How to remove CMT bits from the box?

[edfan]

This is SO HUMILIATING... I got delivery of a set of CMT router bits. They came in a very nice box and look splendid.

I can't get them OUT of the box! They're wedged into holes lined with some sort of black plastic looking stuff. I pushed and rocked each bit. I threw a towel over one and pulled - got nowhere. Surely I'm not expected to saw them out of this very nice box??

[Flyinghorse]

Have you tried turning them whilest pulling. That may do the trick. If not you, might try putting them in the fridge for a couple hours and give it another try. That's how we used to get stuborn bearings off the shaper cutters when they were to tight. The cold will contract the metal and therefore loosen (hopefully) the fit.

Hope it works,

BJ Wilkinson

[John Lucas]

the back inserts are MADDENING. They do protect during shipping...but not easy to get off. I wrap a rag around the cutter end and grasp it hard and then swivel the base off...it works. Then, when you do get bit out, take rag with WD-40 or mineral spirits and wipe residue of oil off...AND DO NOT STORE THEM IN THE BOX WITH THE BLACK INSERTS. I don't, except for the ones that come in a pretty wood case ? those I do put back and the black inserts get easier to manage with the slightest trace of WD-40...then you have to be sure to wipe that off before you install in router.
John Lucas
www.woodshopdemos.com (http://www.woodshopdemos.com)

[Fred (Guest)]

LOL!.... I thought I was the only one with this problem, but have always been to embarrassed to ask for help. This is worst than getting lost in traffic and afraid to ask for directions. :)

[Sue]

I too, use the rag method to get my bits out of the box. Wrap, twist and pull. Sometimes the black plastic thing will pull out with the bit. If that happens then I just use a pair of vice grips on the black plastic, keep the rag on the bit, and twist and pull some more. It is frustrating, but I've always managed to get them free.

Sue