OF 1010 collet removal

[Pompeio]

I recently purchased a reconditioned OF 1010 and was going to use it for the first time today.  I cannot, however, remove the 8 mm collet that came attached to the router. I only have 1/4” (and 1/2” for my 1400) bits so the 8mm collet is not useful to me at this time.  I am able to remove the black collet nut but the collet itself will not budge. 
I contacted Festool Service and was told to wrap the collet in a thin towel and then try using a pair of pliers to pull/turn the collet.  This did not work.
Any suggestions before I ship the router back to Festool?
Thank you.

 

[nclemmons]

I'd put some lubricant like boeshield in the collet and tap it on the outside with a hammer against a block of wood to see if you can slowly loosen it.  Normally the collet is attached to the nut so when loosened, it's pulled out, but it sounds like the previous user put the collet in and then tightened the nut pressing it into the shaft.

Once removed, use some Q-tips and something like acetone to remove the lubricant residue and then dry the inside of the shaft and collet.

Another thought - if you have a 1/4" pin punch, you might be able to insert it into the collet and work it around with the lubricant to hopefully put a little pressure on the collet to release it from the shaft.  You could also try the shaft end of a jobber's 5/16" drill bit to do the same thing, since it's close to 8mm -

 

[JFelchlin]

SEND IT BACK TO FESTOOL.
Why take a chance of messing it up? It’s THEIR problem.

I’ve had good and bad experiences with the Recon Sale.
I bought a Recon CT 26 Dust Extractor - And it came in “like new” condition. Runs great.
But... I also bought a TS 55 REQ on the RECON site. It was DOA.
Festool Service hadn’t even bothered to plug it in and pull the trigger before shipping it.
And... The base plate couldn’t be registered to 90 degrees with the blade.
I SENT IT BACK.
It was returned to me in excellent condition with both problems corrected.
I’m not sure how this happens - And I will buy on the Recon site again -
But apparently... Sometimes “RECON” doesn’t mean the tool was actually reconditioned.

BTW... Congrats on securing the OF 1010. It’s a great router.

 

[Pompeio]

No luck in further attempts to remove the collet so I will be sending it back to Festool.