Comments on: Norm Abrams on “TLC for Power Tools” http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/ All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:12:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: Joe Pardo http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-408127 Joe Pardo Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:54:54 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-408127 Do you always need to drill a hole before installing screws? Do you always need to drill a hole before installing screws?

]]> By: eschoendorff http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28645 eschoendorff Sat, 03 Mar 2007 13:43:30 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28645 I have noticed that my cordless drills have an electric brake system that sparks a little when I let up on the trigger. No worries... I have noticed that my cordless drills have an electric brake system that sparks a little when I let up on the trigger. No worries…

]]> By: Jeff T http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28533 Jeff T Sat, 03 Mar 2007 01:29:09 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28533 Just because an electric tool sparks doesn't mean it's time to replace the brushes... I don't know why they said that. Almost anything you have if you look at the motor when you start it especially will arc even out the side on some models - its just nature of the beast. When the motor is running it should just spark quite a bit less. If it sparks much more than normal I'd say it's time to check them first... Yeah, I have that same angle grinder and was surprised it had those brush access points. Funny thing is since it's Harbor Freight, have fun getting more brushes ala carte from them! I guess you could fabricate some? That's the only downfall of HF tools... but it sure isn't bad for the money so far. Just because an electric tool sparks doesn’t mean it’s time to replace the brushes… I don’t know why they said that.
Almost anything you have if you look at the motor when you start it especially will arc even out the side on some models - its just nature of the beast. When the motor is running it should just spark quite a bit less.

If it sparks much more than normal I’d say it’s time to check them first…

Yeah, I have that same angle grinder and was surprised it had those brush access points. Funny thing is since it’s Harbor Freight, have fun getting more brushes ala carte from them! I guess you could fabricate some? That’s the only downfall of HF tools… but it sure isn’t bad for the money so far.

]]> By: Patrick Fitzgerald http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28516 Patrick Fitzgerald Fri, 02 Mar 2007 23:21:52 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28516 I've noticed some sparking in my Porter-Cable router and thought I might need to change the brushes, but haven't had the time to get into it; this might make it easier. I also noticed sparks in my brand-spakin' new Bosh PS10-2 I-driver, so I wonder exactly how much sparking signifies a problem... I’ve noticed some sparking in my Porter-Cable router and thought I might need to change the brushes, but haven’t had the time to get into it; this might make it easier.

I also noticed sparks in my brand-spakin’ new Bosh PS10-2 I-driver, so I wonder exactly how much sparking signifies a problem…

]]> By: James http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28503 James Fri, 02 Mar 2007 22:26:12 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28503 This video demonstrates router brush replacement. Unfortunately, registration is required: http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/subscription/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesArticle.aspx?id=5190 The process for two units are shown: one with externally accessible brushes, and one that requires removal of the housing. This video demonstrates router brush replacement. Unfortunately, registration is required:

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/subscription/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesArticle.aspx?id=5190

The process for two units are shown: one with externally accessible brushes, and one that requires removal of the housing.

]]> By: T http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28469 T Fri, 02 Mar 2007 20:05:22 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28469 High end power tools? The $15 angle grinder I bought two weeks ago from Harbor Freight not only has accessible brushes, it came with a replacement set. This is about as far from high end as it gets. High end power tools? The $15 angle grinder I bought two weeks ago from Harbor Freight not only has accessible brushes, it came with a replacement set. This is about as far from high end as it gets.

]]> By: Rick http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28465 Rick Fri, 02 Mar 2007 19:52:37 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28465 I guess that explains the sparking from my dad's ancient craftsman drill.. I'll have to let him know.. I guess that explains the sparking from my dad’s ancient craftsman drill..
I’ll have to let him know..

]]> By: nrChris http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28462 nrChris Fri, 02 Mar 2007 19:39:13 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/02/norm-abrams-on-tlc-for-power-tools/#comment-28462 Very useful post. I have noticed sparking inside of my older Craftsman circular saw. I am going to use this as an excuse to buy a new one. There are no brush ports on this saw, but I am thinking of ripping it apart to try to replace them anyway. Anyone have thoughts on this? I figure that as long as I am careful and layout the pieces as they come off that I should be able to at least access the brushes--I believe that I have a source for new replacements too so that isn't a consideration. It will be nice to have a second circ, but if it dies in the process it will be no biggie. Advice appreciated. Very useful post. I have noticed sparking inside of my older Craftsman circular saw. I am going to use this as an excuse to buy a new one. There are no brush ports on this saw, but I am thinking of ripping it apart to try to replace them anyway. Anyone have thoughts on this? I figure that as long as I am careful and layout the pieces as they come off that I should be able to at least access the brushes–I believe that I have a source for new replacements too so that isn’t a consideration. It will be nice to have a second circ, but if it dies in the process it will be no biggie. Advice appreciated.

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