Collet problem

[Garamanda]

Hi.
Got a secondhand 1/2" collet for my interwood overhead router. Which are like hens teeth by all accounts.
Tried it this morning and I'm have a problem with it. It takes the router bit fine. You can easily pull it back out
before you tighten the nut up. Problem is once you've tightened it. Very difficult to remove it. Even when you remove
the nut it still will not come out. After some banging and levering it comes out. Any ideas?

 

[Chrispy]

I have the exact same problem with my over head router an old Danckaert, the best I have managed is to place two split washers on top of the cutter shank so that they compress like a very short spring when the cutter is tightened then they help push the collet back out when loosening, you do need to find a very precise size of washer though and make sure it allows the cutter to be held properly.

 

[CHJ]

Try some PTFE dry Lubrication or some copper slip on collet and spindle taper.

 

[Garamanda]

Thanks guys.