collet

collet — noun

1. A ring-shaped piece of metal that fits tightly around a rod, pipe, or other cyli

1.名詞C1
釋義

A ring-shaped piece of metal that fits tightly around a rod, pipe, or other cylindrical part to hold it in position or strengthen the connection.

例句

The engineer slid a brass collet over the pipe joint to stop the leak.

collocation: brass collet / pipe joint

Yael checked each metal collet on the scaffolding pole for signs of rust.

同義詞
  • ferrule

    a metal ring or cap, often at the end of a tool handle, used to prevent splitting; broader than 'collet'

  • collar

    a general term for any ring-shaped fitting; less precise in technical contexts

  • ring

    simplest everyday word; lacks the mechanical sense of gripping

用法筆記

In woodworking and metalwork, a collet is often fitted to the end of a pole or tube to prevent the material from cracking under force.

常見錯誤

❌The metal collar on the pipe is broken.
✅The metal collet on the pipe is broken.
💡While 'collar' and 'collet' overlap in meaning, 'collet' is the precise technical term for a ring that grips or reinforces a cylindrical part.

2. A cone-shaped gripping device inside machines like drill presses and lathes that

2.名詞C1
釋義

A cone-shaped gripping device inside machines like drill presses and lathes that opens and closes to hold a rotating tool or workpiece securely in place.

例句

Lucas tightened the collet with a small wrench before starting the lathe.

action sequence: tighten + collet + before + start

The collet on the milling machine could not grip the new drill bit properly.

collocation: collet on [machine] + grip [object]

同義詞
  • chuck

    a device that holds a drill bit; usually has adjustable jaws, while a collet is one solid piece with slots

  • chuck key

    the tool used to tighten or loosen a chuck; not the same as the collet itself

  • casing

    a general outer covering; does not imply the gripping function

用法筆記

Collets in this sense are usually made of spring steel and are tightened by a collet nut or drawbar. The object being held must have a matching diameter for a secure grip.

常見錯誤

❌Put the drill bit in the clamp.
✅Put the drill bit in the collet.
💡A clamp presses from the outside; a collet surrounds the bit evenly and is designed for rotating tools.

3. A raised metal rim or cup used in jewelry-making that wraps around a gemstone to

3.名詞C1
釋義

A raised metal rim or cup used in jewelry-making that wraps around a gemstone to hold it firmly in its setting.

例句

The jeweller pushed the diamond into the gold collet and bent the edges down carefully.

collocation: gold collet / push into + bend edges

Adisa replaced the old collet on the ring because the emerald had started to wobble.

同義詞
  • bezel

    a metal rim that holds a gem, very similar to a collet — 'bezel' is the more common term in jewellery, while 'collet' is the technical term

  • mount

    the entire structure that holds a gem in a piece of jewellery; broader than 'collet'

  • setting

    a general term for any way of fixing a gem into jewellery

反義詞
  • prong setting

    a setting with metal claws holding the gem, instead of a full rim

用法筆記

A collet setting is one type of gem setting, commonly used for softer stones that need more protection than prong settings provide.