How to clean a Collet and install it on a Fixed Base Power Router - Home - DIY

A collet is a subtype of chuck, a device that is used for holding by forming a collar around the object to be held. It exerts a strong clamping force on the object when it is tightened using a tapered outer collar. Collets play a critical role since you use a collet to determine both clamping force and runout by gripping and positioning the tool. This in turn allows you to determine the very ability of the process to produce a good part. Improving how well collets are used and cared for ensures better use of your tools. This article provides some simple advice. I will also explain how to install a collet and a bit on a fixed base power router.

First the basics. Always keep your collets clean. Before they are packed and shipped, collets are coated in a layer of thick oil that is rust-proof. This coating is great for preserving the collet, but you must never leave it on during use. The oil will obviously reduces the gripping force and may also affect runout.

In order to remove this coating, you can spray your collets with some cleaning oil, like WD40. Then just dry out the collet using a towel.If you have been using your collect for a long time, you may notice some deposits on its tapered areas. These deposits could be caused due to dirt in the toolholder, dirty coolant, workpiece material getting into the collet cavity or sometimes its even the residue from burning of any oil that was left on the collets surface. When removing these deposits, make sure to avoid implements that will deform or remove the collets metal. The best tool you can use to clean collets is a simple, lightweight brass brush. You can use such brushes with or without a cleaning agent. If you cant remove the deposits, you will have to replace the collet. Needless to say, any foreign material on the collet that is big enough to see will affect its performance.

You should clean the inside of the collet as well. Again you can use some light oil such as WD40 to do the job. After cleaning, inspect the ID for any debris or signs of damage.

Finally, clean the slots. The slots allow the collet to collapse and hold the tool, so if there is anything inside a slot that can get in the way of this collapse, it will reduce the clamping force and increase runout. You can use a thin metal or plastic blade to thoroughly clean the slots.

Now lets move on to how to install collets on a fixed base power router.

First, you screw on the collet to the router motor. Then fit the router bit into the collet. However, when you put the collet on, make sure not to tighten it too much before installing the router bit, otherwise you will end up damaging the collet. Any time you tighten an empty collet even by hand, it is possible for the collect to get damaged.

Collects come in multiple sizes to fit multiple sized shanks on your router bits. The way to install it is to screw the collet on very lightly first, then put the router bit in. Push it in all the way and then pull it out about a 16th or an 8th of an inch and then tighten the collet with your hand first and then use a wrench to tighten it the rest of the way.

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