Removing rubber cover from new router bits?

[jeffmorris]

How do I remove the rubber cover (?) that protects working tips of new router bits before using them?

[ger21]

I take a small awl and just slide it down the shank and peel it away. Or just use my thumbnail and peel it back. It tears very easily.

[jeffmorris]

I'll try the awl.

[jeffmorris]

The awl worked.

[Mike Stevenson]

I had a brand new bit and I tried to pull the rubber cover off by hand once. Sliced me like a surgeon.

[georgeburns]

Anybody ever plug it in the router and let it cut itself out on scrap?

[ger21]

Originally Posted by georgeburns Anybody ever plug it in the router and let it cut itself out on scrap?

It'll probably vibrate so much it'll scare the hell out of you, before it flies off and gives you a nice bruise. Or worse.

[Mike Stevenson]

Originally Posted by georgeburns Anybody ever plug it in the router and let it cut itself out on scrap?

Huge bad idea. Cut the rubber cover off with a box cutter. No worries mates.

[ImanCarrot]

And then when you want to protect it after machining- wrap it in tinfoil like the stuff you use in the oven