Just realized a trick for getting a stubborn tool holder out of the spindle

Had a CAT40 holder stuck in our old Haas VF2 after a long run, and the release button wouldn't budge. I tapped the side of the holder flange with a brass hammer while my partner pressed the release, and it popped right out. Anyone have a different method for dealing with a seized taper?

3 comments

3 Comments

rose_hart311mo ago

Tapping the side with a brass hammer always felt wrong to me too, until I tried it. @kim.wren, your uncle's drawer full of brass hammers makes me feel better about the one I keep in my tool chest. I actually spent an hour one time just hitting the drawbar like a dummy before a buddy walked over and tapped the flange. Worked first try, and I felt like an idiot. Now I just keep a brass drift on the vise for exactly that.

noahcampbell3mo ago

Tapping the side with a brass hammer" is a solid move. I always thought you should only hit the drawbar. Had a real stubborn one last month and your trick was the only thing that worked. Changed my whole approach.

kim.wren3mo ago

My uncle's old shop had a drawer full of brass hammers just for that trick. @noahcampbell, it works because the shock breaks the rust bond without hurting the threads. I learned that after ruining two good drawbars being stubborn.