1400 router collet ratchet not working

[Phoenix]

The ratchet on my 1400 router is not working.  I can tighten a bit, but I cannot loosen it.  Is this something I can fix, or does it have to go back to Festool?

 

[Brice Burrell]

I don't know of this is something you can fix or not.  I'd call Festool, they'll get you on the right track.

 

[xtrememtnbiker]

Mine stopped working and then started working again a bit later that day. I messed with it for a couple minutes the first time and got nothing. Then tried again later for the heck of it and it worked.

No idea what happened...

 

[tjbnwi]

Make sure the trigger is not locked on. The 1400 has a collet override if the trigger is locked on.

Tom

 

[Brent Taylor]

There is a ratching sprocket below the collet shaft, it maybe  broken or the key that engages the ratchet, either is a easy fix and the parts are inexpensive. After disconnecting the power a 15 torx screwdriver will remove the cover,  which will give you access to the space, there may be a piece of debris causing the problem, at least you will have the ability to see what is going on with your router. There is an exploded drawing in your instructions that will guide you. Hopefully it's just debris and you can route away after you clear it out, if not and you are still covered put the cover and screws back together and send it in, if you're out of warranty it's a easy fix, the parts just drop in.

 

[Phoenix]

Make sure the trigger is not locked on. The 1400 has a collet override if the trigger is locked on.

Tom

Tom--Thanks; that's the answer.  I have it mounted in a Festool router table.  At least now it's only a modest pain to change bits:  Unplug, Stoop down, turn off the trigger, press the correct ratchet button and get a wrench in up top to loosen the collet.  Then do everything in reverse with a new bit.

 

[Bob Wolfe]

Mine quit also, started, quit again. Will have to take it apart and have a look.

 

[ega]

Make sure the trigger is not locked on. The 1400 has a collet override if the trigger is locked on.

Tom

I just wanted to thank the author of this post for saving me the needless trouble of dismantling the ratchet mechanism; I, too, had been using the router in the table and forgot to cancel the switch lock. I now need to find an idiot-proof way of preventing this embarrassment in future.

George