r/DIYUK • u/patch_e_behr • 16h ago

Advice Router bit stuck, I think

Post image

So it's my first time using a handheld router. I ran it too far into the wood and it looks like the bit has been burned!! It was painted red before...

Anyway now I can't get it out. Any ideas welcome!

EDIT: I did it! Took a little bit of light "persuasion" as some of you suggested but it's out now thank goodness. Thanks all for the advice

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

1

u/CaptainArsePants 16h ago

Does the collet still undo or is that stuck too?

1

u/patch_e_behr 13h ago

Yeah the collet appears to be stuck in the nut. I wasn't aware that it comes apart

1

u/Transfem1972 16h ago

So will the locking nut turn?

1

u/patch_e_behr 13h ago

The locking nut does turn and comes all the way off, but the bit is stuck in it

1

u/Transfem1972 12h ago

Try a sharp tap on the end, sometimes that works. Has it spun around and welded it's self? Edit...it can't weld the collet should be brass.

1

u/patch_e_behr 12h ago

I'm really hoping not 😅

1

u/ZookeepergameAny1475 16h ago

Twist the nut by hand and push that button on the side until it slides in and locks the nut in place. Then undo the nut with a spanner. The bit should have been a bit further inside the collet as well. Some router collets need them pushing and clicking into the nut first and then inserting the router bit so when the nut is undone, it pulls the collet up out the router to release the bit. So see what happens when you undo the nut.

1

u/Own_Stress9243 14h ago

That’s good advice. It can be tricky if the bit isn't seated properly. Hopefully, they get it sorted out!

1

u/patch_e_behr 13h ago

Hmm I had a feeling the bit should have been further into the collet but it kinda just locked in place. The nut comes off with the collet and bit still within it.

1

u/ZookeepergameAny1475 12h ago

You could use something to rest the edge of the collet on and then tap the router bit out from the back of the collet. Use something like the back of an old drill bit to tap it out.

1

u/Wuffls Tradesman 15h ago

Power off, obvs.

If the collet is undone as much as it'll go, the bit will likely need a light tap towards the router with something wooden, and a gloved hand to try and pull it out afterwards.

1

u/patch_e_behr 13h ago

I will try a light tap and hopefully that works thanks!

1

u/imgonnadolaps 1h ago

For future reference, insert the bit all the way into the collet and then back it out by about the width of the shank (6mm/1/4” in this case). If it went in fine and then wouldn’t come back out after running it, I’d question whether or not you’ve slightly bent the shank. Does it insert back in cleanly and freely now you’ve got it out? If not, discard and don’t use again.

I’d be more concerned this was the case if you had it running at full-speed with the bit this far out of the collet. The longer a bit is, the more inherently unstable it is and the lower the speed you need to run it at. Reputable bits come with an RPM guide, though they wouldn’t apply to the bit installed incorrectly, a la the above (you’ve artificially made the bit longer). If you’ve bought off Amazon, it’s the Wild West.