Servicing electric drills?

[JHZR2]

My old 7A Milwaukee Magnum drill still works like a champ. I've used it countless times with some decently heavy stuff I probably shouldn't have, like lots of 3.5" holes using a hole saw. Tons of other smaller things too.

It spins smooth, runs strong, but I've noticed that it gets hot pretty quick (granted a 3.5" hole saw is a pretty big load for it), and the front gearbox, while smooth, seems a little noisy.

I figure it might be smart to try to service it - at least lube up the bearings and gearbox a bit and check the brushes.

Mine is made in the USA - I'm sure the newer ones are Chinesium. So I'd like to ensure I keep this one in top shape.
Does anyone do much in terms of service on their drills?

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Does anyone do much in terms of service on their drills?


Yes. Just serviced a loud-running Hitachi the other day; had nothing more than a light smear of lithium. Cleaned that off, and replaced with Deere Corn Head Grease. Runs great!

 

[spackard]

Sure.
Clean old grease and add new grease.
Those have replaceable brushes, right? Could inspect, maybe run a wood toothpick through the gaps in the armature. Hit it with a small amount of electronic parts cleaner, in a way that doesn't drive the runoff into the case.

My Makita hi-speed drill used to get hot at the gearbox; new grease helped a lot.

 

[JHZR2]

Type?

Milwaukee has a listing of like 20 types...

 

[expat]

I think I might feel how the bearings feel.

More than once, on power tools, I have had motor bearings go bad.
Repair has normally been inexpensive and easy. Pull off the old bearings and take them to a bearing supplier for replacments.

If the bearing ceases, and spins, a permanent repair can be difficult.