DIY Hitachi screwdriver gearbox repair

In detail: do-it-yourself repair of a Hitachi screwdriver gearbox from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

One of the most sought-after tools for home craftsmen is the screwdriver. However, this device sometimes breaks, like any other. If this happens, in some cases you can replace this tool with an electric drill. If work cannot be done with an electric drill, you will need to take the screwdriver to a service center in order for specialists to repair the tool. However, this can be time-consuming and costly. Therefore, you can use another option - do it yourself repair the screwdriver.

Screwdrivers are commonly used to assemble furniture both at home and in production.

Before making repair work, you will need to familiarize yourself with the design of this device. In fig. 1 you can see this tool exploded.

Elements that are needed in order to make a screwdriver:

  • multimeter;
  • clamps;
  • sandpaper;
  • spare parts.

Figure 1. The device of the screwdriver.

The main element is the start button, which performs several functions: switching on the power supply circuit of the electric motor and the speed governor. If you press the button all the way, the motor power circuit will be closed by contacts, as a result of which the maximum power will be provided. The number of revolutions in this case will also be the maximum possible. An electronic regulator is installed in the device, which consists of a PWM generator. This element is located on the board. The contact that is placed on the button will move along the board depending on the pressure on the button. The level of the adjustable impulse per key will depend on the placement of the element. A field-effect transistor is used as a key. The principle of operation will be as follows: the more the master presses the button, the greater the value of the pulse on the transistor and the more it will open and increase the voltage on the electric motor.

Video (click to play).

The reverse of the rotation of the electric motor will be carried out by changing the polarity at the terminals. This process is carried out using contacts that will be thrown by the master using the reverse handle.

Charger device for cordless screwdriver.

In screwdrivers, in most cases, single-phase continuous current collector motors are installed. They are reliable and easy to manufacture and maintain. An ordinary screwdriver consists of the following elements:

The gear structure will convert the high speed of the electric motor shaft to the low speed of the chuck shaft. Screwdrivers can have planetary or classic gearboxes. The latter are rarely used. Planetary devices consist of the following elements:

  • ring gear;
  • sun gear;
  • satellites;
  • drove.

The sun gear works by means of the armature shaft, its teeth drive the satellites that rotate the carrier.

A special regulator is used to regulate the forces that will be applied to the screw. Most often, 15 adjustment positions are used.

The main signs of a malfunction in this case will be:

  • the screwdriver does not turn on;
  • it is impossible to switch the reverse mode;
  • it is impossible to adjust the number of revolutions.

Image - DIY Hitachi screwdriver gearbox repair

Diagram of the gearbox of the cordless screwdriver.

The first step is to check the screwdriver's battery.If the tool was put on charge, but this did not help, then you will need to prepare a multimeter and try to find the malfunction with it. First you need to measure the voltage on the battery. This value should approximately correspond to the one indicated on the case. If there is an underestimated voltage, then it will be necessary to identify the faulty element: a battery or a charging device. To do this, you will need to use a multimeter. This device must be plugged into the network, and then measure the no-load voltage at the terminals. It should be several V more than that indicated on the structure. If there is no voltage, then it will be necessary to repair the charging unit. If there is no knowledge in the field of electronics, then it is recommended to purchase a new one.

If the battery is faulty, then you will need to disassemble the unit, inspect all the places where the wires are fastened and check their quality. If there are no damaged connections, you need to measure the voltage on all elements with a multimeter. The voltage should be 0.9-1 V or more. If there is a part with a lower voltage, then it will need to be replaced. The capacity and type of the element must necessarily correspond to the installed parts.

Image - DIY Hitachi screwdriver gearbox repair

Diagram of the internal structure of the screwdriver.

If the charger and the rechargeable battery are in good working order, but the screwdriver does not work, then this device should be disassembled. Several wires go from the battery terminals, you need to take a multimeter and measure the voltage at the input of the button. If voltage is present, then you need to remove the battery, use the clamps to short-circuit the wires from the battery. The device should show a resistance value that tends to zero. In this case, the element is OK, the problem lies in the brushes or other parts. If the resistance is different, then the button will need to be replaced. To repair the button, in some cases, it is enough just to clean the contacts on the terminals with sandpaper.

In the same way, you will need to check the reverse element. Repair is carried out by cleaning the contacts.

If the electric motor runs at high speeds, and the speed cannot be adjusted, then the problem may be in the button or transistor that is used for adjustment.

Image - DIY Hitachi screwdriver gearbox repair

The device of the gears of the screwdriver reducer.

If the chains to the engine are in good order, but the screwdriver does not work, then the problem is in the brushes. If these elements are worn out, they will need to be replaced.

The problem may be directly in the engine. To test the electric motor, you need to disconnect the wires that are connected to the button. Next, using the same tool, you need to measure the resistance value at the wires fixing contacts. If the value tends to zero, then the winding has broken. In this case, you will need to rewind or install a new electric motor.

You will need to check the condition of the armature windings, since this element can be purchased and changed by yourself. To check the armature, it will be necessary to measure the resistance on the adjacent collector plates, along the entire perimeter. The value should tend to zero. If, during the check, plates with a resistance that differs from zero are found, then it will be necessary to repair the armature or replace it.

Mechanical problems can be identified as follows:

  1. In the process of work, the screwdriver makes extraneous sounds that were not there before.
  2. The tool vibrates strongly during operation.
  3. Fight of the chuck for the clamp.
  4. The tool turns on, but it is not possible to use it due to jamming.

If during operation the device emits extraneous sounds, it means that the bushings or the bearing are worn out. To fix this, you will need to disassemble the electric motor, and then check the integrity of the bearing and the level of wear of the sleeve.The anchor should rotate freely, there should not be any friction or distortion. These devices can be bought at a construction supermarket and replaced by yourself.

The most common failures of the gear structure include the following:

  • shaft malfunction;
  • abrasion of the working base of the gears;
  • break of the pin on which the satellite is fixed.