Position Collet Chuck: Place the collet on the lathe spindle. Tighten it with the draw nut. Adjust Closer Lock Ring: Finally, adjust the closer lock ring until the collet has closed on the part and the lever cams over to secure it. Engage the key on the closer lock ring.

What are Collets? Collets are the critical connection between the cutting tool and the tool holder (also called a collet chuck). Most collets are round, cone-shaped, and slotted. Collets encircle the cutting tool shank to evenly distribute holding power around its center bore.

Never use tools with homemade, hand-ground flats in a side lock end mill holder. From a low-speed specialist to high, collet chucks work best at elevated rpm. This makes them excellent for delicate and precise work like drilling, reaming and finish milling.

Collets are used to hold a tool in a central position as it rotates. As the tool is inserted into the collet, the device expands and provides uniform pressure that holds the tool in place. However, if the collet stretches too far, it cannot secure the instrument properly and may lose shape.