KEYHOLE BIT 3/8' X 1/8' 1/4' SHANK

PRO-TECH

Regular price R 285.20

SKU: KP501011
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Create quote
Pro-Tech. South African favourite for over 30 YearsKeyhole or hang slot cutter

Pierce and round over router bit sampleKeyhole cutter 9.58mm wide

This bit is so different from the usual 'edge treatment' bits that it deserves highlighting.

It is a highly specialised bit that is used for one purpose only, to cut keyhole slots in picture frames or any object you would like to hang flat against a wall. If you have ever owned one of these bits, you know that it saves a lot of money and a lot of frustration.

 

Keyhole slots can be put in most picture frames. For a heavy frame, use two slots and two hanging screws. The process is quick and reliable, and saves endless wire and hooks, which you never have anyway when you need them.

These bits are single fluted for easier plunging. When you want to hang a shelf, picture frame, clock, or candle sconce on a wall but don't want the mounting screws to show, use an inexpensive keyhole router bit to cut screw slots instead. Then, when you hang the piece, it will appear to 'float' on the wall. And, with keyhole slots you don't need special hardware. Once you've got the tools set up, you can cut multiple slots quickly and easily.

 

This router bit has a 6.35 mm shank (shaft) that will fit most small routers. Please ensure that you select a router bit with a shank (shaft) size that will fit into your router collet.

 

PRO-TECH router bits are manufactured in Taiwan.

 

A simple template for cutting perfect keyholes

The first step would be is to use a guide bush that has a centre hole that is slightly larger than 10 mm as in the case with Pro-Tech router bit Model: KP501011. Attach the guide bush into the base of your router.

The second step is to make a template. A scrap piece of plywood or similar material is perfect for the job.

  • Calculate the maximum length of the keyhole slot that you desire to cut on the final workpiece. Normally about 20 to 30 mm.
  • Find a drill bit that is the same size as the guide bush’s guide lip/ring outside diameter.
  • Drill two holes into the template 25mm apart (the length of the desired keyhole slot). Using a jigsaw, remove the inside material between the holes. The final product should look like the picture shown above.

Step 3 shows how the guide bush and the template will fit onto the workpiece. The router is not shown for clarity.

Step 4 is not a difficult as it may seem. Just think carefully before start cutting the slot.

The depth setup of the router bit through the guide bush is important. The slot part of the keyhole cutter should protrude enough to allow for the thickness of the template. (Try first on a scrap piece of wood).

Remember the workpiece should hang, thus the large hole of the keyhole should be at the bottom.

Once you are satisfied with the final depth of cut of the router and the depth gauge on the router is set, mount the router with guide bush into the template starting at the bottom of the desire keyhole slot you want to cut.

  1. Start the router
  2. Plunge to the maximum depth as set on the depth gauge. Lock the router depth.
  3. Move the router along the slot of the template (making the cut for the slot).
  4. Reverse the movement back to the start where you plunged into the workpiece.
  5. Switch the router to OFF (very important)
  6. Once the router came to a standstill, release the locking mechanism end remove the router.
  7. Remove the template to reveal the keyhole slot (hang slot)
_x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_
Part No.Shank dia.Cutting widthCutting Height ACutting Height B
KP5010111/4 _x000D_ inch3/8 inch 1/8 inch1/4 inch
6.35 mm9.53 mm3.20 mm6.35 mm
_x000D_

 

_x000D_

Length of Shank: 32 mm
_x000D_

_x000D_

_x000D_  

_x000D_
_x000D_

_x000D_ Take CareFull Speed

_x000D_
_x000D_

 

_x000D_
_x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_
consider _x000D_ safety for your health and the people around you
_x000D_

General safety suggestions:

_x000D_

It is advisable to always have the following items nearby and in a good _x000D_ condition

_x000D_
    _x000D_
  • Eye protection – clean and scratch free
  • _x000D_
  • Hearing protection – quality earmuffs
  • _x000D_
  • Dust masks – discard old and dirty masks
  • _x000D_
  • Gloves – for easy handling of material and hand protection
  • _x000D_
_x000D_
_x000D_ Wear Gloves_x000D_ Eye Protection_x000D_ Hearing Protection_x000D_ Dust Mask
_x000D_
_x000D_ Wear Gloves
_x000D_
_x000D_
_x000D_ Eye Protection
_x000D_
_x000D_
_x000D_ Hearing Protection
_x000D_
_x000D_
_x000D_ Dust Mask
_x000D_
_x000D_

To use router bits safely (and to get the best results from your router), the _x000D_ router bits need to be installed properly into the router's collet. Improper installation _x000D_ of your bits can cause excessive chatter and could increase the likelihood that _x000D_ the bits will break when in use. 

_x000D_

Clean and sharp

_x000D_

First of all, before beginning any routing operation, check your bits to _x000D_ make sure that they are clean, relatively free of pitch, and most of all, sharp. _x000D_ If the bit is dull, chipped, is excessively burned or has any other defect, _x000D_ it should be sharpened or replaced before use. 

_x000D_

_x000D_ Correct _x000D_ collet and collet nut fit

_x000D_

Most router collets have a recess (groove) that needs to click into a circlip _x000D_ that resides inside the collet nut. Failing to ensure that the collet 'clicked' _x000D_ into the collet nut will cause you to struggle to remove the router bit after tightening. _x000D_ This could cause the collet to break or be removed by a technical repair centre.

_x000D_

 

_x000D_

_x000D_ Correct _x000D_ fit inside the collet

_x000D_

When installing the bit into the collet, do not tighten the collet with the bit _x000D_ 'seated.' Instead, insert the bit until the shank (bit shaft) reaches _x000D_ the bottom of the collet, then ease it out about 2 mm before tightening the collet._x000D_

_x000D_

When the bit is tightened, there should be no less than  2/3 _x000D_ 's of the length of the shank in the collet. If your bit has a shank that is too _x000D_ short, then the bit should be replaced. 

_x000D_

 

_x000D_

Safety gear

_x000D_

There are a few other safety measures to keep in mind whenever you use your router. _x000D_ First of all, remember to always wear appropriate safety gear as indicated above.

_x000D_

Correct speed setting

_x000D_

Second, be sure to set your router to the proper speed for your router bit. _x000D_ Setting your router to an incorrect speed will not only affect the router's performance, _x000D_ but also can cause the bit to break much more easily and even cause bodily harm. _x000D_ The speed at which a router bit turns can be important. The typical router runs _x000D_ at about 22,000 rpm, which is fine for most bits. But as the diameter of the bit _x000D_ increases, you’ll want to slow things down.

_x000D_

Also, before beginning any routing operation, be certain that you give the router's _x000D_ motor time to come up to full speed for the chosen setting. Beginning to cut before _x000D_ the bit is at full speed can give less than desired results. 

_x000D_

_x000D_ Safety gearObserve _x000D_ the following at all times

_x000D_
    _x000D_
  • Wear a protective face shield or Safety Glasses to prevent eye and face _x000D_ injury.
  • _x000D_
  • Wear ear plugs or ear muffs to protect your hearing.
  • _x000D_
  • Use a respirator or dust mask to give protection from dust particles. Wood _x000D_ dust may remain in the air for hours after using power tools.
  • _x000D_
  • Always read and follow router operator's manual instructions.
  • _x000D_
  • Make sure that router rpm's and the bit selected match.
  • _x000D_
  • Dress properly. Wear short sleeves, no loose fitting clothes, proper footwear _x000D_ and no jewellery. Tie back long hair.
  • _x000D_
  • _x000D_ UNPLUG!!!!Always _x000D_ be sure the router is unplugged before replacing bits and that the switch is _x000D_ off before connecting the router.
  • _x000D_
  • Be sure the router bit has completing stopped spinning before sitting the _x000D_ router down.
  • _x000D_
  • Be sure bits, clamps and attachments are secure before starting up.
  • _x000D_
  • Keep children, pets and visitors at a safe distance.
  • _x000D_
  • Be especially cautious when working small pieces.
  • _x000D_
  • _x000D_ Keep _x000D_ hands and fingers away from revolving bits and cutters.
  • _x000D_
  • Do not operate routers in moist or wet areas.
  • _x000D_
  • Always grip tool tightly and be prepared at start-up to resist the motor _x000D_ torque.
  • _x000D_
  • When using a router table, make sure on/off switch is easily accessible._x000D_
  • _x000D_
  • Learn the sound of your router and shut it off at any unfamiliar sounds _x000D_ or irregularities.
    _x000D_ Never start the router with the bit in contact with the material.
  • _x000D_
  • Always feed in the proper direction, against the direction of bit rotation.
  • _x000D_
  • Maintain equipment. Replace worn parts, discard worn-out bits and check _x000D_ router periodically. Clean parts with appropriate solvents.
  • _x000D_
  • _x000D_ Don't _x000D_ operate a tool if you are tired or under the influence of medication, drugs, _x000D_ alcohol or while smoking.
  • _x000D_
  • Check wood for nails, screws or loose knots before routing.
  • _x000D_
  • Keep your mind on your work, avoid distractions, work at a comfortable pace _x000D_ and stop before you get tired.
  • _x000D_
_x000D_

Do a dry run

_x000D_
    _x000D_
  • Place the router on the final work surface and test you cut by moving the _x000D_ router over the whole are to cut with THE ROUTER SWITCHED OFF
  • _x000D_
  • You do not want to waste an expensive piece of wood
  • _x000D_
  • You do not want to start all over
  • _x000D_
  • Never met anyone with spare fingers - SAFETY
  • _x000D_
_x000D_