Work Shop

 There are lot’s of methods for keeping the key in proximity to the drill.  Unfortunately, most are either taped to the power cord, or have a rubber strap, that twists and winds up into a ball while you use it. Here is a little trick to dealing with the chuck key on your drill or drill press.  Simply use a split ring, you probably have a few kicking around from your key collection, and twist it onto the barrel of the chuck key.  This allows the key to be turned freely, without any wind up what so ever.  A short length of furnace chain will provide the connection to what ever you want.  You can run a screw right through a link in the chain to attach, or use another split ring and place it onto the power cord.

 Here is another way you can go if you dont like those chains hanging around.  Get a fairly strong magnet, and slap it on the side of your drill press. Obviously, this wont work on the plastic type hand drill cases more common these days.  You can pick up a pack of strong rare earth magnets for a few bucks at most tool and surplus stores.  Simply place the key back when you are done.  Mind you, if you are like me, you might want to stick with the chain.

 It is a great solution for keeping something close at hand that you use regularly.  Note the scribe I have placed onto it.

Thanks to Ray Mackie for the suggestion.