Drill Press Quill Feed Return Coil Spring Assembly Replacement: A Workshop Troubleshooting Guide
When the quill stops springing back on its own and you have to shove it up by hand, the return spring has lost its tension or snapped. It is a small part with an outsized effect on how the press feels to use, and a drill press quill feed return coil spring assembly replacement restores that smooth, self-returning feed. The job has a reputation for launching springs across the shop, so the real skill is controlling the tension, not fighting it.
The quill feed return spring is a flat coil spring in a housing at the side of the head that pulls the quill back up after you feed a bit down. Replacing the assembly means releasing the old spring’s tension safely, fitting the new coil, and re-setting the preload so the quill returns firmly without slamming.
Short answer: unplug the press, relieve the spring tension in a controlled way, swap in the matching coil spring assembly, then wind in just enough preload that the quill returns fully on its own. Wear eye protection; a loaded coil spring is exactly as dangerous as it sounds.
Troubleshoot first
- Quill returns slowly or partway: the spring has lost preload and may only need re-tensioning, not replacing.
- Quill does not return at all, or the spring cap spins freely: the spring is likely broken and needs replacement.
- Grinding or notchy feed: that is a quill or rack issue, not the return spring.
The safe way to handle the tension
This is the step people rush and regret. The spring is under load in its cap. Before removing it:
- Note the cap’s position so you can match preload later.
- Hold the cap firmly, loosen its retaining nuts or screws, and let it unwind slowly under control. Do not let it fly.
- Wear eye protection throughout.
The replacement part
A drill press quill feed return coil spring assembly is the chrome-housed coil that returns the quill, and it fits many common benchtop and floor presses. Match the housing size and spring length to your press before ordering, since these vary.
The honest drawback: springs are sold in a few sizes, so confirm your dimensions rather than assuming one fits all. Who should skip replacement: anyone whose spring is intact and just needs a re-tension.
Fitting and setting preload
- Seat the new spring’s inner hook onto the quill pin.
- Fit the cap into the housing and engage the spring.
- Wind the cap to add preload, a little at a time, and test: the quill should return fully and firmly on its own.
- Lock the cap once the return feels right, then cycle the quill several times to confirm.
Control the tension, set the return
Replacing a quill feed return spring is safe and satisfying once you respect the loaded coil. Release the old tension under control, match and fit the new assembly, and dial in just enough preload for a firm return.
Three takeaways:
- A weak return often needs only re-tensioning; a broken spring needs replacement.
- Release and set spring tension slowly and under control, with eye protection.
- Match the housing and spring size to your press, and set preload for a full, firm return.
FAQ
Why does not my drill press quill return on its own? The return spring has lost tension or broken. A partial return often means lost preload; no return at all usually means a broken spring.
Can I just re-tension the spring instead of replacing it? Yes, if the spring is intact. Wind more preload into the cap. If the spring is broken or the cap spins freely, replace the assembly.
Is replacing the spring dangerous? The spring is under load and can fly out if released carelessly. Control the cap as it unwinds and wear eye protection.
How do I know which spring fits my press? Match the housing diameter and the spring length to your model. Springs come in several sizes, so confirm dimensions before buying.
How much preload should I set? Enough that the quill returns fully and firmly on its own without slamming. Add tension a little at a time and test.
What if the feed is notchy, not weak? That points to a quill or feed rack problem, not the return spring. Inspect the quill and rack instead.
References
- VintageMachinery.org, drill press quill and spring documentation: http://vintagemachinery.org
