I have problem with my collet in my router. As soon as I tread the nut on the collet squeezes to the point I can't get a bit in. If I put the bit in the collet then try to tread the nut on it will not start and if I'm lucky enough to get it to start the bit works its way out. I've been using routers for years and this is a first. Can I send it in? HELP!!

Inserting the bit should be the same on all versions of the Makita 3612 router. It does depend on the bit size. Press the shaft lock to keep the shaft from turning. I think the lock is close to the handle on one side of the router when you hold the router with the bit/collet up. For small shaft bits, insert the appropriate collet sleeve into the collet cone. Then insert the bit completely into the sleeve. For larger shaft bits, insert the bit completely into the cone. Use the wrench to tighten the collet nut securely. Unlock the shaft lock. Do not over-tighten or leave the bit loose in the collet cone/sleeve. Over-tightening can break the collet cone. Leaving it loose can result in the bit flying out of the collet cone. Either way, injuries can occur. To remove a bit, loosen the collet nut and then remove the bit (or bit and collet sleeve).

The manual is available on the product page: https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/3612 . The direct link to the manual is https://cdn.makitatools.com/apps/cms/doc/prod/361/df12a409-2bd0-48c3-aa38-d635a480a76e_3612_IM.pdf . See page 8.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

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The two sizes (in the US) for router bit shanks (and collets) are 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch. Some routers use only a 1/4 inch collet. Routers with a 1/2 inch collet also come with a 1/4 inch collet. You need a 1/2 inch collet to hold a 1/2 inch shank. Good luck.

On some models the collet stays put on purpose. You don't have to remove the nut either. But if you really do have to remove the collet and it is the type that is supposed to come out (maybe you need to use the 1/4 inch collet) then just stick a bit into it without the nut and give the bit a sideways whack with a piece of wood. If the collet has been pressed in tight by the nut without a bit in place, then you won't be able to fit a bit into it, and maybe the collet is ruined. Find the largest diameter shaft you can to fit into the hole and pop that sideways. Good luck.

All routers use a right-handed thread. With the bit facing up, you will turn the nut counter-clockwise. And here's a little tip. If this router requires you to use two wrenches (one to hold the shaft still and the other to turn the collet nut) then put the wrench on the shaft at the 6 o'clock postion and put the wrench on the collet nut at the 7 o'clock postion - then squeeze the two wrenches together. This works incredibly better than having the two wrenches at some distance apart. Please vote if you found this helpful. Good luck, Al K

Get a new collet and nut the 1/2" collet is crappy, it is too thin and pushes out of the nut easily.

You may also make sure that the collet did not seperate from the nut. remove the nut completely and if the collet is not attached, remove the collet from the spindle, insert inthe nut and then insert the bit through the collet while holding it and then put the hole thing back on the spindle (mtor shaft) and tighten it.

Do you have the collet upside down? It should fit in nicely and the lock nut fit over the top, no problem, If it doesn't, something is wrong. They only make 2 sizes of collets for router bits, 1/4 and 1/2 , if they get their parts from somebody who makes just collets, you could have easily gotten a different size in there. See if a router bit will fit the hole, then go to the store where you bought the router and ask them to try it in your router and see if it fits, they might have collets on the shelf. Check it out.

I put in a bit that fitted the existing collet. When I took this out, the collet came with it.

On my older Sears router there is a lever on the base near the collet nut that you slide to engage the motor shaft to lock the motor shaft for bit changes. On newer models you may have a button or different mechanism to lock the shaft. After the shaft is locked you can use a small wrench to loosen the collet nut, usually by turning it counter-clockwise (viewed from the base). Once the nut is loose the bit should slide out (sometimes the bit is stuck in the collet and the nut may need to come all the way off to get them apart). Just replace the bit with a new bit with the same shaft diameter, tighten the nut, and you are set. If the new bit has a different shaft diameter than the old bit you may need to change the collet also (in general, different collets are used with different bit shaft diameters).

You have, I presume, already locked the spindle and loosened the collet nut with the wrench, have you not?
Once the nut is loose, you should be able to remove it by spinning it off the threads by hand. Then insert the 6 mm collet cone into the collet,
carefully thread the collet nut back onto the collet, and tighten it with the bit in place.
Sometimes bits are a snug fit, especially into a new collet. If you have some fin sandpaper you can gently chamfer the very end of the bit where you first insert it into the collet, and this may help to insert it. If you have to, push a bit.
I have noticed that some companies tend to mill the shafts of their bits a little too close to the exact tolerance, or even oversize them slightly, and this can cause frustration when inserting their bits. In exceptional circumstances, I have resorted to polishing a couple of small bit shafts with very fine (600 grit or so) emory cloth, just to allow the bit to enter the collet. I would not recommend this with a new router collet, unless you have checked the bit with a micrometer and it is oversize. Odds are you just need to break things in a little.
The force need not be brutish, but you may need to use some force, yes.

If I've managed to answer your question or solve a problem, please take a moment to kindly rate this post....thanks!