Why you have to loosen your router bit TWICE!

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[@StumpyNubs]

▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR IMPORTANT INFO▼ *More interesting router videos:* kzbin.info/aero/PL-gT7JMZFYjfWXnmUc-495gyQ5XT8fdj1 ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Helical carbide jointer/planer heads from MyWoodCutters: mywoodcutters.com/ *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

[@80211Denver]

EVERY SINGLE TIME I loosen mine and hit that second spot I think "I bet stumpy knows why"

[@hamubice1551]

Every time I come across anything I don't understand "I winder if Stumpy has a video about this?"

[@kaasmeester5903]

I always thought it was the universe telling me that I suck... This explanation is much better. Maybe Stumpy can also explain why it often takes 3 tries to push in a USB connector even though it only can be turned in 2 ways.

[@ahmedlahlou8123]

Yes he does :D on my side I'll be less frustrated by this thing

[@Antti_Nannimus]

Thank you once again, Dr. Nubs! I've been aware of so-called "self-releasing" collets, but I have never understood how they actually work. I also thought all modern routers now have them. Thanks to you I have been released from my appalling ignorance, and am now pulled up into the light of knowledge. It feels great! We don't pay you enough.

[@Ferncraft.Pembrokeshire]

Phew!!! After wondering if there was something wrong with my collet for the last 3 years you have in 3 minutes put my mind at ease. Thank you.

[@michaelmakin2274]

Thank you you just saved me from buying a new router have a Craftsman that I bought at Sears but Sears is no longer around nobody seems to know anything about a colic Departed router bit goes in I have a quarter inch I need to put in a half inch bit you can pop it out and put a new half engine to replace the quarter-inch it'll do both I did not know that thank you so much you helped me so much I watch all your videos I've learned a lot keep the good work current website

[@paulwestlake4278]

Another of life’s mysteries solved. Thanks lad.

[@kevinbourke7800]

Thanks for absolving me of the worry that something was wrong/cross-threaded with my router’s collet!

[@edgecondition]

Thank you; I’d never bothered to look into why it always does that. Makes perfect sense now!

[@scottstark1867]

Mind = blown! I honestly thought I had a mildly defective collet all along and I was encountering a spot where the threads were rough and imperfect. Clearly I never looked too deeply.

[@larrygardner53018]

I've wondered about this for decades. Thanks for revealing the inner truth. Keep 'em coming!

[@jerrygillette854]

My PC 690 has done this from the day I got it in 1992. Now i finally know why. Thanks, Stumpy.

[@dgoddard]

I have a Bosch router in a table and a 2.2kw spindle on my CNC with an ER20 collet. Both of them did this and it has always driven me nuts. I finally learned to keep a hold of the wrench until I'd loosened it a 2nd time. And now I know why and that kind of makes me happy. Thanks!

[@LuLeBe]

Yeah especially on the CNC it's super annoying because sometimes the cutter just falls straight out after the second loosening and if it falls onto the machine table, there's a good chance you'll break part of the flute (especially on the aluminum cutters with a single flute) or damage the tip on a chamfer tool.

[@perfectagent0075]

My DeWalt 20V trim router does the same thing since it has the self-releasing collet, too. I think this is a pretty common thing nowadays.

[@manzerasobrado6045]

What collet size for 12mm Router machine? Er20 is compatable for 12mm Router machine?

[@dgoddard]

@@manzerasobrado6045 ER20 will work for a spindle, but not a router. You'll need to look for a 12mm collet specifically for a router.

[@manzerasobrado6045]

@@dgoddard my Router machine is 12mm What collet size for 6.35 bits

[@12345diehappy]

I always assumed I ruined the collet the first use by overtightening it. Thank you!

[@MrKockabilly]

I've been puzzled by this ever since and have been really interested to know why and never even thought I will ever know. Never I ever expected that the explanation will come this morning.

[@WardenofWolves]

Thank you! I thought I was doing something wrong for YEARS!

[@John-NeverStopLearning]

Thank you for video. Something my father taught me was to set the wrenches 🔧 up so you can squeeze them with one hand. This is to tighten and to loosen them. I have seen too many times when you are especially loosening the collet your hands swing wildly and could hit or scrape something and you now have a injury. Same with tightening, however you usually slip and hit your hands 🙌 together.

[@TrevorDennis100]

I have been using collet sets on metal lathe and milling machines since I started a toolmaking apprenticeship in 1967. On lathes you usually have a draw bar that pulls and pushes on a sleeve that passes through the spindle for the collet to screw into, so you can change the workpiece in just a few seconds, plus they go down to sizes that a chuck couldn't grip, and are kinder to the workpiece leaving no marks on softer materials like brass. Collet sets on milling machines work exactly the same way as described by James in this video, and need the second pressure to release the cutter. Anyone owning a smallish hobby mill will know that you can get collet sets for crazy low prices from Wish and Bangood (about $80 for an M2 collet chuck and a dozen collets from 2mm to 20mm) and they work (almost) perfectly. That is to say they clamp the work piece but some of the collets didn't snap into the collet chuck without some minor work with a fine grit diamond plate.

[@bailahie4235]

Thanks so much ! The "turn a 2nd time tip" at 2:06 worked like charm, after having tried other suggestions for 15 minutes...

[@keving8682]

And I wondered if I was over tightening my collet - thanks for the explanation and new found peace of mind!

[@commentsonthetube14]

I always just thought my router was old... Bought it used and it's always done this. Now I know why!

[@riangarianga]

Dammit, so that's why! 😂 For the last couple of years I thought I was doing something wrong. Thank you for this clarifying video!

[@gregjohnson8486]

HA!! Awesome tip!! All this time I thought I was doing something wrong. I don't remember reading this in the Operator's Manual either. Thanks so much for sharing. 👍🏾

[@darthstewie76]

Bruh I literally asked myself this question yesterday when I had to loosen it twice. THANK YOU!

[@N-hunter]

That makes so much sense now! I always thought the threads on mine were messed up!

[@joeysawdust]

An outstanding video! Nothing like learning something useful in 3:28! Thanks so much!

[@scottmorris4914]

There have been so many people online complaining they cannot get their router bits out. Explained they have to loosen it twice. I can now reference this video. Thanks.

[@glencrandall7051]

Now that was something I never knew. So now I know what is happening and why. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@farrier2708]

Not only a Master Woodworker but a tooling Engineer as well. These vid's illustrating tool construction are invaluable in showing that the idiosyncrasies of many tools are there for a reason. The lesson! Make sure your tool isn't faulty before you send it back or; God forbid; try to mend it.

[@coffeetop1131]

I have noticed this for decades, but never bothered to figure it out. Thanks Stumpy!

[@cameronnebe]

you have restored balance to the universe! I can usually intuitively figure out why tools do certain finnicky things, but I was never able to nail this one down. You are so good about instruction on the little things no one else ever brings up

[@Erik_The_Viking]

I was just thinking about this the other day while using my router - I figured there was a reason you had to perform a two-step. Well, thank you very much for explaining why! This was great.

[@stevedigby883]

Thanks for explaining this. I had not understood why the wrench was needed a second time and was annoyed. Now I am grateful.

[@DdgeluvinHic]

These are ER style collets that are used in the machining industry. If you measure the outside diameter of the largest part in millimeters then you know what size they are (ER-20, ER-25, ER-32, etc) That makes replacing them pretty easy.

[@ChairLunchDinner625]

Always wondered what was going on changing router bits. Thanks.

[@williamellis8993]

I discovered this a long time ago. It sure makes removing the bit a lot easier.

[@markmurdocca2456]

Thank you, as always. Can't help but wonder why this bit of valuable advice isn't in the user manuals. And thanks for the additional router info links.

[@stevesiefken6432]

Interesting! My old 1 3/4 HP Craftsman router works the same as you demoed. My Dewalt only needs to be loosened once to get the bit out.

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty interesting indeed! Thanks, James! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@thosoz3431]

Very useful Clear, concise, good visuals. Thank you.

[@stanp1104]

Thanks!!! That has driven me crazy for years.

[@Mcphilsmith]

I never realized I needed the answer to this question.

[@rjtumble]

For this great tidbit, you deserve a cold one my friend!

[@johnoerter2883]

Thanks, James! The clarity helps 😊

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@alexanderdgray]

I have always wondered why this happens. THANK YOU

[@guybowers9094]

This definitely happens on my porter cable each time. Good tutorial

[@halsti99]

if your bits get constantly stuck, it could also just be a terrible surface finish on the collet. i had it on my makita palm router for example. every bit got stuck and i had to bang them free. the ruff surface grain basically starts to lock together and thats what keeps it from releasing. You can simply sand a smoother finish on the collet and the connecting surface. if the grains cant interlock, they wont get jammed. i sanded it on 400 and 1000 grit and have not had a single stuck bit afterwards.

[@marcobucci]

Always wondered why this happened!

[@ipick4fun27]

I never investigated how it works. I just blindly accepted that I have to do it twice on my crapman (craftsman) router. I probably would've pay more attention had it been a more expansive one. LOL. Thanks for explaining. Now I know it's not so crap anymore. haha.

[@RobSHoglund]

THANK YOU!!! I have wondered about this for a loooooong time.

[@davidfreyta3857]

I too had thought I had ruined my collet the first time I used it. But after a close examination of the bit, collet and shaft it all looked fine. After your video it all makes perfect sense. Not that I was losing any sleep over this. It is good to know why something works the way it does. Your videos have made my woodworking time more enjoyable and safer. Thanks a lot for your knowledge and keep up the good work.

[@sharg0]

As a machinist that loves his collets... Please only use ER collets with the intended range (which is quite small, 1 mm is the most common). There are cheap sets that allows the whole range to be properly tightened for not much. For woodworking there's no need to get a precision set from brands like Schaublin, a cheap "E-bay" set will do perfectly fine. And don't tighten them up empty or with a shaft only partially inserted (the latter might cause the tool bit to come flying). If damaged/cracked, discard and replace - a collet is cheaper then body parts.

[@sharg0]

Oh and standard mistake 1A: putting the collet into the spindle before putting on the nut. If you're unlucky that collar and tool is in there for good and you'll need to buy a new spindle! (Yes I've done it but I was lucky and could knock it out from behind) Always snap the nut on the collet first!

[@patricksimone8845]

Thank you. I have wondered about this ever since I got my router.

[@wjphillip]

Thanks, I've wondered about this for years.

[@stevestamper3509]

Thank you! I've wondered this for years.

[@gbear056]

Best explanation ever. I’m never disappointed by Mr. Nubs.

[@davebashford3753]

The pre-self-releasing PC collets were a royal PITA to release! One way is to not bottom the bit out when installing the bit, and then try tapping the bit in when trying to release it. This is the way I have to do it with my Dremels.

[@j.frankparnell3087]

Great info! I had wondered if I had somehow jacked up the threads on my router. My doubts have been erased! Thanks.

[@thomlipiczky9021]

So THAT's why. Thanks again, James.

[@danstatkus8892]

My Bosch does this and I always wondered if something is wrong with it. Now I know. Thanks for this clarification.

[@sy43165]

I was just wondering about this, this past weekend. Thanks for the info!

[@jhans3278]

Thanks James. Didn’t know that was a feature on my Bosch 1617. I don’t recall this mentioned in the instructions. I’ll check it out again.

[@troyj3292]

Thank you so much for this little nugget of info. I've been wondering to myself why this happens with my router and if there is something wrong with the collet or shaft. There was a little ah ha moment realizing that the collet is like a small version of a Morse taper used on drill presses or lathes.

[@watermain48]

Thanks James, we've all wondered that except for the know-it-alls and we all know one of them...

[@robjohnston5292]

Once again you've produced a clear, concise, and useful video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Hope the lake effect snow peters out before it reaches your burg. Not too bad in Mecosta country so far.

[@Mark_Wood]

man i was about to look for a replacement collet for my PC lol! Thanks James!!!

[@DconBlueZ]

Thanks for the video, always enjoy watching!

[@PoeticJusticeSC]

Nice! I noticed this but didn't think much about why it happened. Now I know why, and why it is likely a good thing. Excellent content as usual!

[@nikolausreinke9966]

Feature, not a bug. Known that before, but never understood. Thank you.

[@jimbalz3017]

Always cursed my routers about this....now I know better. Thanks

[@doggobork-bork5305]

Recently replaced a dewalt router, and it came with like a combo collet..its like 2 sleeves in 1. Used a 1/4 bit, but when I went to remove it, the sleeve came out with the bit.when that sleeve is out, you can use 1/2 inch bit..was a little leary, but so far so good.

[@devinteske]

THANK YOU! My Shaper Origin always made me wonder why I had to loosen it twice. Love your channel!

[@ssskids123]

I have always wondered about this! Thank you!

[@richragan4810]

Thanks for clearing that up for me James. You're always amazing!

[@mindyhall4638]

You are awesome; great content, great teacher, and generous with your knowledge!

[@skiphayes1795]

Bosch routers use the same collet. Thanks for the explanation.

[@glennfelpel9785]

Perfect, I noticed that but never stopped to really think about what was happening. Another mystery solved! Good one, thank You

[@clickster1883]

This explains so much!!! Thanks, James.

[@DuncanEllis]

I'd noticed that double tightness and wondered about it. I'm pretty sure my Dremel uses the shaft-integrated style too. Very nice to know the difference.

[@BillCoale]

Thank you for explaining this! I came so close to returning my 1st router for a replacement, thinking it was defective.

[@charlemagnesclock]

I'm glad I asked about this. Thanks for doing the video.

[@MrStrizver]

Nice! Every time I change the endmill on my CnC I wonder why this happens. Nice little gem of knowledge! Thanks!

[@Guardian_Arias]

Good vid, you should make a video all about how one should read the manuals for tools and how not to always follow them but read them none the less because some are invaluable. The first router I ever purchased had split ratings no middle ground most of them said they had to use pliers to remove the bits mangling them. So i found the digital manual read it and said to loosen the collet twice. I've had my Hitachi 2.25hp router for 5 years now after picking it up for 99 bucks with all the accessories brand new likely due to the vendor having to do a sale to move inventory due to the 3 star rating at the time.

[@travisg1759]

OMG. I have been wondering this forever!

[@bearthompson6506]

And I thought it was just me! Thanks for this great simple little info vid!

[@bobbailey1461]

Always wondered about this. Thanks for the info.

[@glennryzebol4472]

My makita trim router has the second type of collet you mentioned. It does tend to get difficult to get the bit sometimes. I have found that giving the parts a good cleaning reduces this problem a great deal. I soak a few minutes in a solution of laundry soap and water, give a gentle scrubbing with whatever i can get in there ( a pipe cleaner today), rinse well and set to dry on some warm surface to be sure the water is all dried up.

[@jimhyslop]

You could have titled this "Don't get hot under the collet!" 🤣Very cool to know.

[@davebenson1504]

Thanks... I noticed the issue , but never really investigated why...

[@WindRidgeWoodCrafts]

Thanks for a simple explanation, James. My hobby woodworking has become more CNC-centric over the last few years and I now deal with routers a few times per week, so this issue shows up regularly. One less thing for me to ponder while the CNC does its thing.

[@chrisjaustin88]

Again, enlightened! Thank you!

[@romeoC9968]

love all these tips, great job!

[@michaelaitchison154]

My inquiring mind now knows why this is so. Thx

[@alant84]

A somewhat related issue I've seen people run into, is where they are suddenly unable to get a bit to fit into a collet that was previously fine. In 9/10 cases, it was because they tightened the collet without a bit in the router. They did this to secure the collet firmly to the router after use, in an attempt to 'keep it safe and make sure it doesn't go missing'. Without the shank of a bit to provide resistance, the collet is compressed until the hole is narrower than the shank diameter it was designed for.

[@peterw1534]

Wow. I always wondered why. Now I know. Thanks!

[@dudlydjarbum2045]

Nice to see ryobi be featured

[@davebashford3753]

Advice on how to maintain a router collet would be appreciated. E.g. how to safely keep a collet free of rust and how to remove any rust. I'm guessing oil is not a good idea?

[@GeorgeCooper_LoneWolf]

This was very interesting because I always thought it was simply a safety feature

[@gwargolet]

Thanks for the explanation, always wondered why I had to loosen twice, now I know, Another great video by Stumpynubs

[@NoPlaceForTheDead]

I can't press the like button hard enough.