The present invention resides in a tool that is provided for separating a cutting bit from a cutting bit holder used in connection with a rotary a cutting assembly for use in a roadway surface reclaiming machine. More particularly, this invention is directed to providing a tool for quickly and effectively removing cutting bits from the cutting bit holders. The present invention accomplishes this objective by providing a pulling mechanism that is mechanically assisted. In this invention, a bit puller is provided for engagement with the cutting bit and is also attached to a powered retractor to forcibly move the cutting bit. The cutting bit and the retractor are fixed to an outer frame or brace. This outer frame or brace generally circumscribes the bit puller to provide an inner space within which the bit puller can be moved by the retractor. The outer frame or brace has a surface for engaging the cutting bit holder to position the retractor during separation. The bit puller and outer frame are sectioned to permit lateral engagement of the tool with the cutting bit and holder, and are rotatable with respect to each other.