Holding apparatus with improved retention ability and method of holding a tool

A combination, comprising:

• a spindle;
• a collet nut engaged with the spindle wherein a recess is defined between the spindle and the collet nut;
• a collet disposed in the recess;
• and
• a tool engaged by the collet;
• wherein the collet includes a plurality of fingers each having first and second tapered portions and wherein the collet nut includes a third tapered portion that engages the first tapered portion of each finger substantially only at spaced first and second contact areas associated with such finger and wherein each finger engages a shank of the tool at a third contact area associated with such finger and wherein a first line extending between the first and third contact areas associated with a finger forms an angle less than or about equal to 32 degrees with respect to a second line extending between the second and third contact areas associated with the same finger.

A collet, comprising:

• a base portion;
• and
• a plurality of fingers coupled to the base portion, wherein each finger includes a main portion coupled to the base portion by a shank portion, wherein each main portion includes a first tapered portion and a second tapered portion spaced from the first tapered portion and wherein the first and second tapered portions form substantially equal angles with respect to a longitudinal center line of the collet;
• wherein the collet is adapted to receive tool shanks of varying radii of curvature not substantially greater than an inner radius of curvature of each finger of the collet such that the collet is adapted to engage a shank at a center portion of the inner radius of curvature of each finger and wherein the collet is further adapted to engage a collet nut substantially only at spaced contact areas of outer surfaces of each finger.