This chuck combines the ease-of-use advantages of the 3-jaw chuck with some of the advantages of a 4-jaw chuck. It will automatically center square or round stock. (The stock must be accurately shaped for all four jaws to grip.) It will also grip thin-wall tubing in four places rather than three, which spreads out the load and allows more grip without crushing the tubing.
Turning the knurled portion of the outer diameter of the chuck scrolls all four jaws in unison. Included with the chuck are two Tommy bars for tightening and loosening the chuck.
Centering accuracy on self-centering chucks is to within a few thousandths of an inch. If perfect centering accuracy is required, see the section on 4-jaw independent jaw chucks.
This chuck will hold parts from 3/32″ in diameter up to 1-1/2″ with jaws in the normal position and up to 2-3/4″ with the jaws reversed. A smaller 2.5″ diameter chuck is also available.
