Stuck cap on push drill

[Mark Berenbrok]

I picked up a Millers Falls #100 push drill today at my favorite flea market. It's one of the Buck Rogers type with a red plastic handle. I can't get the top to rotate to get to the bits, and I'm pushing (pulling) the slide on the side. Any suggestions?

[Bob Childress]

Good question. There's not that much can go wrong. Either the slide isn't really "sliding" (but you indicate it is), the cap is frozen on the small shaft it turnes on (might try a gentle persuasion with some pliers), or there is a bit sticking up somehow above the cap hole that is keeping it from turning. I've never had mine give any trouble, except when I somehow managed to get a bit above the cap hole. :) I've had mine 35 years, so there aren't that many bits left. :rolleyes:

[skip coyne]

some WD40 or other penetrating oil wouldnt hurt .