Router bit coming loose

[Bob Cooper]

I’ve had a 1/4” router bit come loose 2x on a Dewalt Dw618 2.25HP router. Anyone else run into this. My other routers are Milwaukee 2 wrench types and I’ve never had an issue before. I’ve never had to really crank down a lot of force but now I’m finding the need to do that. Makes me nervous.

[Michael Wildt]

Check the router bit shank and collet for cleanliness and make sure the bit doesn't bottom out. Never had a bit come loose.

[Steve Nash]

I had the same issue, turned out to be sawdust buildup in the router/collet

[Bob Cooper]

Ok I’ll check. I know the big though wasn’t bottoming out though

[glenn bradley]

Yep, clean it well and make sure it is nice and dry.

[andy bessette]

Replace either the bit or the collet.

[Paul Girouard]

Yup clean the shaft of the bit, take the collect out, blow out the recess the collect goes into, a lil easy scotch bite rubbing doesn’t hurt either. Note I didn’t say grinder the shaft or recess , just clean it well.

Or your collets been damaged by bits slipping because it wasn’t clean.

I have collets that are twenty years old , never replaced one , but once in a while cleaning them is a must.

[Al Launier]

In addition to cleaning be sure also to raise the bit ~ 1/16" or so to ensure the collet doesn't tighten on the fillet radius at the head of the bit.

[Charles Lent]

It helps to put an O ring or electrical runner grommet under the collet to keep you from bottoming out the bit. Clean the bit shank and the collet.

Do not use any kind of lubricant, not even WD-40.

Measure the router bit shank to be sure that it is the correct size. It may be metric. Also check the collet to be sure that it is correct for the bit being used, imperial or metric.

Charley

[Jim Becker]

Cleaning the collet after each and every tool is really important. And if the problem continues, you need a new collet for your router.

[Lisa Starr]

Check the diameter of the shank 3 places. If it is tapered, replace the router bit. I've had that problem when using a cheaper bit, but never with a high-end bit.

[Floyd Mah]

Any chance that you are using a spiral bit? Bits with straight flutes/cutters have only radial forces, but spiral bits have forces that are axial also and can cause the bit to pop out of the collet.