Abstract: A tamping tool removal system including a collar that houses a plurality of hydraulic fluid actuated pistons. The collar fits around the shank of the tamping tool with a channel groove in the collar receiving an annular ring on the shank. When hydraulic fluid extends the pistons against the retainer, the engagement between the ring and channel groove separates the tamping tool from the retainer. A retaining washer has a slot in its side for slidable mounting on a bolt without removal of the bolt from the shank. Tightening the bolt against the retaining washer presses the retaining washer against a surface of the tamping tool retainer to draw the shank tightly into a bore in the tamping tool retainer.