Why Your CNC Mill Collet Won't Release and How to Fix It

Why Your CNC Mill Collet Won't Release and How to Fix It

C
Clough42

216.0K subscribers

40.5K 2.9K December 14, 2025
AI Summary

This video diagnoses and fixes a common issue with the Priest Tools power drawbar on a Precision Matthews PM-728VT benchtop CNC mill where the collet sticks and won't release properly. The creator identifies a design limitation in the kit's release mechanism and machines a custom replacement part from 1144 steel on a lathe to resolve the problem. The fix provides a permanent solution for anyone experiencing sticking collets with this popular aftermarket power drawbar upgrade.

Description

Today I'm finally fixing the sticking Priest Tools power drawbar. The kit is mostly good, but one design decision leads to a lot of frustration--at least for me. But a little 1144 steel and a lathe will fix it. Support Clough42 on Patreon: https://patreon.com/join/clough42 Use discount code CL42 at checkout for 5% off any Precision Matthews benchtop mill and accessories. Tools used in this video: *This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated Knipex Pliers Wrench 3-Piec

Top Comments

@
DerSebbel

Hey James, great video. Got these older Clough42 vibes. I love it ☺ I really like these little fixes, so satisfying. You wouldn't be you if you'd just accept these little issues.

@
doctorrosenrosen6922

At least a couple of features of the original design seem poor: 1) it should have had the threaded part you just made from the start; 2) it looks like the size of that cylinder (long stroke, small bore) is completely wrong for the application where you want high force (large diameter) and small str

@
GlenMatthews-x8m

My newest favourite subscription

@
outlandish9233

Hi James, Great video! The Priest Tools collet opener looks like a neat tool. Just wondering how hard it is to remove a collet from the spindle and install a different size collet or drill chuck. It looks like the four posts holding the pneumatic cylinder would really interfere with the movement of

@
dannyroland7154

I know you have built a centroid acorn CNC machine and also a Masso. Which do you now think is the best system?

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