What should be done with the chuck key before starting a drill press?

Before starting a drill press, the chuck key must be removed. This is essential for safety reasons. The chuck key is used to tighten or loosen the drill bit in the chuck, and if it is left in place while the drill press is operating, it can become a projectile if the spindle is engaged. The rapid motion of the drill can cause the chuck key to fly out, potentially causing injury to the operator or bystanders. Therefore, ensuring that the chuck key is completely removed from the chuck before beginning operation is a critical safety procedure in using a drill press.

While options that suggest leaving the key attached or on the table might seem convenient, they pose unnecessary risks that should be avoided in a workshop environment.