For many crafters and tool users replacing worn or damaged power tool parts has become as familiar as driving a screw. For many of those same crafters, though, the thought of replacing the armature in a power drill is daunting if not altogether discouraging. Fortunately though, replacing the armature in a cordless Makita drill, one of the most popular drill types on the market today, is a far simpler process than you might have thought. In fact, with just a dash of courage and a handful of generally simple steps, you can remove and replace the armature in your Makita cordless drill like a true cordless-drill-armature-replacing fool.

Makita Cordless Saw

First, as with any other cordless tool repair procedure, you must turn-off the drill and remove its battery. Next, you simply need to crack into the tool.

Makita Cordless Saw

Lay the tool down on a sturdy flat surface and remove the drill's end-cap and the top half of its clamshell or housing. The end-cap is the dome-shaped section of the housing directly opposite the chuck. top half of the clamshell or housing. Both the housing and end-cap will be held together with star-head screws, accordingly, you will require a star-head screw driver or drill bit to properly open the housing. Set the screws and the top half of the housing safely aside as you continue.

Now that all your power tool's guts and glory are exposed, you will need to remove a few pieces before gaining full access to the armature. First, release the heat sink. This is an L-shaped piece of metal attached to the switch by a series of wires that latches-down over the armature and yoke. Simply pull and place it out of the way. Next, carefully remove the tool's gear-box and brush-holder.

Take note of how these pieces are placed and positioned so that when reinstalling them, every component comes back together properly.

At this point, and because you've already got the tool cracked open, it is also a good idea to check the integrity of your brushes. These little suckers are certainly no strangers to wear and tear and it is never a bad idea to replace them where there are indications of damage. So, if your brushes look worn or crumbly, replace them before completing your repair.

Now that you have gained access to the armature, simply remove the armature and yoke, which at this point, will be connected and removed as one piece. The yoke is an open ended casing which fits over the fattest part of the armature's body. Simply pull the two apart and insert the new armature into the yoke in the same fashion the damaged armature was removed.

Next, you will simply need to move backwards through procedure. This time, however, you get to combine a few steps. In fact, you will essentially insert all components thus far removed as one singular piece. In other words, insert the yoke and armature, the gear-box, and brush-holder simultaneously.

To do this, use the armature to push the brushes into the brush-holder. Ensuring the brushes can make complete contact with the armature, simply squeeze the two together and, holding that position, square the gear-box to the armature's other side. Slide the components into the housing together ensuring they are positioned identically to their pre-removal stations. While inserting, you must also match the notch in the yoke to the plastic notch-catch that is molded into the drill housing. Matching and securing these points will ensure the armature (and surrounding components) remains in the right place inside your drill. NOTE: to match these points, the notch in the yoke will face directly away from you, or, what is now the very bottom of the drill.

Now that the armature and yoke, the gear-box and brush-holder are secured properly in place, replace the heat-sink. Next, replace the top-half of the drill housing and the end-cap. Here, be especially careful not to damage the threads of your star-head screws. This ensures that no matter how many times you need to break into your drill, those screws remain tight.

Lastly, to ensure everything has come back together properly, you simply need to test the drill. Attach the battery, engage the tool, and drill a few screws. If everything runs smoothly, then, congratulations, you have successfully replaced the armature in your Makita cordless drill. If everything doesn't run smoothly, remove the housing once more and retrace your steps ensuring each component is properly communicating with its fellows. If you can find an error, for instance, if your brushes are not making complete contact, fix it. If you can not find an error or cannot otherwise convince the tool to perform properly, take the drill to an authorized Makita service center for professional inspection.

Makita Cordless Drill Repair: How to Replace Your Armature

Makita Cordless Saw

Special Price!!! Bare-Tool Makita BPB180Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)

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>> Click here to update Cheapest prices for Bare-Tool Makita BPB180Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) <<

Bare-Tool Makita BPB180Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Feature

Makita-built motor delivers faster cutting with a 6-setting variable speed dial at 275 - 530 ft./min
Compact, ergonomic design at only 14.1 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue
Includes features such as a built-in L.E.D. light to illuminate the work area
Makita LXT Lithium-Ion battery and Energy Star rated 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger produces 430% total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles
3-year warranty on tool

Bare-Tool Makita BPB180Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Overview

Lightweight, compact design with ergonomic shape for even pressure, easy control and less operator fatigue. Makita built motor delivers 50 percent faster cutting with 6-setting variable speed dial at 275-530 ft./min. Adjustable foot protects material andprovides positive support for accurate cuts. Makita built LXT Lithium-Ion battery and optimum charging system for longer run time and 16 fir holding contact terminals for constant high power. 45-minute Optimum charger has built-in fan to cool battery. Two built-in L.E.D. lights with afterglow illuminate the line of cut. Built-in protective rubber bumpers and skyhook.

Bare-Tool Makita BPB180Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Specifications

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Portable Band Saw delivers cordless metal cutting power to the jobsite. The BPB180Z has a Makita-built high-torque motor and a compact design with less weight for a range of cutting applications in a variety of metal materials.

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BPB180Z Features

CONTROL - Variable speed dial (275 - 530 ft./min.), adjustable foot and built-in L.E.D. light

COMFORT - Only 14.1 lbs. with ergonomic grip

PERFORMANCE - LXT Li-Ion batteries charge in 30 minutes, run longer and deliver 2.5X more cycles

CONVENIENCE - Built-in L.E.D. light

Battery and charger not included

Tool Specifications

Maximum cutting capacity	4-3/4" x 4-3/4"
No load speed	275-530 ft./min.
Battery	18V LXT Lithium-Ion
Overall length	20-5/8"
Net weight	14.1 lbs. (w/battery)

Makita-Built Motor Engineered for Versatile Power
The BPB180Z features a Makita-built high-torque motor and a 6-setting variable speed dial that delivers a no load speed of 275-530 ft./min. for faster metal cutting through Unistrut, all thread, channel, corrugated, conduit, pipe, sheet metal, square tubing, and more. The adjustable foot protects material and provides positive support for more accurate cuts.

Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BPB180Z weighs just 14.1 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with a more compact design at 20-5/8 inches long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue. The BPB180Z is also equipped with a built-in L.E.D. light that illuminates the work area for more efficient work, as well as rubber bumpers and a removable hook.

Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BPB180Z is engineered for a range of metal cutting tasks, and it's perfect for electrical, HVAC, installation, metal building, metal fabrication, plumbing, and any pro contractor who requires a best-in-class engineered cordless portable band saw. The BPB180Z is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.

About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.

Warranty
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.