BT3100 brush reinstallation... am I OK??

[davidtu]

1) I took out the brushes to look 'em over... one has what appears to be a scratch (very slight but about 1/32" wide) along its surface. I can post a pic if there are questions... but wondering if it needs to be replaced because of it?

2) when I took out the brush it was seated nicely in the housing even tho the cover was off... I had to pull it out (along with the spring). When I put it back it didn't want to sit in there any more, I had to be quick w/ the cover to close it up again. So, what's going on here? Did I stretch the spring when I pulled it out? Did I pull it out wrong? Was I supposed to use the little hex set screws in the very back of the motor cover before doing this? (Didn't notice these and they don't seem to do anything w/ brushes, but still unsure.)

Anyway, wanted to get some feedback here to see if its OK to go ahead and try to run the motor.

Thanks!

[RayintheUK]

The brushes are held in by the circular caps only - nothing to do with the set screws at the back which hold the rear cover on. Have a look at page 7 of this article and you'll see the exploded parts diagram.

Sounds like the spring did get a little stretched - nothing to worry about. Brushes will adopt a profile in the same way as disc brake pads do. They need re-fitting in the same carrier and in the same orientation, ideally. If the brush sat in its carrier slightly off, then if it's inserted upside down, there will be less contact because there will be a "leading edge." if you see what I mean.

However, as long as there's contact between the brushes and the armature, the motor will run. Give the arbor a turn or two with the power off to seat them (spin the blade with a gloved hand), then you should be OK to fire it up. HTH

Ray.

[davidtu]

ok all is well, thanks Ray!