Question:  Why is my power tool hot to the touch?
Answer:  Dust
If a tool runs hot to the touch when you are using it in normal conditions it is probably telling you it needs help. Air is drawn in through intake ports by the fan on the motor and expelled through output ports thereby cooling the tool. Sawdust, a by-product of woodworking, will clog these ports as well as lodge into other greasy nooks and crannies of the tool restricting air flow, eventually the motor may overheat to the point that it will melt down and die.

If you have an air compressor give the intake port a shot of air with the tool running when you are finished using the tool for the day.

Lacking an air compressor the tool should be disassembled when a noticeable amount of dust has accumulated in the air ports and the dust removed with a brush. Be careful not to damage the fan blades when doing this.

Question:  What should I do if my power tool has some excessive sparking in the motor?
Answer:  Brushes
If the tool needs help to get going or there is excessive sparking in the motor, (up to 1/4" long arcs are normal) the brushes probably need to be replaced.

Some tools have external covers that can be removed to change the brushes, others have to be partially taken apart. Be careful when removing the covers, the brushes are spring loaded and may pop out on you. Examine the length of both brushes, if they are less than 1/4" long they will need to be replaced.

Brushes may be ordered as original parts from the manufacturer or generic products are available, either will work just fine. Some new brushes are flat on the end and need to be seated to the curvature of the armature by running the tool with no load for a while.

Question:  There seems to be a problem with my power supply of my power tool, what should I check?
Answer:  Power Supply
Things to check in the power supply are the power outlet, the cord and the switch. Check the outlet first, make sure that the circuit breaker has not been tripped.

Physically examine the cord for cuts or frayed sections, if the cord looks good wiggle it where it enters the tool and at the plug, wires will often break from stress at these points.

A new generic plug can be put on the cord, if the cord has to be replaced the tool will have to be disassembled, cut the wires off about an inch long with some of the coloured insulation remaining on the stubs. Fit the new cord and attach the wires one at a time by removing the old stubs and attaching the new ones by matching the colours. If the switch is defective you will have to order a replacement part, you will need the model of the tool for this. When you get the new switch compare it to the original, draw a diagram of the wiring on paper, then replace the switch by removing and connecting one wire at a time if possible.

If you have a tool related question or are interested in finding out more about Kiloton please contact us or call us on 0861 707 707 and we will gladly be of further assistance.