I made one of the tools like Midway and Brownells sells. It worked but I like using a drill chuck better. I found cheap drill in a pawn shop with a decent chuck, removed the chuck and keep it on my gun bench with the key in the jaws hand tight. I also have a block of wood with a 2 empty 22lr, 2 empty 32 S&W, 2 38 spec. 2 44 spec and 2 45 acp and 2 45 colts.

I can not remember a rod coming loose that I tightened. Make sure both parts are clean and dry.