1/4" Collet

[John Keane]

I have a 1/4" collet with my PC routers. It doesn't want to hold onto the bit securely. Is it fixable with a home remedy or toss it?

[Gary Keedwell]

I have a 1/4" collet with my PC routers. It doesn't want to hold onto the bit securely. Is it fixable with a home remedy or toss it?
If everything is clean and it won't hold properly, I would throw it out immediately before someone else uses it. Is it really worth it messing with something so cheap yet cause so much harm? IMNSHO

Gary

[Jim Becker]

Any collet that isn't holding should be replaced, IMHO.

[Jason Beam]

First - clean that puppy - all 3 parts (collet, nut and bit)

Second - don't bottom out the bit - pull it up about 1/16-1/8 inch before bottom. Collets need to move the bit a little to get a snug grip.

[Dave Falkenstein]

If it is really a collet, you have the answers above. If it is an insert that reduces a 1/2" collet to hold 1/4" bits, then try aligning the slots in the insert with the slots in the collet. Or, throw the insert away and buy a 1/4" collet.