DIY TIPS

No Chuck Key? Remove a Drill Bit with a Hex Wrench & Screwdriver

Lost the dedicated chuck key for your drill? Don't dig through the toolbox. An L‑shaped hex wrench and a flathead screwdriver are all you need to loosen a stuck chuck and pull out the old bit. This trick works great for keyed or keyless chucks – leverage beats brute force every time.

Author

IrisMo

April 29, 2026

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Materials List

Household drill (keyed or keyless chuck)
L‑shaped hex wrench (Allen key)
Flathead screwdriver
Drill bit

Loosen the Chuck in Three Steps

Step 1. Lock the chuck with a hex wrench

Insert one end of the hex wrench into a hole or between the teeth on the front of the chuck. This stops the chuck from spinning freely.

Step 2. Pry the chuck teeth with a screwdriver

Place the tip of the flathead screwdriver into a serrated groove on the outer ring of the chuck. Hold the hex wrench steady with one hand, then use the screwdriver as a lever to push counterclockwise(viewed from the front of the drill). The chuck will slowly loosen.

Step 3. Remove the bit

Once the chuck is loose, grasp the drill bit by its shank and pull it straight out. The chuck is now empty and ready for a new bit.

No factory key? No problem. The hex wrench holds the chuck still while the screwdriver does the heavy lifting – a better combo than the original tool. Always unplug the drill or remove the battery before starting. Next time you need to swap bits, you'll be done in 10 seconds.