Mini Lathe Hand Crank

[mklotz]

Beyond threading, a hand crank is useful for non-violently unscrewing chucks, etc. from threaded spindles. Stop the chuck rotation with a piece of wood and use the crank to gently unscrew the spindle from the chuck.

Even better though is to remember to oil the spindle threads before screwing anything on to them. I have an oily toothbrush for this purpose. With the naked spindle running slowly in reverse apply the brush to the left side of the threads and allow the threads to move the brush to the right to the end of the spindle. Swarf is swept off and an oily surface is left behind to eliminate the need to use the hand crank.