Chicago Electric Corded 1/4 in. 4.3 Amp Long Shaft Die Grinder (2 Packs)

About this item:Chicago Electric Power ToolsReviews3.8234 reviews5 star114 reviews4 star50 reviews3 star16 reviews2 star12 reviews1 star42 reviewsREPAIR GRINDER SWITCHOctober 31, 2019I have owned this grinder for almost five years. Used infrequently only, to sharpen mower blades and other grinding issues around the garage. I never had any overheating issues, but I only used the unit for short times - sharpen one side then turn blade around and sharpen the other.The unit began losing RPM and then stopped working altogether. I suspected the start button which is difficult to access at very rear of unit. I disassembled unit (must remove brushes) and removed entire armature assembly. Then removed yellow start switch by clamping two clips together inside unit. The removable brushes make disassembly and reassembly easy.The actual on/off switch than controls the motor is a black box with a button at very rear and you have to disconnect yellow start button on ... ;MoreI have owned this grinder for almost five years. Used infrequently only, to sharpen mower blades and other grinding issues around the garage. I never had any overheating issues, but I only used the unit for short times - sharpen one side then turn blade around and sharpen the other.The unit began losing RPM and then stopped working altogether. I suspected the start button which is difficult to access at very rear of unit. I disassembled unit (must remove brushes) and removed entire armature assembly. Then removed yellow start switch by clamping two clips together inside unit. The removable brushes make disassembly and reassembly easy.The actual on/off switch than controls the motor is a black box with a button at very rear and you have to disconnect yellow start button on the top (as above) and then carefully pry up and remove the sliding black plastic trigger that actually opens and closes the switch button, . On top of rear switch box, disconnect input wires from power cord and small wires from stator on bottom and the switch box can be removed.Tested for continuity and my black hot side of the switch box was fine, but the white return side showed no continuity which is why the unit would not run - not a complete circuit. The switch is not available as a part from Harbor Frt and I could not find one on the Internet.I decided to bypass the return side on the switch box and stripped the small wire white lead from the stator and connected it directly to the white lead from the power plug on top of the switch. This took a little doing but there is enough wire to make it work.Reassembled the unit and VOILA !. The grinder operates at full speed and I have saved $40+. I would not recommend this fix unless you have some basic knowledge of electricity. The unit itself is well made, aluminum castings, ball bearings, big powerful motor, removable and replaceable brushes. I suspect the cheap box switch has been the main killer of these units. ;LessShaf4277 · Review provided by harborfreight.comAll Reviews Number Of Pieces:2