Hello, I will appreciate your help.
After performing several hours of pocket operations with a 1/4" bit using the Compact Router (not the ER-11), it was time to perform a finishing pass with a ball bit.
Well, I can’t detach the nut from the router to change bits!
I ended bending one of the wrenches!
Do you have any advice on how to detach the nut, so I can continue machinning?
Thank you in advance,
Pablo
We recommend replacing the stamped wrenches w/ a good quality pair (13mm low profile and 22mm stubby). The community has the following notes on Carbide Compact Router/Makita RT0700/0700 shaft and collet/nut wrench sizes:
As Will said get the better cone wrenches.
Also after prolonged cutting there could be a buildup of packed in sawdust in the slots of the collet making it really hard to loosen. Try blowing the collet and nut with some compressed air and lightly tap that’s lightly tap only while blowing the air on the collet and nut.
Also every time you do a bit removal clean the collet and nut.
That should get it.
Anthony
If your collet nut is stuck cover your project with plastic and spray some penetrate oil on the collet and let it soak overnight. Then try to get it loosened. If you are successful clean the router shaft, collet and insert with de greaser like brake cleaner. The collet nut, collet and shaft should be clean and oil free before trying to run again. If you collet nut is so tight you cannot loosen it when you do get it loose it is possible the collet will not drop down. If that happens leave the nut on loosely and tap it with a plastic mallet or screw driver to help loosen the collet to slide down. On C3D/Makita routers the collet nut and collet are not connected. When loosening the collet nut the spring action of the collet makes it slide down the inclined plane of the router shaft. However a few people have had a problem with the collet not sliding down but the tapping, not hitting, should make it come loose and slide down.
Make sure you are turning the collet nut the correct way. The collet nut should turn toward you if the wrench is on the right side of the nut.
Thank you Guy,
Question: Would the ‘3 in 1’ oil drops work?
As for degreaser, ‘Simple Green’ would work?
Thank you,
Pablo
If all you have is 3n1 then use it. Penetrating oil has additives that creep more than regular oil.
Simple green will work but it is not that good at degreasing as brake cleaner. It does work. I keep a spray bottle in the shop for general cleaning.
Be careful with SimpleGreen, it does corrode aluminum. It takes a few minutes, but over spray on your rails/clamp system/router body or whatever will leave the finish splotched if you’re not diligent about wiping it down. Of course everything will still work, but I get a frowny face whenever I see a permanent reminder of something I could have prevented. (note from experience… using as an engine cleaner will make you sad 
)
Also, in addition to the links @WillAdams posted for wrenches, I’ve been very happy with the Gedore spanners I picked up:
My spindle has an ER-11 collet and needs a 13mm and 17mm. Maybe not thin enough for the shaft hold on the compact router, but you could file it down pretty easily. (The 13mm Gedore is 5.0mm thick, my Park cone wrench is 2.5mm thick)
I chose these because 1) they look different than my other tools so less likely to get repurposed and lost, 2) smaller over all profile takes up less space 3) single open end makes them easier to hold and not fumble with which side is the right one and 4) holes in the end meant I could put a piece of cord through and tie them together.
Hey, thanks again for all your advice.
The local hardware store was able to help me so I am good now.
I bought a new set of wrenches, the brake degreaser and a can of air.
Now on, I will make sure I clean the parts more often!
Thank you and regards,
Pablo
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