Power tools are important tools and almost every one of us uses them. However, if you strain them in your everyday work, expect lots of problems. This article will guide you on how to establish power tool faults and how you can go about them. It will also help you fix a few problems and bring you back on track.
Power tools that won’t turn on
Problems that are mostly electrical may make your tools not to start. This is just but a simple malfunction.
Look at your main switch properly in case there is any damage. What causes many damages is water and heat. This decreases the lifespan of a tool. Get a multi-meter to conduct a test whether power is moving freely in every part of your tool. It is easy to establish the faulty part.
Since dust and other kinds of dirt can easily accumulate on some parts, it is good to check springs and brushes carefully. Accumulation of dirt causes the tools not to work properly. These brushes are usually located near the router of electricity within the power tool. They are enclosed in brush channels. Due to tear and wear, they become worn out in due course. Replace them regularly of you realize that they are either shortened or worn out.
If the power cord is loose or has cuts, tears, and other damages, it is wise to have it replaced. Since it is visible, it is easy to remove and replace it. These damages usually prevent the smooth flow of power throughout your device. This may make your tool completely useless.
Low Power
When the power level is down and your tool starts normally, it is such a discouraging incident. Other workers resolve to work by hand rather than dealing with a tool which is not just as fast as you expected. The cause of this is likely to be worn out carbon brushes. Replace them immediately to save you this agony. Their work is to transfer power to the motor of your device. Therefore, if power won’t flow, the machine will strain and it won’t have the energy and speed it should have. It is high time the parts got replaced.
This is also the case if your device refuses to start. Mostly, this machine could be having worn out brushes that would kill it with time. However, if your tool has new and clean brushes, there could be communication problems. Melting, buildup, and discoloration of the insulators would mean that your communicator is faulty. If power is the main problem you can choose a cordless miter saw because it can work even when there is no power.
Burning Smell
That smell of a burning machine is not strange to us especially when it causes a cringe. Everything can be moving but the machine does not work even slightly and the smell is just but a bother. Sometimes, it may be difficult for you to differentiate between a burning power tool and an old and overused one. The design, age, and type of your power tool are the determinants. Check whether your power tool has a planer or sander. It is technically known as a drive belt. The motor will be spinning but nothing will work since the belt is broken. You will realize this from the smell. Tools such as power saws that have capacitors will require that you either repair or replace the capacitors because this is the main cause of the burnout.
All the same, smelling should not send you into panic because some machines overheat and that is one cause of smell. This is possible especially when tools such as power saws work for long or on hard surfaces. This may cause some burning smell too. If you want to establish the problem, switch it off and let it rest up to 30 minutes. After this, try to establish the main cause of the problem.
High-pitched Noise
It is normal to cope with high noise from your machines but it is worth noting that some screeching noise is just too much and this could be a serious problem. If it screeches beyond a hammer drill, danger is looming.
It all starts from lubrication once you notice that there are minor screeches. You may want to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions from the manual on how to take good care of your power tool.
Check the tool’s gears if it is squealing. Most machines have forward and reverse gears. In most cases, if these controls are not working, it is the gear switch that is stuck in the gears. You need to gently move the switch forward and backward while attempting to engage the gears again. Run the drill once more and you will be good to go.
Fire and Smoke
It is of great urgency that you turn your machine off if you see any smoke coming out of it. Do not go on using tools that spark or smoke. This is not only dangerous to the machine but yourself as well.
Put it away first to cool down and then attempt to diagnose the problem and fix it.
The tool has to cool down first and then check on whether debris or any dirt has passed through its vent inside. Such dust particles especially if the working area is wide can make your machine to spark or smoke. If it is not the burning dust, undo the casing of your power tool to check on the damage of the heat.
Conclusion
Power tools can be maintained well if the manufacturer’s instructions are followed properly. Avoid misusing your tools if you want to see them last longer. Manufacturers are aware of which materials have been used to make the machines and therefore are aware of how they should be maintained. Keeping a maintenance plan followed all the time will prevent looming problems before they happen. You may also do it by yourself especially small adjustments and repairs to ensure that more damage does not take place.