You will need two pairs of slip joint pliers, one to hold the collar and the other to turn the chuck.

Thanks, Handymac. I think I must have really tightened it with the key.

you can always get a replacement chuck key.

Here is a link that might be useful: chuck key

---Is there anything I can use instead until I can get to the store?---

sdello: I think you missed this part in the original post.

Using a drift pin, or something else approximately the
diameter of the round holes in the chuck, insert the
pin and using a hefty screwdriver, engage the screwdriver
into the teeth of the chuck and pry against the drift pin.
When you do get a replacement key, attach it to your
drill cord so you won't lose it again.

Thank you everybody. I went to HD yesterday, bought the chuck key (didn't know they came in several sizes...). Went on several more errands. Got home and cannot find the bag w/ key!

And yes to attaching. When the original became unattached I knew I'd lose it before I would reattach it. Let this be a lesson to us all! This has turned into a circus with downed curtain rods and another trip to HD.

Maybe you should buy two keys and put one somewhere safe. Also I tape my key to the cord a foot or so from the plug end. Never lost one and I know for sure that the drill is not going to "activate" while changing bits because I pretty much have to unplug it to use the key.

i agree with shadetree, tape it close to the plug. i have lost every key i ever had that was in teh little rubber holder on the cord. now i only buy keyless chucks, and the drills i have that still use a key all have it taped to the cord.

Many Dollar stores have a universal drill chuck key is made in shape of a cross has diffent size set ups one on each end. one set will probably match your drill. I had the same problem bought one and it works fine . Good luck Iggie

Apart from my Bosch cordless, I have yet to meet a keyless chuck that's any good at all, I have many drill bits with scored ends. I had a very good power drill that was keyless (can't remember the brand of that one, might have been Metabo but sold it when I left Australia) eventually I converted to a cheap, keyed chuck and was much better off.

Better than taping the key is using zip/cable ties, you will need a couple, one goes round the key, one round the cord, you want to keep them just a little bit loose.

There's a multi chuck key you can buy. Has 4 different sizes on one key.

Porter-Cable used to supply a nice leather thong that went around the key and cord.

Not hard to make if you have some thin leather around.

I have an old 1950s aluminum cases 1/2 inch drill that actually has a spring clip to hold the key on one side of the grip.

I've used every contraption known to man to keep chuck keys handy and non worked for very long. On one drill set, I drilled a small hole in the end of the chuck key and ran a key ring through it, that worked. That was too much work so on another, I tack welded a small washer on the end, that seems to do great.

You can get one on ebay for a few dollars. get the 4 in 1 type so you make sure to get the right size. I just bought one myself as I had a drill needing one.

In 2 1/2 years I hope you have been able to get to the store.

I know this is more than a year late, but I recently had the same issue. Not having any of the tools on hand suggested (and stores being closed on a holiday) my solution was to twist up a thin towel tightly, then wrap it around the chuck and twist again to tighten the grip. Then run the drill in reverse and presto! Bit came right out. Flipped the switch back to clockwise to put the new bit in.

I stopped reading at "leather thong".

a thin strip of leather or other material, such as one used for lashing things together

This meaning has been around a lot longer than the underwear style.

I will certainly concede you that etymology point. Around here it is often considered outerware and does lash things together.