Hi firlandsfarm, I would suggest that you post this question in the answers forum along with some pictures if you manage. See https://www.ifixit.com/Answers.

It's worth pointing out that the screws securing the screen all have black screw heads, whereas the other screws (securing other modules) are shiny silver-coloured ones. This makes it really easy to identify which screws to remove.

Blij dat ik kon helpen. Succes verder!

Hmmm ik begrijp het niet goed. Normaal komt de schroef helemaal uit de boorkop nog voor je de boorkop van de spindel schroeft. Ik zie niet goed wat de schroef verder zou kunnen vasthouden, maar misschien maak ik me geen juiste voorstelling van de situatie waar jij mee zit. Kan je eventueel je vraag met foto's posten op https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/Ask?

@royheppenstall This means the double insulation of the drill is compromised. Some current carrying part is making electrical contact with a metal part inside the drill, and the voltage is conducted through the gear train to the spindle and chuck. That drill is definitely unsafe to use until the problem is sorted out! If you disassemble the drill, you will likely be able to visually identify the location of the current leak.

@joshuastang Sorry to hear that. Stuff like that happens to us all. You win some, you learn some...

@traur Ik weet niet of ik je vraag goed begrijp. De bevestigingsschroef gaat in principe gewoon door een boring in de boorkop, dus die zou er vlot uit moeten komen langs voren. Je moet daarvoor wel de spanbekken van de boorkop helemaal openzetten om plaats te maken voor de kop van de schroef.

Should you wish to source a longer retaining screw anyway, you'll first need to identify the screw size (diameter and thread pitch). The diameter is easily measured with vernier calipers whereas a comb-type thread pitch gauge would be the easiest way to identify pitch. In metric, M6x1mm would be the most common size for these screws; in imperial it might be 1/4"x20tpi for instance. Lastly, identify how much longer the screw should be than the current one to determine the total length (obviously as long as you get a long enough screw, you can always file it down a bit if needed). An internet search for "chuck retaining screw" accompanied by the dimensions you need should lead you to a number of sources where you can purchase them. Remember you need a left hand thread screw!

@pauls40812 Hi Paul, since you wouldn't be using a small drill like that for forceful anti-clockwise rotation (such as when removing screws), you should actually be fine without the retaining screw. The chuck will tighten itself onto the spindle with use and should not loosen when reversing occasionally (as you might do to back the drill bit out of a hole more easily). If you have some threadlocking compound at hand, this will help to make sure the chuck stays put.

@warrenjashman Hi Warren, can you share the precise model of your drill? That might give some insight in how best to proceed. Did you check for a retaining screw and remove it if present? Note that even if the gear assembly can be rotated by turning the chuck, the allen key method can still work if you hit the key sharply enough - it's all about inertia. It may take a few attempts though.