Keyless chuck and associated method

Abstract

A keyless chuck is provided, comprising a generally cylindrical body having a forward and rearward portion with respect to an axis, the forward portion including a radially outwardly projecting portion of the body. The body further includes a plurality of guides extending obliquely to the axis and converging toward the forward section, and a groove extending around the body. Each of a plurality of jaws is slidably disposed within a respective guide and includes a thread section along an outer surface thereof. A jaw-engaging mechanism is configured to operably engage the groove so as to be rotatable around the body, and includes a thread section configured to complementarily engage the thread sections of the jaws. A sleeve extends over the jaw-engaging mechanism. A retaining member is disposed substantially within the sleeve, and is operably engaged with and extends between the body and the sleeve, rearwardly of the radially outwardly projecting portion of the body. The retaining member thereby axially constrains the sleeve with respect to movement toward the forward portion of the body. An associated method is also provided.