Bosch PBD 40 drill press - drill bit jammed

Today I used a number six wood drill bit in 6 mm plywood but failed to clamp my work adequately. The drill bit hit a metal clamp underneath and the bit sheared off with the wood still attached to the broken bit in the drill press. I managed to remove the wood but I’m unable to release the broken drill bit from the chuck.


The drill press turns on with no apparent sounding damage but I do not have the strength to release the remaining shank of the bit. (I am a 74 year old arthritic female). I have tried turning the red locking ring both clockwise and anticlockwise (part number 28), then holding the holding ring still (part 29) while releasing the turning clamping sleeve (part 30) both clockwise and anticlockwise, to no avail.


The chuck is keyless but has holes where the a chuck key could perhaps fit. If I find a correct-sized key (none was supplied with the kit), can I safely turn the chuck to release the broken bit? What are my alternatives? Would it hurt to squirt WD-40 around the jaws of the chuck?

Can you post a photo of the jammed chuck.

Where are you in Sydney? Someone local may be able to drop by and give you a hand. Oh, and don't squirt WD40 near the chuck. It won't help and it may prevent the chuck from gripping in the future

Welcome to the forum.

When a keyless chuck self tightens too much I use a a pair of these strap wrenches.
Dead easy even for arthritic hands. :)

Attachment 473170
Haron Strap Wrench Twin Pack | Bunnings Warehouse

The strap wrenches are especially useful for circular plumbing fittings and especially for PVC fittings used in dust extraction

If your chuck has holes in it then there are special chuck keys for what are knows as "collet chucks". These keys have a nub that may fits into one of the holes in a keyless chuck so that then only one strap wrench is needed.

These keys look like this
Attachment 473171

If you would like to PM (private message) me I’m sure we could arrange som help or advice.

The red ring must NOT be turned at the same time as trying to loosen the chuck. The red ring is a lock ring, and must be set to UNLOCK position. This is the process:

1. Turn the red ring to UNLOCK

2. Grasp the black knurled ring at the top of the chuck & hold it firmly

3. Grasp the lower black ring & turn it anti-clockwise

The important thing is the you CAN NOT undo the chuck unless the red ring is in the UNLOCK position. Please do not use any wrenches or tools, as you may damage the chuck if it is not unlocked.


While the holes in the upper & lower rings look similar to those seen in keyed chucks, that is not their purpose. This is a keyless chuck - you can not use a key, which is why none was provided.
The holes you see are used to insert a metal rod that will provide leverage if the chuck is hard to turn using the knurling.
If you do need some extra leverage, the easiest route will probably be to find drill bits that fit snugly in these holes - insert the shank of the bit, not the fluted cutting end!!
To make sure you don't cut your fingers on the sharp flutes of the bit, cover these with masking tape or similar.
With your makeshift levers in the holes, you should be able to easily undo the chuck - ONCE IT IS UNLOCKED!
(it is annoying that suitable rods do not seem to be provided with the machine)

(Hmm... annoying - I posted this reply yesterday morning & for some reason it did not appear ?!?)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RossM

The red ring must NOT be turned at the same time as trying to loosen the chuck. The red ring is a lock ring, and must be set to UNLOCK position. This is the process:

1. Turn the red ring to UNLOCK

2. Grasp the black knurled ring at the top of the chuck & hold it firmly

3. Grasp the lower black ring & turn it anti-clockwise

The important thing is the you CAN NOT undo the chuck unless the red ring is in the UNLOCK position. Please do not use any wrenches or tools, as you may damage the chuck if it is not unlocked.


While the holes in the upper & lower rings look similar to those seen in keyed chucks, that is not their purpose. This is a keyless chuck - you can not use a key, which is why none was provided.
The holes you see are used to insert a metal rod that will provide leverage if the chuck is hard to turn using the knurling.
If you do need some extra leverage, the easiest route will probably be to find drill bits that fit snugly in these holes - insert the shank of the bit, not the fluted cutting end!!
To make sure you don't cut your fingers on the sharp flutes of the bit, cover these with masking tape or similar.
With your makeshift levers in the holes, you should be able to easily undo the chuck - ONCE IT IS UNLOCKED!
(it is annoying that suitable rods do not seem to be provided with the machine)

---

You could drill into some wood and leaving the drill bits in the wood use the wood for protection and extra leverage. Make sure the drill bits are fully embedded apart from the amount in the chuck because they are brittle and will break if too much force is used but embedding them into wood should reduce the risk to nearly zero.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BobL

If your chuck has holes in it then there are special chuck keys for what are knows as "collet chucks". These keys have a nub that may fits into one of the holes in a keyless chuck so that then only one strap wrench is needed.

These keys look like this
Attachment 473171

---

Also knows as "C spanners"