How to Replace the Collet on a Porter-Cable Router

The collet is a type of chuck that secures the router bit onto your router. The collet works with the collet nut, using a taper that is milled into the router shaft. As the nut is tightened, it pulls the collet into the shaft and the taper squeezes the collet tightly around the router bit. The collet can be damaged by rust. Also, if the collet is insufficiently tightened, it may allow the bit to slip, which can damage the assembly.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE COLLET   1. Remove the base.

a. Unplug the tool.

b. Loosen the clamp knob.

c. Thread the base assembly off the lower housing.

  2. Remove the collet.

a. Use the two wrenches that came with the router to remove the collet. One wrench is used to secure the spindle shaft and the other is used to loosen the collet nut.

INSTALLING THE NEW COLLET

  3. Install the collet.

a. Thread the new collet onto the chuck.

b. Secure the collet with the collet nut.

  4. Reinstall the base.

a. Thread the base assembly onto the motor housing.

b. Tighten the clamp knob to secure the base assembly.