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Finish Nailer Repair - Replacing the Driver Guide (Ridgid Part # 79004001022)

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Finish Nailer Repair - Replacing the Driver Guide (Ridgid Part # 79004001022)

Safety Guidelines

Always remember to disconnect a tool from its power source before dismantling it or performing repairs.
A clean workspace can minimize the potential for accidents and prevents dismantled tools from being exposed to dirt.
Drawing wiring diagrams is very important when working with electrical wiring.
Especially when working with DC current, mixing up wires can be dangerous to the tool or repairman.

Wiring a 2-Terminal Power Tool Switch

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Finish Nailer Repair - Replacing the Driver Guide (Ridgid Part # 79004001022)

Manufacturers occasionally change components in existing tools and machines that they carry. Often, the new components are a lot different than the old ones but are still compatible. One good example of this is with power switches. Many manufacturers have replaced old, 4-terminal power switches in their tools with new, 2-terminal power switches. Even though the wiring for these two kinds of switches is different, the new, 2-terminal switches can be wired easily, even in if the tool previously used a 4-terminal switch. Generally, tool and machine manufacturers purchase small components like switches in bulk from an electric wholesaler. Sometimes the wholesaler will change the style of the component, or manufacturers will make a change in the interest of cost or quality. For example, 4-terminal switches are slightly more expensive than 2-terminal switches, and the idea is that the cost savings are passed to the customer as well. Below are diagrams and explanations for wiring 2-terminal switches in tools that previously used a 4-terminal switch. For more information about Power Switches--Click here. For a "Power Switch Repair 101" article--Click here. 4-Terminal Switch Wiring 4-terminal switches have two wires leading from the motor and two wires leading from the power cord. Below is an example diagram of a 4-terminal switch. The cold, or negative wires are the filled in black power cord wire and the corresponding left-hand side motor wire.

4-Terminal Switch Diagram [Back to top] Wiring for a 2-Terminal Switch Changing the wiring from a 4-terminal switch like the one above to a 2-terminal switch is pretty simple. Like in the below diagram, the positive wires from the cord and the motor are connected to the switch where the electrical connection will be completed and cut by using the switch trigger. The negative wires from both the motor and the switch should be connected with a tie together, allowing for a full circuit when the switch is used to connect where the circuit is severed.

2-Terminal Switch Diagram It is always important to thoroughly test a power tool after installing any new component, especially in the case of a switch re-wiring like the one described above. If the power tool features a rotating spindle it should be checked that it is spinning in the correct direction. This is especially important with routers and saws, because a bit or blade rotating in the wrong direction can be very dangerous.
If the tool is spinning in the wrong direction, it may be because the switch wiring was reversed during the procedure. Reversing the motor wires on the switch will reverse the polarity and get the tool spinning in the right direction. Drawing a wiring diagram is the best way to prevent this kind of mix-up. For more about Wiring Diagrams--Click here. If you're looking to replace your tool's power switch, you can begin your search on our Home Page, or by using the "Model Number Search" at the top of this page. eReplacementParts.com offers easy search features and fast shipping options, so you can get the power switch you need, apply this article's repair steps, and get your tool or machine up and running again.
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