Lots of cordless drills are equipped with metal chucks, such as with the older Porter Cable model shown here, while others have plastic-sleeved chucks.
Sometimes when posting about a drill that doesn’t have a metal chuck, a reader will comment about how the plastic chuck is a deal-breaker for them.
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I have used plastic-chucked drills that have performed stellarly, while others were cheap and junky. I don’t recall having a bad experience with a metal-chucked cordless drill.
But that’s not to say that plastic-chucked drills aren’t durable, because many are. After all, your cordless drill is entirely encased in plastic, is it not?
This all brought me to wondering about the experiences ToolGuyd readers have had with their cordless drills.
Have you ever had bad experiences with a plastic-sleeved drill chuck? What about a metal drill chuck?
And while I have your attention, let’s say you’re shopping for a new cordless drill. One model on your shortlist has a plastic chuck. The other has a metal chuck. Just about everything else is equal. Which one do you pick?
Me? I’d pick the metal chuck, simply because metal is more durable than plastic. But I can’t recall a time when a good brand-name drill with a plastic-sleeved chuck disappointed me. I suppose that someone would go for the plastic-chucked drill if they’ve had issues with metal chucks, or if there were other deciding factors at play.
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Metal chuck or plastic chuck?
P.S. Have you checked out our best cordless drills guide? I’ll be updating it soon, but it seemed appropriate to mention it. A lot of those drills have plastic chucks, but I don’t think any less of them for it.
P
I believe the Makita XPH012 has a plastic sleeved chuck. I bought one to replace my old 18v NiMH Drill, which definitely had a metal chuck. The two of them feel different, and I found I had to torque the new chuck down differently. Once I got the feel of the individual chuck down though, I haven’t had any problems.
I had the same learning process to get a feel for my corded DeWalt drill as well. The newer Makita definitely tightens down on the bits more than the old one (less slippage), but given how many hours are on the old NiMH, that’s not surprising.
Ultimately, I consider the chuck material to be far less important than the ergonomics, power, or (motor) reliability.
Tony
I did once break a plastic chuck, the back came off but it still worked. I bought a Dewalt metal chuck for £20 with carbide inserts on the jaws. Very pleased with it.
Drew M
No? But the chuck on my little 12v bosch does feel a little… funny… these days. It would be nice to take it off and disassemble/clean it as maybe there is just some metal shavings or something inside it but I don’t actually know if it can be removed/serviced.
Norcal
No, but my 12 v and a corded Milwaukee drills came with unacceptable wabble right out of the box. I talked to a rep and he said to send it to the repair center. We shall see.
Lawson
I’ve use a Panasonic now for over 15 years with a plastic chuck and no problem whatsoever. The batteries are getting a little tired now and I just purchased the latest Dewalt DCK281D2, it has a metal chuck so I don’t expect any problems from it either.
Bob
I’ve got 2 of the old 18v porter cable drill with a plastic sleeved chuck. Both of them have tons of power and can keep up with my Dad’s old Dewalt XRP 18v, but their chick are constantly releasing the bit. It gets really annoying.
fred
Over the years we had a few (I wish) cordless drills (starting with Porter Cable 12V magnequench, then Makita 14.4V NiMH, then Makita 18V LXT and M12 Milwaukee) that got dropped on their nose. While the chucks may not have broken a few of the drills had to be junked because the drop resulted in “unacceptable” run-out – and cost to fix the “wobble” was also “unacceptable” (Que Sera Sera).
Cr8ondt
Broke a Dewalt metal Chuck once but it was one of the teeth that snaped. I currently have both plastic and metal Porter Cable drills, tho I’ve never really used the plastic one and hardly ever use a drill in general….. Strange to think of it I can’t remember the last time I needed to drill a hole…… My impact is in use constantly. Now I’m questioning why I even have drills…… I’m losing my sanity!!!!!
Cr8ondt
Now I gotta go find something to put a hole in!!!!
Joe
There are many uses for drills than to just drill holes. Use your imagination man. For example, with the right attachment, scramble some eggs for breakfast.
EMILIO E GONZALEZ
I’ve had metal and plastic chucks, never had a problem with either, but I am looking at new metal sleeved Jacobs vintage USA and German chucks.
DH
Haven’t had an issue with it with a 12+ year old Craftsman. I still prefer a keyed chuck though, like my 25+ year old corded drill
Eric
I’ve destroyed the plastic clutch on an 18v dewalt. Occasionally we have to drive ~400 1 1/2 long bolts into concrete anchors. The clutch only last through about 3 of those sessions before the clutch melted down. The local repair shop replaced it with a metal clutch and we haven’t had a problem since.
EMILIO E GONZALEZ
Rohm seems to make nice drill chucks for all type of drills. Plastic and metal. Too bad Rohm now manufacturers in Asia, although the quality does seem very good.
I’m looking for vintage German made Rohm. The 3/8-16 metal Chuck. Very hard to source the hand drill chucks, vintage, made in Germany. In the meantime, I’ll use USA vintage Jacobs threaded chucks for my corded and cordless drills.
Michael
No problems. We had one brake at work. But I would bet it was bounced off the concrete hard
SawdustTX
Never had one break (plastic or metal) on a hand drill. I did have the huge metal chuck on a Delta drill press fail. Didn’t crack or break, it just jammed up and would no longer turn to tighten or loosen the jaws.
SawdustTX
to clarify – handheld power drill…
EMILIO E GONZALEZ
Never had one break. I like Jacobs metal chucks because they can be repaired. I’ve refurbished quite a few. I take very good care of my tools so they last. Chucks included.
Bret
I have not had any problems with plastic chucks but I don’t toss or drop my drills, either. I have not had any problems with metal chucks either but they have been on drill presses and heavy duty corded drills. I prefer keyless chucks on cordless drills for their speed and not having to keep track of a key.
Charles Stopczynski
I own and use a Makita 18 volt (li-on) drill. Had used and purchased these for my employers technicians. I’ve seen many drills abused in my career. Most chuck failures were due to dropping or being tossed into a tool cabinet drawer. Jacobs chucks were particularly well made. I’ve replaced many!
Have you ever read the owners manual of a modern Makita drill? Instructions for tightening a drill bit are very clear about ratcheting the chuck sleeve until it stops, then back off 1 click for maximum holding power. The ball bearings in the chuck locking mechanism, may not be fully detented into their recesses when fully turned. By backing off 1 click the ball bearings are fully detented and will provide maximum holding power. Funny what you learn when you take the time to read the owners manual.
glenn
Never had a problem with any chuck at all, sds type included, but I don’t knock my tools around either.
Dwain (oztooltalk)
I think that there are metal chuck and metal chucks, plastic chucks and plastic chucks. I dare anyone to not love the (plastic) chuck on the Bosch compact drill. Overall I still want a metal chuck when I can get it though…
Jason
Dwain is right its all about the task at hand for fine light duty work I would prefer a plastic chuck. A plastic chuck is less likely to scratch a surface accidentally
Chris P
Agree completely. A plastic chuck does a lot less or even sometimes no damage if it comes into contact with a painted surface. I prefer plastic on a compact drill ( likely to be used on fittings/cabinetry etc) and a metal chuck on a premium/heavy duty drill.
Often wondered if metal chucked compacts like the Dewalt 791 should come with a plastic/rubber sleeve that could slide over the chuck to give extra protection when needed?
RC WARD
Never had one break but I would rather have the metal that is for sure. #TIACREW
Chris
Funny video on tough drills. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EEtGCL-2P8
John
I’ve had a ton of plastic chucks due to price. The black and decker ones are almost exclusively plastic. I haven’t had a plastic chuck out and out break on one of them, but I’ve had them all wear out. The grippy part of the chuck / knurling always seems to get worn out and almost completely slick so that when I need to tighten the chuck later there is no grip left to do it. Finally fed up, I stepped up and got the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Drill with its 1/2 inch metal chuck and I couldn’t be happier both with its metal chuck and quality build as well as the full sized 1/2 chuck.
Rami
Has anyone encountered any problems with Makita chucks (usually Röhm made)? I sell a lot of Makita drills and every plastic chuck on them seems to jam when fully opened so you need to twist it back a litlle bit. I have that same problen in my DeWalt DCD710 which has a plastic chuck. I have never faced that problem with any metal chucks.
Mark
Interesting. I was just noticing at Lowe’s that Bosch had re-released its 18v drill with a metal chuck, and have seen pics online of a metal chuck version of their compact hammerdrill that I assume is headed our way soon.
I’ve owned Bosch and Porter Cable drills with plastic chucks and haven’t had issues, but I do like the more solid feel of the new Bosch metal chuck compared to the plastic.
Brandon
Plastic isn’t a deal-breaker, but having a metal chuck would be a plus for me while shopping for a drill (and helped persuade me to pick up the Porter Cable 20v last year).
GMA15R
I had one of the first Makita cordless drills (maybe 6 volt) with a plastic keyed chuck (remember keyed chucks?). The plastic cracked when I was locking in a bit. I replaced it with a plastic Makita keyless chuck that worked fine for years till I upgraded to a DeWalt with more power, longer battery life, etc.
Tim
I actually don’t like any of my metal chucked drills. They tend to be more succeptive to loosening during use.
Joe
I only have one drill with a plastic chuck. I took it to work and I scratched the outside a lot because where I use it the chuck tens to rub on rough surfaces. Didn’t break it tho.
san
yes that’s exactly what happened to my new bosch psb-18 li few days back
dri
no , a plastic sleeved chuck is lighter ,no extra weight = better handling drill
Power Tool Hut
No never done it, but this is an interesting point. I guess really the only concerne would be if it broke due to being dropped. Any major loads both in torque or compressions would likely be taken on the metal ‘jaws’, with the plastic only really serving as a casing like you say. But on the subject or things being dropped, let’s face it, that happens from time to time, so you could argue you’re risking shortening the life of the tool.
David Russell
I can see the necessity for an all metal chuck on, say,a drill press. On a hand held drill, not so much. All metal is heavier than a plastic sleeved chuck. 🤷🏻♂️