My router takes bits with 1/2" shaft size, and it came with an adapter
sleeve that lets me use bits with 1/4" shaft. This sleeve is about an
inch long and has a slit up the side.

Naturally at some point I broke this sleeve, but I still kept using it
as long as I kept track of the parts, which I know seemed to have lost.

But I can't find anyone that sells this sleeve. Is it just me, or is
this a hard-to-get item?

On Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:08:26 -0400, Home Guy wrote:

My router takes bits with 1/2" shaft size, and it came with an adapter
sleeve that lets me use bits with 1/4" shaft. This sleeve is about an
inch long and has a slit up the side.

Naturally at some point I broke this sleeve, but I still kept using it
as long as I kept track of the parts, which I know seemed to have lost.

But I can't find anyone that sells this sleeve. Is it just me, or is
this a hard-to-get item?

It's just you. ;-)

http://www.ptreeusa.com/routerAcc.htm#2918

You're better off with the right collet, though. Many routers have
replaceable collets.