Removing a Router Bit from a Bosch 1617

Are you using both wrenches? Small one to hold at the bottom of the collet while the other one to twist the opposite direction? I’ve got the 1617vs also.

-- Williamsburg, KY

I’ve found that with my 1617, that there are two “steps”. The first pull of the wrench seems to loosen the collet, but if you continue past the point where the collet nut is loose, there’s another point where you run into resistance. I need to give it another turn or two beyond this point to get the bit out.

If that’s not it, check the inside of the collet for rust. If you find it, use a bit of penetrating oil and some 0000 steel wool to remove it.

-- Altruism is, ultimately, self-serving

Exactly what bunkie said. I keep mine sprayed out and free of dust when not in use also.

-- Williamsburg, KY

I too have the Bosch 1617, great router. Ditto on what bunkie stated.

Wha bunkie said

-- “Socialism in general has a record of failure so blatant that only an intellectual could ignore or evade it” ― Thomas Sowell, The Thomas Sowell Reader

Use a wrench and tap the side of the collet a few times, works most of the time

-- Ed

The first step loosens the grip the second will actually eject it.

-- A thing of beauty is a joy forever...

as stated the Bosch 1517 has a self-release collet. when you untighten the bit, it’ll self release it, but still keep it gripped – then as you continue to turn the wrench you’ll feel the collet tighten up again – while continuing to turn the wrenches the bit will be fully released – “2 steps” this is how all self release collets work.

-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

Just a question for clarification … does this just happen with one bit, or with all bits?

I ask because I had a similar problem getting a 1/2” straight bit out of the collet on the PC-6902 in my router table. Other bits were fine, so I sent the problem bit back to the manufacturer, which in turn confirmed that the shank was ‘out of tolerance’ and sent me a replacement bit.

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"

I have a porter cable that does the same thing, first turn loosens the collet then i have to go further with the nut until i hit a spot where the nut stops and then go further which releases the bit. I could not figure this out in the beginning either,was very frustrating.

-- Mert,Oshkosh WI,

Never used a Bosch, but the two “step” description of how the collet works is exactly how the collets on my Hitachi routers work. The first step lets go, and you can spin the bit in the collet, but not remove it, turn the wrench another half turn and you hit the second stop, loosen past that and the bit will come out easy as pie.

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Thanks for all of the responses! I can finally get the collet to release easily. Thanks again and everyone have a happy holiday!