Installing/Removing a Drill Bit

Turn the drill chuck to the left (clockwise from the top) to open the jaws of the chuck wide enough to hold your bit.

Using one hand, hold the drill bit in the center of the jaws.

Use your other hand to tighten the chuck by hand by turning to the right (counter-clockwise from the top)

Tighten the drill bit tight enough that it doesn't fall out when you let go of the bit.

Inspect the check to ensure that the drill bit is centered in the chuck jaws before' tightening with the chuck key.

Tightening the chuck jaws on an un-centered bit can damage the drill chuck.

Running the drill press with the bit off center is likely to result in injury or broken bits.

Locate the chuck key on the side of the machine.

Insert the nose of the chuck key into a convenient hole on the chuck ensuring that the gear teeth on the key mesh with the gear rack on the chuck.

Turn the chuck key clockwise to tighten the chuck.

Never use tools to turn the chuck key. Hand-force should be all that is required to hold the bit securely.

Return the chuck key to its hook on the side of the machine.

Please don't forget to return the chuck key.

Seriously, come on. Put the chuck key back.