Jaw chucks are clamps used to hold cylindrical objects in place, with various types for different purposes. They can be adjusted by hand or with a metal key for a stronger grip. Self-centering chucks hold objects in the center, while independent jaw chucks allow for individual adjustments and greater accuracy. Chucks can have three to eight jaws and can be made for special jobs.
A mandrel is a round clamp used to hold a cylindrical object in place. They are often used to hold rotating tools such as drill bits or to hold parts in place as they are being worked on. A jaw chuck is a chuck with clamps or bolts arranged around the edge of the chuck. There are several types of jaw chucks, each used for a specific purpose. These include self-centering chucks, drill chucks and independent jaw chucks.
Many chucks come with removable jaws. The top of each jaw can be removed by loosening the screws to allow the operator to replace worn jaws. The standard hardened steel jaws can also be replaced by special jaws designed for a particular job or soft jaws made of metal, plastic or wood.
Jaw chucks are designed to be adjusted in two ways. A jaw chuck can be adjusted by hand using a twisting motion, like that used on many home drills, to move the jaws in or out. This adjustment method is quick and easy but offers a weaker grip on the object. Keyed adjustable chucks use a metal key to gain the torque needed to tighten the chuck jaws. This is slower but results in a stronger grip.
A self-centering, or slide chuck, usually has three jaws. Use these jaws to hold the object in the center of the chuck. They are often found on lathes or milling machines. A four-jaw self-centering chuck can be used to hold square objects in place.
A drill chuck is a specialized version of a three-jaw self-centering chuck. It is used to hold drill bits or other rotary tools. High-speed rotary tools may use a pin chuck inserted into the standard drill chuck to hold drill bits that are too small for the standard drill chuck to grip.
The jaws of an independent jaw chuck can be adjusted individually. This type of chuck most often has four jaws. They are not self-centering, which means the operator must manually center them. The result is greater accuracy when used by an experienced operator. They are used to grip non-circular objects or to grip circular objects with precision.
While most chucks have three or four jaws, you can get chucks with six or even eight jaws. These are generally used for special jobs. Most are self centering but as they are designed for a special job they are made to a very exacting standard.
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