Do collets go bad?

[blake_koehn]

I keep having my 1/4 bits slip down in the collet. Do they go bad and quit gripping as tightly? It is a colombo spindle, where do you get collets for it?

[nschlee]

Yes, collets do wear. The Colombo's use ER collets, the size depends on the spindle hp. ER collets can be bought from many metal and wood bit suppliers.

Neal

[thewoodcrafter]

They will wear.
If a bit slips once it is done.
This can happen if you don't tighten enough one time, or the bit shaft is a little under sized.
Throw it away, get new ones and stock a few of each size you use.

[dvmike]

Mine uses ER25 collets. FWIW