Router Bit Not Fitting Into Your Router? - Common Beginner Mistake

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

*My NEW Beginner Handheld Router Course: **bit.ly/3DcIeE3*

[@josephaukeman6399]

Thanks for this video. I had a bit stuck in my milwaukee self extracting, and while other people/videos said to turn it further it was so tight I didn't want to turn it that hard. Yours actually showed more about how it works with a similar router and gave me the confidence to turn it harder and completely remove the collet and unsieze the bit. Cheers.

[@ericarmstrong264]

Hah! Figured it out! So I have an addition to your video! You give a really helpful explanation of self-extracting collets & how they need to be loosened. BUT... I have a brand new Makita that's supposed to accept 1/4" bits. The collet nut is completely off. (Can't get any looser than that.) But the 1/4" bit I've been using in my Ryobi just does not want to go. It doesn't stop partway in. It just never gets started. The collet seems frozen in place! I finally recalled that I had the same problem with my first plunge router. The solution was to pull the collet out entirely, so it's free to expand. A thin rim of the black Makita collet shows above the silver aluminum shaft. It didn't budge by hand in the new router, so it appeared to be welded in. But put the small wrench on the shaft, grab the rim with a pair of pliers, and give it a little twist to loosen it. Then you can pull it straight out, put the bit through it, and then put everything back on the router. (Hopefully, this small addition makes it into a future edition of the video. It's the least I can do for by way of thanks. :__)

[@ericconvey]

This video is amazing. I'm not the sharpest tool in the workshop, but usually can figure things out and was mystified to the point of doing a ton of unsuccessful research to solve the problem you addressed. Thank you!

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

My pleasure Eric!

[@WillieBeW3]

Literally just had this issue with my router (first router I've purchased and used). As I was watching your video I pulled out the collet and the bit fit, the nut as you stated was not as loose as I thought. Thank you for the upload!

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Glad it helped!

[@tonyc7352]

I've have viewed a few of your videos and I like them. Don't stop making nice short-to-the-point ones instead of so many of these over 10 min. ones that are just padded out. Thank you.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Thanks, will do!

[@DaleCrommie]

Yep, me too.👍You answered why I couldn’t loosen the collet. You told me to keep turning in that direction. Thank you 👍👍👍

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Glad I could help!

[@GentlemanH]

It is worth mentioning about the metric and inch ways of measuring the shank. Metric will be 6,0mm diameter and inch will be 6.4 mm diameter bit shanks and it is important to use the correct collet size.

[@abcslidingdoors2494]

just bought a used shaper origin and the bit was stuck. luckily after my initial panic I found your video. Thank you friend!!

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Excellent!

[@kathrynnewton8721]

So helpful, I recently returned some router bits I bought for my new trim router because they wouldn’t go in! Although others did?

[@FlanaganHomestead]

Thanks so much. I was about to return my purchase until I watched your video. Everything working now.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

So glad you didn't return it. :)

[@Hashimo]

Thanks for saving my day!! I just tested my new TRA001 and tought I messed up and ended up with a stuck router bit. Couldn't find a video actually showing how to get the bit out.

[@grenadier6161]

thanks for the information ,was having trouble getting my router bit in ,till i found out the locking nut was done up with no bit in place ,damaging the colllet ,sorted good video thanks

[@darinjohnson3671]

Thanks for this one little tip was trying to figure out how to put the bit in and thought it was the wrong size. I have not used a router before and just purchased a Milwaukee Router and thought all my old bits did not work and the new one I just bought as well. Thanks a million :-)

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Glad to help!

[@leetomlee7265]

Thanks for sharing. I have hard time getting bit size for the shank of my router.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

You in the USA?

[@stebbarry9395]

Thanks for the video. You've got some good tips. I only wish they applied to me. I purchased a 6 amp trim router from the WEN company along with one of their router bits. The bit does not fit into the router even with the collet nut completely removed. Looking into the collet it seems clear to me that it is less than a quarter inch diameter. I've contacted them via email to see if they can do anything about this. I have yet to hear back. At least I can rule out some of the possible issues thanks to your video. I do appreciate it! Keep up the good work.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Thanks for the comment. Hope they resolve your issue.

[@diyretiredmom]

I just discovered your videos as I am going to purchase a palm router. I must say you are a great teacher and I love them. What does it mean though when the Palm router says accepts bits up to 1 5/16" wide! Does that mean you can add a bit into it or put a bit in the collet that is up to 1 5/16 in wide? Thanks so much.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

That most likely means that you can use a 1 5/16" diameter bit (not the shank size) in the router before it touches the base. If you're interested, I do have a beginners hand-held routers course coming out soon. If you want to be notified when it launches check out this link --> bit.ly/2I8vT9k

[@bujoun76]

Those extra turns totally helped. Thank you!

[@mkteku]

Which small trim-router (Bosch, DeWalt, Makita) has reliable aftermarket nut/collets that can accept all sizes? (6mm, 8mm, 1/4in and possibly 1/2in, but the 1/2in would be a bonus, mostly the first 3 sizes.) Cheers, thanks.

[@kirkwilliams5740]

Thanks for sharing this video with us, good teaching.

[@j0mbie]

Great information, but there's also a rare additional issue that can come up. Even with my collet nut completely removed, I still couldn't get any of my bits into my router recently. I was positive they were the right size, especially since I had used the same bits somewhat recently and I never used a different collet on that router. But also, I noticed the collet "shaft" (the part that squeezes together to hold the bits) seemed to be stuck as well. I had to use a pair of pliers to get it out, and it fell apart into 4 pieces when it came out. It seemed like it seized in the shaft somehow. Anyways, new collet, no issues. I didn't see any rust on anything. But I'll be storing my collet detached from my router going forward, just to make sure it doesn't seize in place again. And give it a good blowout with compressed air after removing for good measure. Oh and, I found out that you're not supposed to tighten the collet completely if there's no bit in it. This probably contributed to the destruction of my collet! Live and learn I guess. I just didn't want to risk it falling off during any possible transportation. I'll just get a small pouch for my collets and router wrenches going forward.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Great info, thanks for sharing.

[@specialgamer2567]

Helo sir good day! I just bought a new bosch gkf 550 router trimmer and its says that the shank is 1/4 or 6mm then i saw a brand Harden router bit the shank is 1/4 universal router bit but when i double check the specifications of the router bit the shank is 6.35mm my question is does it fit to the collet nut of the bosch gkf 550 with a 1/4 shank or 6mm

[@morriskuria6595]

Great video🙏been waiting for that mate. Jolly good show. Cheers. From Kiambu, Kenya.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed it Morris! Cheers!

[@stansbruv3169]

Thank you! This beginner stuff is right where I am.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Let me know if you have any other questions Stans.

[@kenspaceman3938]

Can you use a router bit with a metric 6,00 millimeter shank in a router collet designed for the imperial 1/4 inch shank size?

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

No, I do not recommend that.

[@josealejandromartinezlopez3924]

Great video. I do think you miss to explain that even is you have a 1/4 bit shaft but its a very width one, it wont fit a 1/4 palm router because of the base!. A palm router have a narrow base that prevents from using a width bit. Learn from my mistake.

[@CBreezey96]

I had trouble putting a router bit in a brand new router. The collet nut had been put on very tight. Had to remove it and pop the collet out, then put it back in before the bit would fit.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Yeah, sometimes you have to do that. I'm not sure why that happens. Glad you got it figured out. Thanks for sharing.

[@derrickknight4985]

Just bought a Dewalt 18v router 1/4” Collette, but 1/4”router bits are to small as the Collette won’t tighten up. Collette opening looks to be about 8mm?

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Are you in the USA?

[@derrickknight4985]

@@TrainingHandsAcademy Hi. No I’m in the UK, but I have just found a smaller Collette that came with the router. Didn’t check inside the bag of bits that came with it…. So all is good now.

[@gregsewell0]

Is there an interchangeable collet for the mini cordless DeWalt DCW600B that will allow for it to convert from 1/4" bits to 1/2" bits?

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Not that I'm aware of...

[@jenniferwalden3029]

I took the nut all the way off. The collet seemed smaller than 1/4". (I tested it with a 1/4" drill bit.) I was at my wits' end but I tried sanding the shank of the router bit and forcing it in (with gloves). Tapping it with the wrench after that actually got it in.

[@dannymeil3294]

Great information to save time and frustration.

[@joseguevara184]

This is me you are talking about jeje. I received 1/8 bits and no way to use them. Should I get an adapter or one of those triangular shape collets?

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

I would just buy the correct collet.

[@juanpablobiz]

Hi do You think it is nesessary to release the router bit, when the router is not in use? Because i always leave them in the router until I need to use another kind of bit. Thanks

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Hello Juan! No, that will not hurt the router or the bit. If you like my style of teaching and you want to learn more about routers, I do have a beginners online course. bit.ly/3DcIeE3

[@juanpablobiz]

@@TrainingHandsAcademy 👍 thank you very much

[@kathrynnewton8721]

Thank you, I had a problem with my new Bosch trim router. 1/4” bits but it didn’t go in deep enough and flew out of the collet ( very dangerous I know! ) I returned them but have had no feedback……however a different brand fitted perfectly?

[@zarecarina]

I have also purchased a Bosch GKF550 and can't fit a 1/4 bit, what was your solution?

[@kathrynnewton8721]

@@zarecarina I sent it back to the supplier and got a refund, but never any feedback. Another brand fitted perfectly, apparently there is a fraction of difference in the sizes, especially when converted to metric!

[@jbb5470]

Great video and content! Very useful and timely, I using my router more these last few days with more to come. Thank you for posting!!

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

You're very welcome!

[@JanineMKartist]

I thought my dewalt 2 1/4 was supposed to come with two collet nuts for each size. I got one with the 1/4 inch insert. Can I use 1/2 inch bits in that if I take out the insert or am I missing a part? I don’t think I got the right answer from Home Depot . I have yet to buy bits so I don’t know if I’ll use 1/2 inch but I don’t know . Am I missing a part since I only got one collet nut with the 1/4 inch in my kit? I got the kit with both the fixed base and plunge .

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Hey Janine. Make sure that the 1/2 collet is not already installed in the router. I've also read that a few people who bought that kit were missing a collet as well.

[@davidmichael5311]

I bought a new Skil Router last year. It was a display model at Lowe's. They did not have the box or the other contents of the "new" box. I contacted Skil, and they sent me all the other items that come, new, in the box. But, instead of sending me the 1/2" to 1/4" collet reducer, they sent me an additional 1/2" collet. Are collet reducers universal? Will any 1/2" to 1/4" collet reducer fit in any brand router?

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

No not all collets are the same. Normally they will send two separate collets, one 1/4" and one 1/2"

[@iwannaapple7190]

I have a Bosch router and a Makita router. Both except 1/4 inch bits. However, what will fit into the Bosch will not fit the Makita because the router base of the Makita has too small of a hole for the bit to go through. What do you do about that?

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

You should be able to get a different base for that router. Send me photos on IG if you need more help. :)

[@iwannaapple7190]

@@TrainingHandsAcademy I don't know what IG is? I have the 701 but I'm sure its probably the same diameter hole in the one you was using your video. It looks exactly the same except I don't have a battery on top. I put a round over bit in it, I didn't notice, but I started it up and thankfully it has a soft start but it turned out the diameter of the round over bit was slightly too large to fit through the hole in the base. It does fit in the bosh colt. if you have a link for something helpful would be great.

[@cindyhowell840]

Thanks for the video. My problem is that I put the bit into the collet, adjusted it an eighth of an inch so it didn't bottom out. All seemed fine until I got to a section of wood and the bit stuck, then loosened and came right through the wood. I checked it again and tightened it well, but again, the bit popped out of the collet and fell to the floor, while the router was on. (yikes). It was a 1/4 inch bit with the bit adapter to fit. Is there something that I need to do differently. Thanks for your help.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Hello Cindy! Lets see if we can figure this out. What is the bit adapter, and why do you need that?

[@davidevans533]

Great tutorial, one new subscriber added 😊

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Thank you!

[@joseluisruiz3789]

Hello, I'm attending your router class online and was wondering if you know if there are some Rourer bits that won't sit flush with the Jessem Rout R Lift II router plate? I have some router bits from a company called Mobile Solutions which focuses on Car Audio, I have a bit that is 1/4" and won't sit completely flushed with my Dewalt DW618 router and the Jessem Rout R Lift plate. I had a Cheap husky portable router table using the Included adjustable base from the dewalt router and I was able to drop the router low enough underneath the table where thw router bit was not visible. But with the jessem router table I got including the Rout R Lift II plate, I can't seem to get the bit to go under the plate. It sticks out by like 1/2 an inch with the little wheel bearings showing. Could I have installed my router wrong on the Rout R Lift II? 🤔🧐

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Hello! That's what I'm thinking... the lift needs to be adjusted or re-installed. I hope you are enjoying the course. Let me know what you find out.

[@joseluisruiz3789]

@Training Hands Academy I am absolutely enjoying the course and have already learned a couple things I had no idea that was a thing. I can't wait to finish thw program. I plan on getting a table saw as well but want to take it 1 step at a time with the router as my priority. I will re check the installation and report back. 😁👌

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

@@joseluisruiz3789 Sounds great, I'm here! Also, if you'd be willing to leave a review on the course that would really be helpful. Thank you so much!

[@RenatoBriones]

Just happened to me with my first trim router today. Thanks!!!

[@scottydntno]

what if the 1/4" bit doesn't fit the 1/4" collet when the collet is completely off of the router????

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

I'm not sure. You can send me a video via email or IG

[@red2965]

Still looking for someone who can tell me if or where I can get the collet's (all except 1/4). Yes it can handle a 1/2" shank, I just don't have a collett. Sorry of if I've asked this before and forgot your answer. Sorry I forgot to mention that it's a Ingersoll-Rand

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Do you have a model number?

[@70mujtaba]

I watched the whole list thank you for you valuable info

[@KpxUrz5745]

Very good video with useful information. However, believe it or not, nothing in this list of fixes solved my problem. My router is an older Porter Cable. It doesn't get tremendous amounts of use, but has always been excellent. Lately I've notice a 1/4" bit may take some force or tapping to get it in before tightening. Then the real problem is extracting the bit later. I have to resort to all sorts of tapping and prying, trying to be as careful as possible with the carbide edges. The router bits are clean and have no residue on the shafts. I just tried cleaner on paper towel wrapped around a thin stick to clean inside the collet. This did not help. I can use the router, I just would like the bits to slide in or out normally, without the difficulties. I even wonder if anyone ever recommends some tapping with a screwdriver or something placed into the open slot of the collet, as if to perhaps expand it open a tiny bit.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

I talk more about these fixes in my router course, but yes, you can tap on the shank (you have to be careful with that, but it works). I've also used fine sandpaper on the collet, shanks of the bits, and inside the shaft of the router itself. It can also be from over tightening the bit in the collet. However, some older routers/collets do get worse over time... I'm not sure why maybe because of poor milling at the factor. I'm sorry this is happening to you because I know how frustrating that can be.

[@steveroberson5147]

I have a brand new Bosch MRP23EVS ROUTER. It has a 1/2 and a 1/4 collet. I cannot get either one to expand or contract. If I over tighten the nut, then the collet just gets stuck in the router. I know this is basic stuff but I cannot figure this out.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Hey Steve. So, are you saying the bit will not stay tight?

[@steveroberson5147]

@@TrainingHandsAcademy The 1/2 collet appears to be fully open but a bit will not fit. Basically the same for the 1/4 collet. I own a Bosch 1617EVS and have no problem. I bought the other one because I needed a plunge router and a 1/4 collet. Am I making sense?

[@steveroberson5147]

@@TrainingHandsAcademy Ok, this is weird. I put my collets from my other router into the 23EVS and they worked fine. Only thing I can figure is maybe these are mm collets. They are definitely different. Thanks

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

@@steveroberson5147 That totally might be the case. Have fun, and be safe.

[@georgegrant033]

Where can I get the the bigger 12.7

[@neighborfamily9745]

Thank you sooooo much for these beginner videos!!

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

You are welcome!

[@g.o.3623]

Hi. My router is 6.35 and i bought 6.00 mm bit. Will it work or is it dangerous to try ? Rgds

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Is that your routers factor 6mm collet? I would double check with the manufacture of the router to see what bits fit into that collet.

[@moseskuagbenu2467]

Hi.i have a problem..can there be a way out..my issue is my router bit is 8mm whiles the router it self has 6mm ..how can i fix the bit into the router

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Hey Moses! All you need to do is buy a 8mm collet for the router.

[@rammalla6176]

Thanks for sharing your experience tips

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

My pleasure

[@user-wq7jj9zr9r]

I have the opposite problem. Brand new router and bit, both half inch. When I insert bit and tighten the collet, I can pull the bit out with no resistance or if I set router upright, the bit literally falls out. What am I missing? Both pieces are brand new.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Are you on Instagram? If so find me and send me a video. instagram.com/traininghandsacademy/

[@user-wq7jj9zr9r]

@@TrainingHandsAcademy Thanks, I got it fixed. I had to separate the collet from the nut. I then placed the nut on bit followed by the collet, attached all to router and life is good.

[@windycitysawdust]

Helped so much, TY!

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

I'm so glad! If you like my style of teaching you might also really like my beginner online router course. Check it out here if you want. bit.ly/3DcIeE3

[@dominicsianot2470]

That was informative!

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ceosealemon]

Why does a drill blade on a router shake?

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Bad bit, bit not installed property, or taking too deep of a cut at one time.

[@c2757]

Just goes to show how much rubbish instruction manuals are these days. The manual says "take the collett out and fit the other size". It is roughly 50 years since I had my first router and I've absolutely no idea how the devil you get the collett out of the (expensive) new machine I bought 10 days ago. Anyone got some dynamite they don't want?

[@Jared7873]

Thanks! I couldn't figure out why I couldn't get the bit in. Although this video was helpful, the problem was there was a disposable (or removable?) rubber sleeve around the shaft of the bit it came with! Duh.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Hey, at least you got it figured out. Now go make some sawdust! :)

[@mattlwyatt]

I just bought a set of 1/4” SKIL bits and they are very very far from fitting my Porter Cable router with a 1/4” collet.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

I'd be glad to help you. You can find me in our beginner community. www.skool.com/traininghandsacademy/about

[@diashennaduramuthu412]

Very helpful thanks God bless you to

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Thank you for the blessing.

[@chumn54]

Well explained. Thanks

[@andre1987eph]

Excellent info. I shared it (to myself)

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

LOL

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Great video. Be careful with router bits and use gloves handle them. I sliced open my finger on a sharp one! My router came with 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch collet make easy to use wide range. How far down should the bit fit into the collett?

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Bottom it out, and then bring it back out about a 1/4"

[@Firojfurniture5544]

Nice information

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Thanks

[@waitef4u]

Best one yet my bit is dirty thank,s

[@justind9858]

You're excellent bro

[@AKhan-nu9mw]

very informative

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Glad you think so!

[@bobbysifuentes]

Thank you!

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

You're welcome!

[@ishtlutz1261]

Thanx Dude.

[@fireworxz]

Thanks

[@Mikael1948]

Thankyou,

[@dannymeil3294]

I subscribed to your channel.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Thank you.

[@MultiUtube2020]

Excellent information.... However I would be weary to handle the router bits without gloves.. They are extremely sharp and can lot of damage (especially trying to pull them out.)

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Great point. Be careful!

[@sreejeshkv918]

How to fit 6mm router bit to 8mm router machine

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Hey there. Try buying a 6mm collet that would fit your 8mm router.

[@garvielloken3929]

nooice!

[@kylejones4149]

I took off the nut and my shank still doesnt fit into my compact router. I think it’s faulty. Brand new milwaukee

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

1/4" shank on the router bit?

[@kylejones4149]

@@TrainingHandsAcademy ya! I’m going to return it today

[@justglenng]

Watch this video 10 times 2 figure out what was wrong... The half inch router shank would not fit in the collett so I tried tapping it down and only made it worse... Somehow by the grace of God I was able to extract the collet..... After measuring with a micrometer it turns out that the collett inside diameter fully opened is 63 /128 ths.... The shank is 69.. a 3/64 difference...smh

[@ecapgaming2931]

i still can’t get it i don’t understand

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Don't understand what?

[@1Shaco]

i thought this video shows how to do a diy collet for an easy fix. or for people who can't buy them here.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Never do a DIY collet... not safe.

[@vv6292]

I spent way too long, trying to figure how to put my bit into my Ryobi router. The official Ryobi video has her shoving her bit in with ease. When I try to do it on mine. Didn't work. LOL

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

I'm laughing with you. :)

[@MrCmbtmdc68w]

Bit still won’t seat correctly.

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

How can I help?

[@jimmyboon7646]

👍

[@mmashungmi1886]

I am from Manipur, India. Beginner in carpentry. Really need help for sponsorship.

[@ggumfory]

Last!

[@vinny142]

All of this is ofcourse also mentioned in the manual of your tools so although you are a man, try reading them before operating your tools ;-)

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

We all know that manuals are only used after we can't figure something out. LOL

[@ralphconnell8163]

Wish I'd seen this earlier....

[@glorygloryhallelujah]

5th

[@richardhurts3495]

Holy shit you like to talk

[@TrainingHandsAcademy]

Praying for you now... may the Lord settle your anxious thoughts and protect your mind from anything that may cause you harm. I pray that He guides and leads you in ways that you have never known was possible. I ask that He gives you a new heart towards others and yourself. Thanks for the comment, because without it, I would have never known you and been able to pray for you. Peace and Grace to you!

[@mikolajkurzawa725]

First