measuring runout in corless drill chuck

[Tyler Davis]

I have a newer Ridgid Lithium-Ion drill that looks like it is wobbling. The chuck appears to wobble and most bits seem to wobble too. Is there some way I can check the runout with my dial indicator? What surface should I measure against? What's an acceptable runout on a handheld drill chuck?

[glenn bradley]

If the Ridgid is that visibly off I would say it's too much. Put the questionable bit in your DP or a known good machine to confirm it is not the bit(s). You could put a spiral router bit in the Ridgid and check as well. The router bit should be very straight and safe to use as a reference for visual. If you really want to go at it, wrap your drill motor in something to protect the housing and clamp it in a vise. Use the dial indicator and stand you use for your TS or jointer knife setup if available to check the run out of a known good bit. Ridgid should be able to tell you hat their tolerances are as well.