Router issue, Hand tools not Computer.

[Drnick]

Well there I was planning on working on a control panel for friend of mine, I had created a cardboard template, check, created a template on 3mm mdf, check all good. Cut piece of wood for the actual control panel. Hunt around and find that I can't find any clamps (I know I bought some recently but lord only knows where they went 

Finally find some clamps, get everything setup, grab my router go to replace the itsy bitsy 1/16th bit with something a little better suited for the job in hand. I press the lock button and turn collet it won't engage into the locked position so I cannot remove the existing bit. I Try everything I can think of short of holding in the button with a big pair of plumbers grips. The collet just turns and pops the button, It doesn't matter how hard I hold the button in, it turns and then pushes out the button a bit. I cannot exert enough force for it to lock.

Anyone got any ideas on something to try.  I wish it just used 2 spanners like a normal router from days of old. 

Oh well hopefully I can get it swapped out under warranty.  Damned Piece O crap.

Hows everyone else today?

[kahlid74]

I had this happen recently with my circular saw.  Used the blade for too long and then trying to get it to lock was a beast.  The only advice I can give you is try different angles and positions.  I wound up having to put the saw on the ground, lean over it and exert my whole upper body through my thumb on the button.  Then when I cracked the wrench it gave and I was able to get it to give.

If that truly doesn't work I would either try gripping with a pliers or using your thumb to hold the button down and then whacking it a few times like you do to open a mason jar that won't open.  Use vibration to loosen it's grip.

[slug54]

On a couple of the routers I have when you push the pin in and rotate the collet the pin goes into a hole effectively locking the router and allowing the bit to be removed with one wrench. I think you should check and make sure the hole the pin is supposed to go into is not filled up with saw dust or make sure the pin lock is not bent or out of place.

[Drnick]

Yeah I tried the vulcan death grip on it, and a couple of gentle taps with a pin hammer no joy.  I even thought about it being a bit of clogging and used compressed air and straw nozzle to get anything out, but no joy.  I guess that with my clumsiness and strength have overtightened the collet. 

Oh well I will see about warranty and if no joy I am going to go Hulk on it.

[kahlid74]

You can also try spraying WD40 on the connected metal too in hopes that it may squeeze in.  Honestly, you're going to have to hulk it.  Try it every night, with fresh hands/arms.  Eventually you will get it.

[Drnick]

Well today has been a good news day, bad news day.  The bad my job is on the at risk category in the restructure at work. Chances are the replacement job if I take it will pay substantially less then current wages. I will find this out next week.

The good news, my problem with the router is covered under warranty and they are going to ship out a replacement and collect the faulty unit all at no cost.

Still gonna go hulk on it one more time just in case though. 

[Useless Eater]

try heating it with a propane torch, I never tried to heat a router to get a bit out but have used heat to loosen nuts and bolts before and it works well

[darthpaul]

Next time buy a Porter Cable, you will never have a problem and it will last you forever.

[Dervacumen]

I know you don't have the router any more and it's being replaced, but the only way to free it at this point is to lay it on the side with the collet end hanging off the end of a work bench.  Put your wrench on the collet so the wrench is sticking out horizontally.  If you have a metal sleeve that will fit over the wrench handle to extend it a foot or so, slip that on, as the next part is the fun part.  Hold the router against the table very tightly with one hand, and with the other take the largest hammer you can wield and smack the handle of the wrench (or the extension) as hard as you can, downward.  It's critical you hit it hard and fast.  Now keep in mind that the wrench and handle are going to fly off and down in to the ground when you do this, so all kinds of noise and banging around will ensue.  Keep doing this until the collet loosens up.  Sometimes you have to hit it a couple dozen times.  The key is to whack it really hard.  Not pretty, but it will almost always work.  Using a lubricating or penetrating oil will facilitate the job.
I suppose there may be other ways to do it, but I've seen at least a few hundred collets, lawnmower blades, drill chucks and the like come free using this method when all else failed.  You do end up with a banged up wrench handle though.

[Drnick]

Thats OK most of my wrench handles look like that anyway from removing dodgy bolts on various cars over the years 

Yeah Its gone back to the suppliers for replacement. So hopefully get a nice new one in a few days.

Oh and even better, the at risk job stuff sorted itself out as well. From the looks of it regardless of which job I apply for I am going to be at least £2000 a year better off before the tax man comes along at least.