Power tool brushes-how often do you inspect the wear, if ever?

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Changed brushes in my big DeWalt mitre saw last year. Was 15 years old though

That's it

 

[Kram]

Might have to see if i can make some fit from summat else.

This is what I did, I think I trimmed 5mm off one side. Messy but worked great after. I bought a pack of chinese brushes for couple quid same size as grinder ones. Checked grinder nothing wrong with brushes in that.

A loose brush cap will cause a heated spring.

It might but it wasnt. Im thinking the original springs were too weak causing excess heat.

 

[the snooper]

If I get caught out I just find an old oversized carbon and file it to the right size, keeps you going

 

[Pete.]

This is what I did, I think I trimmed 5mm off one side. Messy but worked great after. I bought a pack of chinese brushes for couple quid same size as grinder ones. Checked grinder nothing wrong with brushes in that.


It might but it wasnt. Im thinking the original springs were too weak causing excess heat.

The spring shouldn't carry any current, but if the motor is worked hard then they can share the electrical load with the braid. You'd see it often in old diamond drilling motors especially if the power supply was marginal.

 

[brightspark]

I have a metabo grinder, 115mm its about 30 years old & in great condition, just stopped working & checked the brushes which are knackered. Trouble is its so old nobody even recognises the poxy model number just say obsolete model throw it away.
Might have to see if i can make some fit from summat else.

if you cant get the exact size get some slightly bigger one side might be the right size and the other just rub them down to fit on some emery cloth or sandpaper

 

[pedrobedro]

I have a metabo grinder, 115mm its about 30 years old & in great condition, just stopped working & checked the brushes which are knackered. Trouble is its so old nobody even recognises the poxy model number just say obsolete model throw it away.
Might have to see if i can make some fit from summat else.

My 20 year old Metabo has exactly the same brushes as the new one I bought to replace it. It also has the same armature so I replaced the armature and now I have two.

 

[tom2207]

I check the brushes when a tool stops working and not a minute sooner. Don't think I've ever seen worn out brushes anyway, cracked/crumbled brushes and melted brush holders but never simply worn down.

I go through a couple of sets a year in my flap disc grinder , seldom change any in my cutting or wire brushing grinders , but the fly off brushes are a life saver .

 

[JohnRUFC]

It's part of my current job role maintaining plant for a flooring company and even I only check them when there's an issue. I can also tell you that the best 9" Angle Grinder is the Hikoki G23MR. It's the only one we use that doesn't die after a week.