Replies

1. 
   Steinmetz | Jul 08, 2003 06:36am | #1

   Dave, Is it a socket head screw? (needing an allen wrench) or, slotted?

   One way I address stubborn screws such as you have, is to use those 1/4"hex screw bits used in screwguns. You can get them in many types.

   ie: Phillips/Slotted/Allen/Torx/ Square drive etc.            If you have an impact-reversable drill, you may try shocking it out (With VERY gentle SHORTpulses and HEAVY pressure.)

   If the screw is galled or mushroomed at it's point, try alternate forward/reverse/forward/reverse pulses

   My preferred method uses a vise and a wrench. 

   If you can, grip the shaft in a vise using a piece of hard wood so as not to damage the collet chuck.

   Place the appropiate hex bit into the screw head,and tighten the the vise. Using a 1/4" open end wrench, turn the screw clockwise.

   If it moves, loosen the vise a 'hair' and continue .(A little RUSTBUSTER or LIQUID  WRENCH can help.

   Note: it's important to allow a little loosness of the vise to allow the screw to back out, (But just enough.)

   You can try turning in, then out, then in etc etc.

   Throw away that screw ,but get a few extras. Stein.

   
   

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   Edited 7/7/2003 11:43:35 PM ET by steinmetz

   
   

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   Edited 7/7/2003 11:50:07 PM ET by steinmetz

2. 
   JohnWW | Jul 08, 2003 06:57pm | #2

   Dave,

   This design for attaching the collet was by far the worst idea ever dreamed up for a router chuck, and it is a prime example of why Craftsman Tools no longer have a reputation for quality.

   A trick I've used for years in a situation like this is to set the tip of the screwdriver in the slot and then rap smartly on the end of the screwdriver's handle with a mallet while applying torque to the blade.  The rapping seats the screwdriver fully in the screw's slot and the shock of the blows will break the frozen threads free.

   It is critically important that you don't strip the screw head, so keep firm downward pressure on the screwdriver between mallet blows and only gradually increase the torque until the screw comes free, give the rapping a chance to work.  I almost always have luck with this technique, on a small screw if this trick doesn't work, probably nothing will. 

   Before you start, check that the screwdriver is a good tight fit in the screw head slot.  You don't say so, but I seem to recall that the screw in question has a Phillip's head.  On Phillips screws that are poorly made, the center of the tip of the screwdriver will occasionally touch the bottom of the slot before the wings of the driver are fully seated, if this happens there is a very good chance of stripping the head.  The solution is to grind off the tip of the screwdriver slightly until it seats fully before you attempt to remove the screw.  The wings of the driver also need to be in good shape to have the best chance of success.  Use a good quality screwdriver, an "el cheapo" with a poorly shaped tip and soft metal will reduce your chances of success. 

   If the screw absolutely won't budge while trying to turn it in the proper direction for removal, and in your case I think it is a left hand thread, try turning it the "wrong way" for a fraction of a turn.  If the screw breaks free tightening it, you can then reverse direction and the screw will usually back out without any trouble.  Because the back edges of the screw slot will still be in good shape, this trick works well when the screw head has already been chewed up by trying to turn it in one direction.

   If all else fails, I don't think the screw is absolutely critical for using the collet, it only made bit changes easier.  You can probably use a drill to remove the screw's head and still use the router without the screw.  Good luck, I'd appreciate knowing if you try any of this and whether it worked.

   John W.  

   
   

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   Edited 7/8/2003 12:00:46 PM ET by JohnW

3. 
   LD | Jul 12, 2003 02:55am | #3

   Thanks for your help.  I as yet haven't had the opportunity to try any of the suggested solutions to my problem.  I had to move on, so I used my Bosch router which has a collet that is easy to change. 

   I'll get back to that stupid craftsman router as soon as I finish the project I'm on, and I'll let you guys know the results.

   Thanks again, Dave