Angle grinder trouble
 

Sorry no clue where this goes. I have a 4 1/2 dewalt grinder that overheated on me. It now makes a weird noise and sparks when i engage it. What can i do? Am i able to fix it myself or should it be taken in to a shop?

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

Personally, buy a new one. They are $40-$50, they not worth messing with.
I have a Makita, Bosch, and Metabo, two paddle switch, one slide switch, all under $50. Just my opinion.

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

Oh its not the cheaper one. They are like $90 and
i cant afford a new one since im trying to buy a tranny plus i have some debt :) im pretty much hoping someone can steer me in the directionnof what i need to check and replace. I did take it apart and i can see whats sparking but i dont know the cause.

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

with the aid of the instruction manual and parts list taking it apart you can have a look, it doesnt cost anything to do that and its already busted so you can either save it finish it off or it stays the same either way you have a chance to see how it works and gain some knowledge

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

You can order parts, or find a Dewalt service center, I have one 20 mins away. They do good work and warranty it!

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

No idea man I was gonna say buy another one until I read your post about being broke! I would look for an owners manual for it JMHO!

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

I am pretty sure a shop will tell you to just buy a new one, but you can give it a try...

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

Dewalt,Black and Decker and Craftsman are pretty much the same grinder.
Sounds like you need new brushes.
Take the grinder with it's part/serial number to the nearest dealer or wholesale house and ask for the brushes.
They're easy to change out.
Also,take a piece of fine emery cloth(180 grit)and clean the black carbon off the commutator.It's the part of the motor that the brushes ride on.
The black carbon and worn brushes cause a bad connection and will make it throw sparks.
Less than a $10.00 repair.
Mike.

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

Toss in some new brushes. If that don't work chuck it.

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

Only one of mine might be considered a cheaper one, the Bosch was a sweet sale deal, the Metabo should be $120-$150, but it's knowing the right people(a supplier that used a new grinder for a demo show-nobody would buy it, so I offered $50 and got it:metal::metal:)



Since it's a cash flow issue, and if you have the time, these guys have the best advice.

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

I have one that did the same thing, You can get the parts for them, I never did though it's still in a box waiting for me to order the parts. there are brush holders and then the brushes. you'll probably need both. If I remember correctly the parts were like 18 bucks. I also have a dewalt corded sawsall I need some parts for. I just hate paying all the shipping for little parts.

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

"over heated and now it makes weird noises and throws sparks"? sounds to me like the commutator is toast. you got nothing to loose by taking it apart and looking at it. see if a segment or 2 of the commutator is burned. repair may be higher than replacement. if so I would hit the pawn shops and get another one. I got my DW401 3 years ago for $15 that way. it works great and gets plenty of abuse from fiberglass grinding.(45 YO boat)

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

I'm with everybody else. Get a set of brushes (& holders) and give it a whirl.
If you have to take it apart, clean up the commutator with some emery cloth, not sand paper, and take a DULL knife and clean out the grooves on the commutator.

Re: Angle grinder trouble
 

Go on your local craigslist and find one just like it for $25.