Tightening a 3-Jaw Chuck

[EdK]

What's considered the proper way to tighten a 3-jaw chuck. I've heard differing opinions.

1. Always tighten using one jaw, the same one, every time.
2. Tighten using all three evenly.
3. It doesn't matter.

Thanks,
Ed

[Highpower]

I would like to see the responses on this as well.

I don't have a clue about what is 'proper', but I normally just tighten any one screw unless it is something that I want to be sure that it doesn't come loose from the chuck.

I think #1 is ruled out because the scrolls aren't perfect and the individual jaws are going to get different amounts of pressure on them at different diameters. So in my thinking, going around the chuck and hitting ALL the screws is just added insurance.

I have more problems with drill chucks than I do with lathe chucks though. (That reminds me... I need to pull apart one of my Super-Chucks and check the jaws on it.)

[stevec]

I just tighten the whatever socket happens to be most convenient. It's a 3-jaw, if it's high quality one pinion will do and if it's low quality or worn (or both) there's no point in other procedures, they won't turn a 3-jaw into a collet chuck.

[EdK]

I've read of a master jaw on a 3-jaw chuck and that's the one that's supposed to be tightened, and only that one.

Ed

[stevec]

Where's the quote? Just like pic evidence, "no pics, it didn't happen". No quote, you never really read it!

[EdK]

(01-24-2013, 05:08 PM)stevec Wrote: Where's the quote? Just like pic evidence, "no pics, it didn't happen". No quote, you never really read it!

No chance in hell I'll remember where that quote was. I guess I never read it then.

Ed

[stevec]

Gotcha!

[f350ca]

I always tightened all three sockets, and still do if I need to grab something hard, but recently read on another forum that one socket on beter chucks is marked as the master. Apparently the factory uses it to tighten when grinding the jaws. Not sure how much difference it makes.

[sasquatch]

I have mostly just tightened with one screw, however on a tricky clamping if i feel a bit unsafe i will check the other two.
In reality i suppose all three should be snugged up.

[doubleboost]

On quality chucks Number 1 jaw is the master jaw (this one should be used for the final tightening)
I had a bit play with my 3 jaw Burnerd chuck
The chuck held a acuracy of 2 thousandths
It made no differance wich jaw was tightend last
If i need something to run dead true i use a 4 jaw or a collet
John