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Doug Griffith
02-19-2010, 7:34 PM
I'm one of the many who is apparently using the small red blower from Harbor Freight. It was actually working pretty well until I decided to squeeze the air supply compressor in the same sound insulating box. I think that's what threw it over the top and over-heated it. Well, I needed a quick fix and found brushes at McMaster Carr that fit. The blower is running as good as new as I write this.

The McMaster Carr part number is: 65705K35
http://www.mcmaster.com/#65705k35/=5w36ne

The brushes are about .010" too wide and about .005" too thick. It took just a few minutes to file them down. Also, the springs are slightly larger in diameter. I ran a 3/8" drill down each spring channel to make sure there was enough clearance for them to move freely.

The old brushes are obviously on the left.

While at it, I also lightly filed the commutator.

One more thing: the container the brushes came in says "ACE Carbon Brushes Co." and it is numbered "214"

Joe Peacock
02-19-2010, 8:15 PM
Thanks for the tip. I think I will order a set "just in case".
Joe

Scott Shepherd
02-19-2010, 8:25 PM
Doug, you can edit the title. Go to edit, click on "Advanced" and you can edit the title.

Doug Griffith
02-19-2010, 8:36 PM
Doug, you can edit the title. Go to edit, click on "Advanced" and you can edit the title.

Done and thanks. I'll remember this next time my fingers move faster than my brain.

Bill Cunningham
02-21-2010, 1:37 PM
My blower is similar to the ones from HF only in Canada they are distributed by BusyBee Tools.. But no brushes.. All induction motors. I wonder why HF is still using such power sucking R.F. hash producing technology. Does anyone still use these things on a DC source?
Just curious..

Scott Shepherd
12-16-2010, 1:15 PM
I bought a set of these brushes, being our blower has been running for 4 years now with no service. Found out after trying to install them, we have a brushless motor. If anyone wants a set for $10 plus shipping, PM me, as I have no use them them.

Howard Garner
12-16-2010, 7:40 PM
Harbor Freight does have spares
Call the service number.
There are two sizes of brushes for the same part number machine
The parts assistant has only one of the cross section measurements and the length.
Costs is $2.60 a brush
I now have a spare blower and brushes to rebuild it and my new blower.

Howard Garner
VL300 30 watt

Chuck Stone
12-17-2010, 8:14 AM
I knew I had read this thread somewhere, but didn't remember that is was
on SMC, so I couldn't find it.. forgot about McMaster Carr.

I also burned out the brushes on my little red beauty. I picked up
the closest match I could locally but they were waaaay too big.
A few milliseconds on a disc sander brought them down to the
right size. The carbon blocks are fairly soft, so they're easy
to cut and shape to your specific needs.

Robert Walters
12-18-2010, 2:36 AM
Harbor Freight does have spares
Costs is $2.60 a brush


FWIW...

HF sells a 1yr replacement warranty for about $10.

If your DC dies, you can get a one time replacement.
They'll even let you buy another 1yr replacement warranty for the replacement unit.

Most dont like to buy extended warranties, but a new DC each year for $10 isn't too shabby.
(Then you can sell the old used and abused one for $50 LOL)

Chuck Stone
12-18-2010, 10:40 AM
I wonder if they will say brushes are considered a consumable, which often
isn't covered under those warranties. But I've never bought a HF warranty,
so I'm not sure. But I know with some other motors I've repaired, brushes are
considered consumable.

Robert Walters
12-18-2010, 11:35 AM
I wonder if they will say brushes are considered a consumable, which often
isn't covered under those warranties. But I've never bought a HF warranty,
so I'm not sure. But I know with some other motors I've repaired, brushes are
considered consumable.


They do say "consumables: like batteries" (rechargeable drill?) aren't covered.
Items under $500 are instantly replaced in retail stores.
And if other HF stores are like the one near me, they won't even oven the box when you return it - they're just too busy.
Plus they are not service techs, just stock boys and cashiers.