How to Install a Router Bit in a Router

When it comes to getting a router bit mounted in your router let me give you just a couple of steps, make sure that you're doing this right and make sure it's easy. First off, of course make sure the router's unplugged, no power supply. If you can, remove the base from the motor altogether that makes the collet much easier to get at. If this is hanging in a router table, pull the motor out, leaving the base and the bottom of the table and bring the motor up on top of the table so it's easy to get at. Now when the router bit itself goes in we don't want it in too far nor do we want it sticking way out here. Let's talk about the two extremes and what can happen there. Of course, if you don't grab enough of the shank it would be very easy for this bit to come loose and come flying out of there. Definitely don't want that. If you put it in too far what can happen is that up here on the top of the bit, there's a transition where the shank changes to the body of the bit itself. There might be an opportunity for the collet to try to grab up here instead of on this nicely machined shank. We don't want that. We want the collet to grab the shank, not this area up here. So as a general rule, if you insert your bit so about two thirds of the shank is in the collet that you're going to be in a good position here. When you tighten, I start with finger pressure that holds that in place for me. Then you don't need to turn your knuckles white as you're pulling on this wrench but get that good and snug right there. That router bit is tight. Ready to go to work. You're ready to make your cuts.