Proper Bit Depth in Router Collet | Tricks of the Trade

Much has been written and discussed over the years about how far into a router's collect a router bit should be inserted. Let's take a look at the right answer and learn why it is the correct answer! Getting it right can save you a scary experience!

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[jamesbarros]

Thank you. This helped me solve both my collets and bits getting stuck, and at the same time not being steady. You've probably saved me a finger here, or at least some wood.

[halsonger]

I've been told for a long time never to bottom out a router bit when installing it. This is the first explanation for that practice that I've seen. Excellent information!

[grampacross]

Sounds like a much safer way to go about it also. Us newbies need to know this kind of stuff. Thank you!

[kenmcf]

Thanks love the close-up details. I wanted a refresher as I have not used my router for quite a while.

[jeanine]

One video told us it was because the router bit will get hot and expand but this makes more sense to me. It’s nice to now the why behind doing things I think, so thank you for the visual explanation. More tips like this would be great.

[yahyabnhamza]

I really learn a lot by watching this video..
At first I was kind of confused don't even know where to start from, but with this, I'm well satisfied.
Thank u.

[erickdanielsson]

I place a rubber o-ring in the base of the collet (it's diameter is less than the collet diameter) thus when I put a bit into the collet it does not bottom out. I did this on my router table, as it is 1/2" router bits. 1/4" or 8mm I am just following the advice shown here.

[AeroconX]

It didn’t make sense to me that backing off a 1/16” would solve the issue of higher clamping pressure at the rear of the collet. The collet would still grip the rear end of the bit shank before the collet neck engaged.
And so I jumped down the rabbit hole.
My first google search took me to the collet Wikipedia page where is states “The "ER" collet system, developed and patented by Rego-Fix in 1973”. Turns out Rego-Fix is still alive and well. In fact their documentation, as well as many others, recommend the tool bit be placed the full length of the collet. Quote “Insert tool the full length of the collet for best results if possible. However never insert tool less than 2/3 of the collet bore length.”
This was sufficient for me to conclude this video is a wise-tale myth. If you’d like to dig further I’d recommend looking into the 1973 patent lol.

[falcongro]

where can i buy a bunch of different size collets for my electric router?

[TrekTruth]

I have worked with routers for over 40 years and never knew why I had to keep the bit up a 1/16 ", go figure. thanks

[paleogirl]

Why doesn't the collet have a tiny ledge at the bottom to keep the bit from going all the way down?

[manzerasobrado]

What collet size for 12mm router machine? What brand of collet

[jhenry]

How deep in inches are most plunge router collets? Trying to figure how out how much is the maximum mortise depth for my 4” length plunge router bit?

[ADEART-gc]

Hello I have router 1300w Bosch how to reduce 1/4to1/8

[michaelmcdonough]

I put an O-ring at the bottom of the collect. That prevents the bit from bottoming out.

[rogerleclercq]

Somerfield Recommends using a rubber grommet at the bottom which allows your matched bits to always be at the perfect height when changing bits.

[hinduspl]

Theres also indication line on most of bits thats represent the place of depth you should go. Not in all bits but on most of them for sure. You will not get your bit on waranty if you will break that bit because of inproper mount line. Thanks for the video.

[BDJappe]

More of these kind of vids please! We noobs buy tools without knowing jack about it. I bought a router with tons of attachments I thought I needed. But there’s a contraption with gears and a belt. It looks like something that will likely never be used. I don’t know what the heck it’ supposed to be, or even how to instal the bloody thing on my router. My balls are to big yet not big enough to go back to the store and ask.