Was having a bit of a peruse of Dremel accessories down at Masters, and came across the keyless Dremel chuck. Sounded like a pretty convenient idea – instead of having a number of different collets, you can change your Dremel so changing between bits is toolless, and it doesn’t matter if you are changing between different shaft diameters. Also means you can use small drill bits without having to purchase ones specifically for Dremel.
Original bit securing system
The original system does work, no question about it. But it could be more convenient, and toolless bit changing has a certain attraction.
Dremel Toolless Chuck
When you take the chuck out of the packet, don’t expect it to work exactly like a spare chuck for a drill/drill press. It needs to be mounted on the Dremel to work – as it screws up and down the shaft thread it opens and closes the jaws. Solid little unit, and doesn’t crush like the aluminium collets of the original system when they get stuck in the shaft of the Dremel. It may not be for you, but always good to know these sorts of things are out there (and at $20, it isn’t too impacting on the wallet).
Stu's Shed 
Hey Stu,
Been using one of these for the past 3 years and absolutely love it. In fact, I have 3….one that stays on my flex shaft attachment, one that stays on my right-angle attachment, and one that I use on the main tool itself.
I think I actually ordered mine from Amazon, though, at something like $11.25 each.
Cheers and Happy New Year.
Thanks for the feedback- good to know they work as well as you’d hope! Presumably you’d have to take the one on the Dremel off each time you use the flex shaft, or have I missed something?
Cheers
Stuart
By the way- any accessory you know of to be able to use the Dremel to round over edges?
About 25 years ago, I bought a Sears branded Dremel tool that came with the keyless chuck. That chuck is my goto unless I need the higher revs. Twenty-five years and the tool and chuck still work fine.
I got a Dremel for Xmas… “Love of my life” bought it…will look for the chuck… thanks for the heads up…
I was wondering about replacing my collet with a chuck as well. After some searching, though, I found that collets are the preferred method of holding various bits that experience lateral pressure – i.e. cutters, shapers, grinders, and other such accessories that are used with Dremels. Chucks are indeed more rapid and adjustable, but since they only grip the bit’s shank with three “prongs” instead of all around like a collet, the bit can come loose with lateral pressure. People who use chucks with cutters, grinders etc. recommend constantly checking and re-aligning the bit.
As far as rounding edges, it sounds like you need a router accessory. Dremel has a bunch of those.
Nik
Hi Nik,
Depends on the task – it is easy to remove the chuck and reinsert the collet for those tasks that really need a firm grip. On the other hand, the quick and easy bit changing makes it good for those tasks where there is a lot of bit changing, such as engraving, or using the Beall Pen Wizard for example.