This guide covers maintenance tips and some basic troubleshooting, from inspecting the shaft to optimizing the motor’s performance.
As always be sure to wear proper eye protection and use safety precautions.
Maintenace basics:
It is recommended that you should lightly lubricate your shaft every 40 hours of use and perform a deep cleaning of the shaft every 200 hours of use by soaking in rubbing alcohol and then re-greasing.
Motor brushes should be checked every month with heavy use or every few months with light use. While they are out for inspection blow out the motor with compressed air.
Watch our maintenance video HERE
Troubleshooting:
If your Flexible shaft is not running, it’s best here are some things you can look for to help diagnose the problem.
Please unplug the motor and wear eye protection when troubleshooting.
Inspect the Flexible Shaft:
This core component connects the motor to the handpiece, transmitting power. Check for damage by disconnecting both ends. A damaged shaft or sheath will need replacing to ensure peak performance and safe operation. Confirm the inner shaft coupling set screw is tight and that there are no kinks or breaks in the shaft. In addition, proper shaft lubrication is important to ensuring smooth operation.
If the motor runs but the handpiece is not spinning, then the problem is in the flexible shaft or handpiece.
Watch our shaft replacement video HERE
Check the Handpiece Connection:
A tight handpiece and shaft connection are crucial. Ensure the inner shaft extends about ¾” from the outer sheath for proper function. If your handpiece is too loose on the sheath you can tighten it up by removing the black catch spring clip that holds the ball bearing in the sheath groove at the bottom of the handpiece. Just gently twist it off and be careful not to lose the catch ball bearing. Then gently squeeze it so the gap is just a little smaller and replace it with the catch ball bearing on your handpiece. If your handpiece is too tight on the sheath just pry open the gap a little after removing the catch spring and then replace it.
Examine the Handpiece:
Inspect the chuck or collet in your handpiece for looseness or wear, a worn collet can affect tool operation. Tighten or replace your collet as necessary and keep it clean to avoid debris buildup especially under the chuck nut. Never tighten an empty collet. Make sure there is no grease built up in the handpiece, this may cause your handpiece to run HOT. See the video link on how to clean your handpiece properly. HERE
If after you clean out the handpiece from grease and it still runs hot you will need to replace the bearings. You can watch the video HERE on how to replace them.
The Motor and speed control:
If the motor is not running the problem could be either the motor or the variable speed control. Here are some things to check, to rule out power issues.
Listen for unusual sounds
Unusual sounds might indicate the need for new motor brushes. Check the motor brushes; they should be at least 1/4″” long. Cleaning out dust and debris from the motor is also beneficial. Check out that video HERE
Inspect the Motor Connection and test the motor:
Testing the motor if you have no power- First check the motor brushes; they should be at least 1/4” long. Cleaning out dust and debris from the motor is also beneficial. Check out that video HERE
If you do not suspect the motor brushes and you have an SR motor, briefly plug it in directly to your power outlet and bypass the speed control (start in the off position). This will allow you to determine if the problem is in the variable speed control VS motor. If the motor starts then it might be the speed control, if it does not, then it could be the motor. If you suspect the motor, contact us for more info to set up a repair service.
(Please note this must be done with CAUTION – only advised for experienced users and is for troubleshooting only. Please wear eye protection, tie back long hair, and keep away any loose clothing. Hold the shaft and handpiece away from you while doing this. – Do not plug in an LX or TX type motor directly as they are DC motors, and your power outlet is AC power.)
If the problem is in the variable foot pedal speed control it is probably the trigger switch. When the trigger switch goes bad it is either off or on at full speed. They are easily replaced. We have a video about it HERE
If you suspect a problem or have questions you can give us a call at 800-272-2885 or email us at customerservice@blackstoneind.com
