Performing regular maintenance on your router bits is the single best thing you can do to extend their life and keep them performing like new. With our new vise, removing pitch buildup on carbide and performing bearing maintenance is easy. But to do the job right you'll need to remove the retaining screw or nut. In the past this meant installing the bit into a router's collet and using multiple wrenches to hold the bit securely in order to break the fasteners loose. We've longed for a simple device like this and think you'll love it too. Keep reading to see how cool this little tool is.
The Infinity Router Bit Vise, RBV-001, is a simple jig that securely holds your router bit without causing any damage to the shank itself. Rather than using a chuck or collet the Router Bit Vise uses clutch-type bearings. Also known as an overrunning clutch, the bearing locks onto the shank when turned in one direction but not the other. The RBV-001 works with any 1/4", 1/2", or 8mm shank router bit.
This solves three distinct problems; first, it eliminates any chance of damaging the router bit's shank. And just in case you didn't know, you should never try to hold a router bit with a pair of pliers. The marks pliers leave on the bit's shank will negatively affect its ability to spin true or even clamp properly into the router. And you don't want to take any chances with a cutting tool spinning at as much as 22,000 RPM!
Second, because the Router Bit Vise will lock onto the router bit shank when turned in one direction but let it spin freely when turned in the other, you never have to worry if you are tightening the fastener instead of loosening or vice versa. This helps ensure you don't accidentally over-torque and strip the small threads in the router bit.
Finally, you can use the Router Bit Vise to both loosen and tighten those retaining screws and nuts. By flipping the router bit over and installing the router bit shank from the other side you effectively reverse the clutch direction of the bearings and the vise will now let you tighten away.
This is where the ergonomic shape and size are important. The overall size of the Router Bit Vise helps ensure that you don't over tighten those small retaining screws but still gives you a firm grip to break loose those large nuts on Rail & Stile and Raised Panel router bits, for example.
And to make sure this important tool does not go missing in your shop, a pair of rare earth magnets in the Router Bit Vise body allow you to stick the vise to any ferrous metal surface. We found it makes storage on the side of a toolbox or the leg of your router table stand as easy as pie.
So there you have it. A clever little tool to help keep your router bits in tip-top shape. It won't damage your bit's shank like your pliers, it's more convenient than the router collet you've been using, and it's guaranteed to be defect-free for its entire life. Pick two up today and give one to a woodworking friend. You'll both be wondering how you ever lived without one.