The standard series are: ER-8, ER-11, ER-16, ER-20, ER-25, ER-32, ER-40, and ER-50. The "ER" name came from an existing "E" collet (which were a letter series of names) which Rego-Fix modified and appended "R" for "Rego-Fix". The series number is the opening diameter of the tapered receptacle, in millimetres.

Your first consideration should be the size of end mills or drills you will be using most often. If you are doing smaller work you would require smaller diameter range collets. Generally you may prefer the ER16 and ER32 sizes. ​If you are doing very small work then perhaps an ER11 set would be the best choice.

Generally collets are used on smaller work pieces than typical three-jaw chucks. The general range for collets are 1/16in to 2.5in whereas chucks can be used on work pieces that are larger. Though chucks can also be used for smaller work pieces, collets are much more useful and better grip the items being used.