Thread: Shank adapters/sleeves - reusable or not?

I got a couple odd router bits along with a 2nd hand router - one of them had a 1/4" -> 1/2" sleeve on it - the sort with a single slot cut into it - it was on v.firmly and I couldn't get it off.

I ordered another 1/4" - 1/2" sleeve from McJings along with some spiral upcuts and it's pretty much exactly the same except I can't even slip it over a 1/4" shank without using substantial force (and rendering it effectively unremovable).

Is this typical for these sleeves - I had assumes you could reuse them - I have a 8mm -> 1/2" splined/spliced sleeve that came with a router bit set from Woodrat and it works a treat - easy on, easy off.

This is more a curiosity as I found that I also had a 1/4"-1/2" sleeve of the woodrat sort that works well.

On a sidenote I couldn't help myself and removed the original stuck sleeve but chipped the TCT bit (it was wrapped in layers of rag - of course this happened when it was 99% of the way off)