About Chrism Expertise I have spent nearly 30 years in the repair of electric motors power tools and generators, fault finding and problem resolving are my forte.
Experience 5 year apprenticeship
city and guild certificate in plant maintenance and utalisation.
Expert: Chrism Date: 6/8/2001 Subject: Power tool repair
Question Chrism,
HELP!!! I have an old Van Dorn 1/4" power drill. It was my father's and I believe it has an electrical problem as when I went to use it I received a shock and then nothing. There was no odor etc. I HATE to part with it because of sentimental value. Do you know of anyone that could look at it & perhaps repair it. I know there are no parts for it but if electrical possible just something generic. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. Lisa
Answer Hi Lisa
There could be several reasons for the fault, the good thing is that it does not smell burnt. There should be an electric motor repairer or power tools specialist some where near you, and you could ask them for a quote,. Its a shame you are not near me as I would check it out for you, ( Bournemouth UK ).
Before you do take it anywhere check one or 2 obvious things, Make sure the wires in the plug are all firmly connected and none have come loose and touching the earth pin. As this is an old drill I expect it is full of carbon dust, formed as the brushes wear down on the commutator , If you can get it to an air line i suggest you blow it out, Stand well back it can cause quite a mess. If the lead is very old it may just need to be changed as it could be breaking down.
If none of these rectify the problem then you will have to get a quote for a repair , BE CAREFUL electricity is dangerous, so if you cannot find the fault don't just turn it on, Oh and check the fuse as i expect that will need to be replaced.
To find a power tools repairer check out the yellow pages in ypour area.
Sorry I cant do more, if it was in front of me it would only take a couple of minutes to diagnose the fault.
