Lathe chucks are clamping devices used to hold and secure a workpiece on a lathe during machining operations. They typically consist of three or four jaws that can be adjusted to grip the workpiece firmly, ensuring it remains stable and centered while rotating. Lathe chucks are essential for tasks like turning, drilling, and milling, and are available in different types, such as three-jaw self-centering chucks, four-jaw independent chucks, and collet chucks. The choice of chuck depends on the shape and size of the workpiece.