Best metal for a chuck wrench?

[TORQUIN]

Is there a best metal to make a chuck wrench out of? Or maybe just one that is strong enough? I bought one for my 4" Buck chuck and I have twisted the lug on the end. It's not twisted off yet, but a bit weaker. I figure I will just make one, but I don't want whatever I make twisting off also. The end is .250" square.


Thanks,
Chris

 

[tq60]

If 1/4 inch just use a socket drive handle.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[NC Rick]

Ha, ha! Funny I just was working on a replacement for my lathe bit in a half inch hex size. My choice was 1144, one of my favorite steels to machine and it produces quite strong stuff without heat treating. 4140PH seemed way overkill.

 

[Skierdude]

I used a piece of 20mm 4140HT mainly because I had it in the rack.

 

[NC Rick]

Mine needs more work! I'm planning a groove in the center of the handle and a ball detent. Maybe handle ends too since the other seems to fall out on the floor.

 

[main_cogg]

I just got finished making one out of Grade 8 bolt, seemed to be the best option of what I had on hand. Haven't really put it to the test yet, we'll see.

 

[hman]

I've used lengths of key stock for chuck keys. I made a pair of "shorty" keys for centering my 4-jaw lathe chuck by pressing knurled aluminum disks onto 2" lengths of ⅜" key stock. For something longer, you could press the key stock into a suitable hole in the end of a round bar. Maybe braze in place if you need more strength.

Not as pretty as a well machined keys that others have posted, but quick and functional.

 

[cathead]

Cold rolled steel has a nice finish, inexpensive, strong enough for a lathe chuck wrench, not difficult to machine, been using
mine for years now.

 

[NC Rick]

My twisted key is one someone made with cold rolled steel, it hasn't proven to be enough. To be fair, it works but it's twisted and worn. I eliminated that steel choice from my selection process. I also get better surface finish from 1144 and 4140 vs CR. If price was the biggest driver, I'd use 1045 but it isn't my favorite material for machining. A big grade 8 bolt, if available would be a good material from the strength standpoint.

 

[Winegrower]

At some point, it may be better for your chuck key to fail than your chuck.