An internally geared chuck that can generate sufficient torque to ensure adequate jaw gripping or jaw releasing force regardless of whether it is used in a keyless or key enabled chuck version. The key enabled version encompasses an internally housed, spring retracted chuck key that may be enabled to add additional torque to tighten or loosen the jaws when so required. The key enabled version may be operated with simple hand tightening in a keyless mode. The second embodiment has two levels of keyless operation. By drawing together elements of the chuck, a mechanical gearing advantage may be realized to add additional torque. In both embodiments all of the various sized and configured gears are housed within the chuck body.