Hi, Thanks for all the responses to the query re Magnetic Chucks. I must admit that a lot of it has gone over my head. I am loathe to dispose of this chuck if it can be got working again, other than the fact that it will not hold anything (it is about as much use aa a chocolate fireguard) it is in good condition cosmetically. and at 18 inches * 6 inches it is quite substantial. I am assuming that to send it away for repair to the makers would be very expensive and that I could possibly pick up a good working 2nd user one for less. I may eventually try to strip it down and just check, without removing the innards, that the internal plates are actually moving when the lever is operated. Other than that it would make a good door stop. Regards Don MODEL ENGINEERING DISCUSSION LIST. To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send a blank email to, modeleng-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.