You NEVER screw the collet nut down without a bit in it. Take the nut off and tap all around the collet from the sides with a light hammer and a pin punch and it should eventually let go. Once it lets go you may be able to spread the slots open with a thin bladed screwdriver. That really isn't the ideal way to do it but it probably is the only option available to you. A slide hammer with a round headed screw hooked onto the bottom edge of the collet would be better.

 

here's the PDF's...

 

Put the collet over a vise opened just enough to hold it above the jaws...take a straight punch that will fit into the collet and touching the 1/4" adapter and tap lightly to push the adapter out the bottom...

Then throw the adapter out, closely examine the inside of the collet and if scored, throw it out also...

That component holds very sharp 25,000RPM whir lie things and you don't want to take a chance...

 

Hi Cody,you will get the right advice from the Members here.Happy New Year & welcome to Router Forums.james jj777746

 

Welcome to the forum Cody