Laminate Trimmer: Spindle Lock Doesn't Work

The spindle lock button allows for single wrench bit changes. The button itself is made up of a spring, pin and a retainer, though this can very on some models. To replace a broken button, make sure the base is removed. Remove the motor cover and then the carbon brushes. Make a reference mark on the two halves of the motor housing for reassembly. Separate the two halves of the motor housing by tapping it free, with the rubber mallet.

Remove the collet. Hold on the armature with a glove, or rag, and use an impact wrench to remove the chuck. Use a rubber mallet to tap the armature loose of the housing. Using a small punch, tap the pin holding the spindle lock assembly out and remove it. Take out the spring and retainer. Replace the old button with a new one, with the retainer and spring, and tap the pin back in place to secure the button. Reinstall the armature into the housing and tap it in place, using the rubber mallet. Reinstall the chuck with the impact wrench and install the collet. Line up the marks on the motor housings and rejoin the two back together. Reinstall the carbon brushes and the motor cover. Finally, reattach the base.

A broken, or missing, pin will cause the spindle lock button to be inoperable. To replace a broken pin, remove the base and the motor cover. Remove the tension springs on the carbon brushes and pull out the carbon brushes. Make a reference mark on the two halves of the motor housing for reassembly. Separate the two halves of the motor housing with a rubber mallet. Remove the collet and then the chuck by holding on the armature with a glove, or rag, and use an impact wrench on the chuck to loosen and remove. Using a rubber mallet, tap the armature free of the housing. Take a small punch and tap free the pin holding the spindle lock button assembly in place. Install the new pin by tapping it in place. Tap the armature back in place with a rubber mallet. Reinstall the chuck with the impact and then collet. Rejoin the motor housing back together, making sure to line up the reference marks. Reinstall the carbon brushes and the motor cap.

The spring returns the spindle lock button back to its original position. If it breaks, or wears out, it will no longer be able to function. To replace a worn out, or broken, spindle lock spring, remove the motor cover and then the carbon brushes. Make a reference mark on the two halves of the motor housing for reassembly and separate the two halves with a rubber mallet. Remove the collet. Holding on the armature with a glove, or rag, use an impact wrench to remove the chuck. Use a rubber mallet to tap the armature loose of the housing. Using a small punch, tap the pin holding the spindle pin out and remove it. Remove the spring and install a new one. Reinstall the pin by tapping it back in place. Then, tap the armature back into place with a rubber mallet. Reinstall the chuck and collet. Rejoin the motor housing back together, lining up the reference marks. Reinstall the carbon brushes and the motor cap.