Hi, I have a Ryobi 14" metal cutting saw that seems to have lost power. When looking in the end of the motor as it works, the green sparking seems to be more than usual? Is this most likely the brushes? Is changing brushes a complicated job? Thanks in advance.

crigby

Hi,
You may like to look at:
Ryobi Tools :: Power Tools, Outdoor Products and Accessories
Peace,
Clarke

parttime

Crigby, thanks for the response. I've looked at the link, and still can't tell if replacing brushes will restore some power back to the saw, or if it's a complicated job to change? or if the (excess)??sparking inside the end of the motor is even an indication of worn brushes, What do you think?

KeepItSimpleStupid

Worn brushes is the first indication of sparks. If it goes on for too long then the armature is damaged.

I some power tools the brushes are insertable externally. In others taking the housings apart, the brushes fall out. You ten insert the brushes and insert a temporary "keeper" through a small hole on the outside. This "Keeper" is a stiff piece of wire. You then assemble the device and pull out the "keeper".

Brushes only cost a few bucks.

Usually you inspect the armature for wear and/or do continuity tests for each coil on opposing sides and lightly sand the armature if necessary.

How can we help you without a link and model #?

parttime

Kiss, big help just anwering the question on spark and change out of brushes. I mainly was looking for confirmation that brushes could be bad. thanks guys for the info.

KeepItSimpleStupid

Bad, most likely. Combined with armature - unknown.

This is like if you replace your brake shoes in your car before you get costly rotor damage, your OK.

Wait.. the springs of the brushes dig into the slip rings doing irrepairable damage. If the motor sits before rotating then the armature windings die.

parttime

kiss, thanks again, but it looks like its a moot point, Ryobi is calling the parts obsolete. My doing a little more searching and then just upgrade to a newer model. I've never done brushes but if I can locate them I'll give it a shot. Oh, It's a c356 model, like most of my tools, old and well used. thanks again for the info.

KeepItSimpleStupid

If it's just brushes, go to your local vacuum cleaner repair place. Find a pair that's close or larger. You can file to size.

Those brushes replace from the outside. You'll see a insulated slotted screw. Unscrew and there is your brush with a spring.

That's what I did when I had to replace brushes on a car blower motor. The appliance repair shop here has an additude. The vacuum cleaner repair shop doesn't.

parttime

That's a great idea, I've got the parts break down and schematic as a guide, I hadn't thought of making the brushes. that's thinking outside the box.

crigby

Hi,
K.I.S.S. tried to rate this, but it would not let me. Had not thought of it; friend even owns the vacuum cleaner place I use at times, but a great idea.
Peace,
Clarke