]

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’?

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

When the glorious day comes that model engineering shows are open again, take the chucks with you and see what you can find on the various trade stands.

If you can't find exact matches, if the gear looks to be correct, but the spigot is too small, you can always turn up ma sleeve to bring it to correct diameter.

If the spigot is too large, driving out the handle will allow the main body to be held in the lathe and turned down to the required size.

Howard

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

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

[Compulsive purchaserParticipant @compulsivepurchaser]

Many thanks for the replies, however, amazingly, while rummaging through some boxes of old Morse taper drill bits, I came across both missing chuck keys! Normally this happens after I be ordered a replacement for s9meth8ng I have mislaid!

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

That's odd!

Usually, they appear as you unwrap the replacements!

Howard

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