A collet can be a collar, band, or sleeve that holds a workpiece or tool securely. When used as a clamping device, they can produce a high-level force with precise alignment.

There are collets used for both outside and inside holding, to handle both inside and outside surface machining, respectively. The most common shape is for a round tool, however, there are rectangular, hexagonal, square, and other shapes as well.

Collets can provide advantages such as mounting a variety of heads with different bore diameters and minimizing runout in machine operations.

Why should collets be replaced?
Proper collet maintenance is one of the easiest ways to prevent many poor tool performances or breakage. Collets should be replaced regularly, for optimal results with your equipment.

When should collets be replaced?
A guiding rule is to replace collets every 2 to 3 months, based on an 8-hour workday. Typically, that is approximately every 400 to 600 run time in hours.

Also, if you notice slippage inside the collet replacing them is advisable. Another recommended time is when you can visibly notice tool damage then it is time for replacement immediately. 

Advantages of collet maintenance
Collet maintenance can result in many advantages that save you time and money. They include more consistent production runs, better cut quality, and a reduction in costly machine downtime. These are a few brief reasons, not an extensive list.

Similar to the preventative maintenance of oil changes for your vehicle, collet maintenance can also provide peace of mind, save you time, and expense and help run your machine at its best.

Source: Peak Toolworks. Call 800-457-7468, [email protected] or visit peaktoolworks.com.