How To Remove And Change The Chuck On A Screwdriver? How To Unscrew, Disassemble And Repair A Jammed Cartridge?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

The presence of various technical devices at home is simply necessary. We are talking about tools such as a drill and screwdriver. They are indispensable in the course of various small household chores. But like any technique, they can also malfunction and break. For example, in a screwdriver, one of the most unstable parts is the chuck. In this article, we will consider how to remove and replace the cartridge in this device.

What it is?

This part is a metal cylinder attached to the shaft of the tool in question. Its main task is to fix the bits of fasteners. Note that such a part is attached to the screwdriver using an internal thread located on the chuck, or using a special cone necessary for fixing it to the shaft.

Keyless type is the most common type . The shank is clamped by turning the tool sleeve. These are shanks with a diameter of 0.8 to 25 millimeters. The only serious drawback of this product is the high price compared to the same key sleeves. A couple of seconds are enough to fix the element in the BZP. This does not require the use of any auxiliary mechanisms. In the case of quick-clamping solutions, the blade of the adjustment sleeve is corrugated, which facilitates the rotation of the cylinder. The pressure on the product shank is regulated by means of a special locking element.

True, after a while, parts of the clamping mechanism become unusable. For this reason, the clamping gradually looses, so the sleeve cannot fix the large round shanks.

Types of cartridges

Note that the screwdriver chuck can be of different types.

They are usually divided into three categories:

• quick-clamping, which can be one- and two-clutch;
• key;
• self-tightening.

The first and third are quite similar to each other. The only difference is that the latter fix the product in automatic mode. If the tool has a blocker, then it will be better to use single-sleeve solutions, and in its absence, it is better to use two-sleeve options.

But also with a single-sleeve solution, it can be clamped with one hand, while in the other case, it is required to use both hands.

What is self, that quick-release models are designed for modern solutions. For example, for the same pneumatic screwdrivers.

If we talk about key options, then they are not so easy to use, but they are as reliable as possible. They grip well and are more resistant to impact loads. If you plan to use the cylinder frequently and intensively, then it is better to take a device with a key.

Determination of the method of fastening

Note that consolidation is carried out by three methods:

• Morse taper;
• with a fixing bolt;
• carving.

The Morse Cone gets its name from the name of its creator, who invented it in the 19th century. The connection is carried out by engaging the parts of the cone with the hole and the shaft due to the identical taper. Such a mount is used in a variety of cases because of its reliability and simplicity.

In the case of a thread, it is usually cut into the chuck and shaft. And the combination is carried out by winding it onto the shaft.

The last option is the "improved" threaded fastener. To make the connection as reliable as possible, it should be fixed using a bot. Usually the screw is taken under a Phillips screwdriver with a thread on the left. The screw becomes accessible only when the jaws are fully open.

If we talk about determining the method of fastening, then this usually happens by visual inspection. For example, the marking at the Morse taper is usually 1-6 B22. In this case, the first digits will be the diameter of the nozzle tail, which is used, and the second digit is the size of the cone itself.

In the case of a threaded connection, an alphanumeric designation is also available. For example, it will look like 1, 0 - 11 M12x1, 25. The first half indicates the diameter of the nozzle shank that is used, and the second indicates the metric size of the threads. If the screwdriver is manufactured abroad, then the value will be indicated in inches.

How to remove?

Now let's talk about how to remove the part in question. This may be necessary for routine cleaning and lubrication, which will increase tool life. First, let's look at the case of detaching the cartridge with the fixing bolt. You will need a hexagon that is the correct size:

• first of all, the screw is unscrewed clockwise if the part is with a left-hand thread;
• before that, you need to open the cams as much as possible to see it;
• we insert the key into our fists and quickly scroll it counterclockwise;
• we unscrew the cartridge.

If we are talking about dismantling a chuck with a Morse taper, then here you need to have a hammer on hand. Using it, you can knock the shank out of the body socket. First, the screwdriver is disassembled, after which we take out the shaft with the chuck and the gearbox located on it. Using a pipe wrench, we twist the clamp cylinder.

Now let's move on to dismantling the threaded cartridge. The procedure will be as follows:

• we unscrew the threaded type mount using the L-shaped hexagon;
• insert a 10 mm key into the cylinder with the short side, after which we firmly fix it with cams;
• we start the screwdriver at low speeds, and immediately turn it off so that the free part of the hexagon hits the support.

As a result of all the actions taken, the thread fixation should loosen, after which the clamping cylinder can be pulled out of the spindle without much difficulty.

It happens that the withdrawal cannot be carried out by any of the above methods . Then the device should be disassembled, and, depending on the manufacturer and model, perform certain actions. Let's show the disassembly process using a Makita screwdriver as an example.

Owners of such models have the need to unscrew the chuck, where a threaded fixation is used with a screw-type mount that performs an auxiliary function.

Then you need to unscrew the screw, and then press the shaft stop button. After that, we wrap the screwdriver body in a rag and fix it in a vice. We press the hex key in the cams and hit it with a hammer so that the cylinder can be removed.

How to disassemble?

Before you buy a new part, you can try to repair the old one. The core of the screwdriver chuck is a tapered inner shaft. It has cam guides. Their outer surface resembles such a thread that converges with a thread in a cylindrical-type cage. When the structure rotates, the cams follow the guides, and their clamping side can diverge or converge. This will depend on the direction of rotation. The cage is protected from movement along the axis by a special lock-type screw. Alternatively, it can be protected by a special nut. To disassemble the chuck, you must dismantle the screw or nut.

If the clip is jammed, then the situation will be more difficult, since it cannot be replaced, even if the retaining element is no longer there . To eliminate the problem in this situation, it would be better to place the cartridge in a solvent for a while, then clamp it in a vice and try to remove it again. If this does not help, then it is better to just change it.

Sometimes disassembly is simply not possible. In the most difficult case, you can also solve this issue by simply sawing the clip. And after solving the problem, its parts can be connected using a clamp or some other fixator. But this method can only be a temporary solution to the problem.

How to change?

Now that we have removed the cartridge, we can change it. However, the replacement of the cartridge should be carried out taking into account the recommendations of specialists. For example, you need to change the cartridge so as to take into account the power of the device.

In addition, if the bits are changed quite often, then it is better to use quick-release options, which are quite easy to pull out, which will seriously speed up the work. You can also choose a key cartridge. But this should only be done when the diameter of the bits or drills is large.

If the conical option is chosen, its characteristics should be taken into account, which, according to GOST, are designated by markings from B7 to B45. If the cartridge is made abroad, the marking will be different. It is usually indicated in inches.

It should be said that various screwdriver cartridges differ from each other in thread, shape, purpose and appearance. They are all made and steel.

If it is difficult to determine the type of clamp, then it is better to consult a specialist. Otherwise, the operation of the device may become unreliable and incorrect.

How to repair?

It is not always necessary to immediately change the cartridge to a new one. Sometimes elementary repairs can help, for example, when a screwdriver hits. Let's consider the main problems and how to fix them. For example, the device is jammed. This happens due to the fact that the cams after a while simply stop compressing. To solve the problem, you can apply one of the options:

• press the cylinder and hit it hard against a wooden object;
• clamp the device in a vice, and clamp the cartridge with a gas wrench, then rest the screwdriver on some surface and turn it on;
• grease the chuck well.

Another common problem is chuck spinning. One of the reasons may be that the teeth on the fixing sleeve are simply worn out. Then you should dismantle the clutch and, in place of the teeth that have worn off, make holes, then screw in the screws there and remove the parts that will protrude with the help of nippers. It remains to replace the cartridge.

Operating tips

A few tips on the correct operation of the screwdriver will not be superfluous, which will significantly extend his life and ensure stable work:

• the screwdriver must be protected from water;
• when changing attachments, you must turn off the battery;
• before using the tool, it must be adjusted;
• if it is not used for a long time, then from time to time use a screwdriver to discharge the battery;
• it will not be superfluous to have several spare batteries in case of failure of the main one.

In general, it should be said that dismantling and replacing the chuck in a screwdriver can be performed by any man, even who has never had experience with such tools, without much difficulty.